Buying Guide
The Best X870E Motherboards
Six X870E motherboards for AM5 compared on M.2 slots, USB4, networking and power delivery, from the TUF X870E-PLUS to E-ATX flagships.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
X870E is AMD's top AM5 chipset. It runs the same CPUs as B850 at the same speed, but adds PCIe 5.0 lanes, USB4 and room for more devices.
We compared six X870E boards on M.2 slots, USB4, networking, power delivery and size. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best X870E Board
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Master
5Gbps LAN, USB4, four M.2 slots and a five-year warranty.
Best for: High-end Ryzen builds that use every port.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Master (opens in a new tab)
Most M.2 Slots
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi
Five M.2 slots and an 18+2+2 power layout.
Best for: Builds with many SSDs.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi
The X870E Carbon pairs PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 slots with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Elite WiFi 7
The X870E AORUS Elite keeps four M.2 slots, USB4 and a 16+2+2 layout at a lower price than the Master, with 2.5Gbps rather than 5Gbps Ethernet.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Elite WiFi 7 (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X870E
ASUS TUF Gaming X870E-PLUS WiFi 7
Four M.2 slots and 16+2+1 80A stages on a TUF board.
Best for: X870E features at a lower price.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming X870E-PLUS WiFi 7 (opens in a new tab)
Best E-ATX Pick
ASRock X870E Taichi
E-ATX size with USB4 and support for 256GB of DDR5.
Best for: Large cases and workstation-style builds.
Our take Check price for ASRock X870E Taichi (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5Gbps LAN, USB4, four M.2 slots and a five-year warranty. | High-end Ryzen builds that use every port. | Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Master (opens in a new tab) |
| Five M.2 slots and an 18+2+2 power layout. | Builds with many SSDs. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| The X870E Carbon pairs PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 slots with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7. | Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in. | Check price for MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| The X870E AORUS Elite keeps four M.2 slots, USB4 and a 16+2+2 layout at a lower price than the Master, with 2.5Gbps rather than 5Gbps Ethernet. | Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion. | Check price for GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Elite WiFi 7 (opens in a new tab) |
| Four M.2 slots and 16+2+1 80A stages on a TUF board. | X870E features at a lower price. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming X870E-PLUS WiFi 7 (opens in a new tab) |
| E-ATX size with USB4 and support for 256GB of DDR5. | Large cases and workstation-style builds. | Check price for ASRock X870E Taichi (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best X870E Board1 of 6
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Master on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870E AORUS Master lists the fullest connectivity here, with 5Gbps LAN, USB4, Wi-Fi 7 and four M.2 slots, plus Gigabyte's five-year warranty.
Best for
- High-end Ryzen builds that use every port.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the TUF X870E-PLUS cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits a high-end Ryzen build that will use all of it. It shares 16+2+2 power stages with the X870E AORUS Elite; the TUF X870E-PLUS goes with 16+2+1 power stages. It also comes with AMD EXPO memory profile support.
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 highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Strix X870E-E and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+2
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Warranty: 5-year
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+2 power stage layout
Cons
- Costs more than the TUF X870E-PLUS at the time of writing
Most M.2 Slots2 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X870E-E has five M.2 slots, the most here, and an 18+2+2 power layout for 16-core chips.
Best for
- Builds with many SSDs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TUF X870E-PLUS, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the pick for builds that keep adding SSDs. Nothing else here matches its 5 M.2 slot count; the X870E AORUS Master comes closest at 4. 18+2+2 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the X870E AORUS Master uses 16+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.
