Choosing the right motherboard is essential when building a gaming PC. It determines compatibility, expansion options, performance features, and your upgrade path. In this post, we review the best gaming motherboards of 2025 for both Intel and AMD CPUs—whether you’re building a budget gaming rig or a high-end battle station.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi – Best Intel Motherboard for High-End Builds
- LGA 1700 socket, supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory support
- Robust VRM for overclocking
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gb LAN
- USB-C, Gen 2×2 ports, and rich RGB customization
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is a premium Z790 motherboard designed for Intel’s latest 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. It supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, allowing users to take advantage of the fastest storage and RAM technologies available today. With a robust 18+1 power stage VRM setup, it’s ideal for overclocking even the most demanding CPUs. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Thunderbolt header support, and an abundance of high-speed USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Aesthetically, the board features RGB zones and a reinforced metal backplate, making it a visual highlight for custom gaming PCs.
Ideal for: Enthusiasts and streamers who want premium features, performance, and future-proofing.
MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi – Best Mid-Range Intel Option
- LGA 1700 socket with 13th & 14th Gen support
- DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0
- Excellent thermal design and VRM cooling
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 GbE
- USB-C and M.2 Shield Frozr
The MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi offers a compelling feature set for gamers who want reliable performance without spending a fortune. Built for Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, it supports both DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 for modern GPUs and SSDs. It comes equipped with a solid 12-phase VRM design for stable power delivery, even during intense gaming sessions. The board also includes Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G LAN, and advanced thermal solutions such as extended heatsinks and M.2 Shield Frozr to keep your system cool and responsive. Its clean black design with subtle accents gives it a minimalist yet rugged look that fits in any build.
Ideal for: Gamers seeking performance and connectivity without breaking the bank.
Gigabyte X670 AORUS Elite AX – Best AMD AM5 Motherboard
- AM5 socket, Ryzen 7000 series support
- PCIe 5.0 & DDR5 memory compatibility
- Advanced power delivery and thermal design
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE LAN
- Multiple M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Gigabyte’s X670 AORUS Elite AX is a powerful ATX motherboard built for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. Utilizing the new AM5 platform, it offers support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, ensuring top-tier bandwidth for both graphics cards and next-gen NVMe SSDs. With a 16+2+2 phase VRM and enhanced thermal armor, it’s engineered for stability and performance under load. The Elite AX also includes Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gb LAN, and a strong rear I/O shield with numerous high-speed USB ports. With plenty of M.2 slots and reinforced PCIe lanes, it’s ideal for a feature-rich, high-performance AMD gaming build.
Ideal for: Gamers and creators looking to maximize AMD’s new-gen performance.
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi – Solid AMD B650 Option
- AM5 support for Ryzen 7000 CPUs
- DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 ready
- Military-grade components for durability
- Wi-Fi 6 and Realtek 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C & 3 M.2 slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi balances rugged durability with next-gen features. Designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs on the AM5 socket, this board supports DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 GPUs and SSDs. Its military-grade components, reinforced PCIe slots, and large VRM heatsinks ensure long-term reliability. The board includes Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 Gb LAN, and multiple high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports including USB-C. It also provides great expandability with three M.2 slots and onboard RGB headers. It’s a smart choice for builders who value reliability and performance in equal measure.
Ideal for: Mainstream builders who want balance between features, price, and durability.
ASRock B550M-HDV – Best Budget AMD AM4 Motherboard
- Supports Ryzen 3000/5000 CPUs on AM4 socket
- 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for next-gen GPUs
- 1x M.2 slot for NVMe SSD storage
- DDR4 RAM support up to 4733+ MHz (OC)
- Basic rear I/O with HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA outputs
The ASRock B550M-HDV is designed for gamers and builders looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable Micro-ATX motherboard. It supports AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors and features PCIe 4.0 for faster GPU and storage performance. Its compact form factor makes it ideal for small builds, and while it lacks premium extras like RGB and extra M.2 slots, it gets the job done for budget-conscious users.
Ideal for: Budget builders who want solid Ryzen performance in a compact and affordable package.
The best gaming motherboard in 2025 isn’t about the most expensive model—it’s about matching the board with your CPU, performance goals, and future plans. Whether you’re going all-in on a Z790 or keeping it smart with B650 or B760, these motherboards give you a rock-solid foundation for your next gaming build.