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Looking for the best X870 motherboard?
The new AMD X870 chipset brings faster connectivity, better power delivery, and more future-proof features to the AM5 platform. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig, a compact Mini-ITX system, or a creator workstation, the right motherboard can make all the difference in stability, performance, and overall user experience.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the 5 best X870 motherboards available right now. Each one was chosen based on VRM design, connectivity, value, and ease of use—so no matter your budget or build style, there’s an option here that fits.
Our Top Picks
- MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi – Best x870 Motherboard For Creators
- ASUS ROG STRIX X870-I GAMING WIFI – Best Mini ITX x870 Motherboard
- GIGABYTE X870 Eagle WIFI7 – Best Budget x870 Motherboard
- MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi – Best Premium x870 Motherboard
- ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi – Our Top Choice
Things To Consider When Buying an X870 Motherboard
AM5’s X870 generation brings faster I/O, stronger power delivery, and creator-friendly connectivity. The right pick depends on your CPU (Ryzen 9000/7000), case size, and whether you value gaming, content creation, or a small, clean build. Use the notes below to zero-in fast.
1) Chipset choice (X870 vs X870E vs B850 vs older X670/X670E)
X870 boards are already “high-end”, but there are real differences in lanes and I/O. Here’s a quick, safe way to choose:
| Chipset | Best For | Typical Upsides | Typical Trade-offs | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X870E | Flagship gaming/creation, multi-Gen5 storage | More PCIe Gen5 exposed (GPU + more M.2), stacked I/O (USB4, Wi-Fi 7 common), beefy VRMs | Highest prices, E-ATX/ATX focus | Pick if you want dual Gen5 (GPU + multiple Gen5 M.2) and top OC headroom |
| X870 | Most builds (gaming/creation) | Gen5 for GPU and at least one Gen5 M.2, Wi-Fi 7 and fast USB options, strong VRMs | Fewer total lanes than “E”, lane sharing more likely | Sweet spot for 9000-series with modern I/O and value |
| B850 | Value AM5 with long life | Great gaming value, DDR5 EXPO, some boards add Gen5 for 1× M.2 | Fewer high-speed ports, fewer Gen5 lanes, lighter VRMs | Choose if you don’t need USB4 or multiple Gen5 drives |
| X670/X670E | Deal hunters | Mature BIOS, strong VRMs on many models, often cheaper now | Not as many “next-gen” conveniences (USB4/Wi-Fi 7 not universal) | Still excellent if priced right and features match your needs |
Bottom line: If you want today’s “everything” (USB4, Wi-Fi 7, multiple Gen5), go X870E. If you want 95% of that at a better price, go X870. Tight budget and single Gen5 drive? B850 makes sense.
2) VRM design & heatsinks (stability under load)
Ryzen 9000 chips boost aggressively and benefit from solid power delivery.
- Look for ≥14 vCore phases and 60–110A stages; larger finned heatsinks matter more than just phase count.
- If you plan multi-hour renders or heavy all-core use, prioritize larger VRM heatsinks and boards that stayed cool in testing.
- Mini-ITX can be thermally excellent if the vendor used high-current stages and dense heatsinks, but it’s not the top pick for heavy OC.
3) Memory support (DDR5 EXPO)
- Published top OCs (e.g., DDR5-8400+) are lab ceilings; the real-world sweet spot for Ryzen is often DDR5-6000 to 6400 EXPO for easy stability.
- Mini-ITX = 2 DIMMs / up to 96 GB on many boards; ATX = 4 DIMMs / up to 192–256 GB depending on model.
- Single-latch DIMM slots and clear slot labeling help with quick installs.
4) PCIe & storage layout (watch lane sharing)
- Expect PCIe 5.0 x16 for the GPU and at least one Gen5 M.2 on X870; X870E often adds more Gen5 M.2.
- Read the lane-sharing notes: populating certain M.2 sockets may downshift other slots. If you need multiple NVMe drives at full speed, check the manual’s lane map.
- Heatsink placement matters: a Gen5 M.2 right under the GPU can soak up GPU exhaust—prefer taller or isolated M.2 heatsinks if you’ll stress a Gen5 SSD.
5) Connectivity (USB4, Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet)
- USB4 / 40 Gbps Type-C is ideal for creators with fast external NVMe or docks; not essential for pure gaming.
- Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 is common on modern X870; still, 2.5G or 5G LAN is best for consistent large file transfers.
- Front I/O: check for front USB-C 20 Gbps/40 Gbps headers if your case supports them.
6) DIY & reliability features (save time and headaches)
- Look for tool-less M.2 latches, GPU EZ/Q-Release, pre-mounted I/O shields, debug LEDs/Q-Code, BIOS Flashback/Q-Flash, and Smart/Start buttons.
- These matter more than you think—especially for first builds, ITX layouts, and quick troubleshooting.
7) Form factor & layout
- Mini-ITX: perfect for compact builds; expect fewer headers/slots; vendors sometimes bundle add-on pods to restore lost ports.
- ATX: best balance of expansion, airflow, and ease of build.
- Aesthetics: White PCBs and clean shrouds exist in X870; RGB ranges from subtle to bold—pick what fits your theme.
8) Quick picker (use-case → must-haves)
| Use-Case | Must-Have Features |
|---|---|
| Creators (video/photo/3D) | USB4/40 Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 or 2.5–5G LAN, ≥2–3 M.2 with ≥1 Gen5, strong VRM, front USB-C |
| High-end gaming | PCIe 5.0 x16, good VRM cooling, Gen5 M.2 for OS/game drive, debug/Flashback, solid audio |
| SFF/ITX | 2-slot GPU clearance, cool VRM design, add-on I/O modules, front USB-C |
| Budget AM5 | X870 without “E” (or B850) with 1× Gen5 M.2, Wi-Fi 7 optional, good VRM for boost behavior |
5 Best x870 Motherboards Reviews
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi – Best x870 Motherboard For Creators
If your build is aimed at content creation, heavy multitasking, or professional workloads, the MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi has you covered. It’s packed with creator-focused connectivity, including USB4 Type-C, optional dual USB-C Gen 2, triple USB-A Gen 1 and Gen 2, WiFi 7, and Realtek 5 Gb LAN, all in one rear I/O cluster. That’s enough bandwidth to connect external storage bays, Thunderbolt docks, livestream mixers, and more, without needing to invest in a separate USB hub.
The Tomahawk comes with a 14+2+1 Duet Rail power system featuring 80A SPS and large Frozr heatsinks, allowing you to overclock your Ryzen 9000 series processors without worry. It also supports dual-channel DDR5 up to 8400 MT/s (OC), PCIe 5.0 x16 for GPUs, and two PCIe Gen 5 M.2 SSD slots. All in all, the MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi stands out as my main pick for creators because it covers all the essentials without a premium pricing. Whether it’s editing, multitasking, or handling large files, the Tomahawk gets the fundamentals right. However, for users with more specific workload demands, there are a few strong alternatives worth considering.
For creators handling real-time 3D rendering, animation, or other high-intensity CPU workloads, the MPG X870E Carbon WiFi might be a better fit than the Tomahawk. It features a more robust 18-phase VRM design with 110A power stages, offering significantly better thermal headroom during sustained all-core rendering sessions. On the other hand, for video editors working with massive raw footage, the Gigabyte X870E AORUS Master comes with three PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slots with fewer lane-sharing compromises, and an onboard 5 GbE LAN port, which can be a real time-saver for transferring large files to network drives or NAS setups.
To sum up, what I like on the MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi…
- Excellent overclocking opportunities
- Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr implementation
- Impressive connectivity options
On the downside
- Not enough room for SATA storage
ASUS ROG STRIX X870-I GAMING WIFI – Best Mini ITX x870 Motherboard
This is one of the few Mini-ITX X870 boards currently available. Due to its Mini-ITX form factor and the lack of competition, you are paying a premium, but that doesn’t mean it’s not mighty. In fact, during testing the board performed well, with its 10-phase 110A power stages peaking at just 52 degrees Celsius and also passing the DDR5-8000 EXPO test. The VRM power phase configuration at 10+2+1 is slightly weaker than most ATX X870 boards, but this board isn’t specifically geared toward overclocking.
USB support is somewhat limited considering the price. The rear I/O panel features 10 ports, but three of them are USB 2.0, while the remaining seven are USB 3.2 Gen 2 or better, offering decent high-speed connectivity. Because of its small form factor, RAM capacity is capped at 96GB, but it can be overclocked to 8400MT/s, which is great to see. For networking, you have the option to use either the 2.5 Gigabit LAN port or WiFi 7 for a wireless setup.
