Looking for the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 3800x?

AMD has been on quite the roll recently with their Ryzen line of processors. What started as almost an underdog-like story has quickly transformed into something potentially bigger than what consumers hoped for.

While the competition from Intel has been worth giving credit to, AMD always has an answer ready. Ryzen has again and again provided great value, and processors like the Ryzen 7 3800X are proof of that statement.

As such, if you’re in the market to buy a new motherboard for your Ryzen 7 3800x, fret not because we’ll be looking at the best motherboards for Ryzen 7 3800X in 2023.

Before moving on make sure you check the following detailed tutorial on how to choose the best motherboard for you: How To Choose The Right Motherboard For Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 3800X Comparison Table

How Did We Choose the Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 3800X

The Ryzen 7 3800X might be a previous-generation processor, however, it still manages to punch above its weight in a lot of cases. It packs 8 cores and has a lot of overclocking headroom as well. As such, we need to make sure that we cater to those aspects of the processor perfectly.

Technically, the 3800X will work with an A420 or A520 motherboard. However, this is a processor that will be pushed to the limit by the user. As such, pairing it with a cheap motherboard is not a great choice, as A420 and A520 motherboard’s VRMs won’t be up to snuff.

Furthermore, some B350 motherboards will also support the 3800X. However, there have been some reported issues, and you need to jump through some extra hoops. Finally, we’re left with B450, X470, B550, and X570. As B550 and X570 are the latest chipsets, we recommend people to go with them for futureproofing reasons.

So, if you want to go with the X470 and B450 options, by all means, they are still great. Bear in mind that you will be giving up PCIe 4.0 storage and a host of other different features. So, once the whole chipset scenario was through with, it was time to focus on the host of other features and aspects worth considering.

Usually, we like to sort through our list of motherboards based on four parameters: VRMs, Aesthetics, Value For Money, and Connectivity. So, here’s how our ranking system works:

We give individual scores for every four parameters for every high-end motherboard. Then, we find an average overall score for each.

Finally, we rank them based on this average overall score, and this provides a concise look at what are the best motherboards for Ryzen 7 3800X. Of course, all of this is only possible with intensive research in the long run.

10 Best Motherboards Ryzen 7 3800X

Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s get to the roundup of best motherboards for Ryzen 7 3800X. Without further ado, here are our choices.

1. BEST SELLER: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master – Editors Choice

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6, Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth 5.0

Gigabyte has a lot of motherboards in their X570 lineup. However, the X570 Aorus Master is the one that jumps out as the best. Not necessarily because it’s the highest-end of the bunch, but because it has a blend of everything a gamer and hardware enthusiast could want.

This is reflected in the high-end design, great performance, and premium looks. This is exactly why this nearly perfect motherboard has earned our editor’s choice award.

As usual, let us start with the design first. The Aorus Master goes for a sleek and stealthy look thanks to the all-black exterior. The heatsinks and the PCB both are black, with some silver stenciling on the PCB for contrast.

These heatsinks feature a brushed aluminum finish, providing an expensive look to the board. We can see the Aorus branding on the left side on the rear-panel cover, and even on the chipset heatsink. This board uses an actively cooled chipset heatsink.

The sleek design of this very impressive motherboard is complemented well by the RGB zones throughout the board. There are RGB LEDs under the shroud between the VRM heatsink. Furthermore, a small strip runs towards the bottom left side of the board as well.

Now, let’s talk about power delivery. This board features a robust 12+2 power phase design. It happens to be a configuration that is more than enough for the Ryzen 7 3800X, both at idle and at full load.

On top of all that, you get excellent features such as a clear CMOS button, BIOS flash button, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and USB Type-C. You also get access to high-end audio, better memory performance, great CPU and RAM overclocking, and even Wi-Fi 6.

To sum it up, this best gaming motherboard has all the features and great maximum life expectancy. The cost of entry is a bit high, but it is well worth it.

RATING:

VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10

Overall Rating: 9/10

2. ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Dark Hero – Best Premium Motherboard For Ryzen 7 3800x

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5100MHz | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

Let’s say you want the absolute best motherboard for the Ryzen 7 3800X. While that is quite a subjective matter, you can do just that.

Of course, if you’re willing to spend the money. If that does not bother you, enter the Asus Crosshair VIII Dark Hero. This high-end motherboard has everything an enthusiast could want, and more.

