When building a PC or upgrading your existing one, finding the right motherboard is crucial. The 2025 market offers cutting-edge, innovative models at prices to suit various budgets. This guide is for everyone from gaming enthusiasts to professionals and everyday users. Here, you’ll find the best 2025 motherboards to meet your needs and expectations. The motherboard market is constantly evolving, so there are plenty of options. It’s essential to find the model that balances your technical requirements with your budget.
Whether you’re building a budget-friendly PC, a dedicated gaming machine, or a professional workstation, there’s sure to be a motherboard for you here. It’s crucial to select a motherboard compatible with your processor, while also prioritizing future-proof technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. By carefully reviewing our list of the best motherboards of 2025, you’ll find the features you need most. Indeed, the right choice will guarantee a smooth and satisfying PC experience for years to come.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a high-end motherboard perfectly suited to the needs of gamers and advanced content creators. It supports the latest generation of Intel LGA 1700 processors. With this model, the manufacturer offers a very respectable array of connectivity options. These include PCIe 5.0, essential for those who want to take advantage of future GPUs. There is also support for DDR5 RAM up to 7200 MHz and five M.2 slots (three of which are Gen4). Its premium design with customizable RGB lighting (“Polymo Lighting”) is complemented by efficient VRM cooling. Finally, the board features Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gb/s), USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gb/s), Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5 GbE networking. It is ideal for overclocking with its BIOS Flashback function and dedicated buttons.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Extended PCI-E 5.0 support – Thunderbolt 4 is an excellent addition |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – Far too much unnecessary plastic in the box |
#2 Asus ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming Wifi, the best AM5 motherboard for AMD builds
The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between price and features. Positioned in ASUS’s mid-range AM5 motherboard lineup, this model stands out for its value. With four M.2 slots, including two PCIe 5.0 slots, it ensures expandability for demanding configurations. Furthermore, the Strix X670E-F utilizes AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive technology. This technology maximizes the potential of Ryzen processors, such as the Ryzen 9 7900X, and effectively manages temperatures without performance loss. Its impressive cooling and optimization capabilities make it a solid choice for power and durability.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Good value for money – Prioritizing features that are useful today – Two M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots – Good thermal management – Performance comparable to other AM5 motherboards |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – No USB 4.0 ports on the rear panel – No 10G LAN, only 2.5G LAN |
#3 Asus ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming Wifi, the best high-end motherboard for LGA 1700
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is a high-end motherboard designed for high-performance and upgradeable systems. It’s compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Intel processors via its LGA 1700 socket. This model supports DDR5 memory with overclocking frequencies up to 7800 MHz. Featuring four M.2 SSD slots, this board offers ample storage and connectivity options. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple USB-C ports. This makes it a board that meets the needs of modern gamers. Furthermore, its elegant design comes with Aura Sync-controlled RGB backlighting, making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional. With its numerous upgrade options and robust build quality, this motherboard is ideal for enthusiasts seeking power, reliability, and style.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Allows the use of recent Intel processors – Supports overclocking frequencies up to 7800 MHz and XMP – Offers a PCIe 5.0 slot – Numerous USB ports, including two USB Type-C ports |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – Limited number of SATA ports – Cable management can be difficult |
#4 ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 PLUS WIFI, a Z790 gaming motherboard at a controlled price
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 PLUS WIFI is a well-designed mid-range motherboard with attractive specifications and ESD protection. This model stands out not only for its value but also for its gaming-ready features and durability. The manufacturer states that its product is built with military-grade components. Furthermore, the board boasts a comprehensive cooling system that perfectly supports extended use. It offers four M.2 slots, high-performance power delivery, and a high-end, next-generation audio solution. In addition, it features fast networking, including Wi-Fi 6E and multiple USB ports. There is also a 20Gbps USB-C port on the rear I/O panel. It’s a tempting budget option for those looking for a motherboard with Intel’s current top-of-the-line chipset.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Four M.2 slots – High-end audio (although from the previous generation) – Two USB-C ports on the rear I/O panel – Network and USB electrostatic discharge protection |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – No PCI Express 5.0 M.2 slot – Only eight USB ports in total on the rear |
#5 Asus ROG STRIX B650E-F GAMING WIFI, the best mid-range motherboard for AM5-based platforms
The Asus B650E-F Gaming Wi-Fi is a mid-range motherboard at a reasonable price. It offers numerous features and the elegant Strix design. The manufacturer presents this board as supporting high-performance AMD Ryzen 7000 processors. With plenty of USB ports (including a 20 Gbps USB-C port on the front), this model offers high-quality audio, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and the premium look typical of ROG Strix. The board provides seven storage options (three M.2 slots and four SATA ports), numerous USB ports, and a premium ROG SupremeFX 7.1 audio solution. In terms of connectivity and expansion, it offers a PCI-Express 5.0 x16 slot. There is also an M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, two M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, and four SATA 6 Gbps ports. Overall, this is a board that allows you to build an impressive platform for its price.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Attractive ROG Strix design – 12 USB ports on the rear I/O panel – High-end audio solution |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – High price compared to its B650 peers – Having only four SATA ports could be limiting |
