Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Six AM5 boards for the 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X3D compared on power stages, M.2 slots, USB4 and networking for mixed gaming and creative work.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D pairs 3D V-Cache for games with 16 cores for work. It needs the latest AMD chipset driver so games land on the cache cores; the board matters for storage and ports.
We compared 6 boards for it. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Flagship
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFiUSB4, Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 slots on X870E.
Best for: Creators who game.
Check price for MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFiThe Strix X870E-E offers five M.2 slots, an 18+2+2 layout and USB4.
Best for: Buyers who want 5 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Warranty
GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7A five-year warranty with four M.2 slots.
Best for: Long-term builds.
Check price for GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFiThe Strix B850-A offers four M.2 slots, a 14+2+2 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming WiFiThe Strix X670E-A pairs a 16+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots with a white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFiFour M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850.
Best for: Keeping the board budget down.
Check price for MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Flagship1 of 6
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi
The X870E Carbon pairs USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 with PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 slots.
Best for
- Creators who game.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its M.2 slot count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
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 comes with 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.
When we checked, only the Strix X670E-A and cheaper picks cost less, and the Strix X870E-E cost more. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the Strix X870E-E instead: it offers 5, while this one gives no figure.
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 X870 AORUS Elite at the time of writing
Solid Alternative2 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi
The Strix X870E-E offers five M.2 slots, an 18+2+2 layout and USB4.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Pass if a published wired network speed matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It is ASUS's high-end AM5 board here. Nothing else here matches its 5 M.2 slot count; the X870 AORUS Elite comes closest at 4. No other pick in this guide offers 18+2+2 power stages; compare the Strix B850-A, which has 14+2+2 power stages.
You also get a rear USB 20Gbps port alongside USB4. 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. Only the X870E Carbon came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 18+2+2
- USB4
- Yes
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 18+2+2 power stage layout
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
Cons
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the X870 AORUS Elite at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published wired network speed figure, whereas the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Longest Warranty3 of 6
GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7
The X870 AORUS Elite pairs four M.2 slots and USB4 with Gigabyte's five-year warranty.
Best for
- Long-term builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: m.2 slot count of 4, behind the Strix X870E-E (5).
Why we like it
It is the X870 board with the longest cover here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Strix B850-A, the Strix X670E-A and the B850 Tomahawk MAX at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the Strix B850-A at 2.5Gbps.
You also get EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal and 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Strix B850-A was the next step up.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- USB4
- Yes
- Form factor
- ATX
- Warranty
- 5-year
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X870
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Strix X870E-E (5)
The catch
The main gap: M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Strix X870E-E (5). If that matters, the Strix X870E-E offers 5.
Worth Considering4 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi
The Strix B850-A offers four M.2 slots, a 14+2+2 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Skip it if wired network speed matters most to you; the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Why we like it
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 X870 AORUS Elite, the Strix X670E-A and the B850 Tomahawk MAX on M.2 slot count (4).
It matches the X870 AORUS Elite on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). No other pick in this guide offers 14+2+2 power stages; compare the Strix X870E-E, which has 18+2+2 power stages. 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. It was priced above the X870 AORUS Elite and below the B850 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing.
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
- Wired network speed trails the B850 Tomahawk MAX (5Gbps)
- Costs more than the X870 AORUS Elite at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on wired network speed, where the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Well-Rounded Choice5 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming WiFi
The Strix X670E-A pairs a 16+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots with a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It costs less than the X670E-E for a similar feature set. It matches the X870 AORUS Elite, the Strix B850-A and the B850 Tomahawk MAX on M.2 slot count (4). No other pick in this guide offers a wi-Fi 6E; compare the X870 AORUS Elite, which has a wi-Fi 7.
No other pick in this guide offers 16+2 power stages; compare the Strix X870E-E, which has 18+2+2 power stages. You also get AI Cooling II fan tuning. 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. It was priced above the B850 Tomahawk MAX and below the X870E Carbon at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 16+2
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 16+2 power stage layout
- Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots
- White and silver finish
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the X870 AORUS Elite at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published wired network speed figure, whereas the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Best Value6 of 6
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The B850 Tomahawk MAX covers what most Ryzen builds need: four M.2 slots, 5Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for
- Keeping the board budget down.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Strix X870E-E offers 5.
Why we like it
It matches the X870 AORUS Elite, the Strix B850-A and the Strix X670E-A on M.2 slot count (4). On wired network speed it leads this guide at 5Gbps, ahead of the X870 AORUS Elite (2.5Gbps). It also comes with 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. It was priced above the Strix B850-A and below the Strix X670E-A at the time of writing.
