Introduction
The motherboard market has a multitude of options that can make the process of picking components confusing. So to help you out, we’ve put together a compatibility guide, showing which boards are open to choose for your next gaming PC build. Below we’ll also touch on some important features to look out for, compatible motherboards for the most popular CPUs in 2022, and our favourite boards from different chipsets.
Suggested: Best CPU & Motherboard Combos to Buy in 2022
Features to Look For
Both latest releases from Intel and AMD CPUs tend to be up to date on the feature front – offering plenty of next-gen tech for gamers and enthusiasts. With Intel’s newest 12th generation line-up, we were given access to DDR5 memory support, super fast PCI-E Gen 4 SSDs and PCI-E 5.0 x16 slots for GPUs. AMD also offers similar features with the exception of DDR5 compatibility. We are expecting AMDs next-gen release to boast support for the new memory standard.
Other great features to look out for include: Integrated WiFi, the range of front and rear IO support and extra features like an integrated IO shield and tool-less component installation. Each motherboard will differ based on both the chipset and the manufacturer, so be sure to double check what included features you’re interested in before you buy.
Motherboard Compatibility Table
Below we’ve provided a compatibility table of all of the currently available chipsets for the most recent Intel and AMD CPUs. We’ve also included the chipsets that we would pair with the CPU ranges available, based on the best mix of features, given the motherboards price point and features, relative to the price point and power of the CPU.
| CPUs | Compatible Motherboards | Recommended Chipsets |
| Intel 12th Gen Core i9 | Z690, B660, H670, H610 | Z690 |
| Intel 12th Gen Core i7 | Z690, B660, H670, H610 | Z690, H670 |
| Intel 12th Gen Core i5 | Z690, B660, H670, H610 | H670, B660 |
| Intel 12th Gen Core i3 | Z690, B660, H670, H610 | B660, H670, H610 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7000 Series | X670E, X670, B650E, B650 | X670E, B650E |
| AMD Ryzen 7 7000 Series | X670E, X670, B650E, B650 | X670E, X670, B650E |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series | X670E, X670, B650E, B650 | X670, B650 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | X570, X470 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | X570, X470 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | B550, B450 |
| Intel 11th Gen Core i9 | Z590, B560, H570, H510 | Z590 |
| Intel 11th Gen Core i7 | Z590, B560, H570, H510 | Z590, H570 |
| Intel 11th Gen Core i5 | Z590, B560, H570, H510 | B560, H570 |
| Intel 11th Gen Core i3 | Z590, B560, H570, H510 | B560, H510 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 3000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | X570, X470 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | X570, X470 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 3000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | B550, B450 |
| AMD Ryzen 3 3000 series | X570, X470, B550, B450, A520 | B450, A520 |
Motherboards We Recommend
Each chipset for CPU generations will provide a different amount of features. For example, a Z690 motherboard for Intel’s 12th Gen will support CPU overclocking, but the rest of the chipsets, such as the B660 and H670, do not. We’ve covered this in more detail in our Z690 vs B660 buyers guide, which is definitely worth a read.
Intel Z690 and Z590 Motherboards
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master
For the Intel 12th Generation CPU we recommend picking up this Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master. Supporting high speed DDR5 memory, and perfect for overclocking which is only available on the Z690 variant.
This motherboard also boats slots for plenty of the latest generation of PCI-E SSDs, so is ideal to combine with other high-end components. It also has plenty of extra features like integrated WiFi, 10 Gigabit LAN and plenty of RGB.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z590-E Gaming WiFi
For Intel’s 11th Generation line-up, we recommend putting some money into a high-end motherboard to get the maximum feature set!
The ROG STRIX Z590-E supports the latest generation PCI-E 4.0 M.2 SSDs, WiFi 6E, and Multi-GPU SLI support. Although this board doesn’t have PCI-E 5.0 support for GPUs, you can still throw in a high-end RTX 3000 card.
Intel H670 and H570 Motherboards
ASUS TUF Gaming H670-Pro
The H670 range falls in just below Intel’s higher-end, Z690 offering. Although here you don’t have support for overclocking on your 12th Gen CPU. The H670 still offers plenty of PCI-E lanes, and support for PCI-E 5.0 (which will be ideal for upgrading to the RTX 4000 series).
The ASUS TUF Gaming H670 utilises a PCI-E 5.0 slot, Thunderbolt 4 headers, and plenty of fast USB connections.
ASRock H570 Phantom Gaming 4
For the Intel 11th Generation line-up, the Phantom Gaming 4 is another great board choice aimed more towards a mid-range build.
This motherboard has support for super-fast PCI-E 4.0 storage, the fastest USB 3.2 standard, Gen2x2, Gigabit LAN, and multiple RGB headers. All of these features make it an ideal choice for a more price conscious build.
Intel B660 and B560 Motherboards
Gigabyte B660 DS3H AX
We’ve taken a look at Gigabyte’s B660 DS3H AX in more detail previously, and we were impressed. This DDR4 choice provides a budget experience on Intel’s 12th Gen line-up. Sporting integrated WiFi (a rarity on inexpensive boards), ultra fast PCI-E 4.0 support, high quality audio and Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion.
