With 16 cores and a 4.9GHz max boost clock, the Ryzen 9 5950X is a flagship processor for gaming and professionals alike. However, to get the most out of its high overclocking potential, you will need an equally impressive motherboard with great VRMs. After all, a high-end CPU deserves to be housed by a proper board. Therefore, we have created this comprehensive review of the best motherboards for the Ryzen 9 5950X.
To help you decide which motherboard is best for your Ryzen 9 5950X CPU, we have taken several factors such as performance, features, value, price, and aesthetics into account to find the most well-balanced motherboards out there. That said, we focused on the most exceptional, highly rated, and up-to-date boards that allow you to take advantage of the 5950X processing power, PCIe 4.0 interface, and build a future-proof system.
We have also included ATX, Micro ATX, and mini ITX options for building Ryzen 9 5950X PCs of any form factor. All you need to do is choose a motherboard based on your personal requirements and budget.
Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 5950X
MSI MEG X570 Unify
Verdict: Best Overall
The X570 Unify from MSI is a feature-rich motherboard with three M.2 slots and PCIe 4.0 support. It would be nice to have more than four SATA ports, but the extra M.2 slot and premium components compensate.
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4600 | Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x1 | Video ports: N/A | USB Ports: 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 2.0 | Storage: 3x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1x Realtek RTL8125 2.5GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Great for overclocking with 4600MHz RAM support
- 2.5 GbE LAN networking and WiFi included
- Triple M.2 slots
Drawbacks
- Only four SATA ports
- Could use more USB ports
Not everyone is a fan of RGB lights, some would rather go for an all-black, stealthy look instead. If that sounds like you, the MSI MEG X570 Unify is the best motherboard for the Ryzen 9 5950X. It’s an all-black motherboard that performs very well, especially when paired with a high-end CPU.
The VRM section is pretty great, and it gets passive cooling to keep it running well even when pushed hard. To add to this, the chipset itself has active cooling, so you won’t have any overheating problems. While we’re at it, the thermal solutions extend over the three M.2 slots, too, so they’ll remain cool, too.
You get four DIMM slots for up to 128GB of RAM at up to 5000MHz, as well as three PCIe 4.0 slots running at x16. Networking is pretty good with 2.5GbE LAN, as well as an Intel AX200 Wi-Fi 6 module for added convenience. This is an overall great motherboard for the 5950X if you don’t care much for RGB.
ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula
Verdict: Runner Up
The ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula is designed for powerful CPUs and extreme overclocking. It features a massive VRM and very high-end components.
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5100 | Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 | Video ports: N/A | USB Ports: 7x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 8x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1x Aquantia AQC111C 5G LAN, 1x Intel I211AT GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Built for overclocking enthusiasts
- Impressive EKWB VRM block
- 5 GbE LAN support with integrated Wi-Fi
Drawbacks
- The GPU covers the chipset fan
If you’re into futuristic designs with a tasteful amount of RGB, the ROG X570 Crosshair VIII might be perfect for you. The board is massive compared to various entry-level options and the black PCB is covered with shields for additional thermal protection. Additionally, it comes with a LiveDash OLED panel that can display certain stats or even customizable graphics.
As for performance, this motherboard is meant for high-end systems. Overclocking is simple. You can get the most out of your Ryzen 9 5950X without worrying about voltage issues or overheating. You can even overclock the RAM to 5100MHz, which is impressive. In addition, the Crosshair Formula comes with 5Gbps LAN and onboard Wi-Fi, which makes it perfect for gamers.
The ASUS Crosshair VIII Formula is best used in high-ender gaming Ryzen 9 5950X PC builds, especially if you plan to overclock your hardware. Overall one of the best motherboards you can pair with the 5950X based on performance and feature set.
ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (Wi-Fi)
Verdict: Best Budget
The TUF Gaming X570-Plus from ASUS is fit for most high-end gaming builds that include the Ryzen 9 5950X, supporting up to 128GB of RAM operating at 5100MHz.
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5100 | Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x1 | Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI | USB Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 8x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1x Realtek Gigabit L8200A LAN, Intel Wireless-AC 9260 | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Great for overclockers, offering 5100MHz RAM support
- Powerful VRM and great thermal solution
- Premium stainless steel back I/O shield
Drawbacks
- Large GPUs might cover the chipset fan
The TUF Gaming X570-Plus is a popular high-end motherboard because of the quality build and feature set it has to offer for the price. Design-wise, it’s not nearly as impressive as a Formula or ROG Strix motherboard, but it makes up for its simplicity thanks to its performance when paired with the Ryzen 9 5950X.
This motherboard is great for overclockers. It supports 128GB of RAM that you can overclock up to 5100MHz and the VRM can handle the 5950X without any issues. Furthermore, the board is PCIe 4.0 compliant, which includes the M.2 slots, and it comes with plenty of USB 3.2 ports. As a bonus, you also get an integrated Wi-Fi module.
All in all, if you don’t want to spend too much money, the TUF Gaming X570-Plus is the best budget motherboard for the Ryzen 9 5950X. It has all the essential features and it can also handle overclocking well.
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
Verdict: Best Value
The ROG Strix X570-E is packed with premium features, including 2.5 GbE LAN and a Wi-Fi 6 module. It is a versatile motherboard that offers a lot of value for its price.
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4400 | Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x1, 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 | Video ports: 1x Display Port, 1x HDMI | USB Ports: 7x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | Storage: 2x M.2, 8x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1x Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Intel I211-AT GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Great overclocking potential
- 2.5 GbE LAN networking and WiFi included
- Plenty of USB 3.2 Gen 2 and SATA ports
Drawbacks
- Not the most power-efficient board
- 2.5 GbE LAN networking and WiFi included
- Triple M.2 slots would be preferable in this price range
The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming is a fantastic pick for the 5950X. It checks all the boxes in terms of performance, feature set, and Aesthetics. Simply put, you can go wrong with this motherboard, though you will have to pay a premium.
