I'm in the process of building a new machine around the 9800X3D CPU, and I'm having a tough time selecting the right motherboard. I'm set on getting an ASUS board that supports PCIe 5.0 because I want to future-proof for a new GPU and I'll be using an SSD, probably the WD SN8100. My top choices are the Asus TUF Gaming X870-Plus WiFi for 315 EUR and the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E Gaming WiFi for 311 EUR. I also briefly considered the Asus TUF Gaming X870E-Plus WiFi7, but at 400 EUR, I don't find the upgrade worth the extra cost. If budget were no issue, the Asus ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi at 470 EUR would be great, but that's quite a jump in price for features I may never use. I currently have a 4080 SUPER and a 34" AW3423DWF monitor, and I'm planning to get 2x32 GB RAM of G.Skill Flare X5 along with a Noctua NH-D15 G2 cooler, prioritizing silence. I initially thought about going with a 7800X3D and the B650E-E board but decided that if I'm investing in a new setup, I might as well go all-in with the latest generation CPU. I'd love to hear your thoughts and any perspectives I might have missed. Thanks!
4 Answers
You might want to check out the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk. I've heard it's a solid board with great value for your needs. Plus, MSI's BIOS interface is pretty user-friendly, which is always a bonus!
Honestly, any B850 motherboard would work fine for your setup, but keep in mind that PCIe 5.0 SSDs don't really impact gaming performance much. If you're still worried, it might be nice for a smooth overall experience, especially since you mentioned you'll be developing software, too.
Exactly, I get that you want a smooth system, especially for work. A solid build will help both with gaming and productivity.
In a recent roundup, reviewers highlighted the AsRock B850 Pro-A as a great value option among B850 motherboards. The design and layout are a bit different between the Pro-A and the Live Mixer models, but they’re pretty similar otherwise.
That said, AsRock has had a rough patch with the 9000 series CPUs lately, particularly the 9800X3D. Even if their quality is improving, past issues tend to linger in users' minds.
I just set up an MSI Carbon X870E with the 9800X3D, and everything's running smoothly so far. You definitely want something reliable at that price point!
For sure, you'd expect zero issues for $500! But let’s hope it stays that way.
I’m actually using that board right now, and I have to say it’s been fantastic. Definitely good bang for the buck!