Buying Guide
The Best X870 Motherboards
Seven X870 boards compared on USB4, M.2 slots, wired LAN, power stages and warranty for Ryzen 9000 builds.
By The PC Journal editorial team
13 min read7 products evaluated
X870 requires USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 on every board, so it is the chipset to pick if you use USB4 drives or docks.
We compared seven X870 boards. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best All-Round X870
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 7 and USB4.
Best for: Most X870 builds.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best Power Delivery
ASUS TUF Gaming X870-PLUS WiFi
A 16+2+1 layout of 80A stages with four M.2 slots.
Best for: Ryzen 9 builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming X870-PLUS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Longest Warranty
GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7
A five-year warranty with four M.2 slots.
Best for: Long-term builds.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi
The Strix X870-A offers a 16+2+2 layout, four M.2 slots, USB4 and a white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
ASRock X870 Steel Legend WiFi
The X870 Steel Legend brings USB4, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+1 layout to one of the lowest X870 prices.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Our take Check price for ASRock X870 Steel Legend WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
MSI PRO X870-P WiFi
The PRO X870-P keeps 5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 on a plain board.
Best for: Buyers who want 5gbps wired ethernet.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO X870-P WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget X870
ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi
USB4 and a 14+2+1 layout at a low X870 price.
Best for: Builders who want USB4 for less.
Our take Check price for ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best All-Round X8701 of 7
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870 Tomahawk pairs 5Gbps Ethernet with Wi-Fi 7 and USB4, covering the connectivity most builders want for years.
Best for
- Most X870 builds.
Skip if
- Pass if a published M.2 slot count matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It has 5G LAN, an extended VRM heatsink and isolated Audio Boost 5. It matches the PRO X870-P on wired network speed (5Gbps). It also offers a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and Bluetooth 5.4 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. It was priced above the TUF X870-PLUS and below the Strix X870-A at the time of writing. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the TUF X870-PLUS offers 4.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X870
Pros
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
- Costs more than the X870 Steel Legend at the time of writing
Best Power Delivery2 of 7
ASUS TUF Gaming X870-PLUS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF X870-PLUS offers four M.2 slots, USB4 and a 16+2+1 layout of 80A power stages.
Best for
- Ryzen 9 builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the X870 Steel Legend was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the sturdiest X870 board here below $230. It matches the X870 AORUS Elite and the Strix X870-A on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the X870 AORUS Elite on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
It also offers 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 X870 AORUS Elite and cheaper picks cost less, and the X870 Tomahawk cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+1
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X870
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+1 power stage layout
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
Cons
- Costs more than the X870 Steel Legend at the time of writing
Longest Warranty3 of 7
GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 wired network speed matters most to you; the X870 Tomahawk offers 5Gbps.
Why we like it
It is the X870 board with the longest cover here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the TUF X870-PLUS and the Strix X870-A at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the TUF X870-PLUS at 2.5Gbps.
It also offers 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.
Its price falls between the X870 Pro RS and the TUF X870-PLUS, based on our last check. If wired network speed is your priority, the X870 Tomahawk (5Gbps) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & 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
- Wired network speed trails the X870 Tomahawk (5Gbps)
- Costs more than the X870 Steel Legend at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 7
ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X870-A offers a 16+2+2 layout, four M.2 slots, USB4 and a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 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 the premium X870 pick here. It matches the TUF X870-PLUS and the X870 AORUS Elite on M.2 slot count (4). No other pick in this guide offers 16+2+2 power stages; compare the TUF X870-PLUS, which has 16+2+1 power stages.
It also offers a Dynamic OC Switcher and Q-Release Slim graphics card release. 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 X870 Tomahawk came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 7 picks. There is no published wired network speed figure, whereas the X870 Tomahawk offers 5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+2
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X870
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+2 power stage layout
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
Cons
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the X870 Steel Legend at the time of writing
Worth Considering5 of 7
ASRock X870 Steel Legend WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870 Steel Legend brings USB4, Wi-Fi 7 and a 14+2+1 layout to one of the lowest X870 prices.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
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
The maker doesn't state its M.2 count, so check the manual. Like the X870 Pro RS, it has 14+2+1 power stages, while the TUF X870-PLUS uses 16+2+1 power stages. You also get memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC) and a white and silver finish.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the PRO X870-P was closest. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the TUF X870-PLUS instead: it offers 4, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X870
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- Memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC)
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
- No published wired network speed
Well-Rounded Choice6 of 7
MSI PRO X870-P WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO X870-P keeps 5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 on a plain board.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5gbps wired ethernet.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the TUF X870-PLUS offers 4.
Why we like it
Three M.2 slots are one fewer than the pricier X870 boards. Its 3 M.2 slot count is the fewest in this group; the TUF X870-PLUS leads at 4. It matches the X870 Tomahawk on wired network speed (5Gbps).
It also offers a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and Bluetooth 5.4 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. 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 X870 Steel Legend cost less, and the X870 Pro RS cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X870
Pros
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Cons
- M.2 slot count trails the TUF X870-PLUS (4)
- Costs more than the X870 Steel Legend at the time of writing
Best Budget X8707 of 7
ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870 Pro RS is ASRock's entry X870 board with a 14+2+1 layout, USB4 and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for
- Builders who want USB4 for less.
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 suits builders who want USB4 without paying for extras. Like the X870 Steel Legend, it has 14+2+1 power stages, while the TUF X870-PLUS uses 16+2+1 power stages. You also get memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC) and one of the lowest X870 prices here.
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. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the TUF X870-PLUS instead: it offers 4, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X870
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- Memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC)
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the X870 Steel Legend at the time of writing
How We Chose These X870 Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
What to Look for in an X870 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose an X870 Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most X870 builds | X870 Tomahawk | 5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 |
| Ryzen 9 builds | TUF X870-PLUS | A 16+2+1 layout of 80A stages with four M.2 slots |
| Long-term builds | X870 AORUS Elite | A five-year warranty with four M.2 slots |
| Builders who want USB4 for less | X870 Pro RS | USB4 and a 14+2+1 layout at a low X870 price |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X870 Tomahawk | Not listed | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| TUF X870-PLUS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+1 |
| X870 AORUS Elite | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| Strix X870-A | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+2 |
| X870 Steel Legend | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+2+1 |
| PRO X870-P | 3 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| X870 Pro RS | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+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 | X870 Steel Legend, PRO X870-P, X870 Pro RS, X870 AORUS Elite, TUF X870-PLUS, X870 Tomahawk |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix X870-A |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
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.
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.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
Should I fill all four memory slots?
Two sticks usually run faster and more reliably on DDR5. Buy a two-stick kit with the capacity you need.
Bottom Line
The X870 Tomahawk is the balanced pick. Choose the TUF X870-PLUS for stronger power, the AORUS Elite for its warranty, or the X870 Pro RS to save.