The Ryzen 5 3600X, an AMD processor, is a powerhouse in the desktop PC gaming segment. With its impressive specs, including 6 cores, 12 threads, and a maximum speed of 4.4 GHz, it delivers exceptional performance and value for money. Whether you’re gaming, editing, or multitasking, the Ryzen 5 3600X stands out as the best processor in its price range. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X replaces the Ryzen 5 2600X, which was already among the top gaming processors. When considering the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X, it’s essential to research and compares different models based on factors like VRM quality, BIOS features, and overall user feedback to find the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
Award | Design | Best | Retailer |
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Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best Micro ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best B450 Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon | ||
Best High-End Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X | View on amazon |
With improved IPC (instructions/clock) performance, it elevates that performance stage that is cost-conscious.
Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X List
ASRock B450M Steel Legend
Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: ASRock | Chipset: AMD B450 | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 64 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Content protection audio
✓Very light in weight
✓Supports DDR4 memory
✓Extensive cooling system
REASONS TO AVOID
✗May face a problem while turning off the RGB
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a great motherboard to pair with Ryzen 5 3600x due to its advanced features. AMD has launched this microprocessor socket which surpasses all its predecessors. The AMD chipset is the Promontory B450. It is responsible for high-quality graphics. The AMD Quad Crossfire supports these Graphics. Crossfire Technology backs it. The connectivity slots available make you feel quite decadent. You get three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, out of which one runs at x8 and the other at x4. Other than this category, you get two more types. These include three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, and each runs at x4. There is another PCIe 2.0 x1 slot as well. This is sufficient even for gamers who face connectivity issues very often.
This Motherboard will give you an audio experience you have not gone through before. An experience that every gamer deserves to have. The Realtek ALC892 7.1 Channel audio produces high-quality sound. The one that makes you feel like you are in a gamer’s arena while sitting in the comfort of your living room. It is the one that creates such an environment that forces you to continue with your winning streak.
With this one in your hands, you do not have to worry much about networking since ASRock has settled the matter entirely for you. The Steel Legend offers you Realtek RTL8111H PCI Express x1 Gigabit Ethernet Controller. The device supports DDR4 Technology RAM, and you get four memory slots. That is quite a lot of space. All this is provided to you at a very lightweight. So, this option is worth the money. Also, you get multiple fan headers if you buy them from the right supplier.
Asrock B450M Pro4
Best Micro ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: ASRock | Chipset: AMD B450 | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: Micro ATX | Memory: 64 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Superb value for the price
✓Higher compatibility with cases than ATX motherboards
REASONS TO AVOID
✗The Audio chipset is subpar
The B450M Pro4 is a solid and affordable motherboard that offers good performance and features for its price range. However, it may not be the best choice for enthusiasts who want more RGB effects, faster storage options or better audio quality. This motherboard employs a cutting-edge hybrid Digi Power design to deliver smooth power and precise control. The stability and durability of the motherboard are also significantly increased by the guaranteed efficient and clean power delivery to the CPU.
The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming outshines the B450M Steel Legend in several aspects. Notably, it boasts 4 memory slots compared to the Steel Legend’s 2, enabling greater RAM capacity and improved dual channel performance. Furthermore, the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers more fan headers and superior VRM cooling, enhancing system stability and overclocking capabilities. On the downside, the B450M Pro4 falls short in terms of RGB lighting and lacks a USB Type-C port on the back panel.
When it comes to aesthetics, the company did great in this range. Two RGB headers and an addressable LED header are available for aesthetic purposes to accommodate LED coolers and lighting strips. The locations of all four fan headers make sense. This motherboard can operate more steadily and offer a longer lifespan thanks to these sturdy caps.
ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula
Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand:ASUS | Chipset: AMD X570 | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 5100 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓AMD Store MI increases connectivity
✓Includes 10K metallic capacitors
✓Supports GameFirst V software
✓High endurance
REASONS TO AVOID
✗It does not provide a live dash
The ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula has lots of high-end features that make it our top choice. For instance, its 16 power stages, combined with integrated Crosschill EK III water cooling for the VRM, ensure a stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU, even during intense overclocking. The motherboard also supports PCIe 4.0, allowing for faster data transfer and storage speeds across both the CPU and chipset lanes. Additionally, it stands out with Thunderbolt 4 ports, a rare find on AMD motherboards, offering a remarkable 40 Gbps bandwidth for external devices.
To further elevate its capabilities, the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming is equipped with 10 Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 6E for exceptionally fast networking, as well as premium audio quality featuring the SupremeFX S1220 codec and ESS ES9023P DAC. The X570 Crosshair VIII Formula is an excellent motherboard that offers top-notch performance, features and aesthetics for enthusiasts and gamers. It has a sleek and stylish design with RGB lighting and an OLED display that can show system information or custom graphics.
