Articles Hardware and Technologies Which Motherboard to Buy in Fall 2025

Which Motherboard to Buy in Fall 2025

November 4, 2025, 06:46 PM

Contents

1. AMD
2. Intel

The motherboard is the foundation of any PC build, directly impacting the system's stability, upgrade potential, and performance. It determines which components you can install, how efficiently your processor and memory will run, and how many years your computer will remain relevant without needing to replace its core components.

In 2025, the motherboard market is undergoing a significant refresh: the arrival of AMD's new 800-series chipsets and refinements to Intel's Z890/B760 have made the choice more diverse than ever. Even budget models now offer support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and modern interfaces, while high-end boards provide overclocking capabilities, robust power delivery systems, and a rich set of ports for the most demanding users.

We've compiled a list of the 10 best motherboards of 2025—five for AMD and five for Intel. The selection includes everything from affordable models for everyday builds to flagship boards designed for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals.

Hardware Picks

AMD

Let's start with solutions for AMD processors. Traditionally, there are options here to suit every taste and budget.

GIGABYTE B850M D3HP ($150 — $180)

Pros

Solid price-to-features ratio. For a moderate price, you get a modern set of features: support for AM5, DDR5, and PCIe 5.0 for the graphics card and an M.2 slot;
The presence of two M.2 slots—one with PCIe 5.0 (for faster SSDs) and one with PCIe 4.0—allows for flexible storage configuration;
Support for 4 DDR5 DIMMs with stated high-frequency potential (up to 8200 MT/s, depending on other components);
Q-Flash Plus feature—allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed, which is convenient for out-of-the-box incompatibility issues;

Cons

Limited VRM power headroom—when using top-tier Ryzen CPUs (especially high-power-draw or overclocked models), you may encounter stability and overheating issues;
Potential for throttling or performance drops under sustained loads due to VRM heating, particularly if case cooling is insufficient;
Less "future-proofing"—limited expansion capabilities in terms of slots, lanes, and connectivity compared to higher-tier boards;
Potential out-of-the-box compatibility issues. Some users report POST/DRAM problems (reviews mention that memory kits or the CPU may not start without a BIOS update).

User Reviews

ASRock B850 Pro-A ($120 — $160)

Pros

Good VRM / power delivery quality. 14+2+1 phase Dr.MOS power design, with 80-amp phases for VCore, SOC, and others;
Support for modern interfaces. PCIe 5.0 for the graphics slot, several M.2 slots (including a "Blazing" Gen5x4 and Gen4x4) for SSDs;
Abundance of ports and connectivity options. 2.5Gb LAN, USB-C Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2x2, front-panel USB support, HDMI, and USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode support;
ATX form factor, which offers more room for components and better cooling compared to micro-ATX/mini-ITX;
Reliability and stability. Quality construction typical of the "Pro-A" series, dense PCB (8 layers), reinforced PCIe slot for the graphics card, effective cooling for power components;
BIOS Flashback—allows BIOS updates without a CPU, RAM, or GPU, which is useful if the board ships with an outdated version.

Cons

Some limitations in lane distribution when using multiple M.2/PCIe slots: for example, using certain M.2 slots may disable the second PCIe slot or reduce its bandwidth;
Requires good case and VRM cooling, especially with powerful CPUs under load, to avoid overheating and performance degradation;
Less headroom for extreme overclocking or under very heavy multi-threaded loads compared to high-end boards (X870, etc.).

User Reviews

Which platform do you prefer for your system?