The design of ASUS crosshair viii motherboards itself perfectly reflects that statement. Featuring a slick black look with a uniform heatsink design across the board, this thing is quite the looker.

The RGB lighting is done quite well here, and it pairs perfectly with the simple approach to design and of course, Aura Sync. Armory Crate software helps you to control the RGB lighting of any component in the build, which is a great feature.

On top of that, you get a very impressive 16-phase power design for the VRMs. Each power stage has access to 90A of current, meaning you get access to a lot of power.

This best ASUS motherboard is perfect for the Ryzen 7 3800X, and it might be a bit overkill. That’s great as you get to enjoy overclocking the processor as much as you can.

You also get access to 128 gigs of RAM that can be overclocked to 5100MHz or more. Furthermore, you get three M.2 slots that can run at blazing fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds. You also get a full-length GPU slot at that speed.

Dynamic OC mode allows you to automatically switch between Precision Boost Overdrive and Manual OC. This is an exclusive feature for a mainstream motherboard that appeals well to overclockers.

You also get Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, SupremeFX audio, and much more. Hopefully, you can see why this is the best futureproof motherboard for the 3800X. In theory, this motherboard has it all. The only real major downside here is the price, which comes at quite a premium.

RATING:

VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10

Overall Rating: 8.75/10

3. ASRock B550 Steel Legend – Best Budget Motherboard For Ryzen 7 3800x

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Striking that balance on its own is no easy task, and add excellent value on top of that for an easy win for our third spot on this list.

Right from the get-go, it is obvious that this is quite a special motherboard. All in part due to the unique design scheme. The white/silver shields throughout the motherboard pair beautifully with the RGB lighting here. It can make any build stand out but, will particularly look right at home in an all-white build.

The rear-panel cover and VRM heatsink features, ASRock branding over them, and controllable RGB. Furthermore, the chipset heatsink has a similar design, which is combined with the M.2 heatsink.

Let us talk about power delivery for a second. ASRock is using a 14 phase design for the VRM, and each of the stages is rated at 60A of power. It is using high-end SIC654 drivers for this.

In total, you get access to 840A of better power efficiency. That is more than adequate for the Ryzen 7 3800X, even with some overclocking thrown into the mix. Handling this ryzen processor should be no problem for the Steel Legend.

On top of all of that, you get access to two M.2 slots, one of which is PCIe Gen 4. One of the full-length GPU slots can also take advantage of 16 Gen 4 lanes from the CPU. You get six SATA iii ports, maximum memory overclocking, and Gigabit Ethernet as well.

The Steel Legend is quite appealing. This is thanks to the excellent overall value and the fact that it nails the basics. That is the core reason as to why it is the value B550 pick on this list.

RATING:

VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Value for money: 9/10

Overall Rating: 8.75/10

4. ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming – Best WiFi 6 Motherboard For Ryzen 7 3800x

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Dual-band Wi-Fi, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

No list of flagship motherboard series for any processor is complete without a Strix board. This is due to many reasons. First off, the product line is extremely popular. Secondly, all Strix products have an iconic design scheme that resonates with many people.

With that said, those are not the only two things the Strix B550-F has going for it, as it is perhaps one of the best all-rounder motherboards for Ryzen 7 3800X.

The design language alone speaks volumes. It features a familiar design seen in the Strix products, with stealthy looks and excellent RGB lighting implementation.

The heatsinks, PCB, and most of the exterior share a uniform color: black. This provides a sleek look to the board and means the RGB lighting bounces it off gorgeously.

ROG branding and logos are visible, both of which are beautifully lit up by RGB. All of this is controllable thanks to Aura Sync, an excellent interface for RGB lighting.

Apart from that, this board features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 2.5GbE LAN, and addressable RGB headers. You also get support for 128GB RAM in dual-channel at 4400MHz. Not bad at all. It even features a BIOS Flashback button. The SupremeFX audio chip inside here works wonders as well.

On-board audio is excellent considering the price/ gaming performance ratio. Performance aficionados might not care about these features on their own, but they appeal to the larger mainstream audience for sure.

The board also features a 14-phase (12+2) power design, which is quite good for a B550 board. It leaves you with a lot of overclocking headroom for the Ryzen 7 3800X, which is quite surprising for the Strix B550 board.

