Best Motherboards for Intel 14th Gen & AMD Ryzen 9000

Choosing the right motherboard is one of the most critical decisions when building a gaming or productivity PC in 2025. Whether you’re team Intel or team AMD, your motherboard determines your system’s compatibility, performance potential, and future upgrade path.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best motherboards for Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs and AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly options to high-end flagships, so you can find the perfect board for your build.

Why Your Motherboard Choice Matters

Your motherboard is the backbone of your PC. It connects all your components, dictates which features are available (like PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7, and overclocking support), and influences overall system stability.

A great motherboard offers:

• Compatibility with the latest CPUs and GPUs.
• Robust power delivery for stable performance under load.
• Future-proofing with the latest connectivity and expansion slots.
• Build quality that ensures longevity and reliability.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard

Before diving into our recommendations, here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. CPU Socket & Chipset

• Intel 14th Gen: Uses LGA 1700 socket. Compatible with 600-series and 700-series chipsets (e.g., Z790, B760).
• AMD Ryzen 9000: Uses AM5 socket. Compatible with 600-series and 800-series chipsets (e.g., X670E, B650, B850).

2. Form Factor

• ATX: Full-size, most features, best for cooling and expansion.
• Micro-ATX: Smaller, fewer slots, good for compact builds.
• Mini-ITX: Tiny footprint, limited expansion, ideal for SFF builds.

3. VRM Quality

Higher-end VRMs (voltage regulator modules) mean better power delivery and overclocking potential, especially important for high-core-count CPUs.

4. RAM Support & Speed

DDR5 is the standard for both Intel 14th Gen and Ryzen 9000 in 2025. Look for boards that support high-speed DDR5 (6000MHz+).

5. Expansion & Connectivity

• PCIe 5.0 support for the latest GPUs and future SSDs.
• M.2 slots for fast NVMe SSDs.
• USB4/Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and plenty of USB ports.

Best Motherboards for Intel 14th Gen (LGA 1700)

Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs (like the Core i9-14900K and i5-14600K) deliver top-tier performance for gaming and productivity. Here are the best motherboards to pair with them.

🥇 Best Overall: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the ultimate choice for Intel 14th Gen enthusiasts. It combines exceptional VRM quality, extensive connectivity, and robust overclocking features.

• Chipset: Z790
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 8000+ MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, Wi-Fi 7, 20+1 power stages, PCIe 5.0 M.2 support
• Why Buy: Top-tier performance, future-proof features, excellent for overclocking

Shop the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero on Amazon

🥈 Best Value: MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi

For users who want great performance without breaking the bank, the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi offers a fantastic balance of price and features.

• Chipset: Z790
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 7200 MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 5.0 x16, Wi-Fi 6E, 16+1+1 VRM, multiple M.2 slots
• Why Buy: Affordable Z790 option with solid power delivery and modern features

Shop the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi on Amazon

🥉 Best Budget: Gigabyte B760M DS3H

If you’re building a budget-friendly Intel system, the Gigabyte B760M DS3H provides all the essentials without unnecessary extras.

• Chipset: B760
• Form Factor: Micro-ATX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 6000 MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 4.0 x16, multiple M.2 slots, solid VRM for the price
• Why Buy: Most affordable way to get DDR5 and Intel 14th Gen compatibility

Shop the Gigabyte B760M DS3H on Amazon

🔧 Best Mini-ITX: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi

For compact builds, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi packs high-end features into a tiny footprint.

• Chipset: Z790
• Form Factor: Mini-ITX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 7200 MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 5.0 x16, Wi-Fi 6E, robust power delivery in small form factor
• Why Buy: Best mini-ITX option for powerful Intel SFF builds

Shop the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi on Amazon

Best Motherboards for AMD Ryzen 9000 (AM5)

AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series (like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 7 9700X) brings incredible performance for gaming and content creation. Here are the best AM5 motherboards to maximize their potential.

🥇 Best Overall: ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero is the flagship choice for AMD enthusiasts, offering extreme power delivery and cutting-edge features.

• Chipset: X670E
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 8000+ MHz)
• Key Features: Dual PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 x16, Wi-Fi 7, 18+2 power stages
• Why Buy: Ultimate performance for Ryzen 9000, exceptional overclocking support

Shop the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero on Amazon

🥈 Best Value: MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi hits the sweet spot for most AMD builders, offering great features at a mid-range price.

• Chipset: B650
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 7200 MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 5.0 x16, Wi-Fi 6E, 12+2 power stages, multiple M.2 slots
• Why Buy: Best balance of price and performance for Ryzen 9000

Shop the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi on Amazon

🥉 Best Budget: Gigabyte B650M DS3H

For budget AMD builds, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H provides essential AM5 features at an unbeatable price.

• Chipset: B650
• Form Factor: Micro-ATX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 6000 MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 4.0 x16, multiple M.2 slots, solid VRM for budget CPUs
• Why Buy: Most affordable path to AM5 and DDR5

Shop the Gigabyte B650M DS3H on Amazon

🔧 Best Mini-ITX: ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi

The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi is the ultimate mini-ITX board for Ryzen 9000, packing flagship features into a tiny package.

• Chipset: X670E
• Form Factor: Mini-ITX
• Memory: DDR5 (up to 7200 MHz)
• Key Features: PCIe 5.0 x16, Wi-Fi 6E, robust power delivery for small form factor
• Why Buy: Best mini-ITX option for high-performance Ryzen builds

Shop the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi on Amazon

Intel vs. AMD: Which Should You Choose in 2025?

Recommendation: - Choose Intel if you want the highest gaming FPS and are on a tighter budget. - Choose AMD if you want more cores for productivity and a more future-proof platform.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Motherboard

1. Match Your CPU: Don’t pair a high-end CPU with a budget motherboard – you’ll leave performance on the table.
2. Consider Your Case: Ensure the motherboard form factor fits your case (ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX).
3. Plan for Expansion: Think about how many M.2 slots, USB ports, and PCIe lanes you’ll need.
4. Check BIOS Updates: Some motherboards may need a BIOS update to work with the latest CPUs.
5. Read Reviews: Look for professional reviews to ensure real-world reliability.

Ready to Build Your Dream PC?

Now that you know the best motherboards for Intel 14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 9000, it’s time to pick the perfect board for your build. Each of the motherboards recommended above is available through our affiliate link, so you can shop with confidence and support our work.

Shop all the best motherboards on Amazon

Happy building, and enjoy your new rig! 🚀