Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 3700x
Finding The Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 3700x
AMD Ryzen 7 3700x is a powerful CPU known to deliver outstanding performance to meet the needs of hardcore gamers and PC enthusiasts. But to extract this CPU’s full potential, you’ll need the right motherboard to go with it.
But with so many MOBOs on the market, each claiming predominance over the other, how do you choose one? To make your decision making and purchase easier, we have taken time to sift through several brands to find the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 3700x. Take a look.
The Ryzen 7 3700x Processor
To understand better which MOBO will work with this Ryzen CPU, let’s take a brief look at what it’s all about. Founded on the founded on AMD Zen 2 architecture, the Ryzen 7 3700x is a brilliant processor that offers 8-cores, 16-threads, and 3.6GHz base clock speed that can be boosted to a maximum 4.4GHz.
Low power consumption, high speed, larger cache size, and the Wraith Spire cooler to keep the processor’s temperature in check are some of the great features found on this processor. It’s ideal for gaming, streaming, and productivity.
Definitions
As you look through motherboards and comments from other buyers, some terms will stand out. How well you interpret these words will impact your understanding of the MOBO’s abilities and ultimately your purchase decision. Let’s explore some of terms you’re likely to encounter, shall we:
1. BIOS
Basic Input/Output System or BIOS (for short) is the software that instructs your computer on how to conduct basic functions such as powering up, booting, and keyboard control. It directly controls how hardware components in your PC work.
A desktop BIOS allows you configure lots of hardware settings and some of the things you can tweak in a BIOS system include:
- Changing Date and Time
- Viewing CPU Temperature
- Changing Memory Settings
- Changing CPU settings
- Viewing System Temperature and Voltage
- Changing CD/DVD/BD Drive Settings
- Viewing System Fan Speeds
- Changing Hard Drive Settings
The above list gives you an idea on the kinds of adjustments you can make, there is much more. Moreover, motherboards for gaming PCs have far more advanced BIOSes that allow you to configure the CPU’s clock and voltage, PCI Express speed, and RAM latency etc.
2. Overclocking
Gamers and PC enthusiasts who wish for their hardware to run fast, overclock. Overclocking is the act of increasing the PC’s clock rate so that it runs at a higher speed than the manufacturer’s specifications.
Overclock-friendly MOBOs have built-in coolers and thermal sensors to help extract more performance out of your components without the latter getting fried. Overheating, burning, and shortened lifespan are some of the downsides of overclocking. We recommend that you exercise caution as you explore your motherboard’s overclocking capabilities.
3. VRM
The Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) topic is wide and complicated and we won’t cover it here in its entirety, but we’ll try to give you a basic understanding of it. A VRM is an important piece of hardware that ensures clean power is delivered to the CPU or GPU at a consistent voltage. In other words, it converts 12-volt power from the power supply to usable voltage.
Poor VRMs cause all kinds of problems including degraded performance, reduced CPU capacity to function under load, and unexpected shutdowns while overclocking. A basic VRM can provide the relevant performance mid-range CPU needs but if you want to overclock, then you’ll need a VRM made from high-quality components.
Today’s computers use multi-phase VRM to scatter the power load over a larger physical area which in turn minimizes stress on the components and more importantly reduces heat production.
VRMS are normally sold as “8+3” or “6+2.” The number in front of the plus sign (in this case, 8 or 6) denotes the number of phases reserved for cleaning power that will be delivered to the CPU, while the number after the plus sign (3 or 2) tells you how many phases are left to deliver power to the other components on the motherboard, like say the RAM.
You’ll come across VRMs whose first numbers read “12+1” or “14+1” or higher. This doesn’t necessarily than there are more phases, rather the manufacturers are using a device known as a doubler.
Doublers allow manufacturers to increase the benefit of existing phases without having to build more phases onto the board.
3. Form Factor
Form factor refers to the size of the motherboard and determines the number of expansion slots that you can work with, the size of the case, and the motherboard’s layout. Generally, a larger form factor gives more memory, full-size PCIe, and expansion slots.
Some of the more common form factors include:
- ATX: This form factor is the most popular and commonly used for full-size motherboards. They normally feature seven expansion slots.
- MicroATX: This form factor is roughly 25% shorter than the ATX. It has fewer expansion slots, four to be precise, fits into mini-towers but is also compatible with most standard-size ATX cases.
- Mini-ITX: This mother board is way smaller and was built for compact computers. It has only one full-size PCIe slot.
4. PCIe
Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) refers to the expansion slots on a motherboard that support PCI-based expansion cards. PC motherboards have PCIe slots (the number depends on the motherboard) that are used to add GPUs, SSDs, or Wi-Fi cards etc.
