Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D
Six AM5 motherboards for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D, from a budget B850 to X870E, compared on M.2, networking and power.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D are eight-core chips rated at 120W, so any current AM5 board powers them comfortably. The choice comes down to storage, networking and budget.
We compared six AM5 boards on M.2 slots, networking, USB4 and power stages. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves. Update the BIOS if the board predates your chip.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

Best for Most 9800X3D Builds
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFiFour M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850.
Best for: Gaming-first 9800X3D builds.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best X870E for X3D
MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots.
Best for: X3D builds that want every feature.
Check price for MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICEThe X870E AORUS PRO X3D is Gigabyte's board branded for X3D chips, with an 18+2+2 layout, USB4 and four M.2 slots in a white ICE finish.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFiThe B850 Tomahawk MAX is a strong mid-range match, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick
ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFiFour M.2 slots on an entry-level B850 board.
Best for: Spending the budget on the GPU instead.
Check price for ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFiThe X870E Carbon is the premium MSI option with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, for builds that want a high-end board to match a high-end chip.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Check price for MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850. | Gaming-first 9800X3D builds. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | 5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots. | X3D builds that want every feature. | Check price for MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The X870E AORUS PRO X3D is Gigabyte's board branded for X3D chips, with an 18+2+2 layout, USB4 and four M.2 slots in a white ICE finish. | Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion. | Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The B850 Tomahawk MAX is a strong mid-range match, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850. | Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion. | Check price for MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Four M.2 slots on an entry-level B850 board. | Spending the budget on the GPU instead. | Check price for ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The X870E Carbon is the premium MSI option with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, for builds that want a high-end board to match a high-end chip. | Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in. | Check price for MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best for Most 9800X3D Builds1 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi
The Strix B850-A gives a 9800X3D everything it needs: a 14+2+2 power layout, four M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7, without X870E pricing.
Best for
- Gaming-first 9800X3D builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the B850 Pro RS cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its white finish suits light-themed builds. Its 14+2+2 VRM is rated at 80A per stage, and heatsinks bridge to the VRMs with thermal pads. ASUS AI Advisor simplifies setup.
It matches the B850 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It also offers a rear USB 20Gbps port. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the B850 Pro RS cost less, and the B850 Tomahawk MAX cost more.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 14+2+2
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+2+2 power stage layout
- Rear USB 20Gbps port
Cons
- Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing
Best X870E for X3D2 of 6
MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ
The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ adds USB4 with display output, 5Gbps LAN and four M.2 slots.
Best for
- X3D builds that want every feature.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the B850 Pro RS, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the step up when you want X870E features. It matches the B850 Tomahawk MAX on wired network speed (5Gbps). It also offers a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the B850 Tomahawk MAX and cheaper picks cost less, and the X870E AORUS PRO X3D cost more.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- USB4
- Yes
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
Cons
- Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice3 of 6
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO X3D ICE
The X870E AORUS PRO X3D is Gigabyte's board branded for X3D chips, with an 18+2+2 layout, USB4 and four M.2 slots in a white ICE finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Its wired network speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
You get 18+2+2 power stages here, which sets it apart from the B850 Pro RS and its 14+2+1 power stages. It also offers X3D branding aimed at Ryzen X3D builds. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ and the pricier X870E Carbon, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Power stages
- 18+2+2
- USB4
- Yes
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+2+2 power stage layout
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- X3D branding aimed at Ryzen X3D builds
Cons
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its wired network speed; if that figure matters, the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ offers 5Gbps.
Solid Alternative4 of 6
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The B850 Tomahawk MAX is a strong mid-range match, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the B850 Pro RS was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It matches the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ on wired network speed (5Gbps). It also offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor and a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the Strix B850-A and cheaper picks cost less, and the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ cost more.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor
Cons
- Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing
Best Budget Pick5 of 6
ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi
The B850 Pro RS keeps four M.2 slots and a 14+2+1 layout on a budget board, with Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for
- Spending the budget on the GPU instead.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
Why we like it
It leaves more money for the graphics card. It matches the Strix B850-A on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with a wi-Fi 6E; the Strix B850-A has a wi-Fi 7 instead.
It is the only pick here with 14+2+1 power stages; the Strix B850-A has 14+2+2 power stages instead. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Strix B850-A was closest.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 14+2+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Wi-Fi 6E, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Wired network speed trails the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ (5Gbps)
The catch
M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Strix B850-A covers it better at 4.
