The AMD Ryzen CPUs are getting better and better for gaming, and if you are building a Ryzen-based PC for yourself, you are going to need a good motherboard to go along with it. That is why I have taken it upon myself to explore the best X470 motherboards available for you to buy.
Best X470 Motherboards – A Detailed Comparison Chart
Best X470 Motherboard
Finding the right motherboard is not going to be a difficult ordeal. Especially if you have built a computer in the past. Still, many newcomers get overwhelmed by the number of choices they have available, and that is where I step in.
#1- MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max Motherboard
MSI has a story of releasing some of the finest products; whether you are buying their graphics cards or their motherboards, they will not disappoint. The MSI Gaming Plus Max is an X470 based motherboard that is great for both work and play.
The MSI Gaming Plus Max is backwards compatible with all Ryzen processors starting from 1st generation, and all the way up to 3rd generations. Support for Athlon based CPUs is also there. DDR4 RAM support goes as high as 4,133 MHz when overclocked. Comes equipped with dual M.2 slots and AMD’s StoreMi technology. MSI Mystic Light and Mystic Light Sync allow for total control over your RGB lighting.
Support for all Ryzen and Athlon based CPUs. Tastefully done RGB lighting. Black PCB ensures a color-neutral building experience. Loads of connectivity options. Good overclocking capabilities.
There is no integrated I/O shield. Average VRM cooling.
I understand that you are not looking forward to splurging on the motherboard, and for that reason, this one would suit your build just fine. It has all the features of a good, high-end motherboard but without the added cost that keeps everything at bay. Thanks to the X470 chipset, you have options to overclock your Ryzen CPU with ease, and there are a ton of connectivity options that will prevent any scenario of running out of space. The motherboard’s all-black PCB ensures great flexibility when building a color-neutral PC.
#2- ASUS Prime X470-Pro Motherboard
No matter what sort of PC you are looking forward to building, if you want one company that you can trust with your eyes closed, it is Asus. I have built numerous PCs in the past that were solely built on the Asus ecosystem, and not once did they fail on me or disappoint me in any way. Overall, the MSI Gaming Plus Max is an excellent option for those who are looking to get the taste of the X470 platform without needing to spend a lot of money, in the first place. Higher-end chipsets tend to be more expensive, and opting for the cheaper options can lock you out of advanced options. Thankfully, the Gaming Plus Max strikes the perfect balance between decent specs at a very affordable price that will not burn a hole through your pocket. The lack of an integrated I/O shield or top of the line VRM cooling can bother some enthusiasts, but for an average consumer, these won’t be a problem.
Has support for up to 3rd generation Ryzen and 7th generation Athlon processors. Excellent connectivity options such as NVMe M.2, front panel USB 3.1 Gen2, and Gigabit LAN. Fully compatible with Asus Aura Sync. Shielded audio channel ensures zero interference in signal delivery. Auto Tuning and Fan Xpert 4 features for easier, on the fly tweaking.
The design is sleek and cohesive throughout the entire PCB. You get two M.2 NVMe slots for fast and accessible storage. Asus’ returns with its top of the line BIOS. Performance is consistent across the board. RGB lighting looks great.
There is no CMOS clear switch, but a jumper is available. No integrated I/O shield despite being an industry standard.
So, when I had the chance to look at the ASUS Prime X470-Pro, I realized that the experience is going to be nothing short of fantastic. With its sleek overall monochrome design with hints of colors, dual M.2 slots, great BIOS experience, stable overclocking, and tastefully done RGB, the X470 Pro is the motherboard to go with. With so many good things the X470-Pro, you would be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with it, in the first place. I just wish it had a clear CMOS button for easier access and tinkering.
#3- MSI X470 Gaming PRO Carbon Motherboard
The great thing about MSI that I love here is that they have something for everyone. Which means that if you want to spend a little more and get a better motherboard, you surely can. This is what brings us to the MSI X470 Gaming PRO Carbon, a slightly more expensive option, but loaded with features. Asus’ Prime series of motherboards have always been great for people who want high-end features without spending the extra money. Granted, they are not as good as the ROG or Strix lineup, but they are more than capable to handle a candle of their own. The ASUS Prime X470-Pro is no different as it delivers exceptional performance at a great price and is loaded with features that will keep you entertained and worry-free when using the motherboard.
Brings support for all currently available Ryzen and Athlon CPUs. Full support for exclusive apps such as Game Boost, Gaming Hotkey, X-Boost, and Xsplit Gamecaster. Military Class 4 shielding for better structural integrity. Multi-GPU support with shielded PCI-Express slots. MSI Mystic Light support for the added RGB flare in your build.