Well, the only real issue remaining here then is the price, as it creeps up on X570 territory. Despite that, this motherboard is a best seller, largely in part due to the abundance of features.

RATING:

VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 7.5/10

Overall Rating: 8.6/10

5. ASRock B550 Extreme 4 – Best All-Around B550 Pick

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN

If you want to save some cash, but still get a good-looking motherboard with all of the right features, take a look at the ASRock Extreme 4. This might just be one of our favorite motherboards to recommend to people who are looking for premium design and value in one package.

ASRock has gone for a unique design here. The PCB is a combination of black, blue, and even silver in some cases. The rear-panel cover is mostly grey with a more metallic silver color thrown to accent the look.

The chipset heatsink also has a similar design. Both of these have RGB zones on top of them and look great when in action. There is even an RGB zone on the edge of the motherboard. This provides a soft glow inside of your PC.

The focus on RGB continues with the inclusion of two addressable RGB headers. One on the top and one near the bottom. This makes cable management easier and features like these happen to attract the common gamers.

Other than that, the VRM design is also quite solid, and it represents a decent overall value. It even features dual M.2 slots with heatsinks for each slot. It is even using upgraded audio in the form of the Realtek ALC1220 codec.

Overall, this motherboard represents excellent value for a B550 pick. It gets all of the basics correct, while also providing excellent RGB functionality.

It’s a good pairing if you want to save some money in the long run. While other B550 motherboards might be better in some areas, we feel this is the best all-around B550 motherboard for most people.

RATING:

VRM Design: 8/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

6. ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming – Best Mini-ITX X570 Motherboard

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth

As we are slowly but surely nearing the end of this list, it is time to switch things up a bit. If you are a fan of Mini-ITX builds, then you will adore the Strix X570-I. This is easily the best ITX motherboard available for the Ryzen 7 3800X. Of course, it comes with its obvious challenges due to the form factor. For the right person though, that’s not too much of an issue

Fortunately, this Strix motherboard happens to look just as good as its bigger ATX versions. We can thank the familiar all-black design, abundance of RGB, and high-end finish for that. When paired with the various RGB zones and edge-lit lighting, it gives off a premium look we rarely see in SFF PCs.

Other than that, the motherboard manages to incorporate eight SATA ports and two M.2 ports. The M.2 slots can run at PCIe Gen 4 speeds, which is not bad at all for an ITX board. You also get access to excellent memory overclocking, ASUS Aura Sync, Armory Crate software, and great audio. The 8+2 design for the VRMs is also excellent and allows you to overclock. That is if your cooling configuration is adequate for an ITX build.

You even get access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet. All of that truly makes this the best ITX X570 motherboard. The only real downside is that you don’t get access to any onboard buttons, which are helpful when testing a system. The price is also quite high, but that’s what you get with a premium X570 board.

RATING:

VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Value for money: 7/10

Overall Rating: 8.25/10

7. ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX – Fan Favorite

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ITX | Voltage Regulator: 8 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

Like the X570-I Strix motherboard above it, the B550 Phantom Gaming ITX is another win for small form factor PC builders. While it does cut down on a few features, ITX builders are used to that dilemma at this point. Fortunately, it still manages to nail the basics and is an excellent choice for a B550 board.

This motherboard manages to incorporate 4-pin fan headers on the motherboard. It also includes RGB LEDs at the bottom. It even has RGB headers at the top if you want to add some extra flair. As with most ITX motherboards, this one only includes two DIMM slots. The real limitation, however, is the amount of SATA ports. Four, to be precise.

Fortunately, you get access to two M.2 slots, one of which PCIe Gen 4. The design is also visually pleasing for an ITX board. You even get access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet. Not bad at all. The motherboard even manages to include high-end audio and a decent 8 phase VRM design. While overclocking is a bit limited, it does get the job done well with the 3800X.

All in all, this motherboard is a decent alternative to the Strix ITX board above. It does cut down on some features, but if that does not bother you, then it might be the better choice. That’s why it happens to be the best ITX motherboard with a B550 chipset.

