AMD’s AM4 platform, despite being succeeded by AM5, remains a legend in 2025. With Ryzen 5000/5000XT CPUs still dominating budget and mid-tier markets, AM4 motherboards offer unbeatable value for upgraders and cost-focused builders. This guide dives into the best AM4 motherboard options for 2025, including new BIOS updates, underrated boards, and strategies to maximize performance without overspending.
Table of Contents
Why AM4 Remains Relevant in 2025
The best AM4 motherboard in 2025 isn’t just about affordability—it’s about leveraging AMD’s decade-long ecosystem. Key reasons AM4 thrives:
- Ryzen 7 5800X3D’s Resurgence: Still outperforms mid-range AM5 CPUs in gaming at half the platform cost.
- DDR4 Stability: DDR5 prices dropped, but DDR4 kits (3600MHz CL16) remain 30% cheaper.
- Niche Upgrades: AMD’s 2024 surprise—Ryzen 5 5600GT and Ryzen 7 5700X3D—keep AM4 fresh.
Key Factors for Choosing an AM4 Motherboard in 2025
Chipset Breakdown: B550 vs. X570S vs. B450
- B550: Still the sweet spot with PCIe 4.0 support for GPUs and NVMe. New 2024 revisions (e.g., MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI MAX) added Wi-Fi 6E.
- X570S: Silent chipset cooling and USB4 support via add-in cards (e.g., ASRock X570S Riptide).
- B450: Now fully compatible with Ryzen 5000 after 2024 BIOS updates.
VRM Requirements for Modern CPUs
- Ryzen 9 5950X/5900X: Opt for 12+2 phase VRMs (e.g., ASUS TUF Gaming X570-PRO).
- Ryzen 7 5700X3D: Even budget B450 boards like Gigabyte B450M DS3H WIFI handle its 105W TDP.
Top AM4 Motherboards in 2025
1. Best High-End AM4 Motherboard: ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero (X570S)
- 2025 Price: 299(downfrom299(downfrom399).
- Why It Wins: 16+2 phase VRM, Dynamic OC Switcher for Ryzen 9, and USB4 via ThunderboltEX 4.
- Ideal For: 4K creators pairing a Ryzen 9 5950X with an RTX 4070 Ti.
2. Best Mid-Range: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX (2024 Refresh)
- New Features: PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5G LAN.
- Benchmark: Stable DDR4-4400 OC on Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
3. Best Budget: ASRock B450 Steel Legend (2025 BIOS Update)
- 2025 Surprise: Full Ryzen 5000 support and ARGB headers for under $90.
2025-Specific Upgrades & Pitfalls
- Avoid “Legacy” X570 Boards: Early X570 models with chipset fans (e.g., Gigabyte X570 AORUS Elite) suffer from fan failures.
- New B550 Boards with USB4: ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4/AC now supports USB4 via BIOS update.
FAQs
1. Can I use a Ryzen 5 5600GT on a B450 motherboard?
Yes! Most B450 boards received 2024 BIOS updates for Ryzen 5000/5000 XT CPUs.
2. Is AM4 dead after 2025?
AMD confirmed no new CPUs, but AM4 remains viable for budget builds until 2026.
3. Do AM4 boards support PCIe 5.0?
No—opt for AM5 if future-proofing for PCIe 5.0 GPUs.