One of the most stable motherboards on both idle and under load. Comes with easy configuration thanks to MSI Dragon Center. Easy to expand storage through multiple mediums. The high-end onboard audio solution eliminates the need for an external sound card. The neutral color scheme is great for some builds.
Without the lights, the motherboard looks a little too plain. Performance in single-threaded applications is limited at best.
Over the last few months, I have seen a rising trend in components that are color neutral, and the PRO Carbon capitalizes on that, even though it makes it look a bit bland. However, gorgeous RGB lighting more than makes up for it. The motherboard is super-easy to configure, and if you are looking for something that remains stable not just under idle conditions, but under load as well, this is a great choice. Storage lovers also have something to look forward to thanks to ample storage options available.
#4- GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING Motherboard
Gigabyte motherboards don’t really need an introduction. The company has a long history of releasing top of the line components, whether we are talking gaming or we are talking consumer-grade. If you have money to spend, and you want something of the top tier, Gigabyte has gotten you covered. In conclusion, the MSI X470 Gaming PRO Carbon is the motherboard to get if you are looking for both the performance as well as the aesthetics. True, the motherboard does look oversimplified, and to some, it may even look boring. But it remains unrivaled as far as the performance is, at this price. You get loads of connectivity options, a total of 7 USB ports on the back, rock-solid stability in performance, and the muted looks. It is only held back by its limited performance in single-threaded applications, but that does not make it a bad option.
Supports all current Ryzen and Athlon processors. Has support for dual-channel Non-ECC unbuffered memory. 8+3 phase hybrid PWM design for great overclocking stability. Comes equipped with ALC1220-VB Enhance 114dB(Rear)/ 110dB(Front) SNR in Microphone with WIMA Audio Capacitors. Isolated onboard audio for better performance.
Solid overclocking features. Great aesthetics, thanks to the orange and black color scheme. The RGB lighting looks great. 8+3 power design makes up for great stability. A plethora of audio features both hardware and software for an immersive experience.
Although the color scheme looks great, it might not be for everyone.
The GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING is here with us, and it is one of the higher-end X470 motherboards available in the market, that is great for a lot of things, including having great looks. Top of the line stability, loads of connectivity options such as NVMe M.2, and USB 3.1 support. The motherboard is not only reasonably priced but also has the looks to serve. Not to forget, the shielded audio ensures there is going to be zero interference.
#5- ASUS ROG Strix X470-F Gaming Motherboard
Every now and then, you want to get something that is a better option than what else is available in the market. The same goes for motherboards, especially when we are talking about Asus. Asus announced the Strix series with the aim to make luxury a bit more accessible. It does not come as a surprise that Gigabyte has had a rocky history with a lot of their products being simply average at best, but over the past couple of years, the company has revitalized itself under a new vision. The Aorus series of motherboards and graphic cards are among the best you can buy. The same can be said about the GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING, which, aside from some minor inconveniences, is a great motherboard that is befitting of whatever built you are planning on doing in it. Whether it is productivity you want or gaming. This is a great option.
Fully integrated I/O shield for easier installation. Brings ROG specific features for a cheaper price. Industry-leading 8-channel HD audio for the tremendous onboard audio experience. Asus Aura Sync compatible with RGB headers for flexible lighting solutions. Full support for SupremeFX S1220A with Sonic Studio III for granular customization.
Top tier performance out of the box. Good performance in both games and productivity applications. The motherboard looks good with or without the lighting. Very competitively priced. Overclocking the motherboard is convenient thanks to a plethora of enthusiast-level tools.
You don’t get as many enthusiast features The otherwise great onboard audio does not have any shielding.
The ROG Strix is based on a lot of the advanced features that are exclusive to the RoG series, but with a lower price in general. The ASUS ROG Strix X470-F Gaming Motherboard is no different. At a slightly higher price than the Prime series, this motherboard delivers exceptional performance, great looks. Not just that, you are getting a lot of connectivity options, as well, including a plethora of USB ports, dual M.2 slots, and more. The only downside here is that there seems to be no audio shielding, and the motherboard is lacking in enthusiast-grade features
#6- ASUS ROG Crosshair VII X470 Motherboard
Being a PC enthusiast, the one thing that I always wanted to have was an Asus ROG motherboard. Not just because they are the coolest looking options in the market, but because of how good they perform. Not just good, they are extremely stable, as well. To wrap this up, if you are in the market for a solid motherboard that manages to deliver on all fronts, there is nothing better than the ASUS ROG Strix X470-F. Of course, that is when we factor in the price you are paying for this motherboard, to begin with. You are getting the best in the class performance that can be made even better due to a lot of overclocking options. You are getting a product that runs smoothly under load, looks great while doing so as well.
