Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600X (Gaming & Workstation)

AMD’s highly anticipated Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs have finally been announced. Out of the initial batch of models, the one CPU that appears to hold the most value, in regards to performance for the price, is the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Despite not being the most powerful of the processors announced, this CPU has plenty of power to process high-end gaming applications, even at higher resolutions.

The Ryzen 5 5600X comes equipped with 6 cores, including hyperthreading capabilities with 12 threads, a level 3 cache of 32 MB, PCIe 4.0 compatibility, an AM4 chipset, a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watts, and a TSMC 7 nm FinFET fabrication process.

The Ryzen 5 5600X has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, which can be boosted to 4.6 GHz and can support a DDR4 memory system type with RAM of up to 3,200 MHz frequencies.

Of course, all of these specifications may sound very familiar, because they are, actually, identical to the previous generation Ryzen 5 3600X processor – the only difference being that there is a trade of 0.1 GHz in base clock speed for an increase of 0.2 GHz in boost clock speed.

The alterations between the Ryzen 3000 Series and the Ryzen 5000 Series cannot be found in their advertised specifications, as these lie within the format of how the cores, threads, and memory are laid out.

Ryzen 3000 Series CPUs had a CCX (Core Complex) that could hold four cores and 16 MB of L3 cache, whereas the Ryzen 5000 Series CCX can hold up to eight cores and 32 MB of L3 Cache. This means that all cores, and the entire L3 cache of the Ryzen 5 5600X, can fit into a single CCX – translating to far less inter-core latency and a significant boost in single-core and single-thread performance. Especially when it comes to gaming, internal latency is of utmost importance, and considering that there are very few (if any) games, currently, that make use of more than six cores and twelve threads, the Ryzen 5 5600X is a wise choice to make, especially for the current generation and competitive multiplayer titles.

To provide enough power to make full use of the capabilities of the Ryzen 5 5600X, and its overclocking capacity, a motherboard is perhaps the most important hardware component to choose for your build.

That is why we’ve compiled a list of the best motherboards in the market to pair with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, depending on price and form factor.

A Quick Motherboard Beginners’ Buying Guide

If you already know what to look for when buying a motherboard, you can skip this section.

Budget

In terms of budget, the price of motherboards can range from entry-level models to high-end enthusiast boards. Generally speaking, a good quality motherboard should cost between $100 and $200 – but depending on the features it offers, this may vary.

Size

Motherboard sizes are categorized by their form factor. The most popular form factors are ATX (Advanced Technology Extended), mATX (micro ATX), and mini ITX. Generally speaking, larger motherboards will offer more expansion slots and ports than smaller ones – thus making them better suited for gaming systems or workstations that require plenty of storage space. But if you plan on building a compact PC and don’t mind sacrificing some expansion slots and ports, a mini ITX motherboard will do just fine.

Features It Offers

Before choosing a motherboard, it is important to consider the features it offers and how they align with your needs. Some of the most common features found on motherboards include the number and type of expansion slots, ports, power connectors, overclocking capabilities, CPU socket type, RAM slots/type/speed support, RAID support (if you plan on using multiple hard drives), PCIe version compatibility (for graphics cards and other components), etc. Motherboards in this list come with a different set of features, so make sure to check them out and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Compatibility

The last thing you need to consider is compatibility. Make sure that the motherboard you choose is compatible with your CPU (its socket type and chipset). The current Ryzen 5 5600X is compatible with the AM4 socket, as well as the X570, B550, A520, X470, and B450 Chipsets. Double-check if your motherboard supports this specific CPU before you make a purchase. All motherboards included in this list come with an AM4 socket and the said chipsets, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Once you’ve considered all these factors, you’ll be ready to pick the best motherboard that fits your needs and budget. Now, let’s take a look at some of the best motherboards to pair with the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Read Also: Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 5 5600X

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4 Motherboard Recommendations for Ryzen 5 5600X

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Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X – ASUS Prime X570-P

Brand	ASUS
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DIMM
Compatible Processors	AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen
Chipset Type	AMD 570X
Memory Speed	2133 MHz
Series	PRIME X570-P
Memory Storage Capacity	128 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	128 GB
Graphics Card Interface	PCI-E

The best motherboard for those who care little about overclocking their CPU is one that will be cheap but still offer plenty of features, and a solid thermal solution. For its price, nothing beats the ASUS Prime X570-P.

