Introduction
AMD’s Ryzen 7000 range of CPUs has been somewhat hit and miss when it comes to performance. Although the top-end SKUs are relatively strong when compared to their Intel counterparts, much of the remaining offerings don’t have excellent value. However, AMD might be back on the right path with the introduction of their brand new Ryzen 7000 3D variants.
Although we’re still awaiting the release of the CPUs, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D might be the CPU that we’ve all been waiting for when it comes to gaming performance. However, which motherboards are the best options to be paired up with this shiny new CPU? Is it best to pick up a motherboard with plenty of overclocking headroom? Or can consumers save some money by picking up a cheaper option that still offers an awesome feature set?
In this buyer’s guide roundup, we’ll be looking at the best motherboards to pair up with the 7800X3D. We’ll be looking at a range of options at varying price points. We’ll also be covering what exactly the 3D SKUs are, and why the Ryzen 7 could be the best option within AMD’s Ryzen 7000 line-up.
Suggested Article: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Review – Architecture, Gaming Benchmarks & Thermals
Our Top Motherboard Picks
Now for the most important part of this article – the recommendations. We’ve picked out a strong range of motherboards that offer a varying range of features and price points catering to a plethora of consumers.
1. ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F Gaming WiFi
👑 The best mid-range motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Introduction
First off in our roundup is the ROG STRIX B650E-F from ASUS. This particular board sports a much darker design with various blackened heatsinks spanning across the entirety of the PCB. ASUS have provided a more minimalist look to the B650E-F which I’m all for. I find that that majority of ASUS motherboards tend to go a bit crazy on RGB and metal heatsinks covering the board, so its nice to see a slight change in the design philosophy here. RGB does feature on this board, in the form of a small panel located on the rear IO. This means that lovers of RGB lighting won’t be entirely disappointed.
Features wise, the B650E-F has strong RAM overclocking capability, with mega-transfer speeds reaching up to 6400MHz when overclocked. Although this isn’t the highest speed we’ve seen on a board, this is sure to provide some improvements in applications and games. The ROG B650E-F also features dual PCI-E 5.0 slots, offering some upgradeability option when these new components release. Rear IO is also very strong, with the B650E-F offering 12 ports in total, with the majority of them providing blazing-fast transfer speeds.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F Gaming WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6400MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
PCI-E 5.0 slots: Due to B650E motherboards having a specific focus on overclocking, it is important for them to leave some room for future upgrades, as this will allow gamers to capitalise on the boost in performance. It seems like ASUS understood the assignment with this particular variant, as it includes PCI-E 5.0 slots for both graphics cards and SSDs. This means gamers will be able to upgrade to the next-generation of these components as soon as they release, which is bound to improve the overall gaming experience.
USB-C on rear IO: The rear IO on this motherboard includes plenty of ports for connecting peripherals and other devices, including a Type-C connections for the latest high-end peripherals. Having at least one USB-C port on a motherboard is almost a necessity nowadays, as a lot of newer devices are utilising this technology for the improved speeds and more reliable connectivity.
Things We Don’t Like
USB 2.0 ports: Whilst the rear IO offers a wide range of connections that should be more than enough for gamers to plug in all of their external devices, a lot of these options are USB 2.0 ports, which provide significantly slower performance and higher latency than the new USB 3.0 standard. Because of this, gamers with a lot of peripherals and accessories as part of their setup will have to choose which devices receive the better connectivity.
Summary
Overall, the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F Gaming WiFi is a solid offering that provides mid-range and high-end gamers with versatile connectivity with plenty of room for future upgrades. We’re also big fans of the darker look that has subtle flashes of colour throughout, and we think most gamers would agree. Whilst there are a few tweaks that could be made to make it ideal for all high-end gamers, this motherboard will easily slot into a build that features a Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Pros
- PCI-E 5.0 support for GPUs and SSDs.
- Strong rear IO.
- Design ideal for minimalists.
Cons
- Rear IO bulked up with USB 2.0.
- No USB4 compatibility.
