Many people think AM4 motherboards are outdated now that AMD has introduced newer chipsets. But here’s the truth—AM4 is still one of the best motherboard platforms, offering great performance, wide compatibility, and excellent value for money. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming PC, a budget-friendly rig, or a workstation, a good AM4 motherboard can still give you everything you need in 2024.
So, if you're hunting for the best AM4 motherboard for gaming, overclocking, or future upgrades, you're in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in an AM4 motherboard and reveal the best budget AM4 motherboard and high-end options to help you make the right choice.
What to Look for in an AM4 Motherboards?
Choosing the right AM4 motherboard isn’t just about picking the most expensive one. You need to find the perfect balance between features, compatibility, and price. Let’s go over the key factors you should consider.
Chipset Matters – B450, B550, or X570?
The first thing to check when buying a good AM4 motherboard is the chipset. It determines compatibility, performance, and upgrade options.
- B450 – Affordable and still supports Ryzen 5000 series with a BIOS update. Ideal for budget builds.
- B550 – A step up from B450, offering PCIe 4.0 support for faster SSDs and better futureproofing.
- X570 – The high-end choice with better VRMs, full PCIe 4.0 support, and advanced features for overclocking and high-performance builds.
If you’re building a budget gaming PC, a B450 or B550 board is your best bet. But if you want maximum performance and overclocking, go for an X570 motherboard.
VRMs and Power Delivery – Crucial for Overclocking
Want to push your Ryzen CPU to its limits? Then you need a best AM4 motherboard with solid VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules).
- More VRM phases = Better power stability and overclocking potential.
- Look for heatsinks on the VRMs to keep temperatures under control.
- X570 and some high-end B550 motherboards offer excellent power delivery for overclocking Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 CPUs.
For Ryzen 5 5600X or Ryzen 7 5800X, a good AM4 motherboard like a mid-range B550 will do the job. But for serious overclocking, pick an X570 with strong VRMs.
PCIe 4.0 and Futureproofing
PCIe 4.0 is a game-changer for SSDs and GPUs. It doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0, meaning faster storage speeds and better gaming performance.
- X570 motherboards have full PCIe 4.0 support, ideal for high-end builds.
- B550 motherboards have PCIe 4.0 only for the GPU and first M.2 slot (still a good option).
- B450 doesn’t support PCIe 4.0, but it’s fine for budget builds.
If you want a futureproof motherboard, go for an X570 or B550 model with PCIe 4.0 support.
Connectivity – Wi-Fi, USB Ports, and M.2 Slots
Your motherboard should have all the necessary ports and wireless features:
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – Some high-end models come with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, but budget boards may require a separate Wi-Fi adapter.
USB Ports – More USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports mean faster data transfer speeds.
M.2 Slots – If you’re using NVMe SSDs, get a board with multiple M.2 slots for more storage expansion.
For the best AM4 motherboard, check how many USB, SATA, and M.2 slots you’ll need.
Form Factor – ATX vs. Micro-ATX vs. Mini-ITX
Size matters when choosing the best budget AM4 motherboard. Motherboards come in three main form factors:
- ATX – Full-size boards with more ports, expansion slots, and features. Best for high-end builds.
- Micro-ATX (mATX) – Slightly smaller but still offers good expandability. Perfect for budget gaming PCs.
- Mini-ITX – Smallest option, great for compact builds but usually has fewer ports and slots.
If you’re building a gaming PC with a mid-tower case, go for an ATX motherboard. But if space is limited, an mATX or Mini-ITX motherboard could be the better choice.
RAM Compatibility – What Speed & Capacity Do You Need?
Ryzen CPUs love fast RAM. To get the best performance, look for:
At least DDR4-3200MHz RAM support (higher speeds help Ryzen CPUs).
Dual-channel memory – Always use two sticks of RAM for better performance.
Up to 128GB RAM capacity – Most AM4 motherboards support this, but budget boards might max out at 64GB.
If you want a good AM4 motherboard for gaming, a B550 or X570 board that supports DDR4-3600MHz or higher is a great choice.
How to Pick the Best AM4 Motherboard?
Now that you know what to look for, here’s a quick recap:
- If you want the best budget AM4 motherboard, go for a B450 or B550 motherboard.
- If you need PCIe 4.0 and futureproofing, B550 or X570 is the way to go.
- If you're into overclocking, get a high-end X570 motherboard with strong VRMs.
- If you need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, look for built-in wireless connectivity.
No matter what kind of build you’re planning, there’s a good AM4 motherboard that fits your needs.
Best AM4 Motherboards in 2024 – Expert Picks
A lot of people think that all AM4 motherboards are the same and that spending extra money doesn’t make a big difference. But that’s not true. A good AM4 motherboard can completely change your gaming, overclocking, and overall PC performance. The best AM4 motherboard will give you better VRMs, more expansion options, PCIe 4.0 support, and improved durability.
Let’s dive into the best budget AM4 motherboards and high-end options to help you choose the perfect one for your setup.
Best AM4 Motherboards
Here are the top AM4 motherboards that deliver the best performance, features, and value in 2024.