5. Socket
A Motherboard socket connects a motherboard to a CPU, effectively forming contact and electrical interface with the CPU. It has holes that line up with short pins on the CPU through what is known as a PGA (Pin Grid Array).
When installing the CPU, it’s important to ensure that you’re not forcing down the CPU. The CPU ought to drop right in if it’s lined up correctly. The Ryzen 7 3700X works with AM4 socket motherboards.
Review of the Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 3700x
In this section we’ll be looking at five of the best motherboards for this third generation Ryzen 7 3700x
1. MSI B450 Tomahawk Motherboard
Best Overall
If the Zen processor is built for gaming, this B450 Tomahawk board from MSI is its ultimate companion. Not only does this board serve up premium features found on higher-end models, but it’s also Gaming Certified by eSports players. You can game for 24-hours whether you’re online or offline.
Better yet, it offers MSI gaming tools that include Gaming Hotkey, Game Boost, Gaming device port, and multi-GPU to give the upper hand in your gaming experience.
For stability and performance, MSI partners with memory brands such as Corsair, Kingston, and G.Skill etc to conduct thorough memory testing which ensures that the motherboard you receive has fully optimized memory that can withstand extreme conditions and overclock at 3466MHz. You won’t have to worry about system crashes.
The B450 motherboard stays cool thanks to multiple heavy-plated heatsinks and six fully controllable fan headers. You’ll be able to manage the fans’ speed and temperature. All the cooling components are built using high-quality materials to ensure the system remains at its best during long gaming sessions.
We love the Flash BIOS button that makes BIOS recovery super easy. In case of corruption, you can use this button to flash the BIOS without attaching the CPU. Simply connect the power source and follow a couple of steps.
This board has 4 DIMM slots that support up to 64GB, six SATA III ports, single M.2 slot that uses the single PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, PCIe 2.0 x16, two PCIe 2.0 x1 slot, DVI-D and HDMI outputs.
There are 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 port (Type-A and Type-C), 2 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports (Type-A), and 2 USB 2.0 ports. A keyboard and mouse PS/2 combo port is also available as well as a single LAN port powered by Realtek Gigabit networking controller.
The Realtek ALC892 audio code provides studio-grade quality audio and board provides 6 gold-plated 3.5mm jacks. Mystic Light RGB lighting allows you to customize your own color scheme and change it in seconds too.
Pros
- Gaming certified
- Fast performance
- Affordable
- Feature-rich motherboard
Cons
- No secondary M.2 slot
2. ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero
Extreme Overclocking
ASUS has delivered a remarkable gaming motherboard here. Many users may consider this board overkill for the hardcore gamers, it’s a gem. It has 4 DIMM sockets that support up to 32GB per socket and 4800MHz overclocked.
It has a solid 14+2 phase clean power delivery system for outstanding performance and a comprehensive thermal design that comprises of multiple heatsinks and ROG cooling Zone. These work together to keep your PC’s temperature cool even when it’s overclocked.
Further, the automated 5-Way Optimization system that ensures component compatibility and allows you to control advanced gaming hardware any way you want. just the way you want. It’s the perfect MOBO for gamers.
Spread across the board are 8 SATA Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots, each covered by an individual heatsink that’s easy to remove. The four DIMM slots we mentioned earlier can support 128GB of DDR4 RAM. There are 3 PCIe x 16 slots and a single PCI Express x 1 slot.
The board has a mammoth of USB ports, think 12 with eight of them being 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-C and 7 Type-A). There’s multi-GPU, Realtek-based LAN, 2 Ethernet ports, integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6 integration, and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. For audio, you get the ROG SupremeFX High Definition Audio Codec along with 5 gold-plated audio jacks.
Pros
- Plenty of USB connections
- Stable performance for overclocking
- Great aesthetic appeal
- User-friendly layout
Cons
- The board is costly
3. GIGABYTE X570 Gaming X
A Budget-friendly Option
This board is one of the best budget-friendly options you can find for the 3rd generation AMD Zen CPU range. Even with this low price point, the board delivers useful features for gamers and PC enthusiasts, but not without a few compromises.
The X570 board uses 10+2 phase to deliver clean power to your PC’s components for extra stability, performance, and hardware scalability. While the board allows some level of overclocking up to 4000MHz.
Thanks to the Smart Fan 5, you can adjust the fan headers to show different thermal sensors at various across the board and set your cooling accordingly.
The motherboard uses AMD StoreMI technology to make the machine fast and smooth and easy to use. It also optimizes the machine’s responsiveness in system booting and application launch and provides quick access to key files once it learns your computing behaviors.
