Motherboards are the backbone of any PC build, serving as the central hub that connects all components—CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics cards—into a cohesive system.
Discover the ultimate motherboard tier list for 2025, ranking over 300 boards for AMD Ryzen 9000/7000 (AM5) and Intel LGA 1700, with top picks for gaming, performance, and budget builds.
This motherboard tier list categorizes the best options for Intel and AMD platforms, focusing on performance, features, and value, based on insights from recent reviews and community feedback. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a workstation, or a budget PC, this guide will help you find the perfect motherboard.
S-Tier: Flagship Motherboards for Enthusiasts
S-tier motherboards are the cream of the crop, designed for enthusiasts, overclockers, and those who want cutting-edge features. These boards support the latest technologies, offer robust power delivery, and include premium features like PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7, and Thunderbolt 4. They’re ideal for high-end CPUs like Intel’s Core Ultra 9 or AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Intel: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme stands out as a top-tier choice for Intel’s LGA 1700 platform. Priced around $250, it supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs, with potential compatibility for Arrow Lake processors. It boasts DDR5 memory support up to 7600MHz, PCIe 5.0 for GPUs and M.2 slots, dual 10GbE LAN, and Thunderbolt 4. Its 19-phase power delivery ensures stable overclocking, even with power-hungry chips. The premium design, including subtle RGB and reinforced PCIe slots, makes it a favorite for gamers and creative professionals. However, its high price may deter budget-conscious builders.
AMD: Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master
For AMD’s AM5 platform, the Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master is a standout. Priced at a premium, it supports Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series CPUs. It features four M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0), dual 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and a robust VRM design for overclocking. The board’s advanced cooling, including VRM Thermal Armor and M.2 Thermal Guard XL, ensures stability under heavy loads. Its clean UEFI BIOS and premium audio codec make it a top choice for gamers and overclockers. The steep cost is the main drawback, but the feature set justifies it for high-end builds.
Other S-Tier Contenders
- ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme: Offers top-tier power delivery, dual Thunderbolt 4, and PCIe 5.0 support. Ideal for Intel enthusiasts but comes with a hefty price tag.
- MSI MEG Z790 Godlike: A premium Intel board with robust VRMs, multiple M.2 slots, and a luxurious design. Best for those who want it all.
- ASRock X870E Taichi: A strong AMD option with PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7, and excellent VRM cooling, though some reports mention stability issues with high-end Ryzen CPUs.
A-Tier: High Performance, Great Value
A-tier motherboards strike a balance between performance and cost, offering many premium features without the flagship price. These are ideal for gamers and professionals who want strong performance but don’t need every bell and whistle.
Intel: ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite
The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite, priced at $350, is a value-packed option for Intel’s LGA 1700 platform. It includes robust power delivery, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, eight SATA ports, and premium audio. While it lacks the high-end aesthetics of pricier boards, it delivers nearly identical performance to the standard Taichi, making it a great choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Its feature set rivals boards costing hundreds more, offering excellent value for overclockers and gamers.
AMD: ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus, priced around $319, is a solid mid-range choice for AMD’s AM5 platform. It supports Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series CPUs with a 12+2 phase power design (60A stages), capable of handling a Ryzen 9 7950X. It includes four M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0), seven SATA ports, and large heatsinks for effective cooling. While it lacks PCIe 5.0 for storage, its robust feature set and competitive price make it a favorite for gamers who don’t need flagship extras.
Other A-Tier Contenders
- MSI Z790 Tomahawk: Offers five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, and dual high-speed LAN ports. A great mid-range Intel option for gamers and creators.
- Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: A budget-friendly Intel board with four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and solid power delivery for 12th/13th Gen CPUs.
- ASRock B650E Steel Legend: A feature-packed AMD board under $300 with strong VRMs and PCIe 5.0 support, ideal for budget-conscious AM5 builds.
B-Tier: Budget-Friendly Performance
B-tier motherboards are perfect for budget builders or those using older-generation CPUs. They offer solid performance for gaming and general use but may lack advanced features like PCIe 5.0 or Wi-Fi 7.