MSI PRO X870-P WIFI ($170 — $200)

Pros

Excellent power delivery subsystem. 14+2+1 phase design with digital PWM, dual 8-pin CPU power connector, thick 8-layer PCB with 2 oz copper, providing a solid foundation for powerful Ryzen CPUs;
Support for high memory frequencies. DDR5 up to 8200+ MT/s (OC) in single-rank configuration, with good performance in more standard modes as well;
Modern interfaces. Includes PCIe 5.0 x16 for the graphics card, multiple M.2 slots (including Gen5 x4 for SSDs), USB4 (40 Gbps), high-speed USB Type-C/Type-A ports, Realtek 5G LAN, and integrated Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4;
Good cooling for power components and interfaces: extended heatsinks, thermal pads, "Shield" Frozr coolers on M.2 slots, well-thought-out heat dissipation;
Convenient for building/maintenance. Pre-installed I/O shield, EZ PCIe Clip II (easier graphics slot release), EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, Wi-Fi antenna mounts; overall, the MSI PRO series focuses on practicality;
Future "investment" protection. Thanks to the powerful chipset (X870), broad expansion options, and modern interface standards, this board is well-positioned for the future, making it easy to upgrade the processor later on.

Cons

Price is above mid-range; you have to pay for all these benefits, which might be overkill for some;
BIOS / firmware—like many new boards, it can have out-of-the-box issues; M.2 slots, USB ports, LAN might not work correctly until the BIOS is updated;
M.2 Gen5 slot. There are complaints that the heatshield isn't particularly large, and heat buildup can be noticeable, especially under heavy loads or with poor case airflow;
LAN/WiFi—although it features Wi-Fi 7 and 5G LAN, occasional bugs or dropouts are reported (LAN can disappear, drivers may be non-functional until updated, dependent on BIOS/OS version);
Can be "overkill" for simple builds—if you're using a lower-power CPU, don't need Wi-Fi 7, or don't require ultra-fast Gen5 SSDs, some features will go unused, making the investment less justified.

User Reviews

Gigabyte X870E AORUS Elite ($230 — $290)

Pros

High level of functionality for an upper-mid-range price. X870E is a step above the standard X870, offering additional features without a full jump to the flagship class;
Enhanced power delivery / VRM. Provides higher stability under load and better thermal performance;
More slots and expansion options. Multiple M.2 slots, expanded interfaces, more USB / I/O ports, richer switching capabilities;
A balance between premium features and price. Not a flagship, but significantly above average, making it a suitable choice for those wanting a solid foundation without an extreme premium.

Cons

Price is noticeably higher than standard X870 / B850 boards. For those who won't use all the features, part of the board's potential will be wasted;
Not the "maximum" in terms of specs. Even the X870E falls short of flagship boards in power headroom, advanced networking solutions, and enhanced audio;
Demanding on cooling and case construction. When fully loaded under peak loads, the board requires good airflow and a quality cooling system;
Potential compromises in minor details. For example, fewer additional ports/USB compared to full flagship boards; possibly fewer power phases in some variants.

User Reviews

ASUS ROG Strix X870E ($350 — $420)

Pros

A maximally balanced flagship for gaming / high-performance builds. Virtually "no compromises" on most parameters: VRM, expandability, interfaces, networking, BIOS options;
Highest level of power headroom and stability. Even under extreme loads and overclocking, the chances the board "can't handle it" are minimal (with adequate cooling);
Multiple slots and interfaces. Several M.2 slots (often with PCIe 5.0 and Gen5 support), a large number of USB / audio outputs / network controllers;
Future-ready features and premium additions. For example, 10G LAN, Wi-Fi 7 / 6E, proprietary ASUS technologies (AI OC, BIOS features, etc.), advanced thermal solutions;
Prestige, long service life, and flexibility. If you're building a system for the long haul, this board is a safe choice.

Cons

High price. You have to pay significantly more for this level, and not every user will be able to justify the investment;
Some features will remain unused. If you don't use all the slots, networking capabilities, overclocking features, etc., some of the potential will be just a reserve;
Demanding on the rest of the system. To let the board shine, you need quality cooling, a modern case, and good airflow;
Complex for beginners. With so many features, the user needs to understand what to enable/configure to avoid wasting the board's resources.

User Reviews

Intel

And now let's move on to Intel-compatible solutions. Here you'll find both very budget-friendly options for everyone, as well as top-tier, expensive options for professionals.