Buy the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F Gaming WiFi on:
2. ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi
👑 The best looking motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Introduction
Next up is one of my personal favourites from ASRock, the B650E Steel Legend. ASRock’s motherboards are some of the best when it comes to aesthetic, all of the PCBs offer some form of unique design that adds some nice contrast against the heatsinks and RGB shown across the board. The Steel Legend in particular has a unique camo aesthetic which can be seen on the PCB and the heatsinks. I’m a huge fan of this design, and I feel most consumers will be happy with this board as it provides an alternative to the standard black and white that we always see.
Looking at the features, the Steel Legend does see an improvement over the previous ROG STRIX entry with a 6600MHz RAM overclocking capability. Although this wouldn’t be a hugely noticeable difference, consumers may gain a couple of frames due to the increased speed. We’re seeing Gen5 PCI-E slots for GPUs and SSDs again, which is ideal for those that plan on upgrading once Gen5 components saturate the market. Rear IO does take a bit of a loss, with less USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, but this is bulked up by USB 3.2 Gen1 which still provides excellent 5Gbps rated speeds.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6600MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 3.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Great aesthetic: When it comes to the looks, ASRock tend to knock their motherboard designs out of the park. Whilst most of their variants provide a distinct look that improves the overall appearance of a gaming PC, the Steel Legend series is one of the best designs available to put inside of an white-themed build. Featuring steel grey heatsinks with white camouflage patches, this motherboard is a great choice for anyone that wants their PC to stand out from the crowd.
Strong RAM overclocking: Performance-wise, this motherboard supports all of the latest components while leaving plenty of room for overclocking and future upgrades. With DDR5 memory being one of the big inclusions on AM5 motherboards, gamers will be happy too hear that this board supports higher overclocking speeds, which will provide a slight boost in load times and frame rates.
Things We Don’t Like
No USB-C port on rear IO: Unlike the previous entry in this roundup, this B650E variant doesn’t include a USB-C port on the rear IO. This limits the versatility of the connection options and could lead to problems for consumers with top-tier gaming peripherals, as they would have to either have to buy new peripherals or connect them via a USB header on the front IO.
PCI-E 3.0 slot: Another connection feature that is less than desirable to see on a B650E motherboard is a PCI-E 3.0 slot for the graphics card. Even though having a PCI-E 3.0 slot provides better upgradeability than not having an additional slot at all, this will limit the performance of any additional graphics card that are placed into that slot. And considering a lot of other manage to fit an additional PCI-E 4.0 slot into their design, it’s a shame not to see one here.
Summary
The ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi is the perfect motherboard for gamers looking to spice up their PC build with a design that is guaranteed to turn heads. On top of the stunning aesthetic, this motherboard includes plenty of upgradeability, along with strong RAM overclocking capabilities. Though some of the connection options could hinder performance slightly, this is generally a good choice to place inside of any white gaming PC.
Pros
- Awesome motherboard design.
- Strong RAM overclocking capability.
- Ideal for RGB lovers.
Cons
- IO is weaker compared to other options.
- Utilises PCI-E 3.0 as a second x16 slot.
Buy the ASRock B650E Steel Legend WiFi on:
3. Gigabyte B650E AORUS Master
👑 The best performing motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Introduction
For our next recommended option, we’ve picked out Gigabyte‘s B650E AORUS Master. The AORUS Master range is one of the more top-end designs, but the benefit of this board being on the B650E chipset is that it is somewhat cheaper compared to it’s X670E counterparts. Design wise, the AORUS Master features the familiar black and gunmetal finish on the heatsinks that we’re so used to seeing. It adds some nice depth to the motherboard whilst also providing better thermals for your SSDs. RGB is also not lacking, with an awesome panel located on the rear IO, which can be fully customised using Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software.
Features is where this motherboard tends to shine the most. DDR5 memory overclocking maxes out a 6666MHz which is the highest so far out of all of the options we’ve covered. PCI-E 5.0 is also rampant on this motherboard, with the AORUS Master offering a singular GPU slot, but then four Gen5 M.2 slots. This makes this board ideal for users trying to make the most out of their storage options. USB wise the AORUS Master does have a relatively strong offering, but it is let down to some degree by the USB 2.0 ports. Overall I’d say if you’re looking for a board with the most amount of PCI-E 5.0 at a cheaper price tag, the AORUS Master won’t disappoint.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte B650E AORUS Master |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6666MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 4x PCI-E 5.0 |
| Rear IO | 5x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Liked
High overclocking capabilities: Out of all the options available in this roundup, this motherboard supports the highest amount of overclocking, making it an ideal choice for those gamers wanting any competitive advantage they can get. The boost provided for these higher RAM speeds will be fairly marginal in the grand scheme of things, but will make all the difference to those wanting to compete at the highest level.