That being said, this board’s standout feature is also its most apparent weakness, as its size limits its capabilities compared to traditional ATX motherboards with more headers, ports, and expansion slots. If you’re aiming for a compact mini ITX build, you will have to make some sacrifices, including fewer RAM DIMMs, PCIe slots, and internal connections. However, ASUS has done a good job of addressing these limitations by including the ROG Strix Hive II and FPS card add-ons.
To sum up, what I like is…
- High-speed networking support
- Includes add-ons to expand functionality
On the downside
- Fewer slots and internal ports than traditional ATX boards
- Limited overclocking capability
- Expensive
GIGABYTE X870 Eagle WIFI7 – Best Budget x870 Motherboard
This is an excellent choice for anyone working with a tighter budget but not willing to compromise on the core X870 features that actually matter. You’re still getting a solid 14-phase power delivery setup with 60A power stages for the vCore, full support for PCIe Gen 5 storage, DDR5 overclocking, 2.5 Gbit LAN, and WiFi 7, which is a rare sight at this price point.
If you are a first time builder you will love it thanks to Gigabyte’s emphasis on DIY-friendliness. Features like their EZ‑Latch design for PCIe and M.2 slots, a pre-mounted I/O shield, and a Q‑Flash Auto Scan BIOS make installation hassle-free. There’s also plenty of storage options with three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4, and several SATA ports as well. Still, it isn’t flawless, the primary PCIe 5.0 M.2 heatsink sits so close to the GPU that it can pick up exhaust heat.
For those who want high-speed storage, futureproof I/O, Wi‑Fi 7, and flexible connectivity in a budget-conscious, DIY-friendly package, the Eagle WiFi7 is a solid pick. However, if your priority leans more toward a workstation-style setup with proven stability, the MSI PRO X870-P WIFI is worth considering. Its reliable tuning features, consistent memory support, and stable BIOS make it ideal for long-term productivity builds where next-gen wireless or full Gen 5 lane saturation isn’t a priority. It generally lands in the same price bracket as the Eagle, so the choice here comes down to whether you prioritize next-gen features or long-term stability.
To sum up, what I like is…
- Reliable 14-phase power delivery
- Strong wireless support via WiFi 7
- Full Gen 5 GPU and SSD compatibility
On the downside
- Aesthetics are pretty plain
- Thermal layout around the primary M.2
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi – Best Premium x870 Motherboard
It brings premium-grade everything. From a high-end 18+2+1 VRM design and impressive memory support up to DDR5-8400 (OC) to robust heatsinks, dual PCIe Gen 5 x16 slots, USB 4, and WiFi, this motherboard has everything ready even for the most power-hungry 9000 series CPUs.
One thing that sets this motherboard apart from others are the handy DIY features it comes with, like the Smart Button for multiple hardware controls, AI Boost technology that allows one-click overclocking, a screwless M.2 Shield Frozr system, and MSI’s BIOS and software suite, which continues to be among the most beginner-friendly while still giving enthusiasts full control. You also get enough connectivity options with 13 rear and 9 front USB ports, most of them being USB 3, along with 2 USB 4 ports.
When it comes to the competition there are options like the Gigabyte X870E AORUS Master and ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi. In terms of core specs such as power delivery, PCIe 5.0 support, and networking, they’re quite similar. Where the Carbon pulls ahead is USB connectivity, with even its slowest rear I/O port running at 10 Gbps. This is ideal for users relying on fast external storage. On the other hand, the AORUS Master leans more toward thermal performance and is worth a look if you want something with a more workstation-grade focus. As for the ROG Strix, it’s the better pick if you’re into gamer aesthetics, aggressive design elements, and ROG-exclusive features.
To sum up, what I like on the Carbon WiFi board is…
- Smart button functionality
- Handy DIY-friendly features
- Lots of connectivity options
On the downside
- RGB design may be too flashy for some
ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi – Our Top Choice
This motherboard stands out as the most balanced choice for the majority of PC builders. It’s not trying to be a hardcore overclocking board or a stripped-down budget model. Instead, it is well-rounded in all areas, whether that means having robust VRM cooling that can handle high-end chips like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or being well equipped connectivity-wise, offering a single Gen 5 x16 graphics card slot, two Gen 5 M.2 SSD slots, and three Gen 4 SSD slots.
