Let’s look at the history of the Motherboard, AMD motherboards, and their design philosophy before diving into the best am4 Motherboard.
Intel has been a game-changer in the CPU manufacturing sector for more than half a century. CPUs from both firms range from entry-level models to the most cutting-edge and fastest desktop processors currently available.
Historically, Intel’s emphasis has been on more incredible clock speeds and maximum speeds, resulting in better gaming performance. On the other hand, AMD has been working hard to create superior CPUs.
The AM4 socket used by AMD’s second and third-generation Ryzen CPUs was developed specifically for them. This chipset is compatible with both PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0.
With the AM4 chipset, up to four RAM modules may be used simultaneously in dual-channel mode. While the AM4 platform supports eight distinct chipset types, AMD’s most powerful 5000 series processors are best suited for the X570 chipset.
B450 is a mainstream chipset suited for everyday and casual applications, whereas X470 is AMD’s top-of-the-line chipset for the past generation, equivalent to X570.
The second and third-gen AMD Ryzen CPUs use an AM4 socket which is specially designed for Ryzen CPUs. This chipset supports the PCIe 3.0 and the newest PCIe 4.0. Furthermore, the AM4 chipset supports up to four RAM modules in dual-channel mode. AM4 supports eight different chipset models, out of which X570 offers the best CPU and RAM overclocking capabilities and excellent features set and specially designed for AMD 5000 series CPUs. X470 is the last-gen top-end chipset similar to X570 designed for AMD 2000 and 3000 series CPUs, while B450 is a mid-range chipset suitable for the average user and casual applications.
Let’s see some quick shopping tips to help you pick the best am4 motherboard 2021.
Quick Shopping Tips:
SIZE: Although it’s not an exact science, we can generally divide the motherboard size depending on our usage. The biggest E-ATX motherboards are suitable for extreme custom builders and enthusiasts. At the same time, ATX is the most appropriate size for hardcore gamers, with sufficient room for installing most gaming hardware. The smaller micro-ATX and mini-ITX are more suited for casual gaming or general-purpose computing needs.
Overclocking: If you are a performance user, you would have tried overclocking your PC one way or another. The newest X570 motherboards support different levels of CPU and RAM overclocking abilities depending on price and purpose. For extreme gamers, a motherboard with excellent overclocking ability should be sought. At the same time, an average user can buy a more budget-oriented good performance motherboard to get the best value for money.
RAM: RAM performance and capacity directly influence your PC’s overall performance, as it holds the data as the CPU is processing it. You should install 8 GB to 16 GB RAM for high-end gaming needs to avoid system slow-downs during intense gaming. On the other hand, memory-intensive content creation requires upward of 16 GB RAM for optimum performance.
Storage Capacity: Nowadays, people hold a massive amount of data in their drives, be it high-end games, entertainment videos, or photography pictures. A motherboard with a sufficient number of SATA ports is necessary to accommodate all your storage needs and allow future expansions. M.2 drives, on the other hand, serve a different and fundamental purpose. It is mainly used to reduce the load times of your operating system, resource-intensive software, and high-end games.
Best AM4 motherboards at a glance:
- ASUS ROG Strix B450-F
- ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS WiFi
- MSI MPG X570 GAMING EDGE WIFI
- MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX
- GIGABYTE X570 AORUS ELITE
- ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
- MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS
- GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING
The Best AM4 motherboards You Can Buy Today
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F
Best All-Rounder AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD B450 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 6+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 14 | Warranty: 1 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Integrated I/O panel
✓ Easy BIOS debugging
✓ SupremeFX immersive audio
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No WIFI and BlueTooth
✗ Not supported for 8-Channel audio
ASUS ROG Strix B350-F is a mid-range performance motherboard from the company’s ROG Strix series. The ASUS ROG Strix B450-F is the best all-around AM4 Motherboard available, and it has been modified to provide overall improved performance and more fantastic features than the previous model.
Furthermore, it has cutting-edge technologies such as StoreMI technology, which boasts efficient data storage between SATA and SSD to provide quicker boot times and overall performance while reducing power consumption.
The ROG 450-F is unquestionably the greatest AM4 Motherboard available, with a greatly improved layout over the previous-generation B350. Previous-generation PCI slots were so tightly packed together that anybody utilising a graphics card couldn’t utilise the PCIe x1 slot owing to the lack of available space in the previous-generation PCIe x16 slot layout.
ASUS addressed this issue in this generation by separating the expansion slot into two separate slots. Also combined were the previously separated 06 SATA ports, giving the board a more unorthodox appearance.
Although most B450 motherboards do not allow multi-GPU configurations, the Strix 450-F is a mid-range gaming motherboard that supports both SLI and Crossfire.
