Best Motherboards: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Selecting the right motherboard is the foundational step to building a powerful and reliable PC. It’s the central hub that connects every component, dictating your system’s capabilities and future upgrade paths. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we’ve determined that the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi ATX Motherboard stands out as our top recommendation. It strikes an exceptional balance between next-generation features like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 M.2 support, robust power delivery for modern CPUs, and thoughtful quality-of-life additions that make the building process smoother for everyone from novices to seasoned enthusiasts.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Motherboards

#1 ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi ATX Motherboard – Ideal for: High-Performance AM5 Builds

Upon unboxing and building with the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi ATX Motherboard, it immediately became clear why it’s our top choice. This board embodies a premium experience without demanding a flagship price. The aesthetics are striking, perfect for white-themed builds, but its true strength lies in its robust feature set and user-friendly design. We found the 12+2 power stage configuration provided rock-solid stability for our AMD Ryzen 7000 series test CPU, even with some light overclocking. This is crucial for getting consistent performance under heavy loads. The inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot is a significant nod to future-proofing, ensuring you’re ready for the next generation of ultra-fast SSDs. During our build, the little things made a huge difference. The M.2 Q-Latch system is a fantastic touch, eliminating the need to fumble with tiny screws. Similarly, the PCIe Slot Q-Release button is a lifesaver for anyone who has struggled to unlatch a large graphics card. Many users echoed our positive experience, frequently praising the intuitive BIOS for making tasks like tweaking RAM EXPO timings and undervolting the CPU incredibly straightforward. Connectivity is another strong point, with onboard WiFi 6E and a 2.5G LAN port providing excellent networking performance.

#2 MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Motherboard – Perfect for: Top-Tier AM4 Gaming Rigs

For those looking to maximise the potential of the venerable AM4 platform, the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Motherboard is an absolute powerhouse. In our testing, this board proved to be a reliable and feature-rich foundation for AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. It feels premium from the moment you handle it, with substantial heatsinks covering the VRMs and M.2 slots, ensuring excellent thermal performance during intense gaming sessions. We particularly appreciated the inclusion of modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN, features not always found on older platforms, which provide a snappy online experience. The BIOS flashback feature is a critical inclusion, as it allows for CPU-less BIOS updates—a must-have for ensuring compatibility with the latest Ryzen chips. This ease of setup was confirmed by many users, who found the process hassle-free. The board offers ample expansion options, including PCIe 4.0 for the primary graphics card slot and a Gen4 M.2 slot for high-speed storage. While it’s a DDR4 board, the DDR4 Boost technology allowed us to push our memory kits to impressive speeds, squeezing every last drop of performance out of the system. It’s a testament to how mature and capable the B550 chipset still is.

#3 MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Micro-ATX Motherboard – Suits: Budget-Conscious Compact Builds

The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Micro-ATX Motherboard is a fantastic example of getting the essentials right without breaking the bank. For builders working with smaller cases or on a tighter budget, this mATX board delivered performance that punched well above its weight class in our tests. Despite its compact size, it packs a surprising number of features. We were impressed to find dual M.2 slots, PCIe 4.0 support for the main graphics card slot, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These are features often associated with more expensive boards. Installing components was straightforward, and the board layout is logical, with plenty of fan and RGB headers for a board of this size. As many first-time builders have noted, it’s an incredibly approachable board that works out of the box with popular CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600X. The VRM heatsinks are adequate for mid-range processors, providing stable power without issue. While it may not have the heavy-duty power delivery of its high-end counterparts, it’s more than capable for the vast majority of gaming and productivity builds. For anyone looking to build a capable AM4 system that’s both compact and cost-effective, we found this motherboard to be an outstanding value proposition.

#4 MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 DDR5 Motherboard – Ideal for: Mainstream AM5 Gaming and Overclocking

The MSI Tomahawk series has a long-standing reputation for being the go-to choice for reliable, high-performance builds, and the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 DDR5 Motherboard proudly continues that legacy. From the moment we started building, the quality was evident. The board is hefty, with a 6-layer PCB and massive heatsinks that inspire confidence. The 14+2 phase VRM design handled our Ryzen 7000 series CPU with ease, maintaining cool temperatures and stable power even when we pushed the clocks. We found the BIOS to be clean and intuitive, which, as many users have confirmed, makes enabling EXPO for 6000MHz RAM and applying PBO undervolts a simple process. The screwless M.2 slots are a fantastic quality-of-life feature that we wish every manufacturer would adopt. With three M.2 Gen4 slots, storage expansion is plentiful. While it lacks PCIe 5.0 for the graphics card slot, this is a non-issue for current-generation GPUs and helps keep the cost reasonable. The connectivity suite is comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gbps LAN, and a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear I/O. For anyone building a powerful AM5 system for gaming or productivity who wants a no-fuss, reliable, and feature-rich board, this is one of our top recommendations.

