Looking Beyond the ASRock Phantom Gaming Nova AM5 Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing Alternative AM5 Motherboards

ASUS ROG Crosshair AM5 E-ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme shares the E-ATX form factor and AM5 socket with the ASRock Nova, but targets a different enthusiast tier. It upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and includes PCIe 5.0 support, whereas the ASRock model prioritizes dual USB4 connectivity and five M.2 slots. The Crosshair also features a distinctive 5-inch LCD screen on the board, adding a visual element the Nova lacks. You should choose the ASUS option if you need the latest wireless standard and premium display features, accepting a heavier board at 6.69 pounds compared to the ASRock’s 2.2 pounds. It suits large cases where those specific high-end specs matter more than the ASRock’s storage density.

TYTMSCA X670E AM5 E-ATX Gaming Motherboard

The TYTMSCA X670E also uses the E-ATX form factor and AM5 socket, making it a physical fit for similar spacious builds. However, it relies on the older X670E chipset rather than the X870E found in the ASRock Nova. This alternative offers solid power delivery for Ryzen CPUs but lacks the advanced connectivity features like USB4 and the specific 5Gbps LAN optimization of the Nova. You might pick this board if you need a large format motherboard for a budget-conscious build, as it provides the necessary physical space and socket compatibility without the premium chipset features. It is a practical choice for spacious cases where brand prestige and latest-gen chipsets are less important than basic E-ATX compatibility.

ASUS TUF Gaming AM5 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WiFi differs significantly by using the ATX form factor instead of E-ATX, making it suitable for standard mid-tower cases rather than the large chassis required by the ASRock Nova. It utilizes the B650 chipset instead of X870E, which affects expansion capabilities. The TUF model offers 14-phase power delivery and Wi-Fi 6, whereas the Nova provides 20+2+1 phases and Wi-Fi 7. You should select this ASUS board if you are building a budget AM5 gaming system and need a smaller footprint. It gives up the extensive M.2 density and USB4 ports of the Nova in exchange for a more affordable, standard-sized solution with reliable wireless connectivity for typical gaming setups.

ASUS TUF Gaming AM5 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS TUF X670E-PLUS WiFi 6E is another ATX alternative, contrasting with the E-ATX size of the ASRock Nova. It fits standard cases and provides four M.2 slots, which is fewer than the five found on the Nova. This model includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, differing from the Nova’s Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN. You would choose this board if you prefer a standard ATX size and need Wi-Fi 6E speeds without requiring the massive power delivery or storage capacity of the E-ATX Nova. It is ideal for gamers who want solid modern connectivity and storage in a more compact form factor, sacrificing the highest-end specs for a balanced ATX design.

GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard

The GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Xtreme also uses the E-ATX form factor and AM5 socket, aligning with the physical requirements of the ASRock Nova. It shares the X870E chipset but focuses on extreme networking with 10GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, whereas the Nova offers 5Gbps LAN. Both boards support PCIe 5.0, but the Gigabyte model weighs 8.14 pounds, significantly heavier than the 2.2-pound Nova. You should pick the Gigabyte option if your priority is ultra-fast wired networking and the latest wireless standard in a large chassis. It gives up the specific USB4 and M.2 density focus of the ASRock in favor of professional-grade connectivity and robust power delivery for high-performance Ryzen builds.

ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Mini-ITX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Mini-ITX is a stark contrast to the E-ATX ASRock Nova, designed for compact builds rather than spacious cases. It retains the AM5 socket and X870E chipset but reduces storage options to fit the Mini-ITX form factor. This board includes Wi-Fi 7, matching the Nova’s wireless standard, but lacks the extensive M.2 slots and USB4 ports of the larger board. You should choose this Mini-ITX option if you are building a small form factor gaming PC and need modern AM5 performance in a tiny package. It sacrifices storage capacity and physical size for portability and compact design, offering high-end specs in a significantly smaller footprint than the expansive Nova.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASRock Phantom Gaming Nova AM5 Motherboard

Best for: high storage and memory capacity

CPU Socket

AM5

Chipset

X870E

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

M.2 Slots

5

Ethernet Speed

5 Gbps

View on Amazon: ASRock Phantom Gaming Nova AM5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This ASRock motherboard uses the X870E chipset and AM5 socket for Ryzen processors. It supports DDR5 memory up to 8200 MHz and 256 GB total capacity. The board includes five M.2 slots and dual USB4 ports. Its 20+2+1 power phase design targets gaming performance. You should choose this if you need high-speed storage and memory expansion in an ATX form factor.

