The RTX 3060 Ti may be a budget GPU, but you still need to pair it with the right motherboard to get the most out of it. You need to aim for something that comes with a solid VRM system and offers plenty of connectivity options.
Here at PC Guide, we’ve reviewed a great number of motherboards and have tested each one in multiple synthetic benchmarks. Based on the results, we’ve selected a few options that we think are the right fit for the GPU. So, without wasting another second, let’s jump in!
- Best motherboard for RTX 3060 Ti overall
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero
- Socket: AM5 (LGA 1718)
- Chipset: X670E
- Form Factor : ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 5 Storage – PCIe Gen 5 GPU
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
- Best mid-range motherboard for RTX 3060 Ti
MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO
- Socket: AM5 (LGA1718)
- Chipset: B650
- Form Factor : Micro-ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
- Best budget motherboard for RTX 3060 Ti
MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Chipset: B760
- Form Factor : mATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4 storage, Gen 4 GPU
- Memory speed : 6800+(OC)
- Memory capacity : 256GB, DDR5
How we picked
For this guide, we went through several options from different brands and selected the ones that offered the best value for money. During the selection processor, we kept several factors in mind, such as performance, price, features, and compatibility. Then, we conducted in-house testing of each board to get an idea of their real-life performance. You can learn more about how we test components to get a better idea of our methods.
Our top picks
- Socket: AM5 (LGA 1718)
- Chipset: X670E
- Form Factor : ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 5 Storage – PCIe Gen 5 GPU
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
- Ryzen 7000 series and 9000 series compatible
- High memory speed and capacity
- Extensive overclocking support
- Robust power stages
- Great customizability
- Sleek aesthetics
- Very expensive
- Reserved for enthusiasts
- If you don’t have high-end hardware, this may be a waste
- Armory crate – everyone who uses it, dislikes it
- Very gamer focused – If you don’t like that kind of thing
ASUS makes some of the best motherboards in the world, and their Crosshair X670E is a solid option for those who want a high-end board for the RTX 3060 Ti. It comes with the latest features and offers a premium build quality. In our ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E review, it delivered great performance in multiple tools.
To begin with, the X670E is an ATX motherboard, so it won’t fit inside a small case. Other than that, it has an all-black theme, which looks stunning. There’s also some RGB on the I/O cover, but you can keep it turned off if you prefer a minimalist look.
The motherboard also offers an 18+2 phase VRM system. This will make sure you don’t run into any stability or performance-related issues. We tested the motherboard with the Ryzen 9 7900X since it only supports AM5 AMD processors.
In Blender Monster, Blender Junkyard, and Blender Classroom, the max package power was 171.67W, 169.83W, and 169.23W, while the total power loss was 4.27W, 4.08W, and 4.06W, respectively. We also tested the motherboard in Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 6, where the power loss was 4.06W and 3.42W. The motherboard also stayed pretty cool, as the temperature stayed between 40°C and 42°C.
The Hero is very heavy, and has a full back plate to protect against case shorts, in fact, most of the motherboard is armoured like it’s going to war.
PC Guide
The X670E can support up to four DDR5 RAMs, with a max speed of 6400 MHz and a capacity of 128GB. Other than that, for connecting SSDs, you’ll find five M.2 slots. There are also eight 4-pin fan headers, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. For connectivity, there are nine USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
Overall, the X670E is a solid option for the RTX 3060 Ti. It does come with a high price tag, but that’s because of the features it offers.
What users say
Users on Amazon are satisfied with the X670E and the kind of features it offers. One of them mentioned: “The quality of this board is TOP NOTCH. It has virtually every feature you could want or need.”
- Socket: AM5 (LGA1718)
- Chipset: B650
- Form Factor : Micro-ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
- Good value for money
- Looks good, really like the white
- Thermal armour keeps VRMs cool
- Slight performance loss vs X670E
- Difficult to install if your case doesn’t accommodate for the rear connections
- Micro-ATX, so only 1 PCIe slot
If you have a case that can only support a micro ATX board, then you should opt for the MSI B650M Project Zero. This is one of the cleanest motherboards that we’ve reviewed so far, and it looks absolutely stunning. In our MSI B650M Project Zero review, we found it to be a great motherboard for multiple processors.