Lots of PCI-E 5.0 slots: In order to make the most of the improved RAM overclocking capabilities, this motherboard is packed with PCI-E 5.0 slots to offer gamers with loads of room for potential upgrades. All four of the storage slots are PCI-E 5.0 compatible, meaning that gamers will be able to install multiple next-gen M.2 SSDs into their build without having to sacrifice any performance. This is great for any gamers with a massive games library, as it will remove the need to move games around to different storage when PCI-E 5.0 SSDs are released.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of USB-C port: In a similar fashion to the previous entry on this list, the stellar performance features included on this motherboard are let down slightly by the connectivity options on the rear IO. Whilst this includes an incredible amount of USB ports, including a whopping 9 USB 3.2 options, the lack of a USB-C port is bound to disappoint a lot of gamers looking to build a mid-range or high-end systems, as it can causes complications when connecting peripherals.
Pricing: As a motherboard that includes some of the best performance available with a B650E chipset, it won’t come as a surprise to see that this motherboard comes with an increased in price. Though this bump in pricing seems fairly justifiable given the improved overclocking and upgrade potential, it does push this motherboard into a price range that may be too high for some gamers that are stretched for funds after picking up the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Summary
To put it simply, the Gigabyte B650E AORUS Master is arguably the best B650E motherboard on the market when it comes to performance and upgrade capabilities. With a ridiculous amount of PCI-E 5.0 slots and a high RAM overclocking tolerance, this motherboard is a great pick for gamers wanting to push the performance of their gaming PC to the limit. As long as a lack of USB-C and higher price tag doesn’t bother you, this is a great pick for any mid-range or high-end gaming system.
Pros
- All the PCI-E 5.0 slots!
- Solid RAM overclocking capability.
- RGB is vibrant and customisable.
Cons
- One of the pricier B650E options.
- Rear IO is bulked up with USB 2.0 ports.
Buy the Gigabyte B650E AORUS Master on:
4. ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I Gaming WiFi
👑 The best compact motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Introduction
Next up is the ROG STRIX B650E-I from ASUS. This Mini-ITX motherboard is definitely the smallest motherboard compared to the rest of our roundup, but it comes jam packed with features. Design wise, ASUS have adhered to a similar philosophy that we saw with the previously mentioned ROG STRIX B650E-F, by keeping the colours relatively plain, and adorning a sleek metal finish across the various heatsinks. There unfortunately isn’t any RGB lighting to be seen on this board, but I would argue this won’t be a deal-breaker for most due to the smaller size.
Moving onto the features, the B650E-I only offers one PCI-E slot due to it’s smaller stature, but this slot is Gen5 compatible, so upgradeability is an option when we start to see these new components. The M.2 slots share a similar story, with only two available slots out of the gate, but this should be more than enough for the majority of users building a compact PC. The rear IO is very solid, with eight ports in total, the majority of which are high speed options providing excellent transfer speeds. Consumers also have the option of 2.5 Gigabit LAN or WiFi 6E for networking, which can minimise cable management if you choose the wireless option.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte B650E AORUS Master |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Supported Memory | 64GB DDR5 6400MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 5x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Extremely compact design: As a motherboard with a mini-ITX, this is a great choice for those looking to shrink the size of their gaming PC down to as small as they possibly can. Whilst a compact PC build is harder to pull off with the sheer size of modern components, it is a great option for those with limited space, or just want their PC to be somewhat portable.
Versatile connectivity: Despite the smaller size, this motherboard is still able to provide enough connectivity to meet the demands of a current-gen system and beyond. The rear IO is a great example of the versatility packed inside of this mini-ITX board, as the inclusion of a USB-C port and several high-end USB 3.2 ports provides better connectivity than some of the much larger ATX designs featured on the list.
Things We Don’t Like
Low RAM capacity: Where the mini-ITX form factor catches up with this motherboard is the RAM, as this design only features two DIMM slots, limiting the memory capacity to 64GB. Whilst this is more than enough to run all the latest titles, it does restrict the performance capabilities compared to the other options on this list.
