You might be preemptively doing some research, looking for the best motherboard for the Ryzen 9 9950X. Well, it just so happens that we have a recommendation for you. We spend hours testing and reviewing motherboards so we can answer questions like this. The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X has been unleashed upon the world, meaning it’s up for grabs on Amazon, but only if you have the motherboard to handle all its processing power.
Our recommendation is that you go with an X670E motherboard, this is because it’s just wise to pair the best, with the best. We have recently reviewed the ASUS ROG X670E hero, and with the X870 chipset motherboards yet to be released, it’s one of the best motherboards you can currently get for the 9000 series. But make sure you watch this space for 800 series motherboard reviews as soon as they drop.
We’re going to provide you with our favorite recommendation, and a few alternatives in case that doesn’t tickle your fancy.
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Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus Wi-Fi
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670
- Form Factor: ATX
- PCIe Version: PCIe 5.0
- Memory speed: 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity: 128GB (4 x 32GB)
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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)
Top Black Friday Motherboard deals
Here’s our hand-picked list of today’s motherboard Black Friday deals. Our deals team is always hard at work to keep this list updated, so be sure to check back in if there’s nothing that piques your interest at the moment.
- MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi Gaming Motherboard – Save 20% NOW!
- ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS WiFi II – Save 20% Now!
- MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi Gaming Motherboard – Save 8% NOW!
- MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard – Save 20% NOW!
- MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi Gaming Motherboard (Supports 12th/13th/14th Gen Intel Processors) – Save 24% NOW!
Why we have chosen the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670 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)
This motherboard is perfect for those who do not want to be held back when it comes to features or technology. This is one of the best offerings on the X670E chipset, and if you can afford it, it will serve you very well for years to come.
- 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
The ASUS ROG X670 Hero is one of the best X670E motherboards you can get, and since we’re still waiting for the 800 series to release, it’s one of the best AMD motherboards around. This motherboard is definitely on the pricy side, but you’re looking at the 9950X as a viable CPU option, so we’re not exactly talking budget here. The Hero is robust, with almost a full covering of armor that protects it from any case shorts and aids with thermal dissipation.
Connectivity
The X670E is packed full of the latest and greatest connectivity, including PCIe 5.0-enabled storage options, in addition to the standard GPU slots. The VRM setup is particularly robust, with an 18+2 phase design, enabling this board to deliver clean and stable power; particularly important for overclocking. An added benefit to this motherboard is the included PCIe Gen 5 M.2 card, with room for additional M.2 SSDs should you need it.
You also get a plethora of diagnosing and troubleshooting features with the Hero, including a Q-code display, a dedicated start and reset button, and a CMOS clear. The latter negates the need to remove the CMOS battery when you need to reset it. You also get an ASUS True Voltician tool that allows you to track power usage across your motherboard in great detail, but that’s very advanced stuff.
Crosshair-X670E-Hero-design
Crosshair X670E Hero showing AMD CPU and RAM slots
Crosshair X670E Hero Showing I/O and connectivity
Crosshair X670E Hero bottom left corner where power connectors are
The motherboard does look very “gamey”, which can be a negative if you’re looking for something a little more low-profile. However, it is important to note that you can disable all of this motherboard’s RGB to make it a little more sleek and low-key.
Installation
Installation is also very simple and made even easier by the robustness of the motherboard. The Hero barely bends at all and holds its shape well enough. The motherboard includes cutouts in the thermal armor of the standard standoff configuration, so you don’t have to skip on securing your motherboard to the case. Do be aware though, that this motherboard is very heavy so use caution and don’t lift with your wrists.
At the end of the day, installation is usually made by having a nice case to work in, and not necessarily the motherboard itself.
Performance
In our review of the X670E Hero, we determined that it was a very good, very efficient motherboard. The VRMs and motherboard itself are very well cooled, although we were testing on an open-air test bench, so thermals may be a little better here than in an average use case.
The VRMs never hit more than 47°C throughout the entirety of our testing, and the motherboard itself never claimed past 40°C. All the while, this motherboard managed to deliver a clean flow of power. thanks to the advanced MOSFETs in the 18+2 configuration. The power losses on the Hero remained minimal, and the 7900X we used to test this board never skipped a beat.
Runner-up pick for the Ryzen 9 9950X
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670
- Form Factor: ATX
- PCIe Version: PCIe 5.0
- Memory speed: 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity: 128GB (4 x 32GB)
- Good amount of cooling features
- Great support for overclocking
- Support for PCIe 5.0 graphics and storage
- Not the cheapest motherboard out there
- Doesn’t support USB 4
- It has only one PCIe x16 slot
The ASUS TUF X670E Plus WiFi is a mid-ranged motherboard, our main pick. It also has plenty of features that will boost your 9950X’s performance to the next level and won’t hinder it. It has a stylish design that gives it a robust feel.