It also has a comprehensive thermal design that keeps the board cool and quiet, as well as robust protection features that ensure durability and reliability. However, the X570 Crosshair VIII Formula also has some drawbacks, such as high price, high power consumption, and limited availability. The motherboard costs $799.99, which is more than three times the price of the CPU itself. However, it may not be worth it for everyone, as it is very expensive, power-hungry, and scarce.
MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX
Best B450 Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: MSI | Chipset: AMD B450 | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3466 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Impressive memory performance
✓Out of the box support for 3rd generation processors
✓Overclocking performance is better than other B450 motherboards
REASONS TO AVOID
✗There could have been some RGB lighting
✗Some are available at a slightly higher price
The MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX has features that make it a good value choice for gamers and enthusiasts. Its range of features contributes to its appeal. For instance, it provides 4 memory slots capable of supporting up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM, operating at speeds of up to 4133 MHz when used with Ryzen 3000 series CPUs. With 6 SATA ports and 1 M.2 slot, it enables support for RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays. Moreover, the motherboard features USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports conveniently located on the rear panel. Additionally, it offers RGB headers and Mystic Light Sync functionality, allowing users to personalize lighting effects according to their preferences.
However, the B450 TOMAHAWK MAX also has some drawbacks, such as only 1 M.2 slot, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, no USB 3.2 Gen2 header and no BIOS flashback button. The motherboard also lacks some premium features that are found on higher-end models, such as water cooling support, Thunderbolt ports, or high-end audio. It has a simple and elegant design with a black and gray color scheme and a steel armor on the PCIe x16 slot. It also has a decent VRM with 4+2 phases and large heatsinks that keep the board cool and stable.
A pair of USB 3.1 Gen2 ports and integrated RGB LED illumination are the first steps in this process. Realtek controllers of reasonable quality and affordability are paired on the networking and audio sides. For a quick and straightforward firmware update, MSI has added a BIOS Flashback+ button to the board’s rear panel. The heatsinks and PCIe implementation are two of the most significant aesthetic distinctions between the B350 and B450 Tomahawk.
MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: MSI | Chipset: AMD B450 | Socket:AM4 | Form Factor: Mini ITX | Memory: 32 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3466 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Uses high-end VRM components
✓Fairly high overclocking potential
REASONS TO AVOID
✗It uses a low-end audio chipset
The MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC has some features that make it a good choice for small form factor builds. For example, it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support with an Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 3168 module, which is rare on B450 motherboards. It also has HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for integrated graphics, as well as RGB headers and Mystic Light Sync for lighting effects.
The B450I Gaming Plus AC is a solid and reliable motherboard that offers good performance and stability for its size and price. It has steel armor on the PCIe x16 slot. It also has a powerful VRM with 6+2 phases and large heatsinks that keep the board cool and stable.
Overall, the B450I Gaming Plus AC is a mini-ITX motherboard with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support and decent features and performance. However, the B450I Gaming Plus AC also has some major cons, such as only 2 memory slots, only 4 SATA ports, no USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and no USB Type-C ports. The motherboard also lacks some premium features that are found on higher-end models, such as high-end audio, Thunderbolt ports, or water cooling support.
Asus ROG Strix B450-F
Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: Asus | Chipset: AMD B450 | Socket: TR4 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 64 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3200 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Tweaking-friendly ROG UEFI
✓Better-than-expected DRAM overclocking
✓Impressive SupremeFx Audio
✓Swappable southbridge sticker
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Missing power/reset buttons and POST LED
✗Some worrying BIOS oversights
✗No M.2 heatsinks
✗No Wi-Fi
The Asus ROG Strix B450-F comes with an AM4 socket that is ready to boot up all high-gen AMD processors and give them complete freedom of performance. it has 4 memory slots that support up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM at up to 3200 MHz with Ryzen 2000 series CPUs and up to 3600 MHz with Ryzen 3000 series CPUs. It also has 6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 slots that support RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays. It also has USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports on the rear panel, as well as RGB headers and Aura Sync for lighting effects.
It offers dual NVMe M.2 for high-speed storage capabilities, supported with RAID to enhance its performance further. The USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A connectors are also part of the lightning-fast connectivity setup by ASUS. The high-quality integrated SupremeFX S1220A audio enhanced with Sonic Studio III makes the gaming experience much more immersive and realistic. The networking capabilities of the ROG Strix B450-F with Intel® I211-AT Gigabit LAN Controller are also an excellent addition. The LAN is protected with an Antisurge LANGuard and optimized with ROG GameFirst Technology for better ethernet performance.