Here, you get 4 memory slots that support up to 128GB, six SATA ports, two PCIe 4.0x 4 M.2 slots with heatsink, and three PCIe 4.0x 1 slots for Crossfire multi-graphics card configurations. There are four USB 3.1 gen1 (only Type-A), two USB 2.0 ports and two PS/2 INPUTS for keyboards and mice.
There’s a one HDMI port, three 3.5mm audio jacks, a Realtek Gigabit controlled Ethernet port, and Realtek HD audio codec. In the way of RGB, the RGB Fusion 2.0 allows you to control onboard RGB as well as external RGB or addressable LED light strips. And lastly the G-Flash Plus feature allows you to update the BIOS without installing a CPU.
Pros
- Effective heat dissipation
Affordable
- Stable performance
- Easy installation
Cons
- No USB 3.1 G2 ports
4. ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Motherboard
Best Value for Money
If you’ve got the cash to spare and are looking for a board with great aesthetic appeal and outstanding performance, the Strix X570-E motherboard is a solid option. It’s premium, high-quality features all the way, much to the delight of enthusiasts gaming.
It uses 12+4 phase and durable capacitors to deliver clean power to all your PC components maintaining admirable stability and excellent performance even under pressure. This motherboard’s clock capacity stands at 2666MHx and can be overclocked up to 4400MHz, perfect for this Zen processor.
Heat dissipation mechanisms include a ProCool II power connector, multiple heatsinks, water pump and headers. This comprehensive cooling package allows you to exploit the PC’s components’ capacity to the full. For gamers who prefer liquid cooling over air, this board gives you what you need.
With 5-Way Optimization, you can consolidate various components for better CPU performance, overclocking, power saving, whole system cooling and digital power control. you can even custom your own app usage.
What really sets this board apart is the large number of connectivity options it possesses. 4 DDR4 memory slots that support 128GB are almost usual but check this out, there are eight 6Gb/s SATA ports, two M.2 slots, eight 10GBPS USB ports (seven Type-C and one Type-A).
For graphics cards, you get three PCIe x16 slots plus two PCIe x1 slots. There are seven fan headers, built-in RGB lights and headers, HDMI and DisplayPort ports, Gigabit Ethernet port and uses Intel AX200 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. For sound, you get SupremeFX audio technology and five gold-plated audio jacks.
Pros
- High-speed connection
- Worthwhile overclocking capabilities
- Works for Linux OS
- Future-proofed
Cons
- Fewer M.2 slots
5. ASRock B450M PRO4 MicroATX
Best MicroATX Motherboard
Smaller motherboards are gaining popularity by the day. They do offer about as much as their larger counterparts but are much cheaper. So, if you’re on a serious budget or prefer building smaller PCs, the B450M Pro4 from ASRock, just might be what you need.
The board employs a Hybrid Digi Power design to deliver clean power to your CPU and other components, creating stability while enhancing the lifespan of the unit. This is achieved through ASRock’s high-quality 42A capacitors that clean up the current up to three more. Meaning, the Vcore voltage reaching the board is enhanced and supports up to 3200 overclock.
To keep the digital components on the motherboard safe from power surges, the ASRock Full Spike Protection utilizes various technologies to keep them from being fried by unexpected voltage spikes. And water cooling keeps the components from overheating.
Like other boards on our list, this MOBO comes with 4 DDR4 memory slots that support up to 64GB, 2 M.2 slots, 4x SATA3, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x16 @ x16, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x16 @ x4, and 1x PCI-E 2.0 x1 @ x1. There is a DVI-D port, an HDMI port and a legacy D-sub output.
There is a single Type-A USB 3.1 10Gbps port, a single, a Type-C USB 3.1 10Gbps port, four Type-A 3.1 5Gbps ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 combo port for the keyboard and mouse, Realtek Gigabit LAN, and 3 3.5mm audio jacks controlled by Realtek audio codec.
Pros
- Live updates for the motherboard
- HDMI support works with 4k resolution
- Fast performance
- Aesthetic appeal
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
Conclusion
This concludes our review of the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 3700x. We trust that information we’ve shared has helped you narrow down your options. Each of the boards listed here are solid performers which makes choosing one exceedingly difficult, however, in our opinion the MS 450 Tomahawk Motherboard steals the show.
This Gaming Certified motherboard comes with a lot of premium features including in-game weapons to give you an edge. It’s a low power consumption board that’s stable and provides excellent performance. Plus, along with high-quality cooling components to keep everything cool. RGB lighting is superb and you get a straightforward layout that’s easy to use.
What’s your favorite MOBO for your AMD Zen CPU? Feel free to share your experience with us in the comment box.