Pros

• X870E chipset for AM5 CPUs
• Five M.2 storage slots
• Dual USB4 Type-C ports
• Supports DDR5 up to 8200 MHz
• 20+2+1 power phase design

Cons

• Listed as E-ATX size in attributes despite ATX form factor
• 5 Gbps Ethernet speed is lower than WiFi 6E competitors
• No mention of built-in WiFi in key specs

Good fit if

• You need maximum M.2 storage expansion
• You want high-speed DDR5 memory support
• You require dual USB4 connectivity

Skip if

• You prefer a standard ATX size without E-ATX ambiguity
• You need built-in WiFi connectivity
• You want faster than 5 Gbps wired networking

Verdict: ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova AM5 suits builders prioritizing storage and memory speed. It fits those who value USB4 and M.2 density over integrated WiFi.

2 Also great

ASUS ROG Crosshair AM5 E-ATX Motherboard

Best for: high-end AM5 builds with large cases

CPU Socket

AM5

Chipset

AMD X870E

Form Factor

E-ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

5

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Crosshair AM5 E-ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This is an E-ATX gaming motherboard built for AMD AM5 processors. It features a 20+2+2 power stage design and supports DDR5 memory. You get five M.2 slots, including three PCIe 5.0 options. Networking includes Wi-Fi 7 and dual Ethernet ports at 5 and 10 Gbps. It also has a 5-inch LCD screen on the I/O cover. This board suits users who need maximum connectivity and high-end power delivery.

Pros

• 20+2+2 power stages with 110A capacity
• Three PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots plus two via Q-DIMM.2
• Wi-Fi 7 and 10 Gbps Ethernet
• Built-in 5-inch LCD display
• Dual USB4 Type-C ports

Cons

• E-ATX form factor requires a large case
• Heavy at 6.69 pounds
• No mention of integrated audio features

Good fit if

• You need extensive PCIe 5.0 storage options
• You want the fastest available Wi-Fi standard
• You prefer a large motherboard with high-end power delivery

Skip if

• You are using a standard ATX case
• You prefer a compact ITX or mATX build
• You do not need 10 Gbps Ethernet

Verdict: ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme offers top-tier specs for enthusiasts who prioritize connectivity and power. It fits users building large, high-performance AM5 systems.

3 Also great

TYTMSCA X670E AM5 E-ATX Gaming Motherboard

Best for: Spacious builds using Ryzen AM5 CPUs

CPU Socket

AM5

Chipset

X670

Form Factor

EATX

Memory Type

DDR5

Use Case

Gaming

View on Amazon: TYTMSCA X670E AM5 E-ATX Gaming Motherboard Affiliate link

The TYTMSCA board uses the AMD X670 chipset with an AM5 socket and DDR5 memory support. It follows an E-ATX form factor, which requires a spacious case. The design emphasizes stable power delivery through optimized circuit layouts and digital regulation. It includes efficient thermal solutions to manage heat under load. This motherboard suits gamers who prioritize broad hardware compatibility and reliable performance for Ryzen processors.

Pros

• X670 chipset for AM5 socket compatibility
• Supports DDR5 memory modules
• E-ATX form factor for expansion
• Optimized power delivery circuit layout
• Systematic thermal solution for heat dissipation

Cons

• E-ATX size may not fit smaller cases
• Brand has lower market recognition than major manufacturers
• Lacks explicit mention of WiFi or advanced I/O ports in specs

Good fit if

• You have a large ATX or E-ATX case
• You are building a high-end Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series PC
• You want broad compatibility with mainstream hardware

Skip if

• You need a compact ITX or mATX board
• You require built-in WiFi connectivity
• You prefer established brands like ASUS or Gigabyte

Verdict: The TYTMSCA AM5 X670E E-ATX Gaming Motherboard fits builders who need a large form factor and solid power delivery for Ryzen CPUs. It works well for spacious builds but lacks the brand prestige of the other options on this list.

4 Best budget

ASUS TUF Gaming AM5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Budget AM5 gaming builds

CPU Socket

Socket AM5 (LGA 1718)

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

WiFi 6

Ethernet Speed

2.5 Gb

View on Amazon: ASUS TUF Gaming AM5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Socket AM5 Ryzen 7000 processors. It features 14 power stages and supports DDR5 memory. The board includes PCIe 5.0 support and built-in Wi-Fi 6. It also offers 2.5 Gb Ethernet connectivity. This setup suits gamers who want reliable performance without premium pricing.