Best Overall AM4 Motherboard – Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master
If you want the best AM4 motherboard that balances performance, durability, and future-proofing, this one is the winner.
✅ Key Features:
- Strong VRMs for stable power delivery
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast SSDs and GPUs
- Multiple M.2 slots for storage expansion
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for faster data transfer
✔ Best for: Gamers, content creators, and power users who need a reliable and feature-packed motherboard.
Best Budget AM4 Motherboard – ASUS Prime X570-P
If you're looking for a best budget AM4 motherboard, this one offers great performance without breaking the bank.
✅ Key Features:
- Solid VRMs for Ryzen 5000 series CPUs
- PCIe 3.0 support (some models may have PCIe 4.0)
- USB 3.0 and M.2 slots for storage upgrades
- Decent connectivity options (but may lack Wi-Fi)
✔ Best for: Gamers and budget builders who want a good AM4 motherboard without spending too much.
Best AM4 Motherboard for Overclocking – ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi)
If you want to push your Ryzen CPU to its limits, this is the best AM4 motherboard for overclocking.
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✅ Key Features:
- High-quality VRMs for stable overclocking
- Advanced BIOS for fine-tuning performance
- PCIe 4.0 support for high-speed SSDs
- Multiple fan headers and cooling support
✔ Best for: Overclockers who need strong power delivery and cooling for stable performance.
Best High-End AM4 Motherboard – ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
For those who want the absolute best, this high-end AM4 motherboard has every feature you could ask for.
✅ Key Features:
- Premium build quality with reinforced PCIe slots
- Full PCIe 4.0 support for the fastest storage and graphics performance
- Multiple M.2 slots with heatsinks
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and high-speed networking
✔ Best for: Enthusiasts and professionals who need top-tier performance.
Best Mini-ITX AM4 Motherboard – ASRock A520M-ITX/AC
If you’re building a small but powerful PC, this is the best AM4 motherboard for compact builds.
✅ Key Features:
- Small form factor (Mini-ITX) for space-saving builds
- PCIe 4.0 support for future-proofing
- Strong VRMs despite the small size
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity
✔ Best for: SFF (small form factor) enthusiasts who need a good AM4 motherboard for a compact setup.
Best AM4 Motherboard for Future Upgrades – ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming
Want a motherboard that will last for years? This one is the best choice.
✅ Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 support for next-gen GPUs and SSDs
- BIOS Flashback for easy CPU upgrades
- High RAM capacity for multitasking
- Plenty of USB ports and expansion slots
✔ Best for: Users who want a future-proof motherboard that can handle upgrades.
Best AM4 Motherboard for Workstations – MSI MEG X570 Godlike
If you need a good AM4 motherboard for productivity and workstation tasks, this is the best pick.
✅ Key Features:
- High RAM support (up to 128GB) for demanding workloads
- Multiple PCIe slots for GPUs and storage expansions
- Strong VRMs for stable power delivery
- Reliable connectivity for professional use
✔ Best for: Video editors, 3D artists, and professionals who need high-performance computing.
AM4 Motherboard Compatibility – What You Need to Know
Choosing the best AM4 motherboard isn’t just about features. You also need to ensure compatibility with your CPU, RAM, and other components.
Which Ryzen CPUs Work with AM4 Motherboards?
AM4 motherboards support a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including:
- Ryzen 1000 & 2000 series – Supported on most AM4 motherboards but may need a BIOS update.
- Ryzen 3000 series – Works best on B450, B550, and X570 motherboards.
- Ryzen 5000 series – Fully compatible with B550 and X570 motherboards (some B450 boards require a BIOS update).
If you’re using a Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 9 5900X, you’ll need a good AM4 motherboard with strong VRMs for stable performance.
BIOS Updates for Newer CPUs
Not all AM4 motherboards come with support for the latest Ryzen CPUs out of the box. If you're using a Ryzen 5000 series CPU on a B450 motherboard, you might need a BIOS update to get it working.
✔ Check the manufacturer’s website to see if the motherboard supports your CPU before buying.
RAM Compatibility – Best Memory for AM4 Motherboards
Ryzen CPUs perform best with fast RAM. Here’s what you should look for:
- At least DDR4-3200MHz for optimal performance.
- Dual-channel memory for better bandwidth.
- Up to 128GB RAM support (depends on the motherboard).
For gaming, a good AM4 motherboard with DDR4-3600MHz RAM support is ideal.
Storage Options – SATA vs. M.2 NVMe SSDs
Modern AM4 motherboards support both SATA and NVMe SSDs. If you want faster load times and better performance, go for an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD on an X570 or B550 motherboard.
GPU Compatibility – Does AM4 Support PCIe 5.0?
Currently, AM4 motherboards only support PCIe 4.0, which is more than enough for gaming and professional workloads. If you’re planning to upgrade to a PCIe 5.0 GPU in the future, you might need to consider AMD’s newer chipsets.
Choosing the Right AM4 Motherboard
- For budget builds → Get the best budget AM4 motherboard with B450 or B550.
- For overclocking → Pick an X570 motherboard with strong VRMs.
