Hey everyone! I'm building my first PC and I've chosen some pretty solid parts, except for the motherboard. My setup includes an AMD 9950X3D CPU, a Sapphire 9070XT Nitro+ GPU, and G.Skill 64GB 6000MT RAM (even though I regretted the choice of RAM speed). I wanted to share my concern because I've heard stories about the AMD 9000 series CPUs failing due to motherboard issues. Since I expect to use this PC for nearly 10 years, I'm looking for something durable that won't jeopardize my CPU's lifespan. I had to return an ASRock X870E Taichi for this reason.
My previous PC was a laptop with an 8th-gen i7 and GTX 1050, so an upgrade was definitely due for gaming and possibly some 3D modeling. Here are the boards I'm considering:
- ASUS X870E-E: I've seen warnings about ASUS boards having issues with older CPUs and I'm worried about the Q-release feature damaging my GPU.
- Gigabyte X870E Pro: It seems like there are fewer reports of major problems with this board, but there's inconsistency in the PCB revision specifications that makes me nervous.
- MSI X870E Tomahawk: I've found mixed reviews, with some CPUs burning due to user errors but MSI claims there are no socket issues.
I'd really appreciate any recommendations for reliable motherboards that won't risk damaging my CPU in the long run!
6 Answers
Honestly, I’d suggest the MSI X870E Tomahawk. I’ve had a good experience with MSI boards for this generation—they generally offer great quality. Just keep in mind that Gigabyte boards can be a little pickier when it comes to RAM overclocking, especially the cheaper models. If you're planning to go for a long-term build, I'd lean towards MSI.
Just a heads up, MSI boards can have slow boot times due to their training process with the RAM, but it does help with stability when running different types.
I’ve had good luck with Gigabyte boards since Ryzen launched, and as long as you use RAM from the QVL, overclocking should be fine. Still, MSI and ASUS also offer solid options.
If you’re mostly gaming, you might want to consider just getting the 9800X3D and using the savings for a better GPU. Just grab a decent motherboard in the $300-$400 range and undervolt it a bit in the BIOS for better performance and longevity!
Why do people always recommend undervolting? I’m still trying to wrap my head around that concept!
From what I found, ASRock motherboards seem to be the main culprits for those CPU deaths. I’m planning to use an MSI B850 GAMING PLUS for my upgrade. If you're looking for more options, maybe the GIGABYTE X870 AORUS ELITE if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Just questioning if you really need the 9950X3D, though.
Honestly, most boards in the B650 and X670/X870 range shouldn’t pose any danger as long as you stay away from ASRock. About the Q-release concern, they supposedly addressed that issue not long ago. Just remember that every board has some risk, so don’t overthink it too much.
What exactly is wrong with ASRock boards anyway?
I’m set on the 9950X3D too! I found a good sale for it, and after some research, it seems to perform better than the 9800X3D in gaming, especially useful for emulation. So I’m happy with my choice.
If you really want to chase every last bit of performance, be careful with overclocking. It's a slippery slope. As long as you're using good components and setting everything up correctly, you should have years of stable use without issue.
Yeah, MSI boards have been reliable for me too! My X670 pro has been running smoothly for over three years. Great value for the quality you're getting.