Buying Guide
The Best Workstation Motherboards
Five motherboards compared, from the TUF Z890-PRO to the Strix X670E-F, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A workstation board needs a strong VRM, several M.2 slots and fast networking for long workloads. Every pick uses an X870E, X670E or Z890 chipset with four or more M.2 slots.
We sorted these picks by M.2 slots, wired LAN and wi-Fi, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips wired LAN, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi
Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots.
Best for: Buyers who want heatsinks on all four M.2 slots.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi
Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots.
Best for: Buyers who want heatsinks on all four M.2 slots.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Most M.2 Slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi
The most M.2 slot count here (7).
Best for: Buyers who put M.2 slot count first.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi
Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Best for: Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi
A lower price than the Strix Z890-A and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X670E-E offers an 18+2 layout and four M.2 slots with heatsinks.
Best for
- Buyers who want heatsinks on all four M.2 slots.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the stronger-powered of the Strix X670E boards here. It matches the Strix X670E-F and the TUF Z890-PRO on M.2 slot count (4). Like the Strix X670E-F, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the Strix Z890-A uses a wi-Fi 7.
Like the Strix X670E-F, it has 18+2 power stages, while the Strix Z890-A uses 16+2+1+2 power stages. Like the Strix X670E-F, it has an AM5 socket, while the Strix Z890-A uses an LGA1851 socket. You also get a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and 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. When we checked, only the Strix Z890-E and cheaper picks cost less, and the Strix X670E-F cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 18+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+2 power stage layout
- Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the TUF Z890-PRO at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X670E-F shares the X670E-E's 18+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots.
Best for
- Buyers who want heatsinks on all four M.2 slots.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the black-finish alternative at the same price. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Strix X670E-E and the TUF Z890-PRO at 4. It shares a wi-Fi 6E with the Strix X670E-E; the TUF Z890-PRO goes with a wi-Fi 7.
It shares 18+2 power stages with the Strix X670E-E; the Strix Z890-E goes with 18+2+1+2 power stages. It shares an AM5 socket with the Strix X670E-E; the Strix Z890-E goes with an LGA1851 socket. It also comes with 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. The maker doesn't give its wired network speed; if that figure matters, the Strix X670E-E offers 2.5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 18+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+2 power stage layout
- Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots
- AI Cooling II fan tuning
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the TUF Z890-PRO at the time of writing
Most M.2 Slots3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix Z890-E lists seven M.2 slots, an 18+2+1+2 layout and Thunderbolt 4.
Best for
- Buyers who put M.2 slot count first.
Skip if
- Its wired network speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It is the most expandable board here. On M.2 slot count it leads this guide at 7, ahead of the Strix Z890-A (5). It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Strix Z890-A and TUF Z890-PRO; the Strix X670E-F goes with a wi-Fi 6E.
You get 18+2+1+2 power stages here, which sets it apart from the TUF Z890-PRO and its 16+1+2+1 power stages. It also offers AI overclocking, cooling and networking tools. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips.
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 third of 5, between the cheaper Strix Z890-A and the pricier Strix X670E-E, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its wired network speed; if that figure matters, the Strix X670E-E offers 2.5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 7
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 18+2+1+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
- Chipset: Z890
Pros
- 7 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 18+2+1+2 power stage layout
- Thunderbolt 4 ports
Cons
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the TUF Z890-PRO at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix Z890-A offers five M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4 and a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TUF Z890-PRO, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits storage-heavy Core Ultra builds. Its 5 M.2 slot count ranks second of 5 here, behind the Strix Z890-E (7) and ahead of the TUF Z890-PRO (4). No other pick in this guide offers 16+2+1+2 power stages; compare the Strix Z890-E, which has 18+2+1+2 power stages.
Like the Strix Z890-E and TUF Z890-PRO, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Strix X670E-E uses an AM5 socket. It also comes with AI overclocking tools. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips.
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 TUF Z890-PRO and below the Strix Z890-E at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 5
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+1+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
- Chipset: Z890
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+1+2 power stage layout
- Thunderbolt 4 ports
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF Z890-PRO at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF Z890-PRO is built around a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, with M.2 cooling on the main slot on top.
Best for
- Getting Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Strix Z890-E offers 7.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4 M.2 slot count and offers a 2.5Gbps wired network speed. It matches the Strix X670E-E and the Strix X670E-F on M.2 slot count (4). Like the Strix Z890-E and Strix Z890-A, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the Strix X670E-E uses a wi-Fi 6E.
It is the only pick here with 16+1+2+1 power stages; the Strix X670E-E has 18+2 power stages instead. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. 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 Z890-A was closest. M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Strix Z890-E covers it better at 7.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+1+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
- Chipset: Z890
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+1+2+1 power stage layout
- Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port
Cons
- M.2 slot count trails the Strix Z890-E (7)
How We Chose These Workstation Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
What to Look for in a Workstation Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the chipset to your plans
On AM5, B850 covers most gaming builds with PCIe 5.0 for at least one slot. X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes and USB4 for heavy expansion.
Features, not frame rates, separate the chipsets.
Check BIOS support and Flashback
A board may need a BIOS update before it runs a newer CPU. BIOS Flashback lets you update without a working CPU installed.
Power delivery for high-end CPUs
Boards with more and stronger power stages run hot 16-core chips more comfortably. For eight-core gaming CPUs, most current boards are enough.
Count M.2 slots
Most games now install to NVMe drives. Count how many M.2 slots you need now and later, and check which ones share lanes with other ports.
Networking matters for daily use
Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet help only if your router supports them, but built-in Wi-Fi saves a PCIe card.
Check the rear and front I/O
Count USB ports you use every day and confirm a front USB-C header if your case has a USB-C port.
How to Choose a Workstation Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want heatsinks on all four M.2 slots | Strix X670E-E | Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots |
| Buyers who want heatsinks on all four M.2 slots | Strix X670E-F | Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots |
| Buyers who put M.2 slot count first | Strix Z890-E | The most M.2 slot count here (7) |
| Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 ports | Strix Z890-A | Thunderbolt 4 ports |
| Getting Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port for the least money | TUF Z890-PRO | A lower price than the Strix Z890-A and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix X670E-E | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+2 |
| Strix X670E-F | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+2 |
| Strix Z890-E | 7 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 18+2+1+2 |
| Strix Z890-A | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+1+2 |
| TUF Z890-PRO | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+2+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | TUF Z890-PRO |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix Z890-A, Strix Z890-E, Strix X670E-E, Strix X670E-F |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these motherboards compare on M.2 slot count?
The Strix Z890-E leads at 7, ahead of the Strix Z890-A at 5; the TUF Z890-PRO sits at the other end with 4.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
Start with the TUF Z890-PRO, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The Strix X670E-F is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
Do I need X870E for gaming?
No. A B850 board runs the same CPUs at the same speed; X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes, USB4 and expansion.
What size motherboard should I buy?
ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX suit smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.
Will a new board work with my CPU out of the box?
Usually, but check the board's CPU support list. If your chip needs a newer BIOS, BIOS Flashback updates it from a USB drive.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Strix X670E-E, chosen for heatsinks on all four M.2 slots. Look at the Strix X670E-F for heatsinks on all four M.2 slots, the Strix Z890-E for the most M.2 slot count here (7) and the Strix Z890-A for Thunderbolt 4 ports if those matter more to you.
Check lane sharing if you'll fill every M.2 slot and add a second GPU.