RATING:

VRM Design: 8/10
Aesthetics: 8/10
Connectivity: 7/10
Value for money: 9/10

Overall Rating: 8/10

8. Gigabyte B550 Vision D – Best Design

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+1 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth

In all honesty, we’ll take any excuse we can get to write about this motherboard. Without a doubt, this is the most unique-looking board Gigabyte has ever made. For that alone, it deserves some recognition on here. It also helps that it uses a high-end selection of ports, meaning it is aiming at content creators and streamers as its target demographics.

You can’t blame them, as it is an interesting spot to be in. Content creators and streamers like to show off their builds, and what better way to do that with this board’s clean-cut aesthetic. The white rear-panel cover, chipset heatsink, and even the VRM heatsinks look spectacular. The slight curvature here and there adds to the sleek look. It contrasts perfectly with the all-black PCB as well. A masterclass in terms of design.

Connectivity is also excellent. You get dual thunderbolt ports, something we seldom see on the AMD platform. These have support for DisplayPort output thanks to the presence of Intel’s Ridge controller. It even includes a Displayport 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 output to take advantage of Ryzen APUs. Surely clever thinking from Gigabyte. The fact that it has Wi-Fi, dual-ethernet support, and Bluetooth is just the cherry on top.

Of course, the catch is that this is quite an expensive motherboard. This was bound to be the case because of the extensive connectivity options, unique design, and Thunderbolt 3. If you can benefit from those features, then you won’t regret going with this motherboard. It is hands down the best-designed B550 motherboard, that’s for sure.

RATING:

VRM Design: 7/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 7/10

Overall Rating: 7.75/10

9. ASUS ProArt X570-Creator Wi-Fi – Best Motherboard For Professionals

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4800MHz | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth

Let us change things up a bit with the ASUS ProArt X570 motherboard. ASUS’s ProArt lineup consists of products that appeal to the professional crowd. If you are someone who is trying to build a workstation PC rather than a gaming one, the ProArt X570 is an interesting choice that’s for sure.

First off, keep in mind that it is impossible to list everything this motherboard has to offer in a brief description. Let’s go over the highlights. You get three M.2 slots that can run at PCIe Gen 4. Three X16 slots, one of which can run at full speed with Gen 4. On top of that, you get USB-C at 10Gbps, Gen 2 ports, Gen 2×2 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and tonnes of fan headers. You also get a lot of aRGB headers and Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth.

It does not end there. You get access to dual ethernet ports. One of these is 2.5 Gigabit and the other is 10 Gigabit. These are helpful if you want to connect your PC to your storage server as well as your main network. You also get support for high-frequency memory and an excellent 14+2 phase power delivery system. The abundance of features and ports alone make this an excellent choice for professionals.

There’s a lot more to this board, but it won’t be possible to cover all of that. It’s a great option for creators and professionals but might not appeal to the gaming crowd. This is because it is quite overpriced for an X570 board, and the design will turn away a lot of the mainstream audience.

RATING:

VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 6.5/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 6/10

Overall Rating: 7.6/10

10. MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS – Entry-level X570 Pick

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD X570 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network:Realtek GbE LAN

Finally, we have a decent entry-level X570 motherboard to finish off this list. While this motherboard is a bit modest in terms of features, it is also low in terms of price. It does manage to nail the basics of what you would want from an X570 board, so that’s good enough at this price.

The aesthetic follows MSI’s consistent red and black theme that we have seen before. This design starts from the heatsinks and carries over to the PCB as well. The design does look a bit dated, as most companies have moved past the aggressive color scheme. Power delivery is based on an 8+2 design along with a Rectifier PWM controller.

This motherboard supports 128 gigs of RAM at speeds of 4400MHz. You also get three additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, two Gen 4 M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Type-C, and finally USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports. The connectivity options are solid. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth would have been welcome additions, but we suppose that was to be expected at this price.

To sum it up, this motherboard might not be abundant in terms of features. However, what it lacks in that department, it makes up for with its compelling price point. That’s why it’s perhaps the best X570 option in terms of affordability.

RATING:

VRM Design: 7/10
Aesthetics: 7.5/10
Connectivity: 7/10
Value for money: 8/10

Overall Rating: 7.3/10

Buyer’s Guide for Choosing The Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 3800x

Choosing The Right Chipset

The chipset is where things get complicated. Different generations of processors will support different chipsets. This does not mean that all chipsets will work properly with each processor. Let’s have a look at some examples related to the 3800X.

