I'm planning to upgrade my system with a 9800X3D and 32GB of DDR5 RAM (CL28/CL30) soon. My current PC case can accommodate up to an ATX motherboard, but I'd prefer something like mATX or even ITX since I want to keep connectivity minimal. My I/O needs are simple: just 1 USB-C for audio, 1 USB 3.0 to USB A for my monitor (keyboard and mouse), and 1 Ethernet port. I also need only 1 fan header for my ICUE Link fans and 2 USB headers for case RGB and the Corsair ICUE Link hub. I've removed the front I/O since I don't use it, aside from power and reset buttons.
I've got a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, and I want to add a 2TB drive after the upgrade. I'm looking for a motherboard with 2 M.2 slots connected directly to the CPU, not the chipset. I don't plan to overclock my CPU or my current GPU (a 9070XT), but I do want to upgrade to a 5080 or 5090 later. I find the idea of ITX motherboards appealing for their sleek look and limited RAM slots, but I haven't owned one before, so I'm not very knowledgeable about VRMs and potential throttling issues.
2 Answers
If you're focused on keeping costs down, you might be able to find a decent B650 or B850 board that meets your needs without all the bells and whistles. It's true that you won't get any performance bumps for spending more; just make sure it has enough slots for what you plan to do. Just keep an eye on VRM performance when you choose, especially if you're not looking to overclock.
You’re really overthinking this. Just go for the cheapest B650 or B850 motherboard when you're ready to buy. If you pick a B650, keep in mind you might need a BIOS update. Using mATX or ITX in an ATX case could look odd and limit your future expansion options, so I’d suggest sticking with ATX. Investing in an expensive motherboard won't yield performance improvements unless you're heavily into overclocking—which you aren't. Also, finding a motherboard with dual NVMe slots directly connected to the CPU will be pricey. For your setup, a top NVMe slot can be reserved for when you eventually get a Gen 5 drive. Remember, Gen 4 drives are plenty fast! Avoid Asrock and Gigabyte if you’re considering the 9800X3D due to their issues with overvolting and warranty failures.
Thanks for the detailed advice! I've been looking at the Aorus Elite B850, which offers 3 M.2 slots (1 Gen 5 and 2 Gen 4). Just to clarify, if I use 1 Gen 5 and 1 Gen 4 or 2 Gen 4 in the CPU slots, will that affect the performance of the PCIe x16 Gen 5 slot?
Absolutely! Sometimes focusing on what you really need is the best way to go. Just make sure that whatever you choose has good reviews on reliability and performance.