Best Motherboard for DDR5 RAM in 2021
Pick up the best DDR5 compatible motherboards with this guide
- Last Updated Nov 4, 2021
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade or completely build a new PC from scratch, the introduction of DDR5 RAM kits might just be the perfect time do so. Building on the fantastic tech that went into DDR4 variants, DDR5 has taken these internal components to a whole new level, increasing PCs performance dramatically.
So, if you want to get these new DDR5 RAM sticks in your PC, you’re going to need a motherboard that both supports it and gets the most out of this next-gen tech. Below, we’re going to provide you with just this, a list of the best motherboards for DDR5 RAM varying in price thus catering to the different budgets you might have. Naturally, as both AMD and Intel CPUs are a thing, we’ll be updating this page with DDR5-ready motherboards (when the B660 motherboards drop) that support both chips so matter if you’re Team Red or Team Blue, there should be an option for you.
Products at a Glance
Best Motherboard for DDR5 RAM in 2021
Great design
WiFi out the box
Expensive
It’s pretty inevitable at this point that an MSI motherboard will make it to a compiled list of the best around. For DDR5 RAM, this is no different, with the Z690 Carbon WiFi.
First off, this is an Intel-only motherboard so you Ryzen owners will have to opt for something else. However, if you are Team Blue, you can take advantage of its 12th Gen support, allowing you to not only slot in the latest RAM technology, you can similarly use Intel’s top CPUs.
As alluded to by its name, this is a WiFi-enabled motherboard thus meaning if you don’t want to plug in that Ethernet cable, you won’t need to pick up any adapters to pick up that connection from your router.
In terms of cooling, you’re looking at MSI’s fantastic Frozr technology with a bunch of added extras to ensure your build doesn’t overheat. Looking at those extras, the Z690 Carbon utilizes aluminum covers, VRM heat-pipe, and 7W/mK thermal pads all coming together to allow you to push your PC to the limits and not have to worry about any internal melting.
Great for gamers
Plenty of ports
Out the box WiFi
RGB might not be 'loud' enough for some
ASUS and its plethora of ROG Strix products are always up there in terms of the best gear you can acquire for your setup and when it comes to DDR5, one of its motherboards is up there yet again.
Similar to the MSI option, this ROG Strix variant has WiFi connectivity included which is a massive plus for those that don’t have access to Ethernet and something that could convince those who like to switch up their room every now and then. There’s AI implemented all over the place too with AI overclocking, AI cooling, and two-way AI noise cancellation. This is a great little addition that most will be thankful for.
For you gamers out there, the ROG Strix could be the pick for you. It has HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs coupled with a plethora of ports catering to different generations of devices, perfect for all of your gaming peripherals. The RGB is pretty nice too, subtle, yet effective, adding a little flair to what might be an already colorful build you have created.
There’s a pretty robust cooling solution on this board utilizing a VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, double-sided M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4 utility. These all come together to create some pretty fantastic cooling removing any worries that of components getting damaged, even under pretty intensive tasks.
Great thermal design
Loads of ports
Quite a plain looking deisgn
Gigabyte always has a few different motherboards worthy of picking up but in our eyes, the Z690 Aorus Pro is the pick of the bunch if you want to install some DDR5 RAM. It does all the basics right as well as incorporating some nice little features that’ll enhance your build.
It boasts a cutting-edge thermal design ensuring that nothing overheats. You can simply see its power by looking at the motherboard itself. It’s not only fully covered, it utilizes high-quality materials to ensure no faults.
There are no ports being compromised either. If you’ve got a bunch of devices with various connectors, you’re certainly going to be happy with what’s on offer here. You’re looking at a crazy amount of USB 3.2 slots, a USB-C port, and a 2.5 GB Ethernet connection keeping you at the forefront of broadband speeds.
Futuristic design
AI tech
Ports galore
Other ASUS options are better
The second of our ASUS picks to make the best motherboard for DDR5 list is the Z690-A. This one, in our opinion, pulls out all the stops in its design, boasting a futuristic look that’s full of metallic accents and subtle RGB that doesn’t come off too garish.
Again, similar to the above, it has 12th Gen Intel support allowing you (if you were lucky enough to pick one up) the chance to slot that incredibly powerful CPU into it. Moreover, its also packed with AI technology with AI overclocking, AI cooling and two-way AI noise cancellation, removing the need for you to go in and have to do it yourself, potentially going wrong along the way. This is something that we think is a real deal-breaker for some, especially those that aren’t incredibly tech-savvy and would rather stay away from going deep into settings.
For connectivity, you’re looking at the full works. You’ll be able to take advantage of Intel 2.5 GB Ethernet, USB-A & USB-C ports, and Thunderbolt 4 support. This is certainly futureproofed and will ensure that those devices that release at a later date will be able to be inserted in without any concerns.
FAQs
Our Verdict
So now we’ve come to the end of this guide, which is the absolute best motherboard for DDR5 RAM? Well, in our eyes, you really can’t go wrong with the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi.
The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi comes with all the bells and whistles you’ll need to either upgrade your current PC or building a futureproof rig for the coming years. It’s perfect for overclocking too, allowing you to up the performance of your already powerful DDR5 RAM to the next level. Whether you’re a gamer or just a general user wanting to undertake high-performance tasks, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is the DDR5 compatible motherboard for you.