ASUS Prime B560-Plus
The ASUS Prime B560-Plus is an excellent board for those perhaps making an entry to PC building. This motherboard gives you access to a Thunderbolt 4 header, AURA Sync compatible RGB headers, and plenty of USB connections. A brilliant budget entry.
AMD Ryzen X670E and X670 Motherboards
MSI MEG X670E ACE
We’ve taken a look at this motherboard in a full review with the launch of Ryzen 7000 CPUs, and spoiler alert – it is awesome.
This board is equipped with an insane amount of power phases for overclocking (25) to be exact. You’ve also got access to a huge amount of PCI-E 5.0 for the next gen GPUs and SSDs. Along with a huge amount of high speed USB ports. For networking you can also utilise the onboard WiFi 6E and 10 Gigabit LAN. This board is perfect for those looking to pickup a top-end Ryzen 9 CPU!
Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX
Gigabyte’s X670 AORUS Elite AX is another motherboard that we’ve taken a look at in-depth and for the price the features, this is a great pick up for Ryzen 7000 users.
Sporting 2.5 Gigabit LAN, and WiFi 6E, you’ve got great options for high speed networking. VRM cooling is also ample with plenty of power phases to get a decent overclock underway. Although you’ve only got one PCI-E 5.0 slot, based on the price of this board I’d argue that the Gen4 options are more than enough for a range of high speed drives.
AMD Ryzen X570 and X470 Motherboards
MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE
MSI’s GODLIKE range are the ‘cream of the crop’ when it comes to features, RGB, and aesthetic.
This motherboard has pretty much everything you can imagine. 4 PCI-E 4.0 X16 slots, 3 M.2 PCI-E 4.0 slots with an included expansion card, support for up to 5000MHz+ memory and all of the Rear IO you could ask for. This is a ‘god-tier’ board ideal for AMD’s highest end Ryzen 9 and Ryzen 7 chips.
ASRock X470 Taichi
The Taichi branded boards not only supply great performance, but quite literally ‘rock’ an awesome design.
The X470 Taichi comes with Nichicon 12K black capacitors, perfect for overclocking. This board also comes with plenty of RGB and included headers, PCI-E 3.0 M.2 slots, and ASRock’s Purity Sound 4, bringing crisp audio performance.
AMD Ryzen B650E and B650 Motherboards
ASRock B650E Taichi
ASRock’s B650E Taichi motherboard is an absolutely insane pickup for Ryzen 7000 users. This is one of the best motherboards you can buy on the cheaper chipset offering an incredible features for the price.
27 power phase design for overclocking, and sleek and sophisticated design of the board, USB4 ports, PCI-E 5.0 for your GPU and an SSD, along with a massive range of features. If you’re looking to save some money on a motherboard but still find an entry way to the top Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 CPUs, this board is a great choice!
MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi
MSI’s MAG B650M Mortar motherboard is one of the first options on the B650 chipset that we’ve been able to look at in a full review. I’m a big fan of this board because it fully encapsulates the budget philosophy on a Micro-ATX board without compromising on features.
Although this board unfortunately doesn’t feature any PCI-E 5.0 slots, you’ve got access to a range of Gen4 compatible options giving you the ability to upgrade to an RTX 4000 card and utilise blazing fast SSDs. Rear IO has plenty of high speed USB 3.2 ports along with 2.5 Gigabit LAN and a WiFi 6E module. And despite this board being on the cheaper side I’m a big fan of the design and aesthetic. If you’re looking for an entry into the Ryzen 7000 platform, the MAG B650M Mortar is a great choice.
AMD Ryzen B550 and B450 Motherboards
ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F Gaming
ASUS ROG branded boards always deliver on features and design! The ROG STRIX B550-F Gaming is ideal for those wanting to utilise the Ryzen 5 or some Ryzen 7 CPUs.
This motherboard also supports up to 5100MHz DDR4 memory, 2-Way CrossFireX for multiple GPUs, 2.5 Gigabit LAN, and a SupremeFX audio chip bringing high-quality sound to your headset.
ASUS TUF Gaming B450-Plus II
The ASUS TUF Gaming B450-Plus II is a perfect motherboard for overclocking those unlocked ‘X’ processors. For the Ryzen 5 and 7 CPUs, there are plenty of heatsinks on the board to give you good thermals.
This motherboard also provides a wide range of storage options, including support for Raid 0, 1 and 10 and on the on-board storage controller. With the AURA Sync compatible headers as well, you can have a bright light show in your room!
AMD Ryzen B450 and A520 Motherboards
Gigabyte B450M DS3H
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is the cousin to the above B660 DS3H AX. This budget board has plenty of features at a very reasonable cost. Equipped with a very simple to use BIOS, fast expansion choices with PCI-E Gen 3, plenty of RGB lighting options, and a wide range of Rear IO.
MSI A520M-A Pro
The MSI A520M-A Pro is a simplistic motherboard that puts features at the forefront, over design.
This board comes with an EZ Debug LED for easy diagnosis and troubleshooting, dedicated HD audio processor, up to 4600MHz memory overclocking, and easy BIOS software.