Its 6+2 Stage VRM is reliable and capable of overclocking the vast majority of mid-range CPUs. Aside from that, it enables skilled overclockers to do automatic overclocking using the EZ BIOS and AI tweaking. For ordinary gamers, it’s a well-rounded midrange AM4 motherboard with luxury appearance and a fair level of performance.
ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS WiFi
Best ATX AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 | PCIe x16: 4 | USB Ports: 13 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ 6-layer PCB
✓ UEFI AMI BIOS
✓ 08 SATA ports
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No thunderbolt 3
✗ Fewer USB ports on the rear
ASUS TUF motherboards were known for their rugged infrastructure and heavy metallic build. Over the years, ASUS has changed its TUF series to gaming-centric motherboards with similar build quality it is famous for and launched the upgraded ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS WiFi. The best budget am4 motherboard boasts the newest dual PCIe 4.0 support, multi-GPU support, faster connectivity chips, and the latest USB 3.2 ports.
It is the best ATX AM4 Motherboard due to its superior 12+2 VRM providing ripple-free output to the Ryzen CPUs to achieve the best overclocking performance. It features state-of-the-art TUF protection such as electrostatic discharge protection, high-voltage protection, armored expansion, memory slots, and military-grade components to provide the best protection against harsh conditions and promote durability.
TUF Gaming X570 supports both the 2nd gen and the third-gen motherboards. Moreover, it includes four DIMM slots with up to 128 GB, but overclocking is not mentioned for memory modules, which is annoying. Overall it is a suitable high-end motherboard for hardcore gamers with excellent overclocking ability, faster connectivity, adequate storage capacity, and an immersive 7.1 audio solution.
MSI MPG X570 GAMING EDGE WIFI
Best high-end AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD 570X | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 8 | Warranty: 2 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Digital PWM IC
✓ Dual M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0)
✓ Aesthetically pleasing RGB
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No wireless connectivity
✗ RGB effects are not pleasing
MSI is famous for manufacturing a wider variety of motherboards to cater to all types of consumers ranging from casual users to extreme gamers. MSI MPG X570 GAMING EDGE WIFI best high-end AM4 Motherboard belonging to the upper-middle segment of the market. It is a powerful X570 motherboard with excellent gaming performance, desirable features, attractive RGBs, and a reasonable price.
MSI MPG Gaming is the best am4 motherboard 2021, offering one of the best memory overclocking capabilities with an XMP profile and up to 4400+ MHz OC support. It results in noticeably faster performance while gaming or general computing. It contains all the necessary features, like USB 3.2 G1 and G2 ports, faster ethernet, and easy BIOS flashing via BIOS FlashBack feature.
The design of MPG Gaming is subtle and low-key. It is more focused on performance and functionality than aesthetics, although it possesses an addressable RGB header to add flare to the design. It uses the renowned Realtek audio codec ALC1220 combined with Nahimic Audio boost to provide the most immersive headphone gaming experience so you won’t miss a beat while playing PUBG or other high FPS games. MPG Gaming is the most suitable choice for hardcore gamers and performance seekers.
MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX
Best Budget AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD B450 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 13 | Warranty: 1 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Multi-GPU support
✓ USB 3.2 G2 Type A & C port
✓ Steel armored expansion slots
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Only one M.2 slot
✗ No integrated I/O panel
When we are buying in the budget segment, it’s often the case that we cannot find a good performance motherboard and an attractive one with desirable features at the same time. MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX is the best Budget AM4 Motherboard that checks both boxes with its excellent VRM performance, efficient cooling design, newest features, and beautiful RGBs.
B450 Tomahawk packs a fully-featured I/O panel with all types of ports. USB 3.2 Gen2 ports Type A & C ports are present, and several USB 3.2 G1 and USB 2.0 ports. The I/O panel also boasts HDMI 1.4 and DVI ports for wider compatibility of video outputs. Connectivity is fast, stable, and reliable with Realtek ethernet, and audio is high quality, noise-free, and high definition with ALC 892 codec to achieve the best immersion in your lag-free gaming sessions.
B450 Tomahawk is the upgraded version of the previous-gen B350 Tomahawk with enhanced features like customizable integrated RGBs and USB 3.2 G2 ports. Moreover, its RAM support is also improved to 64 GB overclockable up to3400 MHz. It is the best motherboard for budget users who desire a high-end motherboard’s performance and features set but do not intend to deplete their funds.