Worth Considering6 of 6
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi
The X870E Carbon is the premium MSI option with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, for builds that want a high-end board to match a high-end chip.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- Pass if a published M.2 slot count matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It has dual LAN and an EZ PCIe release button, and a heat-piped VRM heatsink with 7W/mK pads keeps the power stage cool. It also offers PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 Gen5 slots and Bluetooth 5 alongside Wi-Fi 7. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Only the X870E AORUS PRO X3D came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the Strix B850-A offers 4.
Key specs
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- USB4
- Yes
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 Gen5 slots
- Bluetooth 5 alongside Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the B850 Pro RS at the time of writing
How We Chose These 9800X3D Motherboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out M.2 slot count.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Strix B850-A to the X870E Carbon, state form factor and socket and share AM5 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The X870E Carbon gives no M.2 slot count; the X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon give no wired network speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the B850 Pro RS ($100 to $150) to the X870E Carbon ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 9800X3D Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Wired network speed
Here wired network speed runs from 2.5Gbps on the B850 Pro RS to 5Gbps on the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, a 100% spread. For less, the B850 Tomahawk MAX is the runner-up at 5Gbps ($150 to $250 tier). The X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon give no wired network speed figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.
Power stages
The Strix B850-A lists 14+2+2; the X870E AORUS PRO X3D lists 18+2+2; the B850 Pro RS lists 14+2+1. Settling power stages first narrows 3 picks to 1 or 1 or 1.
USB4
The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, the X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon have it. Settling USB4 first narrows 3 picks to 3.
Features beyond the spec table
The B850 Tomahawk MAX: a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port. The B850 Pro RS: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The X870E Carbon: Bluetooth 5 alongside Wi-Fi 7.
Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the B850 Pro RS; $150 to $250 buys the Strix B850-A and the B850 Tomahawk MAX; $250 to $500 buys the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, the X870E AORUS PRO X3D and the X870E Carbon at our last check.
How to Choose a 9800X3D Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming-first 9800X3D builds | Strix B850-A | Four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850 |
| X3D builds that want every feature | X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ | 5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots |
| Spending the budget on the GPU instead | B850 Pro RS | Four M.2 slots on an entry-level B850 board |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ leads on wired network speed at 5Gbps, ahead of the B850 Tomahawk MAX at 5Gbps. "Not listed" marks M.2 slot count where the X870E Carbon leaves the figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix B850-A | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+2 |
| X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| X870E AORUS PRO X3D | 4 | Not listed | Not listed | 18+2+2 |
| B850 Tomahawk MAX | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| B850 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| X870E Carbon | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the B850 Pro RS, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the X870E Carbon at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | B850 Pro RS |
| About $150 to $250 | Strix B850-A, B850 Tomahawk MAX |
| About $250 to $500 | X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, X870E AORUS PRO X3D, X870E Carbon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ the Best X870E for X3D?
It earns the label for 5Gbps LAN, USB4 and four M.2 slots. The B850 Pro RS, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits X3D builds that want every feature.
Do the Strix B850-A and the B850 Pro RS differ on wi-Fi?
The Strix B850-A, the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ, the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the X870E Carbon use Wi-Fi 7; the B850 Pro RS uses Wi-Fi 6E. The maker of the X870E AORUS PRO X3D doesn't state wi-Fi, so 5 of 6 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Strix B850-A and the X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ apart?
The Strix B850-A: a rear USB 20Gbps port. The X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ: a rear USB4 Type-C port with display output. The X870E AORUS PRO X3D: X3D branding aimed at Ryzen X3D builds.
Who should choose the Strix B850-A?
The Strix B850-A carries our Best for Most 9800X3D Builds label for four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+2 layout on B850. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits gaming-first 9800X3D builds.
Should I pick the Strix B850-A or the B850 Pro RS?
The Strix B850-A suits gaming-first 9800X3D builds; the B850 Pro RS suits spending the budget on the GPU instead.
Bottom Line
The ASUS ROG Strix B850-A is the pick for most 9800X3D and 7800X3D builds, and the ASRock B850 Pro RS saves money for the graphics card. The MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX PZ is the X870E step up.
The Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO X3D, MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX and MSI X870E Carbon are strong alternatives.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best RAM for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Related guideThe Best X870E Motherboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Motherboards Under $120
- Similar guideThe Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 7 7700X
- ExplainerATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX
- ExplainerMotherboard Chipsets Explained
- Check compatibility: processorsWhat Is a CPU Bottleneck and How Can You Identify One?
- Similar guideThe Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 9700X
- Topic hubAll motherboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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