I'm currently stuck trying to choose a motherboard for my PC build and need some advice. I've narrowed it down to two options: the ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi, which is €35 cheaper, and the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WIFI. Here are my specs for reference:
- Monitor: Dell Alienware aw2725d 280Hz 1440p
- GPU: Asus Prime RTX 5070 Ti
- CPU: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
I only need one PCIe x16 slot for a single GPU, and I'd prefer two M.2 slots just in case. Since I'll be gaming wired, having WiFi isn't a priority for me. My goal is to overclock and ideally change the CPU before the motherboard ever needs replacing. What do you all think of these two boards? Any other recommendations in the same price range?
4 Answers
I’ve got the MSI board paired with a 9800x3d, and I’d totally recommend it. It’s been great for performance!
There are several things to consider here. Typically, I’d lean towards the cheaper one, but ASRock motherboards with the AM5 socket have a rocky reputation lately. If you check out feedback from other users, you’ll notice reports of CPUs going bad with them. If you can find a budget MSI board with the B850 chipset that includes WiFi (but not the WiFi 6E), those are also solid options.
I have the ASRock X870 PRO RS (without WiFi) and I’ve been really happy with it! It's been solid for my needs.
I’d recommend the MSI board; it’s considered one of the best in the mid-range market right now. The ASRock is the cheaper option but it's also seen as the lesser high-end board. If you want something that will last for upgrades, go with the MSI. The only reason to pick ASRock would be if you’re specifically looking for a white motherboard.
Thanks for the feedback! I’ve been hearing some bad things about ASRock boards burning out processors, so I think I’ll lean towards the MSI.
I appreciate your insight! I've been getting similar warnings about the ASRock boards, so I’m definitely going to search for an MSI that fits your description. Thanks!