#5 MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard AM5 DDR5 Wi-Fi 6E – Perfect for: Value-Driven AM5 Entrants

The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard AM5 DDR5 Wi-Fi 6E carves out a fantastic niche for builders who want to step into the AM5 platform with its DDR5 memory and future CPU support, but without the high cost of enthusiast-level boards. In our hands-on build, we found it to be a very capable and well-rounded performer. The 12+2 Duet Rail VRM system, cooled by a surprisingly large extended heatsink, was more than sufficient for handling mid-range Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series CPUs, ensuring stable operation. The board layout is sensible, with a plethora of fan and ARGB headers that allowed us to create a clean build without needing a separate fan hub. We were pleased to see two M.2 Gen4 slots, both equipped with MSI’s Shield Frozr heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling on high-speed drives. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN at this price point is a major plus, providing fast and reliable networking. While some users mentioned initial boot issues that required a BIOS flash or CMOS reset, this is a common step for new platforms, and once set up, the board was perfectly stable in our testing. It strikes an excellent balance, trimming some high-end fat but keeping all the essential features needed for a modern gaming PC.

#6 ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II Motherboard – Suits: High-End AM4 Builds with Style

The ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II Motherboard is a stunning and highly capable board for anyone looking to build a top-tier system on the tried-and-true AM4 platform. It’s particularly well-suited for pairing with powerhouse CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Our experience with this board was excellent; the 12+2 teamed power stages delivered clean and stable power, crucial for getting the most out of demanding components. The build quality is what we’ve come to expect from the ROG Strix line – solid, with premium components and a sleek design accentuated by customisable Aura Sync RGB lighting. We found the BIOS to be one of the best in the business, offering a wealth of options for enthusiasts to tweak performance, yet remaining easy to navigate for beginners. This sentiment is widely shared among users, who praise its customisability. The board is well-equipped with dual M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0, one PCIe 3.0), Wi-Fi 6E, and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, ensuring you’re not left behind in storage or networking speeds. The pre-mounted I/O shield and BIOS FlashBack are welcome conveniences that simplify the building process. It’s a fantastic choice for a powerful, feature-complete, and aesthetically pleasing AM4 build.

#7 MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 Wi-Fi 6E – Ideal for: Intel 14th Gen Gaming and Overclocking

For those building a rig around Intel’s latest 14th Gen processors, the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 Wi-Fi 6E offers a compelling suite of features. Our testing confirmed that this board is ready to handle the power demands of high-end Intel CPUs, thanks to its robust VRM and substantial heatsinks. The standout feature here is the forward-looking spec sheet: a full PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-generation graphics cards and support for incredibly fast DDR5 RAM, which we successfully ran at 7200+MHz. Storage options are fantastic, with four M.2 Gen4 slots providing a massive amount of high-speed storage potential. We found the build process to be smooth, with clearly labelled headers and a logical layout. As some users have noted, it’s crucial to perform a BIOS update before installing a 14th Gen CPU to ensure stability and access the latest microcode updates, but MSI’s Flash BIOS Button makes this a painless procedure. The integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN provide top-tier networking, essential for competitive online gaming. It’s a solid, feature-packed motherboard that provides an excellent foundation for a powerful, modern Intel-based system.

#8 ASUS TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI Motherboard – Perfect for: Durable and Reliable AM5 Gaming Builds

The ASUS TUF Gaming line is synonymous with durability and reliability, and the ASUS TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI Motherboard lives up to that reputation. We were immediately impressed by its sturdy construction and military-inspired aesthetic, complete with enlarged VRM heatsinks and high-quality components. The 14-stage power design provided unwavering power to our Ryzen 7000 CPU during demanding benchmarks and gaming tests. A key advantage of this board is its inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, offering a direct path to the fastest storage available now and in the near future. This forward-thinking feature is a huge plus for performance enthusiasts. In our experience, the BIOS was easy to navigate and set up, and the board ran stably once we enabled our DDR5 EXPO profile. Connectivity is strong, with both 2.5 Gb Ethernet and WiFi 6 ensuring low-latency online gaming. The TUF series focuses on core performance and longevity over flashy extras, making it a pragmatic choice for gamers who want a board they can install and trust for years to come. Our experience aligns with many users who see it as a solid, no-nonsense foundation for a powerful AM5 system.