ASUS PRIME H610M-E ($92 — $115)

Pros

Very low price and simple feature set. An option for no-frills builds: the motherboard covers basic needs (graphics card, 1-2 storage drives, a basic set of USB ports). An excellent choice for an office PC or a budget gaming starter build;
Minimal set of modern interfaces. Even budget H610 boards often have one M.2 slot, several SATA ports, and a basic set of USB—enough for typical tasks;
Compact and space-saving. Often come in microATX/mini-ITX form factors—convenient for small cases and budget builds;
Low power consumption and simple setup. Fewer complex BIOS settings, making installation easier for beginners;
A good choice if price, not expandability, is key. If the goal is to build a working PC or "game on minimum settings," the H610 offers an optimal compromise.

Cons

Lack of overclocking capabilities. H-series chipsets are not meant for CPU overclocking; if you plan on using an i5/i7 K-series CPU for overclocking, the H610 is not suitable;
Limited PCIe lanes and device support. Few M.2 slots, ports share lanes; you quickly hit limits when adding multiple NVMe/PCIe cards;
Modest power delivery subsystem (VRM). For high-frequency/power-hungry K-processors or sustained peak loads, the power and cooling headroom is insufficient—throttling and instability are possible;
Fewer modern "features." No Wi-Fi/2.5G/10G LAN, advanced audio, additional USB/Thunderbolt ports—all of this is found only in more expensive classes;
Less "headroom for the future." If you plan to upgrade in 2-4 years (multiple NVMe drives, a faster CPU), you will likely need to replace the motherboard.

User Reviews

ASUS PRIME B760-PLUS ($160 — $180)

Pros

Excellent balance of price and features. B760 boards offer more capabilities than the H-series at a moderate price: extra ports, improved USB switching. It's the "workhorse" for most systems;
Support for modern standards. B760 variants include useful features without the premium of a Z-series chipset;
Better quality VRM compared to H610. Less heat under load, allowing you to safely install an i5/i7 without worrying about stability under decent loads;
Good versatility. Suitable for gaming with i5/i7 CPUs, for entry-level streaming, and for work tasks like amateur photo/video editing.

Cons

Limitations on CPU overclocking. B-series chipsets lack official support for full CPU overclocking (a privilege of Z-series chipsets with K-models), so they are not suitable for enthusiast overclockers;
VRM is still not top-tier. Although better than H610, under prolonged extreme loads or with a high-TDP i9, overheating and frequency drops are possible;
BIOS/support for new CPUs. Some boards require a "out-of-the-box" BIOS update to support the latest CPU generations—better to check compatibility before building.

User Reviews

ASUS ROG Strix B760-F Gaming ($220 — $275)

Pros

Gaming-oriented with improved VRM cooling. The ROG Strix line is aimed at gamers: reinforced heatsinks, improved thermal package, and efficient heat dissipation allow for stable high memory and CPU frequencies in most gaming tasks;
Rich I/O and quality networking/audio. Typically includes fast LAN (2.5G), a Wi-Fi module, an advanced audio codec—convenient for a gaming setup without add-on cards;
Convenient tuning and gaming features. Good utilities for tuning, fan profiles, RGB, and various small things useful for gamers (memory profiles, fan control);
Support for high memory frequencies. ROG Strix boards are optimized for fast DDR5 kits (in corresponding revisions) and allow you to get the most out of your memory in games and applications;
Balance of price and features. Often cheaper than Z-series flagships, but provides most of the necessary gaming options.

Cons

Price/features might be excessive. For simple users, some capabilities will go unused—it only makes sense if you actually use the networking/audio/memory features;
Revisions and options vary. Different sub-versions (WiFi, non-WiFi) differ significantly in capabilities; you need to check the specific SKU;
Demanding on case cooling. For the board to perform at its best, you need thoughtful airflow—otherwise, the VRM will heat up under prolonged loads;
Not the most "long-lived" in terms of upgrade headroom. Compared to a Z-series flagship, the number of available lanes/slots for future expansions may be limited.

User Reviews

What is most important to you when choosing a motherboard?