Comes loaded with Asus ROG-exclusive features. Aura Sync RGB lighting with two addressable headers for convenience. AN Integrated I/O shield means easier installation. Full support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and dual-band frequency 2.4/5 GHz Industry-leading on-board audio with software tuning features for a better experience
Extensive and excellent overclocking suite ensures tweaking to the last bit. Top of the line memory compatibility allows for easier RAM pairing. Lots of options for both connectivity, and cooling. Dual M.2 slots and a lot of USB ports on the rear I/O. Dual-band frequency Wi-Fi ensures stable signals in every condition.
Just a tad bit expensive when compared to the competition.
The ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero is the motherboard to beat if you are looking for overclocking and not just that, even if you don’t want to overclock, the amazing performance, stability, aesthetics, and the connectivity and cooling options that come with this motherboard are exceptional. True, it is relatively expensive than some of the other options available in the market. However, it more than justifies the price by giving you what you want. Asus’ legendary onboard fan controller, as well as perhaps the best UEFI/BIOS available on any motherboard, also graces us for an even better experience.
#7- Asus ROG Strix X470-I Gaming (Best Mini-ITX)
The last motherboard is another one from Asus, but this time, I am trying something a little different. Rather than going with the traditional ATX motherboards, I am listing one of the best ITX motherboards in the market. Why? The reason is simple, ITX has exploded in popularity. After spending some time with the ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero and having a different ROG motherboard in my personal build as well, I can tell you that this is the best x470 motherboard that you can buy, at the moment. Granted, subjectivities are something that can come in the way every now and then, but if you are looking for some serious performance, this motherboard is not something you can beat in any circumstance whatsoever. The performance is stable on both overclocking and idle profiles, the looks are great, and the RGB lighting is brilliantly done.
Great connectivity options such as dual M.2 slots, as well as USB 3.1 Gen2 support. Offers 802.11ac Wi-Fi as well as Gigabit LAN. Comes with Asus Aura Sync RGB with a 4-pin header as well as a 3-pin addressable RGB header. Packs 8-channel HD audio with dual headphone amplifiers, LED-Illuminated jacks, and ROG exclusive SupremeFX S1220A codec.
The overall performance is rock solid. The motherboard has one of the best on-board audio solutions. You get access to amazing BIOS and UEFI. Gorgeous lighting with addressable headers. Lots of customization options.
The motherboard has a very limited I/O options on the rear.
The Asus ROG Strix X470-I Gaming Motherboard is an excellent motherboard for anyone who wants top-notch performance in all sorts of applications, the on-board audio remains excellent, you are getting a lot of valuable features that Asus loves to put in their motherboards. Additionally, the Aura Sync lighting on this motherboard looks gorgeous; you can, of course, turn it off in case you are looking for a muted solution, and the motherboard comes packaged nicely. Honestly, the only gripe I have is the lack of ports on the rear I/O panel, but if you don’t have a lot of devices that do need USB connectivity, it should not be a problem for you, in the first place.
How To Choose The Best x470 Motherboard For AMD Ryzen
Now that we are done looking at the list of unique motherboards available in the market. The next step is to look at a buying guide. This guide is put in place to assist those who are looking for a good motherboard and don’t want the added confusion that comes with it. If you are looking for perhaps the best ITX motherboard and you don’t want to spend a lot of time searching, I highly doubt there is anything better than the Asus ROG Strix X470-I. Aside from looking fantastic, the motherboard does a great job at performing, as well. I did run into some issues with the limited I/O at the back, but other than that, there is absolutely no problem whatsoever with the otherwise amazing motherboard for any ITX build that you are planning. Recommended readings:
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Aesthetics And Number Of Ports
First things first, and that is going to be the aesthetics along with the number of ports you want. For me, a motherboard having a neutral color scheme is really important. Why? Because without that, I’d be left stranded and will have to match the colors accordingly. Since I use a lot of USB ports, having ample I/O options at the back is another great requirement for me, but it might not be a problem for some. So, do pay careful attention here.
