Buying the best motherboard CPU combo for your PC build can be difficult, especially if you consider the number of available options on the market. No one wants to invest their hard-earned money on an inferior piece of hardware. Most people think that the costliest options are always the best and the cheaper aren’t, but that’s not always the case.
Some invest a lot on a beasty CPU and settle for a more affordable decent graphics card.
Having a high-end CPU isn’t going to give you the speed you need by itself. You need to pair it with an equally potent GPU and a capable motherboard. A great combo is what it takes to squeeze the performance and features out of your processor to get you the power you need to run your tasks. Luckily, we have compiled and listed the best motherboard CPU combos available on the market to assist you!
So let’s go through them…
Contents
- 1 Top 8 Best Motherboard CPU Combos In 2023 Review
- 1.1 1 AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – CPU
- 1.2 2 Gigabyte B450M DS3H– Motherboard
- 1.3 3 Intel Core i9-10900X – Processor
- 1.4 4 ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 – Motherboard
- 1.5 5 AMD Ryzen 5 3400G – Processor
- 1.6 6 ASRock B450 Steel Legend Socket AM4 ATX – Motherboard
- 1.7 7 AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- 1.8 8 MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE – Motherboard
- 2 Best Motherboard CPU Combos Buying Guide
- 3 Looking For Other Great Gaming Options?
- 4 Which Is Of These Best Motherboard CPU Combos Is Our Favorite?
Top 8 Best Motherboard CPU Combos In 2023 Review
Combo 1
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU + Gigabyte B450M DS3H Motherboard – Best Mid Range Motherboard CPU Combo
If you’re aiming to build a powerful yet budget friendly PC, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and Gigabyte B450M go well together. AMD has cleverly engineered its 3rd generation Ryzen processors, with the Ryzen 5 3600 being one of the best options for mid-range CPU builds. Gigabyte, on the other hand, holds its reputation of being one of the best motherboard makers.
Since the start of the computer generation, AMD has been around knowing the challenges and regularly meeting ongoing demands, giving the users what they deserve. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is a real masterpiece. If the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and the Gigabyte B450M DS3H are paired with a decent GPU, you will have a powerful machine that can handle all your workloads with ease.
1 AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – CPU
The Ryzen 5 3600 has a decent form factor and 65W TDP. It’s priced to be a real contender. This little monster is a go-to option for those who want a powerful but budget-friendly CPU to handle their daily chores. When paired with a capable GPU, the 3600 can run most games with ease while providing decent frame rates at 1080p resolution while gaming. Thanks to the six cores and threads.
Like the other 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs, the Ryzen 5 3600 also supports PCIe 4.0. Unlike most of Intel’s processors, AMDs are bundled with an in-box cooler, and the Ryzen 5 3600 is no exception. It also comes with a 7nm computer die paired with a 12nm I/O die. AMD also released the Ryzen 5 3600x. A slightly more advanced option which has a higher clock speed.
What else?
AMD has vastly improved its instruction per cycle (IPC) throughput on their third generation CPUs, which results in better performance, especially during heavy workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 beats Intel’s Core i5-9400F with a fair margin. However, intel’s advantage lies in the integrated graphics, while most AMD processors require a dedicated graphics card.
(4.9 / 5)Pros
- Competitive pricing.
- PCIe 4.0 support.
- Low power consumption.
- Unlocked Multiplier.
- Decent gaming performance.
Cons
- Limited overclocking headroom.
- No integrated graphics, unlike Intel processors.
2 Gigabyte B450M DS3H– Motherboard
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is beautiful, with a black PCB base and a grey striped circuit-like pattern emerging from the board’s corners towards the socket. It comes equipped with the AM4 socket. The Gigabyte DS3H is the best choice if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a decent motherboard that can squeeze every ounce of performance from your build. Its four memory slots can accommodate DDR4-3200 memory sticks for a total of 64GB.
The DS3H boasts 3 SATA ports that support RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays for storage. It also holds a single PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA M.2 slot, which supports up to M.2 22110 SSDs. The board has a small heatsink across the CPU section of the VRM. It’s also equipped with two full-length PCIe slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 and one PCIe 2.0 x4.