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk ($240 — $260)

Pros

Z-series chipset—official support for CPU and memory overclocking. If you plan to use Intel K-series processors and play with multipliers, the Z790 provides all the necessary flexibility for overclocking;
Serious VRM and cooling. The Tomahawk class typically provides a robust power delivery subsystem capable of reliably handling i7/i9 CPUs under sustained load and when overclocked;
Wide expansion capabilities. More M.2 slots, more USB ports, sometimes PCIe 5.0 M.2—a suitable base for an advanced gaming or workstation PC;
Excellent feature-to-price ratio. The Z790 Tomahawk is often praised for offering nearly all the necessary features without a huge premium for top-tier functionality;
Good compatibility and refinement. Vendors test these models thoroughly, resulting in thousands of builders getting stable boards with predictable behavior.

Cons

May require advanced cooling for full performance. To truly unlock the Z790's potential with an i9 and extreme memory, good case and CPU cooling are needed;
Some revisions cut features. There are market variants with DDR4/DDR5 and different controller sets—look carefully at the SKU to avoid overpaying for extras or getting an "unwanted" version;
Complex setup for beginners. The BIOS options are vast—a beginner can easily get confused and make suboptimal settings, leading to instability;
Lane sharing effect. When all slots are populated, some M.2/PCIe ports may share lanes and lose bandwidth—this is normal behavior, but needs to be considered when planning your configuration.

User Reviews

ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 ($750 — $800)

Pros

Maximum performance and functionality. The top series offers the best power delivery, enhanced cooling, more M.2 and PCIe slots, premium network controllers, and more;
Full overclocking support and fine-tuning. An extensive set of profiles, manual BIOS settings, diagnostic indicators, and software provide complete control;
Longevity and "future-proofing." If the plan is not to change the platform for several years and install the fastest SSDs/GPUs/network cards, the flagship provides a headroom in slots and interfaces;
Excellent support and stability under top-tier loads. Works as a base for workstations, the most demanding games, and streaming/rendering simultaneously;
Premium additions. Often include advanced audio codecs, built-in tools for water cooling, hardware sensors, and high-level RGB/design.

Cons

Very high price. These boards sit in the upper price category, and their purchase is only justified for those who will actually use the entire feature set;
Demanding on the rest of the hardware. To unlock the board's full potential, you need a corresponding CPU, SSD, GPU, and cooling system—costs can snowball;
Setup complexity. Multi-level BIOS options provide room for optimization but also for mistakes; an inexperienced user can more easily make things worse than better;
Not justified for gaming alone. For most gaming builds, even high-end ones, a Z790 Tomahawk or ROG Strix is often sufficient—it's only worth upgrading to a Maximus for specific tasks or creating a powerful workstation.

User Reviews

***

Modern motherboards have ceased to be just a "connector" for components—today, they are a full-fledged platform that determines the entire system's potential. They dictate not only the compatibility of the CPU, memory, and graphics card but also how effectively the computer handles games, rendering, editing, and multitasking.

For office or everyday builds, affordable solutions based on entry-level chipsets are sufficient—they provide stability and functionality without overpaying. Gamers and enthusiasts should look at mid-range and upper-tier boards: they offer improved cooling, overclocking support, and fast PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 interfaces. And if you're building a system with an eye on the next several years, it's worth considering flagship models with powerful power delivery, extensive expansion options, and premium features.

The key is to choose a board that fits your tasks and processor without paying for options you won't use. Then your system will be stable, performant, and ready for upgrades in the coming years.

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About the author

Arkadiy Andrienko

Author of articles and news

As a technical journalist for VGTimes, I equally enjoy discussing the latest graphics cards and delving into the intricacies of classic RPGs. Since 2018, I have been writing about games and hardware; my experience in sound engineering has allowed me to understand the nuances of audio technologies well, and I am always on the lookout for something new in the realm of gaming hardware. When I'm not writing about technology, I'm likely exploring the post-apocalyptic wastelands in Fallout, managing a colony in RimWorld, or commanding armies in Hearts of Iron IV. For me, gaming is more than just a hobby—it's a passion that fuels my creativity and keeps me connected to the ever-evolving world of technology.

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