AM4 Motherboards – The Best Choices
AM4 motherboards remain a popular choice for PC builders in 2025, and will continue to be popular in 2025. These boards support a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors including the still popular Zen 3 series, offering excellent performance and value. The best AM4 motherboards balance features, price, and compatibility to suit different needs and budgets.
Top choices include the ASUS ROG STRIX X570-F for high-end builds and the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master for premium setups. For those seeking more affordable options, B550 motherboards offer PCIe 4.0 support at lower prices. The X570 chipset provides the most features and fastest connectivity for power users and enthusiasts.
When selecting an AM4 motherboard, buyers should consider factors like CPU support, power delivery, expansion slots, and connectivity options. The right board depends on the intended use, whether it’s gaming, content creation, or general computing. Some models offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while others focus on overclocking capabilities.
Best AM4 Motherboards For 2025
The AM4 platform has been replaced by the AM5 socket and that will only continue to happen more and more in 2025, but it still continues to offer a wealth of options for PC builders. This is especially true for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly angle or who already have a good-quality CPU in hand. This guide highlights the best AM4 motherboards across various categories, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply seeking a reliable and future-proof platform, the AM4 ecosystem has something to offer.
Top AM4 Motherboard Picks for 2025
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI B550 GAMING GEN3 | AM4 | ATX | $99.99 |
| 2 | Asus PRIME B550M-A WIFI II | AM4 | Micro ATX | $99.99 |
| 3 | MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI | AM4 | ATX | $155.99 |
| 4 | MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI | AM4 | Micro ATX | $99.99 |
| 5 | Gigabyte B550M K | AM4 | Micro ATX | $94.99 |
| 6 | ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 | AM4 | Micro ATX | $59.99 |
| 7 | Asus Prime B450M-A II | AM4 | Micro ATX | $74.99 |
| 8 | MSI B450M-A PRO MAX II | AM4 | Micro ATX | $69.99 |
| 9 | Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II | AM4 | ATX | $159.99 |
| 10 | Gigabyte A520M K V2 | AM4 | Micro ATX | $69.99 |
Best AM4 Motherboards for Various Needs
Best Overall AM4 Motherboards
These motherboards are top choices for AM4 builds regardless of what type of PC you are building. You can comfortably choose from these boards to build a gaming PC, powerful workstation, or desktop for school:
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI: This ATX board offers a fantastic balance of features, performance, and price. It boasts robust power delivery, 2.5G LAN, premium audio, and enthusiast-grade features, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II: For those seeking top-tier performance and features, this high-end ATX board excels in overclocking, audio quality, and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6.
- MSI B550 GAMING GEN3: A more budget-friendly option that still packs a punch with PCIe 4.0 support, Wi-Fi 6, and ample M.2 slots for fast storage.
Best Micro ATX AM4 Motherboards
These are the best choices for smaller form factor (mATX) builds based on the AM4 platform:
- Asus PRIME B550M-A WIFI II: This compact motherboard delivers reliable performance and essential features like Wi-Fi 6 and M.2 support, making it a great choice for smaller builds.
- MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI: Another budget-friendly Micro ATX option, this board offers solid performance and Wi-Fi connectivity, ideal for mainstream users.
- ASRock B450M/ac R2.0: If you’re on a tight budget but still want Wi-Fi and support for Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, this updated B450 board is a compelling choice.
Best Value AM4 Motherboards
These are the best choices for budget builds crafted around an AM4 chip and board. You might have some limitations with these budget boards but overall they will deliver outstanding bang for your buck:
- ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0: This board offers incredible value, supporting Ryzen 5000 series CPUs at an unbeatable price point. While its features are limited, it’s a fantastic option for budget-conscious builders.
- MSI B450M-A PRO MAX II: Another excellent value option, this updated B450 board provides support for Ryzen 5000 series, M.2 storage, and decent performance at an affordable price.
- Gigabyte A520M K V2: This barebones option is ideal for budget builds where cost is the primary concern. While it lacks advanced features, it offers essential functionality for everyday computing.
Best High-End AM4 Motherboards
These boards are the cream of the crop right now for AM4 builds. Use these in particular when building a high end performance system where you need all the bells and whistles:
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II: This top-of-the-line ATX board offers exceptional overclocking potential, premium audio, and a wealth of connectivity options, making it a dream for enthusiasts and power users.
