I'm putting together a gaming build with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and I'm considering a bundle from MicroCenter. The motherboards I'm looking at are the ASUS B650E-E TUF Gaming, ASUS X870-E ROG Strix, and MSI X870E-P. I'm curious about what each of these boards offers in terms of features and performance. I've noticed that the X870E chipset seems to have more capabilities compared to the B650, but the ASUS board is the most expensive of the bunch. What additional features does it bring over the MSI option? Also, is there a significant reason to choose the X870 over the B650 aside from the USB 4 ports? Are there other motherboards I should consider beyond this selection? Plus, I'd appreciate any insights on my overall build since I aim for 1080p 144Hz gaming for now, although I'm thinking about upgrading to a 1440p monitor down the line. I was also eyeing the 9070 XT but it's hard to justify with the current prices.
2 Answers
Most users wouldn't even need the top-tier 990 SSD for everyday gaming; a 970 would be perfectly fine and save you a good chunk of change. If you're considering custom cooling, the X870 TUF has a water temp sensor header which can be a nice touch if you decide to go that route later.
The X870 boards have better rear I/O connectivity and more PCIe lanes for expansion, which can make a big difference depending on what peripherals you plan to use. Additionally, the Strix model has superior VRMs, which help with stability, especially if you’re planning to overclock.
That's true! I also think the Strix has better features overall, but the B650 might suit your needs if you're looking for a middle ground.
Good point on the SSD! I didn’t realize that, but a 970 would still provide great performance.