On the back, you will find USB 3.1, 5Gbps ports, four USB 2.0 Type-A ports, one GbE port, three 3.5mm audio jacks, and video output for DVI-D and HDMI 2.0.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Outstanding performance for a better price.
- Full-length PCIe slots.
- Supports AMD CrossFire.
- Good build quality.
- Beautiful design.
Cons
- Small heatsink on the VRM.
- Doesn’t support PCIe 4.0.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 + Gigabyte B450M DS3H Combo – Verdict
No matter if it’s for gaming or multithreaded tasks like content creation or editing, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 offers the performance you need. On the other hand, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H has everything you expect from a typical gaming motherboard at the cost of minimal design. Even though the processor supports PCIe 4, the DS3H doesn’t.
Apart from that, this combo is an excellent choice for anyone who’s on a tighter budget.
Combo 2
Intel Core i9-10900X CPU + ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 Motherboard – Best Premium Motherboard CPU Combo
This combo is super lit. Even though it costs a fortune, it’s worth every penny. Unleash the power! This ultimate motherboard CPU bundle handles every task thrown at it. Long gone are the days when your computer used to struggle with handling multiple programs simultaneously. For today’s generation CPUs, multitasking is a walk in the park, given the number of threads and cores.
Especially when you combine the Intel Core i9-10900X with an exceptional motherboard like the ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z490, together they can produce jet speeds. There is nothing this motherboard, processor combo can’t handle. Whether it’s hardcore gaming or a challenging editing job, you won’t be disappointed.
What makes this one of the Best Motherboard CPU Combos?
Let’s take a closer look…
3 Intel Core i9-10900X – Processor
Intel has been a reliable option for ages. The one area where Intel truly outshines AMD is its single-core performance, which is essential for better gaming performance. The 14nm chip offers a base frequency of 3.7GHz and a single-core turbo of 5.3GHz.
Thinner and thicker…
As far as thermal management goes, the Core i9-10900X performs surprisingly well for a 14nm form factor. Intel claims it’s because they thinned downed the die and implemented a thicker heat spreader.
Even so, the CPU has a higher TPD of 125W, with the predecessor having 95W. Most budget AMD processors support PCIe 4.0, but even Intel’s flagships are still confined to PCIe 3.0. This is the biggest bummer about Intel’s CPUs. The Intel Core i9-10900X has two extra cores, which gives the i9-10900X ten cores and 20 threads.
But you should know…
One letdown with the i9-10900X is its migration to the z490 chipset family and a new CPU-socket. Intel’s latest processors only support the new LGA1200 CPU socket, which means no support for older motherboards. On the other hand, AMD supports backward compatibility with older boards. Intel has significantly increased the cache on the i9-10900X, with the L3 cache being 20MB, while its predecessor, the i9-9900k, has only 16MB.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Intel’s Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB).
- Added threads.
- Clever thermal management.
- Well priced.
- Industry-standard single-core performance.
Cons
- Added support for PCIe 4.0 would have been excellent.
- Higher TDP (125W).
- Not backward compatible with older motherboards.
4 ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 – Motherboard
The Maximus XII Hero is one of the most expensive motherboards in the Z490 landscape. However, it’s worth the high price with premium features, including three heatsink-covered M.2 slots, 14-phase VRMs, and SupremeFX audio solution.
Apart from these, the Maximus XII Hero has a few other cutting-edge features like Marvell-based 5 Gigabit Ethernet, DDR4 4800+(OC) RAM support, 60A power stages, SupremeFX S1220 audio codec, six SATA3 6 Gbps ports, the latest Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 5.1, USB 3.2 Gen2 (20 Gbps) Type-C, etc.
If you look at the design…
It has a stunning black detailing covering the entire board and with heatsinks and shrouds that cover most of the circuit board. This goes very well with most build themes. The heatsink over the chipset has a ROG logo that glows in RGB. The 16 phase VRM in a 14+2 configuration is covered with three reasonably large heatsinks. The Maximum XII Hero has three full-length PCIe slots and three x1 slots.