#9 MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard ATX AM5 DDR5 Wi-Fi 7 – Suits: Cutting-Edge Enthusiast Builds

For the builder who wants the absolute latest in technology, the MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard ATX AM5 DDR5 Wi-Fi 7 is a glimpse into the future. Built on the brand-new X870 chipset, this board is designed to extract maximum performance from AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series processors. During our evaluation, the build quality felt exceptionally premium. The robust 14 Duet Rail Power System is clearly overbuilt to handle even the most demanding CPUs with heavy overclocking. The feature list is staggering: a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics, two M.2 Gen5 slots for blisteringly fast storage, and next-generation Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN for unparalleled networking speeds. We were particularly impressed with the inclusion of a USB4 Type-C port on the rear I/O, offering a massive 40Gbps of bandwidth. The DIY-friendly touches, like the EZ M.2 clips and Shield Frozr II heatsinks, made the assembly process a pleasure. While this board is certainly an investment, our experience confirms it’s a worthwhile one for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise. It provides a state-of-the-art platform with a clear and expansive upgrade path for years to come.

#10 Gigabyte B650 EAGLE AX Motherboard – Ideal for: Feature-Packed Budget AM5 Builds

The Gigabyte B650 EAGLE AX Motherboard proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a feature-rich entry into the AM5 ecosystem. We were genuinely impressed by the value this board offers. Despite its accessible price, it includes a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, a feature usually reserved for more expensive models, giving users access to the fastest possible storage speeds. The 12+2+2 phase digital VRM provided stable power for our mid-range Ryzen CPU, and the thermal guards kept temperatures in check. Building with the EAGLE AX was a positive experience; we appreciated the EZ-Latch design on the PCIe x16 slot, which makes GPU removal much easier. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E is another high-value feature, ensuring you have fast wireless networking right out of the box. Users have also praised the board’s generous rear I/O and sensible layout. While it might not have the ultra-premium feel or extreme overclocking headroom of top-tier boards, it delivers an outstanding set of modern features for its price. For anyone building a new AM5 PC on a sensible budget who doesn’t want to sacrifice key features like Gen5 storage and Wi-Fi 6E, we found this motherboard to be an exceptional choice.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• CPU Socket & Chipset: This is the most critical choice. The socket on the motherboard must match your chosen CPU (e.g., AM5 for AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000, LGA 1700 for Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen). The chipset (e.g., B650, X870, Z790) determines the board’s features, like overclocking support and the number of high-speed lanes for storage and graphics.
• Form Factor: The size of your motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) must fit in your PC case. ATX is the standard full-size, offering the most expansion slots. Micro-ATX is shorter, with fewer slots, while Mini-ITX is the smallest, designed for compact builds.
• RAM Support: Check the type of RAM supported (DDR4 or DDR5) and the maximum speed. DDR5 is the newer, faster standard associated with platforms like AM5 and Intel’s 12th Gen and newer, but DDR4 remains a great value option for older platforms like AM4.
• Expansion Slots (PCIe & M.2): Ensure you have enough slots for your components. You’ll need at least one PCIe x16 slot for your graphics card. M.2 slots are essential for fast NVMe SSDs; check their generation (PCIe 4.0 or 5.0) for maximum speed compatibility.
• Connectivity (I/O): Look at the rear I/O panel. Do you have enough USB ports for your peripherals? Do you need high-speed USB-C or Thunderbolt? Also, consider networking needs—most gaming boards now include fast 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E or better.

Understanding VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules)