Form Factor, PCI Slots, Processor Socket
Ideally, choosing a motherboard should be easy for most of the PC builders. However, you do have to account a number of things as well. For instance, when you are buying a new motherboard, you have to look for the form factor, PCI slots, and the socket, itself. The most common is obviously the full-sized ATX; there was a time when EATX boards were popular, but that is no longer the case. You could also come with ITX or micro-ATX options, but you’d be limited. If you want the best features and compatibility, a standard ATX board should do. As far as the PCI slots are concerned, AMD motherboards are packed with them. Be it the one that you want for storage, or the one you want for your graphics card, there is no shortage of these. Last but not the least, the Ryzen generation is currently running on AM4 socket, and that is what you are going to get when you buy an X470 motherboard. Plus, the X470 motherboards are backwards compatible as well, for added flexibility and more choice. More ReadingBest Motherboard For Ryzen 5 3600 – The Ultimate Guide!Best Motherboard For Ryzen 7 3700x – [2023 Hands-On]
Memory Overclock Support
The great thing about Ryzen CPUs is that the faster the memory is, the better they perform. That is why the RAM kits for AMD specific processors are faster on the megahertz. You can enable the XMP profiles on most Ryzen motherboards by going into the UEFI or the BIOS settings. Additionally, manual overclocking of the memory is also available. However, based on your motherboard, as well as the RAM kit that you have purchased, there can be some limitations as to how much you can push your RAM kit. The best way is to enable the XMP profile for the best possible and optimized results.
VRM Quality (Voltage Regulator Module)
VRM or voltage regulator module is responsible for providing buck providing the processor with the needed supply voltage. The better the VRM, the stabler the CPU is going to run, in general. However, VRM is most appropriate when you are overclocking your CPU. When you overclock the CPU, you push more voltage through it, and for that to remain stable, having good quality VRM is great. Thankfully, most modern X470 have great VRMs onboard, hence, there should not be any problem. Suggested Reading: Best Motherboard For Ryzen 5 2600 – (High Performance)
Chipset, Memory, Storage Connectors
You will also need to consider the features such as the chipset, memory, and storage connectors when you are going for a good X470 motherboard, or any other option, for that matter. Thankfully, the X470 chipset does not have any other variations, so you are getting what you want. You could spend more or go for the X570, but I will discuss that later. As for the memory, you have options to go for 4 RAM slots or 2 RAM slots. Almost all the ATX sized motherboards will ship with 4 RAM slots, however, ITX motherboards usually have 2 RAM slots. As far as the storage connectors are concerned, almost all the modern motherboards have at least dual M.2 slots for fast storage, and a plethora of SATA connectors as well.
BIOS And Additional Features
Normally, people overlook the BIOS factor a lot for some reason. But this factor can make or break the overall value of a motherboard by a drastic measure. A good BIOS means that you are not only getting a stable experience, but a good interface makes tweaking easier. All the motherboards that are listed here have exceptionally well balanced BIOS interfaces and allow for easier tweaking and customization. As for the other features, you are mostly going for features such as onboard wireless connectivity or RGB lighting; both of them are easily available and accessible by the general consumer market.
Your Budget
Last but not the least, considering your budget is definitely another essential factor that you will have to look into. Finding the right motherboard otherwise can be a trickier process. Thankfully, the X470 motherboards all cost the same except the higher end ones. But still, for the most optimal buying experience, have your budget set for you. That way, you will be confident when you are making a purchase and won’t run into unforeseen issues. Related Reading: Best Z370 Motherboards For Gaming & Overclocking – (Updated) Thankfully, doing your research can lead you to great places. Especially because you get to know all the nitty-gritty bits of choosing the right motherboard. Since your motherboard is going to be the hub where everything gets plugged in, the right compatibility is very, very important. With this list, I have aimed to achieve the effect which will allow everyone to buy the motherboard of their dreams for their Ryzen X470 build. All the options have been handpicked and thoroughly tested, and there is something for everyone. Which means that whether you are trying to spend money, or save it. You have something to choose from.
Question 1: Are X470 motherboards worth it?
Most definitely. The X470 platform by AMD is still one of the most solid options for anyone who is looking for a great variety. Whether you are building a PC that focuses on gaming, productivity, or both, the platform is impeccable.
Question 2: Is X470 better than B450?
The X470 motherboards are better than the B450 thanks to a broader feature set, such as the support for multi-GPU, as well as having better more PCI-express lanes, and better VRM quality, which generally affects the performance.
Question 3: What’s the difference between X470 and X570
The X470 motherboards provide support for all the Ryzen processors going back till the first generation, whereas the X570 does not. However, at the same time, the X570 has the most amount of USB 3.2 gen2 options as well.
Question 4: What is the best X470 motherboard?
After spending some quality time with these motherboards, the conclusion came to the ASUS ROG Crosshair VII being the best X470 motherboard in terms of overall performance, value for money, and looks. The motherboard remains solid under all situations.
