Products at a Glance
How we chose the best motherboards for DDR5 RAM
We made our decision on these motherboards by considering the market availability, price, and feature set. You can go for either a Z790 or Z690 motherboard (as well as alternatives) on the Intel front and X670 models for AMD. We’re considering all the bleeding-edge models that support overclocking to the highest frequencies for the CPU as well as RAM. You’ll want to be properly connected when gaming, streaming or doing general tasks on your PC.
If you don’t know where to start with either model, we’re showing you where to buy AM5 motherboards and where to buy Z790 motherboards if you want as many options as possible.
Product Reviews
- Competitively priced
- Effective cooling
- Lots of storage options
- No USB 4.0 ports
Our top pick for the best motherboard for DDR5 RAM is the Z790 Gigabyte Aorus Master. This is because it’s a solid all-rounder with all the functionality you need for the future of PC gaming. Not only do you have support for the fastest memory and newest SSDs, but also one of the most feature-rich rear I/Os we’ve ever seen.
That’s because the Z790 Gigabyte Aorus Master has 6x USB 3.2 and 4 USB 3.1 ports as well as USB-C. You’re also getting the fastest Wi-FI 6E Standard, 802.11ax, for the most consistent wireless performance. That’s true for wired, too. As there’s 10GbE Lan as well, so staying plugged in has never been faster. It’s not the cheapest option, but for everything offered, we think it’s worth it in the sub-$500 range.
- Gen 5 SSD support
- Lots of ports
- Great rear I/O for the money
- No Wi-Fi
- Plain aesthetics
The ASRock X670E is our definitive pick for a budget Ryzen AM5 motherboard for DDR5 RAM. This is because you’re getting not just the support for the new memory type, that’s a given, but also a Gen 5.0 SSD M.2 port. Memory options on this affordably priced Mobo are very impressive, as you’ve got options for Gen 4.0 and backward-compatible NVMe as well.
A real highlight of this board is the rear I/O. That’s because all the connectivity ports on the back are up to date, and the guard is pre-installed. There are no unnecessary or outdated ports to contend with, which means you can maximize everything available to you with the ASRock X670E. The only thing you’re really missing here is Wi-Fi, so if going wireless is important to you, then you may need to consider an alternative.
- Advanced cooling
- Beastly overclocking potential
- PCIe 5 SSD support
- Premium price tag
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme easily sweeps the spot for the best premium option for its sheer suite of features and high-end build quality. Priced at $999.99, this isn’t a motherboard that’s going to be for everyone. What you’re getting at the top end is support for a PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD along with advanced cooling features, and DDR5-7800+ memory support, too.
Overclocking and enthusiast-level customization is the name of the game with the Asus ROG Maximus Z790. This is true for even the smallest of details, including custom pump and radiator water-cooling settings. This is a level of control that we haven’t really seen before, so if you’re someone who wants to push every aspect of their build to its limits, you’re covered here.
- Futuristic design
- AI tech
- Ports galore
- Other ASUS options are better
In terms of a higher-end AM5 socket offering, the Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus Wi-Fi is the full package at a competitive price. This board retails for $329.99, meaning it’s still affordable for those looking to keep the costs considerable. This model features A.I. overclocking, which is something usually reserved for pricier boards, so you can still make the most out of PCIe 5.0 bandwidth without breaking the bank.
The rear I/O is solid with all the ports you would expect to find, including a ton of USB 3.2 and USB-C ports as well as robust heatshields. There’s one Gen 5 SSD port as well, so you’re ready for the fastest memory type. That comes with a dedicated thicker cover than what we’ve typically seen from boards in this price range, so effective cooling is a must.
Which is better for DDR5 RAM - AMD or Intel?
There’s no definitive answer as to which company provides the fastest overclocks or most consistent performance yet. However, things may change in the coming months as more budget boards and premium options are released.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see a disparity between both sides of the pricing spectrum as more mainstream options hit the market.
Our Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is our top choice for DDR5 RAM because of its price-to-performance ratio. You’re getting a lot of Mobo for your money here, complete with all the innovations brought in with PCIe 5.0 compliance at a competitive rate.