GIGABYTE X570 AORUS ELITE
Best Budget-X570 AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 18 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Overheating warning
✓ Integrated I/O Shield Armor
✓ Multiple Temperature Sensors
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No SLI support
✗ Single Ethernet port
GIGABYTE X570 AORUS ELITE is the Best Budget-X570 AM4 Motherboard that gigabyte has to offer with its respectable performance, PCIe 4.0 support, dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, built-in I/O shield, and extensive heat sink design, and USB ports on the front. Some features that were not essential such as integrated WIFI, USB 3.2 Type C ports, and customizable RGBs, were left behind in favor of a more reasonable price, but you don’t mind them anyway.
Aorus Elite supports all the AMD second-gen and third-gen CPUs with excellent overclocking ability. Aorus Elite is the best budget am4 motherboard with a powerful 12+2 stage power delivery that delivers the most stable output for efficient and stable overclocking of Ryzen CPUs. Enlarged heatsinks and a cooling fan ensure the VRM cooling. Thermal guards are also provided for M.2 slots to ensure cooler and efficient operation. Moreover, FAN Xpert software is provided to optimize and manage cooling profiles of the whole motherboard.
Aesthetics has always been an essential part of the Aorus lineup. The same is the case with Aorus Elite, as it supports up to 1000 addressable RGBs via header and features an entirely black color theme just like the BATMAN. Furthermore, build quality is the second most focused trait in the Aorus lineup, and rightly so. Along with other improvements, the PCIe x16 slot is armored to prevent tearing from High-end GPUs. Aorus Elite is a suitable motherboard for most high-performance users and gamers offered at a bargain price.
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
Best Premium AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+4 | PCIe x16: 3 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ WIFI 6 and BT 5.0
✓ 5-Way Optimization
✓ 16 VRMs support extreme overclocking
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No U.2 ports
✗ No Thunderbolt 4 ports
Everyone would want the highest-performing motherboards with the best features and impressive looks in the perfect world. But in the actual world, not everyone can afford these beasts, and these motherboards simply do not provide the best value. On the other hand, ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming is the Best Premium AM4 Motherboard providing high-end gaming performance and possesses many of the needed premium features without charging a fortune.
ROG Strix X570-E initially supported the 3000 series, but after the launch of Zen 3 processors, ASUS extended its support to the latest 5000 and 4000 series Ryzen processors. The motherboard features an impressive 12+4 stage power delivery that can easily clock the latest 5000 series processors to 5 GHz effortlessly. It also supports PCIe 4.0 and dual M.2 and x16 slots for achieving better performance, faster boot times, and futureproofing your rig.
There is nothing new in the looks department. Strix X570 features a similar branding and design as its previous-gen Strix models with integrated RGB on the heatsink and back cover. Connectivity is well thought out with dual ethernet ports and WIFI-6 for blazing-fast online speeds and lag-free gaming experience while playing Call of Duty: Online or all-time favorite PUBG. Strix X570 provides good value for money and delivers high-end performance and desirable attributes required by most high-performance users.
MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS
Best Enthusiast AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD 570X | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 2 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Audio Boost 4
✓ Server-grade PCB
✓ Extended Heat sink design
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No gold plated audio jacks
✗ Some BIOS features are buggy
There was a time when finding a decent gaming motherboard with desirable traits at a low price wasn’t just possible, especially in the X570 chipset due to its higher performance and greater appeal. MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS proved us wrong by being the Best Enthusiast AM4 Motherboard with decent performance and useful features such as dual PCIe 4.0 slots with AMD crossfire support offered at a meager price.
Aesthetically speaking, MPG Gaming plus features a classy red and black color scheme and eye-catching design. The thermal design is comprehensive and efficient with a large surface area chipset heatsink, separate VRM heatsink, and a cooling fan. Therefore, it is the best am4 motherboard due to its 8+4 stage power 46A power delivery module capable of driving the 3000 series CPUs effortlessly without heating up a bit.
MPG Gaming Plus shines in the performance department, but it’s somewhat lagging in the features, but it’s not fair to ask too much of this motherboard as a low-priced motherboard. The features, although less, are on point and highly vital. These features include a single ethernet port, single USB 3.1 G1, G2 ports, and dual USB 2.0 ports. MPG Gaming Plus is an entry-level enthusiast gaming motherboard with excellent overclocking capability for the 3000 series CPUs and vital features that are hard to find at this price point.
Many departments, but it’s somewhat lagging in the features, but it’s not fair to ask too much of this motherboard as a low-priced motherboard. The features, although less, are on point and highly vital. These features include a single ethernet port, single USB 3.1 G1, G2 ports, and dual USB 2.0 ports. MPG Gaming Plus is an entry-level enthusiast gaming motherboard with excellent overclocking capability for the 3000 series CPUs and vital features that are hard to find at this price point.
GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING
Best Flagship AM4 Motherboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X470 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+3 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ iTE I/O Controller Chip
✓ Anti-Sulfur Resistors Design
✓ CrossFire/ SLI Graphics Support
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
✗ Performance varies by CPUs
GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING is unquestionably the Best Flagship AM4 Motherboard belonging to the last-gen chipset designed for the Ryzen 2 series processors. But with the advent of Ryzen 3 processors, GIGABYTE has extended AORUS Ultra support to the 4000 and 5000 series CPUs, making it a lucrative option among top-end gaming motherboards. Moreover, it features SLI and CrossFire at the same time, which is rare.
After launching X570 chipset motherboards, AORUS ULTRA’s price has been reduced, making it a high-end best budget am4 motherboard offering flagship performance and premium features. Its 8+3 stage VRM is fully optimized for Ryzen processors delivering exact output to the CPU for enhanced performance. The motherboard is adequately cooled with extended heatsinks for chipset and VRM and thermal guards for M.2 slots for improved performance and efficiency.
Aorus is famous for its ultra-durable motherboards, featuring ESR protection, high voltage protection, and Lan Surge protection. Moreover, expansion slots are armored, and resistors feature anti-sulfur coating to avoid degradation. Customization is easy and welcome with Gigabytes trademark features EasyTune for memory overclocking, @BISO for one-click firmware updates, and 3D OSD for monitoring system parameters during extreme loads. Aorus Ultra is a high-end reasonable-priced motherboard that is suitable for top performers and hardcore gamers.
Conclusion
AMD is a leading CPU manufacturer in the world. With the launch of Ryzen 3 architecture AMD has outdone itself and surpassed Intel in the race for making the best performing CPU. Furthermore, AMD launched the AM4 chipset for the first-generation Zen architecture. AMD successfully upgraded its support for the subsequent generations until the latest 3rd gen 5000 series CPUs without changing the socket, which is a feat in itself. X570 and X470 chipset belong to the top performers, while B450 is the mainstream mid-range chipset. Moreover, the previous-gen X470 chipset also supports the latest AMD CPUs, just like the newest X570 and B450 chipset.
The best motherboard for extreme overclockers with flagship performance and premium features is GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING. Although it’s a previous-gen motherboard, it performs just as well as X570 flagship motherboards and is offered at a reasonable price. For users more focused on performance and value simultaneously, MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS is an entry-level enthusiast motherboard with good overclocking performance and is offered at a meager price. It features dual PCIe slots and excellent results with 3000 series Ryzen CPUs and is suitable for most casual gamers and average users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best am4 motherboard?
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming is the most premium am4 motherboard with high-end 16 stage VRM that can effortlessly boost the latest AMD 5000 series CPUs to their peaks. Moreover, it offers premium features like multi-GPU support, multiple M.2 slots, multiple connectivity options, and a premium audio codec that you would love to see in a top-class motherboard.
Who makes best AM4 motherboard?
Although all top manufacturers manufacture top-class motherboards, ASUS beats the rest when talking about the best. For people who want the highest quality motherboard, ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS WiFi is the most ultra-durable motherboard you can find in the ASUS showcase. It features premium build quality, thicker PCB, armored slots, and surge and static discharge protection from electricity.
Should I buy an AM4 motherboard?
If you have selected an AMD CPU, especially the Ryzen series, you should buy an AM4 motherboard, as it is the only compatible socket that supports these processors. If you need a mid-range motherboard with balanced functionality and features, ASUS ROG Strix B450-F will never let you down. It is an all-rounder motherboard with decent overclocking ability, excellent thermal design, and SLI and Crossfire support offered at a bargain price.
What is the most powerful am4 motherboard?
GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING is the most potent AM4 motherboard. It has an 11 stage VRM optimized for the Ryzen processor and delivers the best overclocking results. Furthermore, it features a solid build quality, ultra-durable design, multiple voltages, and surge protection to prevent failure and ensure a smoother lifetime experience.
Is AM4 discontinued?
This AM4 socket will continue in use until AMD sees a significant shift in its platform, which it expects to happen soon. AMD also revealed the Ryzen 9 3950X, a 16-core desktop CPU, and the 12-core standard CPU.
Is the AM4 socket future-proof?
AMD has made it clear that Zen 3 will support AM4 processors. Because Zen 4 isn’t planned until 2022, and existing Zen 3 chips are still using AM4, it’s safe to assume AM4 will be around until the end of 2021.
How long will AM4 be supported?
For the first time, AMD’s AM4 processors support DDR4 memory and are backwards compatible with other high-end CPUs. There are 1331 pins in all. AMD will use the AM4 platform with socket 1331 until 2020.