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
- M.2 slot count trails the Strix X870E-E (5)
- Costs more than the X870 AORUS Elite at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on M.2 slot count, where the Strix X870E-E offers 5.
How We Chose These Ryzen 9 7950X3D 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared 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 X870E Carbon to the B850 Tomahawk MAX, state wi-Fi, form factor and socket and share AM5 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The X870E Carbon gives no M.2 slot count; the X870E Carbon, the Strix X870E-E and the Strix X670E-A give no wired network speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the X870 AORUS Elite ($150 to $250) to the Strix X870E-E ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Ryzen 9 7950X3D Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much M.2 slot count you need
The Strix X870E-E tops M.2 slot count at 5 and the B850 Tomahawk MAX sits lowest at 4. Start with the Strix X870E-E if M.2 slot count decides it. The X870E Carbon gives no M.2 slot count figure, so 5 of 6 picks are compared here.
Wired network speed across these picks
Across these 3 picks wired network speed spans 2.5Gbps (the Strix B850-A) to 5Gbps (the B850 Tomahawk MAX). The B850 Tomahawk MAX is the pick for wired network speed. The X870E Carbon, the Strix X870E-E and the Strix X670E-A give no wired network speed figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
Power stages
The Strix X870E-E lists 18+2+2; the Strix B850-A lists 14+2+2; the Strix X670E-A lists 16+2. Sort out power stages before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 1, 1 and 1.
USB4
The X870E Carbon, the Strix X870E-E and the X870 AORUS Elite have it. Sort out USB4 before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 3.
Features beyond the spec table
The X870 AORUS Elite: a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. The Strix B850-A: a white and silver finish. The B850 Tomahawk MAX: a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port.
How to Choose a Ryzen 9 7950X3D Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Creators who game | X870E Carbon | USB4, Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 slots on X870E |
| Long-term builds | X870 AORUS Elite | A five-year warranty with four M.2 slots |
| Keeping the board budget down | B850 Tomahawk MAX | Four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 on B850 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Strix X870E-E leads on M.2 slot count at 5, ahead of the X870 AORUS Elite at 4. "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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X870E Carbon | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| Strix X870E-E | 5 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 18+2+2 |
| X870 AORUS Elite | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| Strix B850-A | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+2 |
| Strix X670E-A | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 6E | 16+2 |
| B850 Tomahawk MAX | 4 | 5Gbps | 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 X870 AORUS Elite, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Strix X870E-E at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | X870 AORUS Elite, Strix B850-A, B850 Tomahawk MAX |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix X670E-A, X870E Carbon, Strix X870E-E |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the X870 AORUS Elite compare with the Strix X870E-E on M.2 slot count?
The Strix X870E-E leads at 5, with the X870 AORUS Elite at 4. The X870E Carbon doesn't state a M.2 slot count figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 5 of 6 picks are ranked.
Is the B850 Tomahawk MAX ahead of the X870 AORUS Elite on wired network speed?
The B850 Tomahawk MAX tops wired network speed at 5Gbps; the X870 AORUS Elite follows at 2.5Gbps, 100% apart. No wired network speed figure is published for the X870E Carbon, the Strix X870E-E and the Strix X670E-A, which leaves 3 of 6 picks ranked here.
Is the Strix X870E-E worth paying more than the X870 AORUS Elite?
What it brings is M.2 slot count (5 against 4). The X870 AORUS Elite sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Strix X870E-E in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if M.2 slot count decides your purchase.
What makes the X870 AORUS Elite the Longest Warranty?
It earns the label for a five-year warranty with four M.2 slots. It makes sense for long-term builds.
Do the X870E Carbon and the Strix X670E-A differ on wi-Fi?
The X870E Carbon, the Strix X870E-E, the X870 AORUS Elite, the Strix B850-A and the B850 Tomahawk MAX use Wi-Fi 7; the Strix X670E-A uses Wi-Fi 6E.
Beyond the specs, what sets the X870E Carbon and the Strix X870E-E apart?
The X870E Carbon: PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 Gen5 slots. The Strix X870E-E: a rear USB 20Gbps port alongside USB4. The X870 AORUS Elite: EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal.
Bottom Line
The X870E Carbon and Strix X870E-E suit a flagship build. The X870 AORUS Elite adds a five-year warranty, and the B850 Tomahawk MAX keeps costs down.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best X870E Motherboards
- Related guideThe Best RAM for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Related guideThe Best Motherboards for Gaming PCs
- Lower budgetThe Best Motherboards Under $120
- Similar guideThe Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 9 7950X
- ExplainerATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX
- ExplainerMotherboard Chipsets Explained
- Check compatibility: processorsHow to Check CPU and Motherboard Compatibility
- Similar guideThe Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 9900X
- 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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