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI: With its robust power delivery, 2.5G LAN, and enthusiast-grade features, this board is perfect for demanding workloads and high-performance gaming.
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-A GAMING: This visually striking ATX board combines high-end features, excellent overclocking capabilities, and premium audio, catering to both performance and aesthetics.
Best AM4 Motherboard for Gaming
These boards are recommended for AM4 gaming PC builds where graphics card performance and rendering are the most important factors:
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI: Its powerful VRM, 2.5G LAN, and PCIe 4.0 support make it ideal for handling high-end graphics cards and delivering smooth gameplay.
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II: With its focus on performance, overclocking capabilities, and premium audio, this board provides an immersive gaming experience.
- MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS: This board strikes a balance between price and performance, offering solid gaming features and good overclocking potential.
Best AM4 Motherboards Under $100
These are some great choices when building on a budget. These boards will all run you less than $100 and can be paired with nearly everything on the AM4 lineup, but in general make the most sense with lower-end chips:
- ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0: This board reigns supreme in the budget category, offering compatibility with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs at an incredibly low price.
- MSI B450M-A PRO MAX II: Another fantastic option under $100, this updated B450 board delivers solid performance and M.2 support without breaking the bank.
- Gigabyte A520M K V2: For the most budget-conscious builders, this barebones option provides essential functionality at a minimal cost.
Best AM4 Motherboards for Overclocking
These boards make great choices for overclockers who want to push their AMD chips past factory specs:
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II: Its robust VRM, comprehensive cooling solutions, and AI-powered overclocking tools make it a top choice for pushing your CPU to its limits.
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI: Another great option for overclocking, this board features a powerful VRM and ample cooling capabilities to handle even the most demanding overclocks.
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-A GAMING: This visually striking board also boasts excellent overclocking potential, catering to enthusiasts who value both performance and aesthetics.
Best AM4 Motherboards with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
These boards are pre-configured with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which not only are a great convenience, but can also save you quite a bit of money when it comes to building your PC:
- MSI B550 GAMING GEN3: This board combines Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity with PCIe 4.0 support and solid performance.
- Asus PRIME B550M-A WIFI II: A compact Micro ATX option with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, ideal for smaller builds without sacrificing connectivity.
- MSI PRO B550M-VC WIFI: This board offers a balance of features and affordability, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, for mainstream users.
Key Takeaways
- AM4 motherboards support a range of AMD Ryzen processors
- Options exist for different budgets and performance needs
- Key factors include features, CPU support, and connectivity
Understanding AM4 Motherboards
AM4 motherboards are the backbone of AMD Ryzen-based systems. They offer a range of features and compatibility options for different CPUs and form factors.
AM4 Platform and CPU Compatibility
The AM4 platform supports a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors. It works with Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9 models from the 3000 and 5000 series. Some AM4 boards can even run the latest Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
This flexibility lets users upgrade their CPUs without changing motherboards. But it’s key to check the specific board and CPU compatibility. Not all AM4 boards support every Ryzen chip.
Newer AM4 boards often have better features and wider CPU support. Older models might need a BIOS update to work with the latest Ryzen CPUs.
Form Factors and Their Significance
AM4 motherboards come in different sizes. The main ones are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
ATX is the standard size. It offers the most features and expansion slots. This makes it great for gaming PCs and workstations.
Micro-ATX is smaller. It’s good for mid-sized builds. It balances features and size well.
Mini-ITX is the smallest. It’s perfect for compact PCs. But it has fewer slots and features.
The choice depends on your case size and needs. Bigger boards usually have more ports and slots. Smaller ones fit in tight spaces but may limit upgrades.
Key Features of Top AM4 Motherboards
Top AM4 boards pack in lots of features. Here are some to look for:
- VRM Quality: Better VRMs help with CPU power and overclocking.
- PCIe Slots: More slots mean more expansion options.
- M.2 Slots: These are for fast NVMe SSDs.
- USB Ports: Look for plenty of USB 3.2 and USB-C ports.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Built-in wireless is handy.
- RGB Headers: For customizing your PC’s lighting.