The drawbacks of the ROG Strix B450-F Gaming include the absence of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the lack of M.2 heatsinks, the omission of a BIOS flashback button, and the absence of a DisplayPort output. Moreover, this motherboard does not possess certain premium features commonly found in higher-end models, such as support for water cooling, Thunderbolt ports, or high-end audio functionalities.
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus
Best Overclocking Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: MSI | Chipset: AMD 570X | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2666 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Includes M.2 shield Frozr accessory
✓Amazing light synchronization
✓Supports Rainbow LED strip
✓High-quality audio
REASONS TO AVOID
✗May not support older video cards
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus incorporates several key elements that enhance its appeal. To begin with, it provides 4 memory slots capable of accommodating up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM, delivering speeds of up to 4400 MHz when paired with Ryzen 3000 series CPUs. Additionally, the motherboard features 6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 slots, ensuring support for RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays. On the connectivity front, it offers convenient USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports located on the rear panel. Moreover, it includes RGB headers and Mystic Light Sync functionality, allowing users to customize lighting effects to suit their preferences.
The MPG X570 Gaming Plus is a solid and reliable motherboard that offers adequate performance and features for its price range It has a simple and elegant design with a black and red color scheme and RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink. It also has a beast VRM with 8+2 phases and large heatsinks that keep the board cool and stable.
However, the MPG X570 Gaming Plus has no Wi-Fi or M.2 heatsinks, also no DisplayPort output, no BIOS flashback button, and high power consumption. The motherboard also lacks some premium features that are found on higher-end models, such as water cooling support, Thunderbolt ports, or high-end audio.
Related: Best Motherboards for i5 9400F
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E
Best High-End Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600X
Brand: ASUS | Chipset: AMD X570 | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓I/O shield included
✓It comes with ASUS safe slot
✓Easy assembling and setting
✓Efficient cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
✗All processors do not support NVME slots
The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers 4 memory slots that can handle up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM, supporting speeds of up to 4800 MHz with Ryzen 3000 series CPUs and an impressive 5100 MHz with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. Furthermore, the motherboard is equipped with 8 SATA ports and 2 M.2 slots, ensuring support for RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays. Convenient USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports are available on the rear panel, providing efficient connectivity options. In addition, the motherboard includes RGB headers and Aura Sync functionality, allowing users to create stunning lighting effects to personalize their system.
However, the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming also has some drawbacks, such as high price, high power consumption, and limited availability. The motherboard costs $329.99, which is more than twice the price of the Ryzen 5 3600X CPU itself. It also consumes more power than most X570 motherboards, due to its high-end components and features. And it may be hard to find in stock, due to its high demand and low supply. It has a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme and RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink, the I/O cover, and the M.2 heatsinks. It also has a robust VRM with 16 phases and large heatsinks that keep the board cool and stable.
With a robust VRM, PCIe 4.0 support, USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, RGB lighting, and more. However, it may not be worth it for everyone, as it is very expensive, power-hungry, and scarce.
See Also: Best Motherboards For i7 9700K
Ryzen 5 3600X Motherboard Compatibility
The Ryzen 5 3600X is a powerful mid-range processor from AMD that offers excellent performance for gaming and productivity. However, to get the most out of this CPU, you need a compatible motherboard that can support its features and overclocking potential. In this essay, I will compare the different chipsets that are compatible with the Ryzen 5 3600X and mention some chipsets that are not compatible.
The Ryzen 5 3600X belongs to the third generation of Ryzen processors, which use the AM4 socket. This means that it can work with any motherboard that has an AM4 socket, as long as the BIOS is updated to support the latest processors. However, not all AM4 motherboards are equal in terms of features, performance, and price. The chipset is the main factor that determines these aspects.
The chipset is a set of integrated circuits that controls the communication between the CPU and other components, such as memory, storage, graphics, and peripherals. Different chipsets have different capabilities and limitations, such as the number of PCIe lanes, USB ports, SATA ports, M.2 slots, overclocking support, and more. The Ryzen 5 3600X is compatible with seven chipsets: A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, B550, and X570. Each chipset has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and budget. Here is a brief overview of each chipset:
- A320: This is the most basic and cheapest chipset for AM4 motherboards. It does not support overclocking or PCIe 4.0, which are two of the main features of the Ryzen 5 3600X. It also has limited expansion options and connectivity. This chipset is not recommended for the Ryzen 5 3600X unless you are on a very tight budget and do not care about performance or future-proofing.