This motherboard comes with a full arsenal: USB 3.2 support, 2.5G Ethernet port, WiFi 6E support, DDR5 RAM support, PCIe 5.0 for graphic cards, and AI Overclocking. These features, combined with its ATX form factor, make it ideal for various builds, whether it’s for an enthusiast build for overclocking or a normal high-end build. The 14+2+2 phase power design ensures stable performance, even when overclocking a powerful CPU, such as the Ryzen 9 9950X.
Performance
In terms of performance, ASUS TUF X670E Plus WiFi has everything it needs to handle the might of the 9950X. It has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16, and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, meaning you have plenty of options to install a storage device or the best GPU for Ryzen 9 9950X to complete your overkill gaming rig. It also has 4 x DIMM slots that support DDR5 RAM, so there is plenty of room to increase the performance by simply adding more RAM sticks. If you’re interested in exploring some options, check out our best DDR5 RAM guide for the top picks.
It also has a good amount of VRM heatsinks, two M.2 heatsinks, and a chipset heatsink all of which combined work toward keeping this motherboard cool, especially if you’ve overclocked your CPU. That said, we don’t recommend running a processor in a highly overclocked state for extended periods, as that could lead to damage and void the warranty.
That also increases its thermal output and power draw. However, if you still want to overclock it to squeeze out every bit of performance, we recommend using the best CPU cooler and PSU for the Ryzen 9 9950X to ensure it runs cool and your PC is getting the right amount of power.
Overall, this motherboard comes with a handful of features at a relatively low price point, which makes it an even better option. As for the Ryzen 9 9950X, pairing it wth this motherboard should ensure you get the best performance out of it chip without leaving anything to the imagination.
Budget pick for the Ryzen 9 9950X
- Socket: AM5 (LGA1718)
- Chipset: B650
- Form Factor : Micro-ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
This motherboard is quirky, but perfect if your a user that just needs an AM5 motherboard to get things done. It even features most of the connectivity on the back, for a clean, wireless aesthetic. If that’s your thing.
- 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
The MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO is a more budget motherboard than the X670E Hero, but that doesn’t for a second mean that it’s bad. It stands out with its unique design feature that hides all major connections at the rear of the board. This gives it a clean, wireless look, though it can make installation a bit more challenging.
This motherboard packs everything an average PC user would need, including PCIe Gen 4 storage and a 16x PCIe slot for your GPU. It’s a micro-ATX board, making it ideal for small-form-factor builds that require substantial power. The 10+2+1 phase power design ensures stable performance, even when overclocking a powerful CPU, such as the Ryzen 9 9950X.
Aesthetically, this motherboard brings a touch of beauty to any build. The MSI Project Zero has a more industrial, less “gamey” look, which can integrate seamlessly into any build, providing a visually appealing base on which to build your PC
Performance
In terms of performance, our review of the MSI B650M Project Zero showed that it holds its own against higher-end models like the X670. You won’t sacrifice performance by choosing this board, though you might miss out on some of the premium features available in the X670E series.
The motherboard’s temperatures stayed relatively cool, even though its VRMs aren’t as well-cooled as those on the X670E. During our open-air test, temperatures peaked at 54°C. However, keep in mind that actual results may vary depending on your specific build setup.
If you’re looking for a motherboard that combines performance, unique aesthetics, and a clean design, the MSI B650M Project Zero is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who want a powerful yet visually pleasing motherboard to pair with a high-end CPU like the Ryzen 9 9950X.
Alternative motherboards for the 9950X
While we haven’t reviewed these motherboards exclusively, we do have some hand-son experience with them after working in the industry for the last few years. Thx Aorus X670E is packed full of features that almost rival the ASUS Hero, but it doesn’t quite have the power phases to put it ahead. If you want something a little more budget-friendly, the ASUS TUF offers all the connectivity a modern PC needs, without costing a kidney.
Final word
This motherboard is indeed on the more expensive side, probably one of the most expensive motherboards you can get next to the Godlike, it is worth the money if you’re a PC enthusiast looking for the best that technology has to offer. Because the 800 series motherboards are not releasing in tandem with the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, this is the best you can do until they release. You’re more than welcome to wait for that, but we both know that patience doesn’t come naturally to those of us who want the best.
The X670E Hero makes an ideal pair with the Ryzen 9 9950X, those 16 cores and 32 threads need clean and stable power if you want them to boost to the XFR. We believe that the power delivery system offered in the Hero is the best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of the 9950X.