Limited case compatibility: Another limitation of the mini-ITX design is that the compatibility with other cases are quite restricted compared to other designs. A lot of larger mid-tower and full-tower cases support smaller motherboard form factors, but finding a case that supports mini-ITX is slightly more difficult. Plus, putting a mini-ITX board into a larger case will likely cause some airflow and spacing issues when building.
Summary
For anyone wanting to build a portable gaming PC that remains as compact as possible without hindering performance capabilities can’t really go wrong with this motherboard. The ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I Gaming WiFi offers all the connectivity and performance required to run the latest games at 1440p and 4K with ease. However, the compact nature of this board does limit the amount of features available, with the 64GB memory limit being the main downfall of this design.
Pros
- Plenty of features despite smaller size.
- Gen5 provides upgradeability later down the line.
- Solid rear IO and networking options.
Cons
- ITX motherboard will limit case choices to a degree.
- Can only use 64GB of DDR5 RAM at one time.
Buy the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I Gaming WiFi on:
5. ASRock B650E Taichi
👑 The best high-end motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Introduction
For our final motherboard we’ve picked out another board from ASRock, the B650E Taichi. This motherboard is the cream of the crop when it comes to features, with the B650E AORUS Master tying for first. Consumers will immediately notice that this board is absolutely gorgeous. ASRock have shown what they’re capable of when it comes to designing motherboards by providing an awesome black and gold aesthetic, combined with the ‘steampunky’ cogs dotted around the board. There’s also plenty of RGB on offer, allowing users to customise and sync their lighting.
Features wise I don’t even really know where to start. The B650E Taichi unexpectedly offers Gen5 slots providing upgrade paths for consumers that intend on picking up the latest generation of SSDs and GPUs. Rear IO is absolutely insane, with 12 ports on offer in total which includes a USB4 Type-C option for those that want the max amount of speeds. The B650E Taichi also has plenty of diagnosis and troubleshooting features such as BIOS flashback, clear CMOS to help users during the building process.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASRock B650E Taichi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6600MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB4 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 8x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Premium design: Another example of how ASRock go above and beyond on when designing their motherboard, this variant offers a luxurious black and gold aesthetic that is truly stunning. To enhance the aesthetic further, this motherboard also includes plenty of RGB lighting to brighten up a gaming PC.
USB4 connectivity: One of the main advantages that the rear IO this motherboard has over the competition is the USB4 Type-C connector. Whilst a lot of B650E fail to even provide a USB-C port on the rear IO, this design includes a USB4 port, which allows for faster transfer and charging speeds compared to the conventional USB-C 3.2 ports.
Things We Don’t Like
E-ATX form factor: In the complete opposite way to the previous entry in this list, the E-ATX form factor on this motherboard will be too big to fit into some PC cases. Anyone picking up this motherboard should be expected to have a larger case, but even some mid-tower cases might not support E-ATX designs, which could cause problems for anyone that already has a PC case.
Expensive B650E option: The size is not the only aspect of this motherboard that is increased from the average B650E motherboards available, as the Taichi also comes with a larger price tag. Whilst there are some key features that makes this motherboard stand out, the overall features included won’t provide a significant change to the gaming experience, meaning that this motherboard isn’t the best choice for those looking to get the best out of their hard-earned cash.
Summary
Overall, the ASRock B650E Taichi is a premium B650E motherboard that is perfect for gamers wanting a gaming PC that looks as good as it runs. Featuring a luxurious design with plenty of high-speed connections, this design has everything a Ryzen 7 7800X3D user will need for an optimal gaming experience. But be prepared, as this luxurious board comes with an increased size and price point.
Pros
- Cool black and gold contrast.
- Offers USB4 compatibility.
- Strong DDR5 RAM overclocking support.
Cons
- E-ATX form factor will limit case choices.
- One of the priciest B650E options.
Buy the ASRock B650E Taichi on:
Ryzen 3D Processors – What Are They?
AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology didn’t see an introduction into the market until early 2022. Enthusiasts are likely to already know what this technology is, but for many first-time builders, this might just seem like another marketing gimmick. However, consumers will be glad to know that the new 3D SKUs could offer very promising performance.