#6 ASRock Z690 Steel Legend, stability and performance for Intel LGA 1700 CPUs
The ASRock Steel Legend WiFi 6E is an entry-level Z690 motherboard, ideal for budget-conscious 12th generation Intel configurations. It features an LGA 1700 socket and a 13-phase power design. This ensures stable performance with support for Intel Hybrid and Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technologies. The motherboard offers four DDR4 DIMM slots compatible with 5000 MHz memory modules. Overclocking is simplified thanks to the XMP 3.0 profile. For storage, it provides eight SATA 6 Gbps ports, two Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots, and one Ultra M.2 PCIe Gen 3 slot. The rear panel includes one USB 3.2 Type-A port, one Type-C port, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Balanced and affordable, the Steel Legend WiFi 6E is perfect for versatile use at a lower cost.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Compatible with 12th generation Intel processors – Equipped with robust heat sinks – Features USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards – Supports DDR4 memory up to 5000 MHz (OC) |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – Does not support DDR5 – BIOS update required for some processors |
#7 Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI, the best value motherboard for Ryzen 7000
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is an ideal motherboard for gamers and builders on a budget. Compatible with Ryzen 7000 processors, it offers solid performance for those who only need a single GPU and a fast SSD. Its VRM heatsinks ensure efficient temperature management, even under heavy load with minimal airflow. Furthermore, its refined BIOS simplifies the activation of memory profiles. Its understated design and reliability make it an attractive choice for those seeking long-lasting hardware. However, the lack of PCIe 5.0 for GPUs and WiFi 6E could be a drawback depending on future needs. Despite strong competition, it stands out for its balance between features and price. It therefore offers a high-performance foundation for modern configurations without major compromises.
| What we like |
|---|
| – VRM and cooling designed for demanding processors – Good USB complement – Improved PBO modes |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – WiFi 6 only – No PCIe 5.0 GPU support |
#8 Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI, the best value motherboard for Ryzen 7000
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is an ideal motherboard for gamers and builders on a budget. Compatible with Ryzen 7000 processors, it offers solid performance for those who only need a single GPU and a fast SSD. Its VRM heatsinks ensure efficient temperature management, even under heavy load with minimal airflow. Furthermore, its refined BIOS simplifies the activation of memory profiles. Its understated design and reliability make it an attractive choice for those seeking long-lasting hardware. However, the lack of PCIe 5.0 for GPUs and WiFi 6E could be a drawback depending on future needs. Despite strong competition, it stands out for its balance between features and price. It therefore offers a high-performance foundation for modern configurations without major compromises.
| What we like |
|---|
| – VRM and cooling designed for demanding processors – Good USB complement – Improved PBO modes |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – WiFi 6 only – No PCIe 5.0 GPU support |
#9 ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4, the best B660 motherboard for the price/performance ratio
The Asus ROG Strix B660-A Gaming is designed for budget-conscious builders who don’t overclock their processors. It’s a well-balanced board with above-average sound for the price. This motherboard easily handles processors like the Intel i9-12900K while matching, or even surpassing, more expensive Z690 boards. It offers attractive features: Wi-Fi 6, three M.2 slots (without SATA support), four SATA ports, multiple USB Type-C ports, and an advanced audio solution. This is the ideal model for gaming and everyday use. If the price and lack of M.2 SATA support aren’t deal-breakers, this board is an excellent option for a high-end build. It delivers good performance for an Alder Lake-based system.
| What we like |
|---|
| – High-end audio solution – Power consumption – M.2 Q-Latch |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – Does not support SATA-based M.2 – Very high power consumption |
#10 MSI MAG X570S Torpedo Max, a balanced configuration for Ryzen 2000 to 5000
The MSI MAG X570S Torpedo Max is a robust motherboard based on the X570S chipset. It features quiet passive cooling and supports AMD Ryzen 2000 to 5000 series processors. Compatible with up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, it supports memory frequencies up to 5100MHz. The board boasts several modern connectors, including USB Type-C ports, addressable RGB headers, and PCIe Gen 4 slots for maximum performance. With two M.2 slots and six SATA ports, it offers excellent storage capacity. Furthermore, its I/O panel includes a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, multiple USB ports, 7.1 audio support, and an integrated I/O shield for easy installation. Versatile and powerful, this motherboard is ideal for mid-range budget builds.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Compatible with AMD Ryzen 2000 to 5000 series processors – Offers PCIe 4.0 slots – Equipped with a large heatsink and M.2 Shield Frozr technology – Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports – Advanced overclocking options |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – No built-in Wi-Fi – Complexity for novice users |
Conclusion
When searching for the best motherboard for a gaming, productivity, or other system, you need to consider your requirements in terms of USB ports, storage, RAM/graphics card support, and overclocking capabilities. We’ve compiled a list of the best entry-level and mid-range motherboards for 2025 (Intel and AMD). Their key features are presented to help you make your choice. Do the latest performance standards, such as PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, need to be supported? Does the motherboard need to support the latest gaming processors, such as 12th, 13th, or 14th generation Intel Core processors, or AMD Ryzen 5000 or 7000 series processors? Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your needs before making a decision.
