Search for a motherboard compatible with the 5900X graphics card.
Search for a motherboard compatible with the 5900X graphics card.
I recently bought a Ryzen 9 5900X for $400, and I was excited about it. For the best setup, which motherboard would suit this processor?
X570 doesn't add much value because the extra gen4 chipset lanes are mainly for gen4 SSDs and dual GPUs, which is pretty irrelevant for most users. I recommend a mid-range model like the Aorus Pro P or Aorus Pro AC, as they offer better connectivity. The B550 family, such as the Aorus Pro P or B550f gaming versions, is also a solid alternative but can be pricey. Unless you're planning to overclock and need high-end features, most people don't require those extra ports. If it's close to the B550 pricing, it might be too expensive. The main reason to upgrade would be adding Thunderbolt/dual USB or boosting RAM overclocking, but that's usually not necessary for regular users.
Few users even take advantage of the extra chipset lanes. If the situation requires using Gen4 lanes, any sub-$200 x570 will work. The main concern when buying a motherboard is usually the voltage rating, and unless you go for a low-end board, VRMs should be sufficient. I’ve heard mixed things about MSI X570 boards from other manufacturers—some report poor performance, others are fine. It might help to check recent reviews before deciding.
I've chosen the MSI MEG X570S Ace Max. Features a powerful 16+2 power phase and a 90A power stage. Back panel houses 11 USB ports, plus Type C Lightening and two USB 3.2 onboard connectors for four extra ports and front panel USB Type C. Four M.2 slots are available, and it comes with an M.2 Xpander card providing two more M.2 slots. Additional options are included as well.
Are you requiring every single feature? For instance, a B550-A PRO supports a 5900X and you likely don’t need an excessively powerful VRM. Similarly, 11 USB ports and multiple M.2 slots seem excessive for a board priced over $500 at this stage of development.
My Asus Prime Pro X470 has only seven USB ports, which isn’t enough. I often connect and disconnect devices, so adding more would be useful. For media creation work, the extra M.2 slots will make transferring files easier. It might still be late in the product cycle, but AMD has confirmed they’ll keep supporting AM4 even after AM5 is released. The main reason for choosing this path is the uncertainty around DDR5 availability once AM5 launches. If it’s available, demand will likely cause backorders. When new releases happen, I usually wait a year or two. I built my Ryzen 5 2600x system a month before the Ryzen 3000 was announced, mainly because prices were lower on older models. Paying $400 CDN for a 5900X with taxes made it hard to pass up.