There is also three PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots located between the full-length PCIe slots. The first M.2 slot supports both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modules, while the second M.2 slot only supports PCIe 3.0 x4. The third M.2 slot supports 110mm drives as well as SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modules.
It has ten USB ports in the rear, with one Type-C port being the ultra-fast USB 3.2 Gen2. Three 3.2 Gen2, four 3.2 Gen, and two USB 2.0 concludes the rest of the ports.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- 5GB Ethernet.
- 20Gbps USB Type-C port.
- Three M.2 slots with heatsinks.
- Ten USB ports.
- 16-phase 60A VRM.
Cons
- Two of the M.2 ports are covered under the video card.
- No support for PCIe 4.0.
Core i9-10900X + ROG Maximus XII Hero Combo – Verdict
The i9-10900X being Intel’s flagship, offers better single-core performance compared to AMD’s processors. If you’re a dedicated gamer, the i9-10900X is all you need. The ROG Maximus XII Hero has plenty of exclusive support and features, which maximizes your PC builds potential. It also future proofs it for coming upgrades. No matter if it’s productivity or gaming that’s your primary focus, this motherboard CPU combo nails it.
The only downside is the lack of PCIe 4.0 support. Apart from that, this combo is almost unbeatable.
Combo 3
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU + ASRock B450 Steel Legend Motherboard – Best Budget Motherboard CPU Combo
The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G paired with the ASRock B450 can probably make the best budget gaming PC you can currently buy.
The party doesn’t end just because you chose the best motherboard CPU combos when building your potential gaming computer. Gaming CPUs often demand a capable GPU as well. Finding a good GPU isn’t easy, especially if you’re on a budget. That is where the Ryzen 5 3400G comes in. It has powerful, built-in graphics on the CPU chip. The 3400G, paired with the ASRock B450, can achieve visual wonders.
5 AMD Ryzen 5 3400G – Processor
Unlike Intel, most AMD CPUs don’t come with integrated graphics. However, AMD might have felt the Intel pressure and developed a gaming CPU with integrated graphics, and you know the outcome.
The Ryzen 5 3400G has AMD’s RX VEGA integrated graphics engine, giving the 3400G a chance to join the best gaming CPUs. With four cores and eight threads, the Ryzen 5 3400G has a base clock of 3.7GHz, which is overclockable to 4.2GHz.
The chipset has a TDP of 65W and includes a wraith spire cooling system. It’s also equipped with a built-in AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 GPU with 11 graphic cores running up to 1,400 MHz. The AMD Radeon Vega 11 is way ahead in terms of performance compared to Intel’s UHD Graphics 630, found in most mainstream CPUs.
But that’s not all…
The CPU offers 6MB of combined L2 and L3 cache and is built on a 12nm form factor. Like other 3rd generation CPUs, the Ryzen 5 3400G also includes a Wraith cooler, which cools the CPU. If you want to build an entry-level PC, the motherboard isn’t an issue since the 3400G is compatible with most boards using the AM4 socket.
It’s also backward compatible, meaning you can technically use an existing CPU with an AM4 socket without upgrading it.
You may, however, have to upgrade the BIOS manually. The Ryzen Master, a free software, helps to have granular control overclock speeds, memory profiles, and even overclocking. If gaming isn’t your priority, you can choose the Core i3-9100, which is better than the 3400G for running everyday applications. Still, the integrated graphics are nowhere near AMD’s, making it useless for gaming.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Integrated graphics.
- Decent for gaming.
- Bundled cooler.
- PBO support for auto-overclocking.
Cons
- Low single-threaded performance.
6 ASRock B450 Steel Legend Socket AM4 ATX – Motherboard
The ASRock B450 Steel Legend is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an economical but aesthetically pleasing motherboard featuring the Ryzen AM4 socket. Don’t let the low price tag lower your opinion of the B450 Steel Legend; it has every feature that a modern motherboard can offer.
