Note that gaming PCs are usually built on standard ATX motherboards, so we’ll be ignoring smaller form factors like the ITX. There is a single micro-ATX option in this list for those looking for a more entry-level version, but that’s the smallest motherboard you’ll find here.
Which Chipset Should You Go For?
Motherboards are built by many manufacturers, but they’re all built around a core chipset designed by the chip maker (like Intel or AMD). This ensures that your processor is compatible with the motherboard no matter how many extra features are loaded by the third-party manufacturer. When it comes to the Ryzen 5 5600X – or rather, any Ryzen 3000 or Ryzen 5000 series processor – there are basically just two chipsets to choose from: the X570 and the B550. The X570 is the more feature-rich chipset, with motherboards based on it falling on the higher end of the price spectrum. Budget-friendly motherboards use the B550 chipset, which gives you decent performance at a more palatable price range by limiting some features. This is usually the preferred choice for most gamers looking to build their first PC with the Ryzen 5 5600X.
1. ASUS ROG Strix X570-E – Best Overall
Building a good gaming motherboard is a delicate balancing act. Cut too many corners and you get a board that performs poorly. Overload it with features and you get an overpriced monstrosity no one needs. But the Asus Rog Strix X570-E manages to hit the sweet spot. This model gives you everything you could want out of an ATX motherboard, with multiple PCIe 4.0 lanes, a bunch of USB 3.2 ports, and even a Realtek LAN controller to push ethernet speeds up to 2.5Gbps. You can build a decent multi-GPU setup for online gaming with this motherboard, and even overclock the processor thanks to its extensive support for CPU power and cooling. If you’re an experienced gamer, however, you may find the ROG Strix a bit lacking. There are only two M.2 slots for high-speed SSDs instead of the three usually sported by competitors on the same chipset. On the flip side, you get a whopping eight USB 3 Gen 2 ports, along with an equal number of SATA ports, giving you more I/O potential than most similar motherboards.
2. MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk – Best Mid Range
Gaming snobs scoff at anything even slightly below the most expensive high-end systems, but you don’t need to blow the bank to build a good gaming PC. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is an excellent motherboard that prioritizes the right things to deliver a mid-range gaming computer. The biggest sacrifice it makes is the Wi-Fi. The MSI Tomahawk does not come with an integrated Wi-Fi card, forcing you to install a separate module if you wish to tap into wireless networks. But honestly, even that is unnecessary. Unlike MSI MAG’s earlier entry-level models, the B550 Tomahawk comes with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, allowing you to get superfast internet speeds through a wired connection, which is always preferred for a desktop PC, especially for online gaming. In all other respects, the MSI MAG B550 matches the performance of a premium gaming motherboard. You get two M.2 slots, PCI-Express 4.0 support, and 13-phase power delivery with VRM heatsinks for overclocking. The only other drawback is the smaller number of USB slots (only six), but you do get two USB 3.2 slots for high-speed connections.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus Wi-Fi – Best micro-ATX
The micro-ATX form factor is not usually preferred for a gaming motherboard, as it cuts down significantly on PCIe lanes and other peripheral support. But the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus manages to pack a lot into the smaller form factor, proving that gaming PCs can be built on micro-ATX motherboards. And the best part? Unlike most budget-friendly motherboards for the Ryzen 5600X, it does not come at the sacrifice of integrated Wi-Fi support. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus Wi-Fi comes with two M.2 slots for high-speed SSDs, 8+2 phase VRM for overclocking, 2.5GBps Ethernet, and a USB 3.2 slot (only one, though). It even supports DDR4 4600 RAM, which is a rarity at this price point. Speaking of the price point, that’s the only drawback with this board. It might be smaller, but the price tag isn’t particularly lower than full-sized ATX motherboards with similar specifications. Still, it is a great choice if you want to build a leaner gaming PC with the Ryzen 5600.
4. NZXT N7 B550 – Best B550
B550 chipset-based motherboards are affordable but sometimes end up sacrificing too much for the savings. The NZXT N7 B550 is one of the most feature-laden B550 boards and might be the best one to get if you are not looking to switch to the X570 chipset. NZXT N7 is well known for its Intel motherboards, with their unique white theme and clean look. The NZXT N7 B550 is their first AMD motherboard and boasts of the same aesthetics and RGB-free appearance. Feature-wise, the board packs a lot. 12-phase power delivery, 2.5 GbE as well as Wi-Fi 6E for internet connectivity, and two M.2 slots. The rear I/O panel is well done too, with a bunch of USB slots, audio ports, and an HDMI port. As you might expect, all these features do not come cheap. The NZXT N7 is not the most affordable B550 motherboard, though we would say the price is well worth it. The only major problem is the lack of heatsinks for the M.2 slots, leaving your high-speed SSDs prone to overheating.
5. MSI Meg X570 Unify – Best Overclocking
Now we move to some of the more upper-range models. While the mid-range boards are good enough to get you started with gaming, you need something like the MSI Meg X570 Unify for serious overclocking. The main difference with this board is the heatsink. While a budget board will sport heatsinks too, the VRM heatsinks on MSI Meg X570 Unify are massive. This translates to vastly improved cooling, letting you push the Ryzen 5600X beyond its limits. There is even a fan in the chipset heatsink, along with dedicated heatsinks for the M.2 SSD slots too, keeping your NVMe SSDs operating at peak performance. Tying it all together is a sober, all-black, aesthetic that is a refreshing break from all the RGB-overloaded boards being sold to gamers these days. Of course, the Meg X570 Unify comes with all the other features standard to a high-end gaming motherboard, from 2.5 GBps LAN to PCIe 4.0 lanes. This includes three M.2 slots, VRM power delivery (12 + 2 +1), and a bunch of USB 3.2 slots.
6. ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Extreme – Best High-End
If the price is no bar, the ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Extreme is probably the best motherboard for the Ryzen 5600X that money can buy. With liquid cooling, 10 Gbps Ethernet, and 18 + 2 power delivery, it leaves no stone unturned to give you a high-end experience. The key feature of this motherboard is the incredible VRM. With its massive heat sink and liquid cooling potential, it can sustain extreme overclocking without breaking a sweat. Other features are incredible as well. You get three integrated M.2 slots, with two additional slots that can be added with the included DIMM.2 AIC. The audio is top-notch, and it includes a bevy of high-speed connectivity options like USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 4 ports. Special care has been paid to network connectivity, with both a 10 GbE and a 2.5 GbE LAN port alongside Intel Wi-Fi 6E, leveraging the new 6 Ghz band. Overall, if you’re willing to shell out the price, the ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Extreme will not disappoint you.
What Is the Best Motherboard for the AMD Ryzen 5600X?
Each of the motherboards we covered here is best in its own way. The key is deciding your preference and choosing the board that best matches it. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mid-range motherboard, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a perfect choice. Lovers of overclocking will find the MSI Meg X570 Unify more to their liking unless you’re willing to splurge on the ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Extreme. On the other hand, for those looking to build on a smaller board, ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus Wi-Fi is the ideal micro-ATX choice. Going a little higher on the price will net you the NZXT N7 B550, the best motherboard on that chipset. However, the most balanced motherboard for the Ryzen 5600X has to be the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E, giving a good blend of features and affordability without going overboard.