High-end boards often have better audio chips and network cards. They might also have extra features like BIOS flashback or debug LEDs.
Budget boards cut some features but still offer solid performance. They’re great for basic builds or office PCs.
More Details On The Best AM4 Boards
Best Overall AM4 Motherboard
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
This ATX board shines as a top contender, striking a balance between features, performance, and affordability. With robust power delivery, 2.5G LAN, and enthusiast-grade features like premium audio, it caters to a broad spectrum of users. Whether you’re gaming, creating content, or tackling demanding workloads, the TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI is a reliable foundation for your Ryzen build.
Best Micro ATX AM4 Motherboards
- Asus PRIME B550M-A WIFI II
Compact yet capable, this Micro ATX board is perfect for smaller builds without sacrificing essential features. It offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, M.2 support for fast storage, and dependable performance, making it an excellent choice for mainstream users.
- MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI
Another strong contender in the Micro ATX category, this budget-friendly board delivers solid performance and essential features like Wi-Fi and M.2 support. It’s a versatile option suitable for a variety of builds.
Best Value AM4 Motherboards
- ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0
This board redefines affordability while still offering compatibility with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. While its feature set is somewhat limited, it’s an unbeatable choice for budget-conscious builders.
- MSI B450M-A PRO MAX II
Representing an updated B450 option, this board provides excellent value with support for Ryzen 5000 series, M.2 storage, and decent overall performance. It’s a solid pick for those seeking a balance between price and features.
Best High-End AM4 Motherboards
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II
This top-of-the-line ATX board caters to enthusiasts and power users, boasting exceptional overclocking potential, premium audio, and a wealth of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6.
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
Already recognized as a top overall pick, this board also shines in the high-end category. Its robust power delivery, 2.5G LAN, and enthusiast-grade features make it ideal for demanding workloads and high-performance gaming.
Best AM4 Motherboard for Gaming
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
Once again, the TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI takes the spotlight for gaming. Its powerful VRM, 2.5G LAN, and PCIe 4.0 support ensure smooth gameplay and seamless handling of high-end graphics cards.
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II
This board’s focus on performance, overclocking, and premium audio makes it an excellent choice for immersive gaming experiences.
Best AM4 Motherboards Under $100
- ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0
This board reigns supreme in the budget category, offering compatibility with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs at an incredibly low price.
- MSI B450M-A PRO MAX II
Another strong contender under $100, this updated B450 board delivers solid performance and M.2 support without breaking the bank.
Best AM4 Motherboards for Overclocking
- Asus ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II
Its robust VRM, comprehensive cooling solutions, and AI-powered overclocking tools make it a top choice for pushing your CPU to its limits.
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
With its powerful VRM and ample cooling capabilities, this board is ready to handle even the most demanding overclocks.
Best AM4 Motherboards with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- MSI B550 GAMING GEN3
This board offers a blend of features and affordability, combining Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity with PCIe 4.0 support and solid performance.
- Asus PRIME B550M-A WIFI II
A compact Micro ATX option featuring Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, this board is ideal for smaller builds where connectivity is still a priority.
FAQs
What is the best AM4 gaming motherboard?
The best AM4 gaming motherboard in 2025 is arguably the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI. It offers a great balance of features, performance, and price. Its robust power delivery, 2.5G LAN, and PCIe 4.0 support make it ideal for handling high-end graphics cards and delivering smooth gameplay.
Which chipset is best for AM4?
For most users, the B550 chipset is the best choice for AM4. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability. It supports PCIe 4.0 for faster storage and graphics cards, as well as overclocking for those who want to push their system’s performance further.
What is the fastest processor for AM4 motherboard?
The fastest processor for AM4 motherboards is the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. It boasts 16 cores and 32 threads, offering exceptional performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.
Is AM4 socket outdated? Is AM4 dying?
While AMD has introduced newer platforms like AM5, the AM4 socket is not entirely outdated or dying. It still offers excellent performance and value, especially with the availability of powerful Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. Building an AM4 system in 2024 can be a good option for budget-conscious builders or those looking to upgrade their existing Ryzen systems. However, if you’re planning for the long term and want the latest features and upgrade paths, consider investing in the newer AM5 platform.
