The long awaited 9800X3D now is here. Looking for a good motherboard to pair with it. Any good suggestions?
For a brand-new CPU like the 9800X3D, you'll want to pair it with one of the new X870 or B850 chipset motherboards to get the most out of it. The 9800X3D uses the AM5 socket, which is the same as the previous generation, but the new chipsets are built specifically for the Ryzen 9000 series.
I'd recommend looking at an X870E board if you want all the bells and whistles. They guarantee PCIe 5.0 for both your graphics card and at least one NVMe SSD slot, which is great for future-proofing.
Any AM5 motherboard, even the most budget-friendly, is unlikely to throttle the CPU, given its expected efficiency in gaming. Consider a B650 motherboard; many affordable options offer BIOS flashback for easy CPU compatibility. X670 and X870 boards only provide additional connectivity, not performance enhancements.
Been running my 9800X3D on an X870E board and honestly, it's probably overkill for most people. The extra cost over B650 isn't worth it unless you specifically need the additional features. Focus on getting a board with good VRM thermals and reliable brand support. ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte all make solid options in the B650 range that'll handle this chip beautifully.
Just get a B650 motherboard.
I got the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX for 9800X3D, works well. https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-B650-Warranty-EZ-Latch-Motherboard/dp/B0BH7GTY9C?------123456890?7649-20
Waiting for B850 motherboards.
B850 motherboards are OK.
For value, a B650 around $150 is great. If your budget allows, X670E boards like the Taichi Lite offer more features. Consider your needed I/O like USB4 when deciding.
X870E Gaming motherboard for high-end users.