It’s equipped with an ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3x4), a SATA M.2 slot, and four SATA 3 ports. The rear I/O plate holds two USB 3.1 Gen2 (Type A and C) and six USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. Two through internal headers and four on the rear I/O plate. The Realtec ALC92 chip delivers 7.1 audio, but more expensive boards include the ALC1220, which is better.
Top-notch quality…
The build quality is top-notch, considering it’s a budget board with gold-plated audio jacks. The PCIe slots have steel slot protection ensuring durability and prevents the slots from being damaged while installing heavy graphics cards. Another safety measure is that all USB, audio, and LAN ports are protected with ASRock Full Spike Protection. The HDMI and DisplayPort can be used with any AMD AM4 APU with embedded Radeon/Vega graphics.
The design is stunning, and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend Socket AM4 will match most themes. It has black, white, and grey digital camouflage-style patterns, LED lighting around the chipsets heatsink, and a stainless steel looking finish on the heatsinks.
But that’s not all…
The LEDs are controlled using the ASRock RGB PolyChrome LED software. Unfortunately, the board only has a 6 phase VRM, which isn’t great. ASRock could have added the 9 phase VRM as they did on the B450M Pro4, and because of the low power potential overclocking is a challenge.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Affordable.
- Good build quality for a budget board.
- DisplayPort for APUs.
- Ultra M.2 and SATA M.2 sockets.
- Excellent design that fits most builds.
Cons
- Challenging to overclock.
- Doesn’t support PCIe 4.0.
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G + ASRock B450 Steel Legend Motherboard – Verdict
This motherboard CPU combo isn’t for everyone, but if you choose to build your PC for minimal use without breaking your bank, this is your cup of tea. The combo has everything you need for a budget build. The Ryzen 5 3400G saves you from investing in a discrete graphics card, which helps save money on the total build.
The motherboard is capable and has a black and white pattern that reminds us of 8-bit gaming days. Overall, it’s an excellent combo for anyone aiming for a budget build.
Combo 4
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X + MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE – Best Value Motherboard CPU Combo for the Money
The best deserves the best, right? The MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE, when combined with the fastest desktop CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, provides the speed and reliability you genuinely deserve.
The 16 core 32 threaded Ryzen 9 5950X and the MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE with massive capabilities take your build to an entirely new level, making it the ultimate motherboard CPU combo. But, considering the price tags, this is far from everyone’s cup of tea. You can’t skimp on motherboard choice, especially with a capable CPU like the Ryzen 9 5950X.
Affordability aside, this magical combo will do wonders if you pair it with an equally efficient graphics card.
7 AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
With the latest Zen 3 CPU line-up, AMD took the game to the next level. The 5950X is the flagship among the 5000 series CPUs, offering impeccable speed and reliability. It has a whopping 16 cores and 32 threads. The base clock runs at 3.4GHz but can be overclocked to a maximum of 4.9GHz.
AMD chose to stick with the 7nm process for the Zen 3 CPUs, while Intel’s 10th Gen CPUs use the 14nm process. Surprisingly, AMD managed to increase the IPC by a significant 19%. The two chipsets on the processor contribute a total of 64MB of L3 cache. What’s interesting here is that AMD kept the TDP as low as 105W. The lower the TDP, the better the overall thermal management.
How else is it unique?
When gaming at 1080p, the 5950X has a leaping advantage over the previous generation in-house CPUs. You can expect decent frame rates at 1080p even with the top AAA-rated games. However, you should go with an equally potent GPU to match with this beast. Like most AMD processors from the recent generations, the 5950X shares support for PCIe 4.0.
The CPU doesn’t come equipped with a stock cooler. Therefore you should also invest in a decent cooling solution.
(4.9 / 5)Pros
- Increased IPC.
- Supports PCIe 4.0.
- Lower TPD.
- 7nm process.
- Excellent for gaming.
Cons
- Expensive.
- No stock cooling.
- Needs an equally powerful GPU.
8 MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE – Motherboard
The MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE possesses enough power and connectivity to run the latest Zen 3 processors at their best, making it the ultimate partner for the Ryzen 9 5950X. Even though it’s pretty expensive, looking past that, you will get one of the best boards available capable of unleashing extraordinary power.