The 3800X is best paired with an X570 or B550 motherboard. This is because you get the perfect combination of the 3800X’s power and the blazing fast speed of PCIe Gen 4 lanes. PCIe Gen 4 gives you access to faster storage, and better performance with some graphics cards, more on that later.

The 3800X will also work with X470 and B450 chipsets. However, if you are building a brand-new PC build in 2021, then it is better to go with the newer options. That way, you won’t have that itch to upgrade your new PC anytime soon.

VRM Design and Power Delivery

Since we’re talking about a processor like the 3800X, it is important to touch upon this topic for a bit. VRMs or Voltage Regulating Modules are the components that provide the motherboard with clean and stable power. This is important when you are performing CPU-intensive workloads such as rendering, video editing, motion graphics, etc. It also comes in handy if you are overclocking.

Finding The Right VRMs

So, let us say that you want to figure out the right VRM design. Well, that is a task that is easier said than done. Oftentimes, you will see motherboard manufacturers saying this motherboard has a “12+2” phase power design. This refers to the number of power stages or phases available to the VRMs.

Each power phase also has an ampere rating, which means how much current it can supply. In both cases, a higher count doesn’t necessarily mean that it performs better. The quality of the VRMs, MOSFETs, and other electrical components also matter more than most people think.

Usually, the consumers are not able to figure this out. That is why it is a better idea to leave this task to professional reviewers and hardware testers. You can easily find these overview videos online.

RAM & Storage

Memory support is not as big of an issue, this is because most motherboards have support for up to 64 gigs or 128 gigs of RAM. This is especially true with newer motherboards for Ryzen, specifically for which we are talking about today.

Memory frequency is another topic altogether. Most motherboards support RAM at higher speeds. However, not every motherboard will allow you to overclock RAM modules to their full extent. Faster memory will generally help in both gaming and productivity workloads.

A for storage, you need to focus on both M.2 and SATA slots. SATA III is the current generation of SATA and tops out at 6Gbps. As for M.2, it is more of just a connector that can use different interfaces.

PCIe Gen 4 M.2 drives are blazing fast, but they cost quite a bit of money. You’ll also need to know that not all motherboards will have support for multiple PCIe Gen 4 M.2 drives. Some will not have support altogether.

What About Size and Form Factor?

Most desktop motherboards come in three different sizes or form factors. Let’s have a brief look at them.

ATX: ATX is the standard size for most desktop motherboards. These motherboards usually measure around 12 x 9.6 inches and have seven PCIe expansion slots. Most ATX motherboards end up having 4 RAM slots, while some specific models can end up having 8 as an option. In general, ATX motherboards tend to cost more because of the extra cost of production. They also tend to be more futureproof because of extra ports.

Micro-ATX: Micro-ATX or mATX cases are sort of like the smaller counterpart to their full-size ATX offerings. They provide very similar functionality to ATX motherboards with a smaller footprint and lower cost. They get rid of some features like extra PCIe slots, fancy headers, etc. Most people can get away by buying mATX boards and saving some money.

Mini-ITX: ITX or Mini-ITX motherboards go a step further and only have 2 DIMM slots, just one full-length slot for the GPU, and even fewer headers or M.2 slots. However, this is not always to cut down on the price. Mini-ITX is more niche out of all three and is reserved for compact small form factor PCs. The production numbers are low, so they can up end up costing more than a decent ATX motherboard as well.

FAQs

Is Ryzen 7 3800X Compatible with B550?

The Ryzen 7 3800X is fully compatible with the B550 chipset. While B550 was launched for the Zen 3 platform, it is fully backward compatible. This is because AMD is using the same socket, we saw with the launch of the original first-generation Ryzen hardware.

Is Ryzen 7 3800X Good for Gaming?

As it stands, the Ryzen 7 3800X is great for gaming. It is a better processor now than it was at launch. This is because of the value it still holds, thanks to its 8 cores and 16 threads. It can also boost quite well, and the higher-core count will prove to be future-proof as well.

Is the Ryzen 7 3800X good for streaming?

Thanks to its high core count, the Ryzen 7 3800X is an excellent processor for streaming. Especially if you are building a streaming PC on a budget. The 3800X retains its value thanks to the high core count and excellent performance in both streaming and gaming.