- For high-end gaming and futureproofing → Go for a premium B550 or X570 with PCIe 4.0.
- For small builds → A Mini-ITX AM4 motherboard is the best choice.
No matter your needs, there’s a good AM4 motherboard that fits your budget and setup.
AM4 Motherboard Buying Guide & Best Brands in 2024
Many people believe that all AM4 motherboards are built the same and that any model will work fine for gaming, overclocking, or high-performance tasks. But that’s far from the truth. Choosing the best AM4 motherboard depends on several factors like VRM quality, chipset support, expansion options, and future upgrade potential.
To help you make the right decision, here’s a detailed AM4 motherboard buying guide along with the best brands that offer good AM4 motherboards in 2024.
AM4 Motherboard Buying Guide – What to Look For
Not every AM4 motherboard will suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a best budget AM4 motherboard or a high-end option, consider these factors before making a decision.
Chipset Selection – Which One Should You Pick?
If you need a best budget AM4 motherboard, B450 is a good choice. But if you want better upgrade options and faster storage support, B550 is the sweet spot. Enthusiasts who need the best AM4 motherboard for high performance should go for X570.
VRM Quality – Why It Matters for Performance
Voltage Regulation Modules (VRMs) control power delivery to your CPU. A good AM4 motherboard should have high-quality VRMs for stability, especially if you plan to overclock.
✔ For Ryzen 3000/5000 series, look for at least 6-phase VRMs on a B550 or X570 motherboard for stable performance.
✔ Avoid cheap motherboards with weak VRMs if you’re using a powerful CPU like Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 9 5900X.
PCIe Support – PCIe 3.0 vs. PCIe 4.0
Most best AM4 motherboards now support PCIe 4.0, which offers faster speeds for SSDs and GPUs. If you're building a future-proof system, go for a B550 or X570 motherboard with full PCIe 4.0 support.
If you're on a budget, B450 motherboards still work fine with PCIe 3.0 but won’t support the latest storage speeds.
RAM Compatibility – Best Memory for AM4 Motherboards
Ryzen CPUs perform best with DDR4-3600MHz RAM or higher.
Dual-channel memory is better than single-channel for gaming and multitasking.
Most AM4 motherboards support up to 128GB RAM, but budget models may be limited to 64GB.
Storage & Expansion – SATA vs. NVMe SSDs
A good AM4 motherboard should have:
- At least 1 M.2 NVMe slot (for fast SSD storage).
- 4+ SATA ports (for additional HDD/SSD storage).
- PCIe 4.0 support (for future-proofing).
If you're building a high-end gaming PC, look for an X570 motherboard with multiple M.2 slots and PCIe Gen 4 SSD support.
Connectivity & Ports – What to Consider
✔ USB Ports: More USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports mean better speed for external devices.
✔ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Some AM4 motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. If not, you may need a separate adapter.
✔ Ethernet: A 2.5G LAN or higher is ideal for gamers and streamers.
Best AM4 Motherboard Brands – Top Manufacturers
Not all motherboard brands are created equal. Some brands offer best budget AM4 motherboards, while others focus on premium features.
Here are the top manufacturers to consider:
ASUS – Best for High-End AM4 Motherboards
✅ Why ASUS?
- ROG & TUF series offer top-tier performance and durability.
- Excellent BIOS support and stability.
- Ideal for gaming, overclocking, and professional builds.
Best Picks:
✔ ASUS ROG Strix B550-F (Best AM4 Motherboard for gaming)
✔ ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Best budget AM4 motherboard for enthusiasts)
MSI – Best for Budget and Mid-Range Builds
✅ Why MSI?
- Great VRM quality even on budget models.
- User-friendly BIOS and overclocking support.
- Good build quality at competitive prices.
Best Picks:
✔ MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX (Best budget AM4 motherboard)
✔ MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK (Good AM4 motherboard for mid-range gaming)
Gigabyte – Best for Durability & Performance
✅ Why Gigabyte?
- Solid VRMs for stable power delivery.
- Good customer support and BIOS updates.
- High-end models come with excellent cooling solutions.
Best Picks:
✔ Gigabyte X570 AORUS Elite (Best AM4 motherboard for Ryzen 5000 series)
✔ Gigabyte B550 AORUS Pro (Good AM4 motherboard with PCIe 4.0 support)
ASRock – Best for Affordable AM4 Motherboards
✅ Why ASRock?
- Budget-friendly options with decent features.
- Strong BIOS customization.
- Mini-ITX options available for small builds.
Best Picks:
✔ ASRock B450 Steel Legend (Best budget AM4 motherboard)
✔ ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX (Best AM4 motherboard for small form factor PCs)
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right AM4 Motherboard
you're looking for a best budget AM4 motherboard, go for B450 or B550 from MSI or ASRock.
you need a good AM4 motherboard for gaming, ASUS ROG and Gigabyte AORUS models are great options.
If you want the best AM4 motherboard for overclocking, pick an X570 motherboard from ASUS or Gigabyte.
With the right motherboard, your Ryzen build will deliver excellent performance, smooth multitasking, and future upgrade options.
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