Thing first thing you’ll notice after taking a look at this board is that there are no connectors on the front. Instead, all of them are on the rear of the motherboard, which helps give it a wireless look. This can also improve cable management, but make sure your case can support such a motherboard before you get it.
The motherboard not only looks stunning but also offers plenty of features and connectivity options. You can place up to four DDR5 6400 MHz RAMs on the board with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. There are also five 4-pin fan headers and two Gen4 slots for SSDs. The only downside is that it comes with a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, but this is mostly due to its small size.
This motherboard is quirky, but perfect if your a user that just needs an AM5 motherboard to get things done.
PC Guide
The B650M Project Zero offers the AM5 socket, so it is compatible with Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series processors. On top of that, it offers a 10+2+1 VRM system. For connectivity, there are two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. There’s also a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, which should benefit those who have a high-speed internet plan.
We tested the B650M Project Zero with the Ryzen 9 7900X and ran it through five synthetic benchmarks. The highest recorded power loss was in Cinebench R23, 4.37W, where the max package power was 182.04W. During our testing, the motherboard also reached a maximum temperature of 53.5°C, while the VRAM’s temperature didn’t exceed 54°C, which isn’t concerning.
Overall, the MSI B650M Project Zero is a great mid-range option for the RTX 3060 Ti.
What users say
According to the reviews on Amazon, the B650M Project Zero offers solid performance and looks very stunning. One of the reviewers said: “MSI nailed this design! Paired this with the Corsair 2500x and it went perfect! Debated on the all white build or all black, either way this project was going to look and perform beyond my expectations.”
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Chipset: B760
- Form Factor : mATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4 storage, Gen 4 GPU
- Memory speed : 6800+(OC)
- Memory capacity : 256GB, DDR5
- Inexpensive
- Very good performance
- lightweight, small
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Not as many features as other motherboards in price range
- No protective backplate
- Gets hotter than some motherboards
- Only 2 M.2 slots
We understand that not everyone has a high budget to invest in a premium motherboard. If you’re currently in the same boat, then we’d recommend checking out the MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi. While it is a budget option, the motherboard still offers solid performance. In our MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi review, we tested it in different tools and it didn’t disappoint us once.
Just like the second option on our list, the MSI B760 also has a micro ATX form factor. So, it should be compatible with most cases. On top of that, it comes with the LGA 1700 socket, meaning you can only use it with Intel processors that are compatible with this socket. You also don’t have to worry about getting any performance or stability issues with this board, as it utilises a 12+1+1 power design VRM system with high-quality 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads.
This motherboard is perfect for those who care solely about performance and want a budget motherboard to reflect that.
PC Guide
Even though it is a micro ATX board, the B760 still offers one PCIe x1 and two PCIe x16 slots. On top of that, you’ll find two M.2 slots for SSDs and four SATA 6G ports for HDDs. You can also place up to four DDR5 6800 MHz RAMs on the board with a maximum capacity of 256 GB.
We paired the board with the Core i5-14600K and tested it in multiple synthetic benchmarks. The max package power was 194.4W, and the temperature didn’t exceed 41°C in any of the tests. Overall, the results were pretty impressive, and we think that the MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi is a great budget option for the RTX 3060 Ti.
What users say
The reviews on Amazon mostly have only good things to say about the MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi. One of them mentioned: “I recently upgraded my gaming rig with the MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi Gaming Motherboard, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. This motherboard is an absolute powerhouse, delivering top-notch performance and a plethora of features that cater to both casual and hardcore gamers.”
How to pick the best motherboard for this GPU
Selecting the right motherboard can be a big challenge, but if you know what to aim for, the process will get easier. Here are some factors that you should consider before making a final purchase.
Budget
Motherboards come in different shapes and sizes, but the ones that come with the latest features and solid build quality usually have a premium price tag. On the other hand, you can also find some budget options, but they lack such features.
If budget is not an issue and you want something high-end for your rig, then you can explore some options like the X670E that not only offer a solid build quality but also come packed with top-notch features.
But if you are tight on a budget or don’t want anything fancy, then you can check out the MSI B760 or something that offers decent performance but not that many features.
Compatibility
Motherboards either work with an Intel or AMD CPU, so you need to get one that is compatible with your processor. For instance, if you are using a Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series processor, you need to aim for a board with an AM5 socket. As for Intel processors, such as the 14600K, they are compatible with the LGA 1700 socket.