And it’s not just the Top Choice, but also the best white X870 motherboard, thanks to its striking white PCB that brings a fresh and modern aesthetic to almost any system build. The matching metallic heatsinks enhance its clean, crisp look, while the subtle RGB lighting on the I/O shroud gives you the flexibility to keep things sleek and understated or go for a more bold, luminous setup. On the I/O panel, you’ll find 12 USB ports, with the slowest being USB 3.2 Gen 1. While that’s generally a good thing, it also means that if your peripherals still rely on USB 2.0, you might end up spending a bit more to upgrade those as well. Audio is slightly more limited, but seeing optical S/PDIF alongside the basic in and out 3.5mm jacks is a nice touch.
If you’re looking at alternatives in the same category, the GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite AX is worth considering. It competes closely on specs with the Strix X870, also offering a robust 16 phase power delivery system, PCIe 5.0 support, and WiFi 7. Gigabyte’s DIY-friendly touches, such as EZ-Latch slots, a debug zone, and a tuner-friendly BIOS, earn it extra points from first-time builders and manual overclockers. For most gamers and creators though the ROG Strix X870‑A will be the go-to for its future-proof connectivity, AI-powered tuning, and premium aesthetics. However, for those who value hands-on tweaking, appreciate build convenience, and want great performance without giving up customization, the Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite AX is a compelling alternative.
To sum up, what I like is…
- Great VRM performance
- Rear IO selection
- Gorgeous white design
On the downside
- Expensive
- No dual Gen 5 x16 slots
FAQs
1) Is X870 really better than X670 for a new AM5 build?
X870 isn’t just a re-badge—it standardizes Gen5 for GPU + at least one M.2, and modern boards often add Wi-Fi 7 and faster USB options. If pricing is close, X870 is the easier long-term pick; X670 can still win on value if you don’t need next-gen I/O.
2) What’s the practical difference between X870 and X870E?
Think of X870E as “more lanes exposed”: commonly more Gen5 available at once (GPU + multiple Gen5 M.2) and fewer lane compromises. If you’ll run several ultra-fast NVMe drives, X870E makes it simpler. If you just need 1× Gen5 M.2 + Gen5 GPU, X870 is plenty.
3) Do I need USB4 on my motherboard?
If you use fast external SSDs, Thunderbolt/USB4 docks, or high-bandwidth cameras, yes—USB4 saves time. For gaming-only rigs, it’s nice-to-have, not a must.
4) Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it over Wi-Fi 6E?
If you have (or plan to buy) a Wi-Fi 7 router and move large files wirelessly, yes. Otherwise, 2.5G/5G Ethernet still provides the most consistent throughput for creators and streamers.
5) How many Gen5 M.2 slots do I really need?
For most builds, one Gen5 M.2 (OS and key apps) is enough. Add more Gen5 only if you edit RAW/8K footage, use very large project scratch disks, or run multiple ultra-fast datasets simultaneously.
6) Will a B850 board bottleneck a Ryzen 9000 CPU?
For gaming and typical creation work, no. B850 boards run Ryzen 9000 well with DDR5 EXPO and at least one Gen5 M.2 on many models. You mainly give up extra Gen5 lanes, USB4 density, and some premium power/thermals.
7) What DDR5 speed should I target on X870?
Although boards advertise DDR5-8000+, the reliable sweet spot on Ryzen is usually DDR5-6000 to 6400 EXPO. It delivers excellent latency and stability without hours of tuning.
8) Do tool-less M.2 and GPU quick-release features matter?
Absolutely. They cut install time, reduce small-screw mishaps, and make swaps painless—especially in tight cases or when you’re troubleshooting.
9) My case is compact. Will an X870 Mini-ITX board limit me too much?
You trade expansion (fewer slots/headers) for size, but many ITX X870 boards compensate with strong VRMs, fast DDR5 support, and add-on modules for extra ports. If you only need one GPU + a few NVMe drives, ITX works great.
10) Why do some Gen5 M.2 drives run hot on certain boards?
Placement. A Gen5 M.2 under the GPU can absorb GPU exhaust. Prioritize boards with taller or isolated M.2 heatsinks, and keep a front-to-back airflow path so both GPU and SSD heatsinks can breathe.
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