This motherboard makes use of a 12-phase VRM solution (4×2 + 2×2) with 50-amp Vishay power stages – all of which are heatsinked – and a fan on the PCH. It can hold up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM, separated into four slots, with supported speeds of up to 4,400 MHz. The ASUS Prime X570-P can also accommodate two PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs and six SATA III ports.

In terms of connectivity, it holds four USB 3.1 Type-A, two USB 3.0 Type-A, and two USB 2.0 slots. The audio codec included is a Realtek S1200A, which is a decent chipset, but far from the best, so, if you’re an audiophile then, an external sound card will be a necessary purchase.

The best part of the ASUS Prime X570-P is its price, as you can currently find it for only $127.99; down from its original $159.99 MSRP.

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Best Mid-Range Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X – Gigabyte AORUS Elite B550

Brand	Gigabyte
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen
Graphics Card Interface	PCI-E
Memory Slots Available	4
System Bus Standard Supported	SATA 3

If you want to save money, but not miss out on some of the luxuries included in higher-end motherboard models, then the Gigabyte AORUS Elite B550 has you covered.

With an impressive 8 true phases, 14 virtual phases, and 12 + 2 VRM setup, this motherboard has 50 A power stages that are all heatsinked. It can hold 128 GB of total DDR4 RAM and speeds of up to 4,000 MHz; with each of its four RAM slots holding a maximum of 32 GB of storage. Speaking of storage, this motherboard can hold two M.2 SSDs, one of which is PCIe 4.0 (and has a heatsink cover), the other of which is PCIe 3.0 (and does not have a cover).

Four slots are included for SATA III SSDs, while connectivity includes ports for two USB 3.1 Type-A, four USB 3.0 Type-A, and two USB 2.0 inputs. Also included is a high-end Realtek ALC 1200 audio chipset, with plenty of audio features.

With a current price tag of $149.99, it’s hard to argue against the AORUS Elite B550 – especially mid-range for gaming builds.

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Best High-End Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X – ASUS Prime X570-Pro

Brand	ASUS
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DIMM
Compatible Processors	AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen
Chipset Type	AMD 570X
Memory Speed	2133 MHz
Platform	Windows 10
Series	PRIME X570-PRO
Memory Storage Capacity	128 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	128 GB

If you don’t mind spending a bit extra for a better VRM solution, features, and connectivity, the ASUS Prime X570-Pro is an excellent, and stylish choice to accommodate the Ryzen 5 5600X.

The Prime offers a 14-phase (6 true, 12+2) VRM solution with 50A power stages that are all heatsinked – including a fan on the PCH. 128 GB of up to 4,400 MHz frequency DDR4 RAM are supported, as well as two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots (one of which has a heatsink cover), and six SATA 6 GB/s storage ports.

With a vast amount of connectivity, the Prime X570-Pro includes one USB 3.1 Type-C, three USB 3.1 Type-A, and four USB 3.0 Type-A slots. Additionally, it also has one 20-pin USB 3.1 header, one USB 3.0 19-pin header, and seven 4-pin fan/pump headers. The audio chipset is a high-end Realtek S1220A, with five included 3.5mm audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF jack.

Though a bit costlier than the aforementioned options, for $230.99 the ASUS Prime X570-Pro is well worth its asking price.