Pros

• 14 power stages for stable CPU operation
• Built-in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
• Supports DDR5 memory modules
• Includes 2.5 Gb Ethernet port

Cons

• Uses Wi-Fi 6 instead of newer standards
• Limited to ATX form factor size
• Lacks PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 slots

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly AM5 board
• You prefer standard ATX case sizes
• You want reliable Wi-Fi 6 for gaming

Skip if

• You require E-ATX for extreme setups
• You need Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7
• You want PCIe 5.0 for storage drives

Verdict: ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WiFi ATX offers solid 14-phase power and Wi-Fi 6 for budget AM5 builds. It fits gamers who prioritize value over the latest wireless standards.

5 Best wi-fi 6e

ASUS TUF Gaming AM5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: ATX gamers needing WiFi 6E and four M.2 slots

CPU Socket

AM5

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

Wi-Fi Standard

WiFi 6E

View on Amazon: ASUS TUF Gaming AM5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard uses the AM5 socket for Ryzen 7000 processors. It supports DDR5 memory and includes four M.2 slots. The board features 16 power stages and WiFi 6E connectivity. You get 2.5 Gb Ethernet for wired connections. It suits gamers who want solid specs without the bulk of E-ATX designs.

Pros

• AM5 socket for Ryzen 7000 CPUs
• Four M.2 storage slots
• WiFi 6E wireless connectivity
• 16 power stages for stability
• 2.5 Gb Ethernet port

Cons

• Heavier at 4.45 pounds
• Standard ATX form factor limits E-ATX expansion
• No mention of USB4 support

Good fit if

• You need reliable WiFi 6E for gaming
• You prefer a standard ATX case size
• You want four M.2 slots for storage

Skip if

• You require USB4 connectivity
• You need E-ATX expansion space
• You prefer older DDR4 memory

Verdict: ASUS TUF X670E-PLUS WiFi 6E AM5 delivers solid ATX specs with four M.2 slots and WiFi 6E. It fits gamers who prioritize wireless speed and storage capacity in a standard form factor.

6 Best premium

GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard

Best for: 10GbE networking and Wi-Fi 7

CPU Socket

AM5, LGA 1718

Chipset

X870E

Form Factor

E-ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This E-ATX motherboard targets high-end AM5 builds with 10GbE networking and Wi-Fi 7. It features a robust 18+2+2 power design and four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support. The board includes dual USB4 ports and a sensor panel link for monitoring. It suits users who need maximum bandwidth and storage expansion for Ryzen 9000 or 7000 series processors.

Pros

• 10 GbE and 5 GbE LAN connectivity
• Wi-Fi 7 wireless support
• 18+2+2 power phase design
• Four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0

Cons

• E-ATX form factor requires a large case
• Heavy at 8.14 pounds
• No mention of Bluetooth support

Good fit if

• You need 10 GbE networking
• You want Wi-Fi 7
• You have a large E-ATX case

Skip if

• You need a standard ATX board
• You require Bluetooth
• You prefer a lighter build

Verdict: Gigabyte X870E AORUS Xtreme AM5 fits users who prioritize 10GbE speeds and Wi-Fi 7 in a large E-ATX chassis. It delivers high-end power and storage for Ryzen processors.

7 Best mini-itx

ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Mini-ITX Motherboard

Best for: compact AM5 gaming builds

CPU Socket

AM5

Chipset

AMD X870

Form Factor

Mini ITX

Memory Type

DDR5

M.2 Slots

2

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 7

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Mini-ITX Motherboard Affiliate link

This Mini-ITX motherboard uses the AMD X870 chipset for AM5 Ryzen processors. It includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, and 2.5 GbE networking. The board features a 10+2+1 power stage configuration rated for 110A per stage. It supports DDR5 memory and offers two M.2 slots. Its compact 6.69-inch square design suits small form factor builds. You get robust thermal blocks and ASUS AI tuning features for performance.

Pros

• AMD X870 chipset with AM5 socket support
• Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5 GbE connectivity
• 10+2+1 power stages rated for 110A
• Dual M.2 slots for storage expansion
• Integrated thermal blocks with heat pipes

Cons

• Mini-ITX form factor limits expansion slots
• Only two M.2 slots available
• Higher price point due to premium features

Good fit if

• You need a compact AM5 motherboard for a small case
• You want Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5 GbE networking
• You plan to build a high-performance gaming PC in a small form factor

Skip if

• You require multiple PCIe expansion slots for add-in cards
• You need more than two M.2 storage drives
• You prefer a larger ATX or E-ATX board for easier cable management

Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Mini-ITX delivers high-end AM5 performance in a compact package. It fits users who prioritize small form factor builds without sacrificing modern connectivity or power delivery.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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