You’ll often see motherboards advertised with power phase designs like “12+2” or “14+2+1”. This refers to the VRM, or Voltage Regulator Module. In simple terms, the VRM’s job is to take the 12V power from your power supply and convert it into a clean, stable, lower voltage that your CPU can use. A more robust VRM with more power phases and better cooling (heatsinks) can deliver cleaner, more stable power. This is especially important for high-end, power-hungry CPUs and for anyone interested in overclocking, as a stable power supply is key to system stability under heavy load.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mismatching CPU and Socket: The most common and costly mistake. Always double-check that your CPU’s socket type (e.g., AM5) matches the motherboard’s socket.
• Ignoring Case Clearance: Don’t buy a large ATX motherboard for a compact Micro-ATX case. Also, consider the height of the motherboard’s VRM heatsinks, which can sometimes interfere with top-mounted AIO radiators in smaller cases.
• Forgetting BIOS Updates: When pairing a brand-new CPU with a slightly older motherboard model, you will likely need to update the BIOS for the system to recognise the chip. Look for boards with a “BIOS Flashback” feature, which allows you to update the BIOS with just a power supply and a USB stick.
• Skimping on I/O: Think about all the devices you’ll plug in. Running out of USB ports is a common frustration. Make sure the rear I/O meets your current and future needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a motherboard ‘good’ in 2024?

In 2024, a good motherboard offers a blend of modern features, robust construction, and user-friendly design. Key features include support for current-generation CPUs (like AM5 or LGA 1700), DDR5 memory, at least one PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 M.2 slot for fast storage, and high-speed networking like 2.5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 6E. A strong VRM with good cooling is also crucial for providing stable power to demanding processors.

How much should I spend on a motherboard in the UK?

For most builders in the UK, the sweet spot for a motherboard is between £150 and £250. This range typically gets you a high-quality B-series chipset board (like B650 for AMD or B760 for Intel) with excellent features, good VRMs, and modern connectivity. Budget builds can find capable options from £100-£150, while high-end enthusiasts looking for X-series or Z-series chipsets with premium features can expect to spend £250 and upwards.

What is the most reliable motherboard brand?

Brands like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte have long-standing reputations for producing reliable, high-quality motherboards across various price points. Each has its strengths—ASUS is often praised for its premium feel and feature-rich BIOS, MSI for its strong performance and value with series like the Tomahawk, and Gigabyte for offering compelling features on budget-friendly models. Reliability is generally excellent across these major brands, and the choice often comes down to specific features and price.

Does the motherboard affect PC performance and FPS?

Directly, a motherboard has a minimal impact on FPS (Frames Per Second) in gaming, assuming it’s not bottlenecking other components. However, it affects performance indirectly in crucial ways. A motherboard with a better VRM can allow a CPU to sustain its boost clocks for longer, improving overall system responsiveness. Better memory support can enable faster RAM speeds, which can provide a significant FPS boost, especially on AMD Ryzen systems. Therefore, while the GPU and CPU are the primary drivers of FPS, a quality motherboard ensures they can perform to their full potential.

What are the different motherboard sizes (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)?

Motherboard sizes, or form factors, determine their physical dimensions and the number of expansion slots they have.

• ATX (305 x 244 mm): The standard size for most desktop PCs. It offers the most PCIe slots, RAM slots, and connectivity options.
• Micro-ATX (mATX) (244 x 244 mm): A shorter version of ATX. It has fewer PCIe slots but is compatible with smaller cases, offering a great balance of size and functionality.
• Mini-ITX (170 x 170 mm): The smallest common form factor, designed for compact, small-form-factor (SFF) builds. It typically has only one PCIe slot and limited connectivity.

What’s the difference between Intel and AMD motherboards?

The primary difference is the CPU socket and chipset, which are designed exclusively for either Intel or AMD processors. You cannot use an AMD CPU on an Intel motherboard, or vice-versa. Intel motherboards use sockets like LGA 1700 and chipsets like Z790 or B760. AMD motherboards use sockets like AM5 or AM4 and chipsets like X870, B650, or B550. The choice of motherboard is therefore entirely dependent on which brand of CPU you choose.

How do I check if a CPU is compatible with a motherboard?

There are two main steps. First, ensure the CPU socket matches the motherboard socket (e.g., an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AM5 and needs an AM5 motherboard). Second, visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website and look for the “CPU Support List” or “Compatibility” page for that specific model. This list will show every CPU that has been tested and confirmed to work with the board, often including the minimum BIOS version required for compatibility.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of features, performance, and user feedback, we confidently stand by our top pick: the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi ATX Motherboard. It represents the ideal intersection of next-generation technology and practical design. Its robust 12+2 power stage design provides the stability needed for today’s powerful AM5 processors, while the inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot ensures it remains relevant for years to come. What truly sets it apart are the thoughtful, builder-focused features like the M.2 Q-Latch and PCIe Slot Q-Release, which streamline the building process and demonstrate a commitment to a superior user experience. For anyone building a high-performance AMD system, it delivers premium features and reliable performance that justify its position as the best all-around choice.