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Best ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X – Gigabyte X570I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi

Brand	Gigabyte
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen, AMD 2nd Gerenration Ryzen
Chipset Type	AMD X570
Memory Speed	2666 MHz
Platform	Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 10
Series	X570 I AORUS PRO WIFI
Memory Storage Capacity	64 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	64 GB

If you are looking to use the Ryzen 5 5600X for an SFF build, then you will need an ITX motherboard that can fit within. The best option for this form factor is the Gigabyte X570I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi.

With an all-true 8-phase VRM solution, that has powerful 70-amp power stages, the AORUS Pro places focus on keeping thermals low, which is why all of its power stages are heatsinked (multilayer extended heatsinks) – including a PCH fan and 1.5mm thick LAIRD 5W/mK thermal conductivity pads.

Two memory slots can hold up to 64 GB of RAM (up to 4,400 MHz), while two M.2 slots (one heatsinked) and four SATA III slots comprise the supported storage. Additionally, six USB slots can be found in the rear I/O (1x 3.1 Type-C, 1x 3.1 Type-A, 4x 3.0 Type-A) for an impressive level of connectivity. The audio codec is the standard for the price Realtek ALC 1220-VB.

With its impressive thermal solution, this motherboard is a must-have SFF case and can be found for as low as $207.61.

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Conclusion

That’s it for our list of the best motherboards for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. To recap, it is important to look out for budget, size, features offered, and compatibility before making a purchase.

No matter which motherboard you choose, make sure that it offers the features you need and is compatible with your Ryzen 5 5600X CPU. With any of these motherboards, you are guaranteed to get the best performance from your AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600X

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X?

• Compatibility: Ensure it’s compatible with the AM4 socket.
• Chipset: Opt for B550 or X570 for optimal performance.
• VRM Quality: Look for robust VRMs for stable power delivery.
• RAM Support: Choose a board with support for DDR4 memory.
• Connectivity: Check for USB ports, PCIe slots, and Wi-Fi options.
• Form Factor: Select ATX, micro-ATX, or mini-ITX based on your case.

Which motherboard brands are reputable for Ryzen 5 5600X?

• ASUS: Known for quality and feature-rich motherboards.
• MSI: Offers a wide range with good performance.
• Gigabyte: Reliable with solid VRM designs.
• ASRock: Provides budget-friendly options.
• Biostar: Offers budget boards with decent performance.

What’s the best gaming motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X?

The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming and MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi are excellent choices. They offer strong gaming performance, ample connectivity, and good VRM quality.

Which motherboard is ideal for a Ryzen 5 5600X workstation?

For a workstation, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO and ASRock X570 Taichi are suitable. They provide stable performance, multiple PCIe slots, and support for high-speed storage.

Do I need a motherboard with Wi-Fi for the Ryzen 5 5600X?

It depends on your preference and setup. If you require wireless connectivity, choose a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi. Otherwise, you can use an Ethernet connection or add a Wi-Fi card later.

Can I overclock the Ryzen 5 5600X on any motherboard?

Yes, you can overclock the Ryzen 5 5600X on most B550 and X570 motherboards. However, ensure your chosen motherboard has robust VRMs and proper cooling for safe and efficient overclocking.

What’s the price range for Ryzen 5 5600X compatible motherboards?

Motherboard prices can vary widely. Budget options start at around $100, mid-range boards are in the $150-$250 range, and high-end models can cost $300 or more.

Are there any specific BIOS updates required for Ryzen 5 5600X compatibility?

To ensure Ryzen 5 5600X compatibility, update your motherboard’s BIOS to the latest version provided by the manufacturer. Check the motherboard’s official website for instructions and downloads.

Can I use a previous-generation motherboard with the Ryzen 5 5600X?

Yes, you can use a previous-generation AM4 motherboard like B450 or X470, but you may need to update the BIOS to ensure compatibility with Ryzen 5000 series processors. Check with the motherboard manufacturer for compatibility details and BIOS updates.

Are there any warranty considerations when choosing a motherboard?

Always check the warranty offered by the motherboard manufacturer. Most motherboards come with a standard 3-year warranty, but some may offer extended warranties or additional support options.