Top budget MOBO options to match the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Top budget MOBO options to match the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
PC Specifications: PCPartPicker catalog includes the following components. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz, 8-core (€467.95 on Amazon Netherlands). Cooler: Deepcool AK620 (68.99 CFM, €73.85 on Megekko). RAM: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB), DDR5-6000 CL32 (€117.85 on Azerty). Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVMe SSD (€107.90 on Amazon Netherlands). Graphics: Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB (€971.93 on Amazon Netherlands). Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow ATX Mid Tower (€89.90 on Amazon Netherlands). Power Supply: Corsair RM850x (2021), 850 W, 80+ Gold certified, fully modular (€159.90 on Amazon Netherlands). Fans: ARCTIC P12 56.3 CFM 120 mm (€8.01 on Amazon Netherlands) x2; ARCTIC P12 56.3 CFM 120 mm (€8.01 on Amazon Netherlands). Overall cost: €2005.30. Preferences: Avoided A620 MOBO due to USB needs, prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi. Currently reviewing several motherboards, including MINI ATX/M ASRock B650M PG RIPTIDE, Gigabyte B650M GAMING X AX, MSI MAG B650M, and TOMAHAWK WIFI models.
I’d choose the B650M gaming X from Gigabyte. I’ve purchased four different AM5 boards, including the B650M DS3H, which is solid but not ideal for gaming setups. Unless you’re using mATX, go with the Asrock option. The 4000D also works with eATX models like the X670e Aorus Master, but I think placing an ATX board such as the Gigabyte one inside the case is better.
I’m choosing an ATX board and it’s currently available for about 185 euros. This appears to be the most affordable AM5 ATX motherboard in the Netherlands. I’m not sure what makes it different from the Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX or the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI models.
They have decent mobos, but their GPUs really stand out—I’d say the gigabyte gaming X AX offers the best value you get for the price.
He assembled an R5 7600 using this motherboard I suggested, and everything has worked smoothly. MSI's UEFI isn't great, so I prefer other brands. With a 7800x3D you're not really spending much time in the UEFI.
The MSI MAG B650 WIFI matches the price of the Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX following a review agreement. Would you still pick Gigabyte over MSI? Only one thing stands out is the MSI uses Realtek ALC4080 while Gigabyte has ALC1220-VB, but since I’m using a DAC, the internal audio quality on MSI doesn’t matter much.
EDIT: It seems the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX doesn’t support the RAM I need? DDR5-6000 https://www.gskill.com/configurator...
If you don’t have a UEFI setting like I do for Gigabyte and Asus boards, then I’d examine the rear I/O, which varies quite a bit between the two. One offers a complete audio out configuration and more USB ports, while the other includes a PS-2 port. I’d choose the one that matches my preferences, keeping in mind the overall look matters to me. Still, the MSI board seems to be a bit more advanced, especially if they’re priced similarly.