Intel: ASUS Prime B760-Plus
For Intel’s LGA 1700 platform, the ASUS Prime B760-Plus is a reliable choice under $130. It supports 12th and 13th Gen CPUs with DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 for GPUs and M.2 slots. While it lacks Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E, it includes a decent number of USB ports and a 10-phase power design for light overclocking. This board is ideal for budget gaming PCs or office builds where high-end features aren’t necessary.
AMD: ASRock A520M Pro4
The ASRock A520M Pro4, priced at $85, is a great budget option for AMD’s AM4 platform. It supports Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs and offers two M.2 slots and solid VRMs for its price. While it lacks PCIe 4.0 and Wi-Fi, its affordability and expandability make it a top pick for budget builders. It’s a cost-effective choice for those upgrading older systems or building entry-level PCs.
Other B-Tier Contenders
- MSI B550M Pro-VDH: A budget AM4 board with PCIe 4.0, one M.2 slot, and Wi-Fi, suitable for Ryzen 5000 series CPUs under $100.
- Gigabyte B760M DS3H: An Intel board under $100 with DDR5 support and basic connectivity, great for entry-level LGA 1700 builds.
- ASRock H610M-HDV: A barebones Intel board for basic builds, supporting 12th Gen CPUs with limited USB and storage options.
C-Tier: Entry-Level and Older Platforms
C-tier motherboards are basic options for older platforms or ultra-budget builds. They’re suitable for light tasks like web browsing or media PCs but lack the features and power delivery for modern gaming or overclocking.
Intel: ASRock H610M-HDV
The ASRock H610M-HDV, priced around $75, is a no-frills option for Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs. It supports DDR4 memory, one M.2 slot, and basic USB connectivity (up to 10 Gbps). It’s not designed for overclocking or high-end CPUs but works well for budget office PCs or HTPCs. Its limited expandability makes it less ideal for future upgrades.
AMD: ASRock B450M-HDV
The ASRock B450M-HDV, also around $75, supports AMD’s Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs. With a 4-phase VRM design, it’s not suited for overclocking or high-power CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5700X3D. It offers one M.2 slot and basic connectivity, making it a good choice for budget AM4 builds focused on light gaming or general use.
Choosing the Right Motherboard
When selecting a motherboard, consider the following:
- CPU Compatibility: Ensure the socket (e.g., LGA 1700 for Intel, AM5/AM4 for AMD) matches your CPU. Check the manufacturer’s CPU support list for compatibility.
- Chipset: Higher-end chipsets (Z790, X870) support overclocking and advanced features, while budget chipsets (B760, A520) are more limited.
- Features: Prioritize features like PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E/7, or multiple M.2 slots based on your needs.
- Budget: S-tier boards are overkill for most users. A-tier or B-tier boards often provide the best value for gaming and general use.
- Future-Proofing: Opt for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 if you plan to keep your system for 4+ years, especially for AM5 or newer Intel platforms.
FAQs
What are the top 5 motherboards?
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme, ASUS ROG Maximus Z790, MSI MEG Z790 Godlike, Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master, ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite are top picks for performance and features.
Which motherboard series is the best?
The Z790 series for Intel and X870E for AMD offer the best performance, with PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and strong overclocking support.
What is the best brand of motherboard?
ASUS and Gigabyte are top brands, offering reliable, feature-packed motherboards with great cooling, connectivity, and support for gaming and overclocking.
Why are Ryzen 7000 motherboards so expensive?
Ryzen 7000 motherboards cost more due to DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0, advanced VRMs, and premium features like Wi-Fi 7 for AM5.
Which is the no. 1 motherboard?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme is the no. 1 motherboard, with top-tier power delivery, PCIe 5.0, and premium features.
Is AMD or Intel better for gaming?
AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and Intel’s Core Ultra both excel for gaming; AMD offers better value, while Intel has slightly higher performance.
Conclusion
This motherboard tier list highlights the best options for 2025, catering to various budgets and use cases. S-tier boards like the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and X870E Aorus Master are ideal for enthusiasts, while A-tier options like the ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite and ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus offer excellent value. For budget builds, B-tier and C-tier boards like the ASUS Prime B760-Plus and ASRock A520M Pro4 get the job done without breaking the bank. Always check compatibility and prioritize features that align with your build goals to ensure a reliable, high-performing PC.