At first glance…
The board looks and feels exceptionally high-end and has a solid electrical design. Covered in a stealth black theme with a touch of chrome, it will go well with your build theme. The board has a busy design, and heatsinks cover almost every component. But the center of attraction is the monochrome LED panel sitting beside the DIMM slots. It was intended to display useful information regarding the system, but where’s the fun in that?
Instead, you can feed custom GIFs or images at 256×64 pixels to the panel, which is pretty cool. Regardless, an infinity mirror is placed on the I/O shroud, creating the illusion of an LED-lit bottomless pit.
But wait, there’s more…
The four DDR4 DIMM memory slots support overclocking up to 5,000MHz. When it comes to storage, the X570 GODLIKE has six SATA 3 ports. The three M.2 slots are expandable, but this requires the M.2 Xpander-Z Gen 4 card.
The VRM runs in a 14+4+1 configuration. And the X570 GODLIKE features dual-NIC with 2.5 and 1Gbps Ethernet ports.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Customizable LED panel.
- Infinity mirror.
- Excellent connectivity.
- Expansion cards for storage and networking.
- Great overclocking abilities.
Cons
- Over-priced
- Crude rear I/O port choice
Ryzen 9 5950X + MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE Combo –Verdict
The Ryzen 9 5950X and the MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE make the ultimate CPU motherboard combo. If you’re opting to build a gaming rig for 1080p gaming, this combo is unbeatable. The design and LED lighting of the motherboard add to the gaming theme. But the downside is the high price tag, making it a combo that doesn’t suit everyone.
Best Motherboard CPU Combos Buying Guide
As technology advances, so are processors are motherboards as well. Let’s take a brief look at some of the factors you should be aware of before buying your MOBO CPU combo. Or you can buy any of our four combos and not have to worry about a thing!
- BIOS
At times, your board might support a quicker processor compared to the one already installed. With that in mind, you need to update your BIOS. But, before upgrading, you must check the boards’ website to get the latest updates. Make sure you read the BIOS release notes – to determine if it’s compatible with your processor.
- Model of the Motherboard
The motherboard features a socket, which may not be compatible with every CPU available on the market. Before you upgrade the CPU, check if your motherboard is
- Form Factor
The form factor refers to the boards’ dimensions and layout. You need to know which form factor the board has to make it a perfect fit for your PC.
- Socket Type
To get the most out of your PC, you need to consider your boards’ socket type. The best option for Intel is socket 775, and for AMD, it’s socket 939. To choose the right one, you need to check the motherboard socket type compatibility. The socket is where you plug your CPU into the board. It’s essential to check the memory compatibility as well.
How Much Should You Spend?
That depends on your budget, based on your usage and what you expect from your PC. We listed two great budget-friendly combos that are excellent options. High-end combos are often better for gaming and better for those who require higher RAM, use numerous graphic cards, or need to get as much as possible out of their PC.
Looking For Other Great Gaming Options?
Then check out our Best CPU For Gaming Reviews, our Best RTX 2070 SUPER Graphics Card Review, our Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card Review, and our Best DDR4 SODIMM Laptop RAM Review.
It may also be worth taking a look at our Top 5 Best Touch Screen Monitors Review, our Best Wireless Routers For Multiple Devices Reviews, and our Best External Graphics Card Review. And before you go, pop on over and read our Best Expensive Gaming Keyboards Review, our Best RAID Controllers Review, and our Best Rudder Pedals Review.
Which Is Of These Best Motherboard CPU Combos Is Our Favorite?
Deciding on the best CPU and motherboard combo for your build requires you to understand your needs first. If you’re looking for a moderate gaming board and CPU combo, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU + Gigabyte B450M DS3H Motherboard is an excellent choice.
But if your looking for exceptional gaming experiences, high-end components, and speeds that are out of this world, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X + MSI MEG X570 GODLIKE is unbeatable. But our winner is the…
Intel Core i9-10900X CPU + ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 Motherboard…only because it delivers excellent performance and includes everything you need while still letting you have some money left for a good GPU.
Happy combining…