With the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, you get a great VRM with digital power control and an array of power stages. There is also comprehensive cooling on this motherboard with an active PCH heatsink, MOS heatsink with 8mm Heatpipe, and heatsinks on both M.2 slots.
Speaking of M.2, this motherboard has Dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with NVMe SSD RAID support. This will allow you to create a RAID configuration for faster data transfer and improved performance overall.
Lastly, ASUS has included Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11Ax)m, 2.5Gbps LAN, and full RGB lighting control with Aura. All of these things make this a great motherboard for the Ryzen 9 5950X.
Gigabyte X570 AORUS Xtreme
Verdict: Best Enthusiast
With three M.2 slots, full PCIe 4.0 support, 10G networking, and high-quality design, the X570 Aorus Ultra provides the most performance money can buy.
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4000 | Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 | Video ports: 1x HDMI | USB Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1 x Aquantia 10Gbps LAN chip, 1 x Aquantia GbE LAN chip, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Integrated 10G LAN and Wi-Fi
- Triple M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support
- Built like a tank with thermal “armor”
Drawbacks
- No chipset fan
The X570 Aorus Xtreme is highly expensive for a motherboard, but it’s the most feature-rich board on this list. Built for extreme performance, it comes with elegant PCB thermal armor, tasteful RGB, and a luxurious black finish. This is a motherboard you hold in your hands to enjoy its aesthetics and strong build quality.
The Aorus Xtreme is built for extreme overclocking. It has one of the best VRMs in its class, high-quality thermals, and the most robust circuitry you can find. In fact, the manufacturers are so confident in this board’s abilities that they haven’t installed a chipset fan. This is the only X570 without one. While this could be a drawback, the quality of the board is so great that it’s not truly needed.
As for networking, this board comes with an integrated 10G LAN module, which is a rare sight to see! Wi-Fi is also included. The Aorus Xtreme has everything you need for a high-end gaming or professional build with the Ryzen 9 5950X at its core.
Asus X570 ROG Strix-I Gaming
Verdict: Best Mini ITX
The ROG Strix-I Gaming is a mini ITX that doesn’t restrict you due to its size. It boasts two M.2 slots when most of the competition comes with one, and you get plenty of USB 3.2 ports and Wi-Fi as well.
Specifications
Form Factor: MiniITX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 2x DIMM, up to 64GB, DDR4-4800 | Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 | Video ports: 1x Display Port, 1x HDMI | USB Ports: 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1x Intel I211-AT Gigabit LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Top Mini ITX for overclocking with 4800MHz RAM support
- Two M.2 slots on a Mini ITX
- Extensive cooling design with active VRM cooling
Drawbacks
- SATA connector placement could be better
Though you would expect ASUS to go all out with RGB and flashy aesthetics on their motherboards, the ROG Strix X570-I is rather subtle largely because it is an ITX motherboard. This is good because you can fit it in a variety of PC builds in terms of aesthetics.
In terms of features, this motherboard has numerous. In a compact design, you get a PCIe 4.0 slot running at x16, as well as two M.2 slots and four SATA3, for even more storage. At the back, you’ll find no less than eight USB ports for even more accessories, which is a nice addition.
Everything is well-cooled, including the active cooling on the VRM, as well as the two M.2 slots. You have two video outputs at the rear, an HDMI and a DisplayPort, as well as a Gigabit LAN port, too. This is a pretty well-rounded motherboard, so no complaints there whatsoever. If you’re after a compact board and don’t want to spend too much, the X570 ROG Strix-I Gaming is the best ITX motherboard for the Ryzen 9 5950X.
MSI MAG B550M Mortar WiFi
Verdict: Best Micro ATX
The B550M Mortar from MSI performs well with the Ryzen 9 5950X at stock speeds, but like all Micro ATX boards, it’s not ideal for extreme overclocking.
Specifications
Form Factor: Micro ATX | Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD B550 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4400 | Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x1 | Video ports: 1x Display Port, 1x HDMI | USB Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 6x USB 2.0 | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1x Realtek RTL8125B 2.5GbE LAN, Intel WiFi 6 AX200 | Warranty: 3 yearsBenefits
- Highly efficient at stock speeds
- Pre-installed I/O shielding
- Ethernet port reaching 2.5 GbE and integrated WiFi
Drawbacks
- Fan header placement isn’t great
- Not great for overclocking
If you want to take the Micro ATX route, the B550M Mortar is a solid choice if you don’t plan to overclock the 5950X to its full potential. The motherboard comes with plenty of great features, but you’ll have to accept the simple design without any RGB lighting, OLED displays, or debug LEDs.
The B550M supports up to 128GB of RAM that you can overclock up to 4400MHz. It also comes with two M.2 slots, however, due to the limitations of the B550 chipset, only one will work at PCIe 4.0 levels. That said, the board supports PCIe 4.0 and it comes with great networking capabilities, including integrated WiFi.
All in all, this motherboard is a great choice for those who want to go with the Mini ATX form factor without too much overclocking. The Ryzen 9 5950X will work at peak performance at stock speeds, and you’ll be able to push it a bit further, but you probably shouldn’t take it to its limit. For extreme overclocking builds, you should look at any other X570 motherboard on this list.
Final Thoughts
The Ryzen 9 5950X is a flagship processor meant for high-end gaming and professional builds. To get the most out of it, you need to find an equally impressive motherboard otherwise you won’t be able to overclock it to its maximum frequency. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on that motherboard. So make sure you consider your true requirements, expectations, and budget before choosing one of the best motherboards for the Ryzen 9 5950X listed above.