AMD‘s previous generation Ryzen 7 5800X3D was a bit of an underdog in the CPU space offering metrics comparable to the Core i9 12900K from Intel. The 5800X3D was able to achieve this, due to the V-Cache layered on top of the processor. This essentially allows the CPU to store more instructions, which results in less data being pulled from RAM. This will, in turn improve framerates and load times in a variety of applications.
Although we don’t have any performance metrics as of yet, the Ryzen 7000 3D variants are looking pretty promising. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the one that we’re particularly looking forward to seeing. This is likely to be the go-to choice for most consumers, if the performance metrics are strong and pricing sits at a good level. This doesn’t mean that consumers should purchase one as soon as possible, we’d recommend keeping your eyes out for this new SKU when April rolls around.
Why B650E Motherboards?
With the new range of Ryzen 7000 CPUs, we saw four brand new chipsets enter the marketplace. There are plenty of options when it comes to features and pricing, but for this particular CPU we’ve settled on the B650E chipset. These motherboards prioritise overclocking, whilst offering a vast set of features at a lower price point. B650E motherboards are designed to offer stronger VRM power phases with CPU overclocking in mind. But we’ve picked this chipset because the 7800X3D is more of a mid-range CPU, and it is unlikely consumers will be pairing it up with a top-end motherboard.
The B650E chipset is designed to offer a cheaper entry point for consumers still interested in all of the awesome new features, but at a more price-conscious level. Although these boards also do prioritise overclocking, the Ryzen 3D SKUs do not have an unlocked multiplier, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when picking out a particular board.
Why You Can Trust Us
Before we jump into the details of each recommendation, we want to explain why you can trust our thoughts on gaming products. Our team of gaming and hardware experts spend a lot of time with a wide range of products. During this time, we put each product that arrives in the office through rigorous testing in a range of gaming and general day-to-day scenarios. If you would like to learn more about the GeekaWhat team, along with more details on our editorial promise, check out the About Us section.
How We Picked the Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The average week at GeekaWhat HQ involves us getting hands on with a number of different motherboards for PC builds and in-depth analysis. During this time, we put these motherboards through strenuous testing procedures in order to understand the performance and practicality of each motherboard.
Once we’re happy with the information gathered on a product, we then determine whether the average consumer would benefit from having said product in their PC build. To get this message across to our audience, we provide summaries of our recommended products in buyers guides like this one, in which we also offer insight into our experiences with the product in question and suggestions for the types of gamers that would benefit most from having it in their gaming setup.
When looking at motherboards specifically, the main factors we take into consideration are the connectivity options available, compatibility with other components, performance capabilities, as well as the appearance and design choices. After considering all of these factors, we offer a general overview of how this motherboard will impact a typical gaming setup.
For a more in-depth look at our evaluation methods, take a look at some of our reviews for AMD motherboards below:
| Brand + Chipset | Review Link |
|---|---|
| MSI MAG B650M | MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi Review |
| Gigabyte X670 | Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard Review |
| ASUS Prime X670E | ASUS Prime X670E-Pro WiFi Motherboard Review |
| MSI MEG X670E | MSI MEG X670E ACE Review |
Conclusion
After looking at all of the options featured in this roundup in great detail, our top pick for the best motherboard for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F Gaming WiFi. This motherboard ticks all of the boxes for the average gamers, as it provides a solid blend of performance and connectivity at a fairly affordable price point.
But for those wanting a motherboard that is more suitable for a high-end gaming system, then the Gigabyte B650E AORUS Master is a great alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D worth it?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is touted to be a CPU that offers great value to high-end gamers, acting as the best performing mid-range processor within the Ryzen 7000 series of processors.
Is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D good for gaming?
As a mid-range processor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D will be able to run all of the latest titles in both 1080p and 1440p, with enough performance to handle 4K gaming as well.
What motherboard chipset is best for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
In our opinion, a B650E should be more than enough to support a gaming PC equipped with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Also, these motherboards will be likley to fall into the budget of those looking to pick up this particular CPU.
How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D?
Due to this CPU being on the higher-end of the Ryzen 7 processors, we would suggest spending at least $250 on a motherboard in order to get the best performance possible. Though you could spend more on a premium motherboard, a $450 option should be enough for anyone using this CPU in their PC build.