Its price falls between the X870E Carbon and the X870E AORUS Master, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed wired network speed should compare it with the X870E AORUS Master, which offers 5Gbps.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the TUF X870E-PLUS at the time of writing
Worth Considering3 of 6
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870E Carbon pairs PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 slots with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- Its M.2 slot count is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
MSI doesn't state its M.2 count, so check the spec page if storage matters. 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 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. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper X870E Taichi and the pricier Strix X870E-E, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its M.2 slot count; if that figure matters, the Strix X870E-E offers 5.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the TUF X870E-PLUS at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice4 of 6
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Elite WiFi 7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870E AORUS Elite keeps four M.2 slots, USB4 and a 16+2+2 layout at a lower price than the Master, with 2.5Gbps rather than 5Gbps Ethernet.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the TUF X870E-PLUS cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has dual USB4, four M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0, with VRM and M.2 thermal guards. Like the X870E AORUS Master, it has 16+2+2 power stages, while the Strix X870E-E uses 18+2+2 power stages. It also offers AMD EXPO memory profile support.
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 TUF X870E-PLUS and below the X870E Taichi at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+2
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
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
- Costs more than the TUF X870E-PLUS at the time of writing
Best Value X870E5 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming X870E-PLUS WiFi 7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF X870E-PLUS brings X870E's four M.2 slots and a 16+2+1 layout of 80A stages to a more affordable board.
Best for
- X870E features at a lower price.
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
USB4 isn't mentioned. It matches the X870E AORUS Master, the X870E AORUS Elite and the X870E Taichi on M.2 slot count (4). No other pick in this guide offers 16+2+1 power stages; compare the X870E AORUS Elite, which has 16+2+2 power stages.
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.
It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the X870E AORUS Elite the next step up. There is no published wired network speed figure, whereas the X870E AORUS Master offers 5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+1 power stage layout
- 80A power stages
Cons
- M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Strix X870E-E (5)
Best E-ATX Pick6 of 6
ASRock X870E Taichi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X870E Taichi is an E-ATX board with USB4, Wi-Fi 7 and four M.2 slots.
Best for
- Large cases and workstation-style builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: e-ATX size needs a case that lists E-ATX support.
Why we like it
Check your case offers E-ATX support before choosing it. On M.2 slot count it ties with the X870E AORUS Master, the X870E AORUS Elite and the TUF X870E-PLUS at 4. It also comes with support for up to 256GB of DDR5.
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. Confirm your case offers E-ATX support; many mid-towers stop at ATX. 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 6, between the cheaper X870E AORUS Elite and the pricier X870E Carbon, at the time of writing. The trade-off is M.2 slot count; for more, the Strix X870E-E offers 5.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: E-ATX
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- Support for up to 256GB of DDR5
Cons
- E-ATX size needs a case that lists E-ATX support
- M.2 slot count trails the Strix X870E-E (5)
- Costs more than the TUF X870E-PLUS at the time of writing
How We Chose These X870E Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
What to Look for in an X870E 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 an X870E Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-end Ryzen builds that use every port | X870E AORUS Master | 5Gbps LAN, USB4, four M.2 slots and a five-year warranty |
| Builds with many SSDs | Strix X870E-E | Five M.2 slots and an 18+2+2 power layout |
| X870E features at a lower price | TUF X870E-PLUS | Four M.2 slots and 16+2+1 80A stages on a TUF board |
| Large cases and workstation-style builds | X870E Taichi | E-ATX size with USB4 and support for 256GB of DDR5 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X870E AORUS Master | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+2 |
| Strix X870E-E | 5 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 18+2+2 |
| X870E Carbon | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| X870E AORUS Elite | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+2 |
| TUF X870E-PLUS | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+1 |
| X870E Taichi | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
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 X870E-PLUS |
| About $250 to $500 | X870E AORUS Elite, X870E Taichi, X870E Carbon, Strix X870E-E, X870E AORUS Master |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
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 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.
Bottom Line
The Gigabyte X870E AORUS Master is the most complete board here, and the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E has the most M.2 slots. The ASUS TUF X870E-PLUS is the value way into X870E.
The MSI X870E Carbon and Gigabyte X870E AORUS Elite sit between them, and the ASRock X870E Taichi suits large E-ATX builds.