- B350: This is a mid-range chipset that supports overclocking but not PCIe 4.0. It has more expansion options and connectivity than A320 but less than X370 or B450. This chipset is a decent option for the Ryzen 5 3600X if you want to save some money and do not need PCIe 4.0 or other advanced features.
- X370: This is a high-end chipset that supports overclocking and SLI/CrossFire but not PCIe 4.0. It has more expansion options and connectivity than B350 but less than X470 or B550. This chipset is a good option for the Ryzen 5 3600X if you want to build a powerful gaming system with multiple GPUs and do not need PCIe 4.0 or other advanced features.
- B450: This is a mid-range chipset that supports overclocking and PCIe 4.0 (with some limitations). It has more expansion options and connectivity than B350 but less than X470 or B550. This chipset is a great option for the Ryzen 5 3600X if you want to enjoy the benefits of PCIe 4.0 without breaking the bank or sacrificing too much performance or features.
- X470: This is a high-end chipset that supports overclocking, SLI/CrossFire, and PCIe 4.0 (with some limitations). It has more expansion options and connectivity than X370 but less than X570 or B550. This chipset is an excellent option for the Ryzen 5 3600X if you want to build a premium gaming system with multiple GPUs and PCIe 4.0 devices without spending too much money or sacrificing too much performance or features.
- B550: This is a mid-range chipset that supports overclocking and PCIe 4.0 (without limitations). It has more expansion options and connectivity than B450 but less than X570. This chipset is an amazing option for the Ryzen 5 3600X if you want to build a future-proof system with PCIe 4.0 devices without compromising on performance or features.
- X570: This is a high-end chipset that supports overclocking, SLI/CrossFire, and PCIe 4.0 (without limitations). It has more expansion options and connectivity than any other AM4 chipset. It also has active cooling for the chipset itself, which can improve stability and performance but also increase noise and power consumption. This chipset is an ultimate option for the Ryzen 5 3600X if you want to build an enthusiast system with multiple GPUs and PCIe 4.0 devices without any compromises on performance or features.
Some chipsets that are not compatible with the Ryzen 5 3600X are A520, B550A, X399, TRX40, WRX80, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Z390, H370, B365, B360, H310, Z370, Q370, QM370, and HM370. These chipsets either use a different socket (such as LGA 1200 or LGA 2066) or are designed for different processors (such as Ryzen Threadripper or Intel Core).
How we picked the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600X
PCI Slots
PCI spots are the standard expansion slots on the motherboard used to attach expansion cards. Every motherboard varies in the number of expansion slots. Your need will decide how many slots you want. If you are a gamer, you should at least go with one full-speed PCI express ×16 slot. Aside from this, if you connect multiple graphics cards, you will need more than one slot. It all depends on your requirements, so check them first.
SATA Ports
Before buying a MOBO must figure out how many SATA ports the board offers you. SATA ports connect storage drives and optical drives such as HDD and SSD. So, make sure the SATA ports on your MOBO fulfill your needs. You can consider at least four SATA ports in the motherboard; otherwise, the choice of 6 ports is quite good.
RAID Support
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It is a set of protocols to arrange many hard drives into arrays. This array helps increase the speed of data access from the hard drive. Many motherboards already have built-in RAID support if you want RAID support to purchase such a type of motherboard. However, you can buy it separately and add it to your board.
VRMs
Voltage Regulator Modules are a significant factor in the processor’s performance. A motherboard with higher VRM phases will provide your processor with a higher overclocking speed with enough efficiency.
Networking
if you want passionate gaming and mainstreaming, consider factors like WIFI 6. This factor will expand the scope of your purpose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboards are compatible with Ryzen 5 3600x?
Any motherboard with an AM4 socket is compatible with Ryzen 5 3600x. The best ones are MSI 450 Tomahawk, MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC, and ASRock B450M Pro4.
Is Ryzen 5 3600x compatible x570?
Yes, it’s a perfect combination. Both Ryzen 5 3600x and x570 complement each other and deliver above-average performance.
Do you need thermal paste for Ryzen 5 3600x?
If you don’t apply thermal paste to your Ryzen 5 3600x, it will surely heat up and go out of order sooner than expected. So yes! You do need to apply thermal paste on your Ryzen 5 3600x.
Does b550 support Ryzen 5 3600x?
Yes, b550 set works perfectly well for Ryzen 5 3600x as it is meant to work with all Zen 2 and Zen 3 Ryzen Processors.
Is Ryzen 5 3600x good for gaming?
Yes, It is. Actually, Ryzen 5 3600x is primarily a gaming CPU. Ryzen 5 3600x has whopping six cores to run all AAA titles and other high-end games very easily.