Looking Beyond the Msi Gaming Plus ATX AM5 Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi offers a strong foundation for AM5 gaming builds, featuring a 14+2+1 power phase design and PCIe 5.0 support. If you are looking beyond the MSI Gaming Plus ATX AM5 motherboard, you may want to explore other options that fit your specific needs. While this board excels in standard ATX form factors, you might prefer a different chipset, color scheme, or storage configuration.
We selected 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap significantly with the original. Each listed board supports AM5 sockets, DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Some models offer distinct advantages, such as a white aesthetic or a more budget-friendly price point. Others provide different thermal solutions or additional M.2 slots. These choices allow you to compare power delivery, connectivity, and physical dimensions side by side. You can find a board that matches your exact requirements for your next desktop build.
How each alternative compares
ASUS ROG Strix AM5 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F WiFi uses the B650E chipset rather than the X670E found in the MSI board. This means you get PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics and storage, matching the MSI's high-speed capabilities. It retains the same 2.5GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. You might choose this if you want a slightly different feature set with the B650E standard. The power delivery is strong, making it suitable for AM5 gaming. It offers a practical alternative for builders who prioritize modern PCIe standards without the full X670E feature set. The physical dimensions are similar, fitting standard ATX cases.
MSI MAG Tomahawk ATX Motherboard
The MSI MAG Tomahawk WiFi shares the X670E chipset with the original Gaming Plus. It also features a 14+2+1 power phase design, providing identical power delivery capabilities for your CPU. Like the MSI Gaming Plus, it supports PCIe 5.0 and includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet. The primary difference lies in the specific model tuning and aesthetic choices. You should consider this if you prefer the Tomahawk's specific layout or thermal solution. It offers the same core performance metrics for AM5 gaming builds. The ATX form factor ensures compatibility with standard mid-tower and full-tower cases. It is a direct sibling in terms of chipset and power architecture.
GIGABYTE Gaming X AX AM5 ATX Motherboard
The GIGABYTE X670 Gaming X AX features a 14+2+2 power phase design, adding one extra phase compared to the MSI's 14+2+1 setup. This may offer slightly more robust power delivery for high-end Ryzen processors. It shares the X670E chipset, PCIe 5.0 support, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE Ethernet. You might pick this board if you value the additional power phase stability. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It provides similar modern connectivity options. The main distinction is the power design configuration. It remains a strong option for gamers needing stable power and fast wireless networking. The physical dimensions align with standard ATX specifications.
GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX Motherboard
The GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX uses the newer B850 chipset, which supports Ryzen 9000 series processors. It offers PCIe 5.0 support and includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, matching the MSI's connectivity. This board is designed for newer CPU generations. You should choose this if you are building with or planning to upgrade to Ryzen 9000 series chips. It provides ample storage options and modern thermal design. The ATX form factor ensures case compatibility. It gives you a future-proof platform for AM5 builds. The core specs align well with gaming needs, focusing on storage and connectivity over extreme networking speeds.
ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W
The ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W features a white aesthetic, differing from the black MSI Gaming Plus. It uses the B850 chipset and supports Ryzen 9000 series processors. It includes three M.2 slots, offering more storage flexibility than the standard MSI layout. It retains Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet. You might select this if you prioritize a white color scheme and additional M.2 slots. It does not emphasize PCIe 5.0 graphics support as heavily. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It is a practical choice for builders who value aesthetics and storage capacity over high-end chipset features.
MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi is an Intel board, using the LGA 1700 socket instead of the AM5 socket in the MSI Gaming Plus. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors. It features PCIe 5.0 support, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE Ethernet, matching the connectivity specs. You should pick this only if you are building an Intel system. It is a solid option for Intel gaming builds. The ATX form factor is standard. It offers similar modern connectivity but for a different platform. This board is for users prioritizing Intel CPU support over AMD compatibility.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
MSI Gaming Plus ATX AM5 Motherboard
Best for: Standard ATX AM5 gaming builds
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X670E
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
View on Amazon: MSI Gaming Plus ATX AM5 Motherboard Affiliate link
This MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi is an ATX motherboard for AMD AM5 Ryzen processors. It features a 14+2+1 power phase design and supports DDR5 memory up to 7800+ MHz. The board includes PCIe 5.0 slots and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. It suits users seeking a stable platform for gaming with robust power delivery and modern expansion options.
Pros
- 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System for stable CPU performance
- Supports DDR5 memory speeds up to 7800+ MHz (OC)
- Includes PCIe 5.0 slots and Lightning Gen5 M.2 for fast storage
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet
Cons
- ATX form factor requires a compatible mid-tower or full-tower case
- No mention of USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6E standard instead of the newer Wi-Fi 7
Good fit if
- You need a reliable ATX board for AM5 Ryzen CPUs
- You want PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs and SSDs
- You prefer Wi-Fi 6E for wireless networking
Skip if
- You are building in a small form factor case
- You require Intel processors
- You need built-in Thunderbolt support
Verdict: MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi AM5 ATX is a solid choice for gamers who need strong power delivery and PCIe 5.0 readiness. It fits users building a standard ATX desktop with AMD Ryzen processors.
ASUS ROG Strix AM5 ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM5 gamers wanting PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- AMD B650
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 3
View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Strix AM5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi is an ATX AM5 motherboard built for high-performance gaming. It features a 12+2 power stage design and supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. You get one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, all with heatsinks. Connectivity includes WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5G Ethernet. This board suits users who want next-generation storage speeds and robust networking.
Pros
- 12+2 power stages with ProCool connectors
- One PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot with heatsink
- WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 onboard
- 2.5G Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard
Cons
- B650E chipset offers fewer PCIe lanes than X670E
- ATX form factor requires a larger case
- BIOS update may be required for Ryzen 9000/8000
Good fit if
- You want PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs or storage
- You need WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN
- You are building a high-end AM5 gaming PC
Skip if
- You prefer the X670E chipset for maximum expansion
- You need a smaller micro-ATX or ITX board
- You want a white PCB for a themed build
Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F WiFi delivers strong power delivery and modern connectivity for AM5 builders. It fits users who prioritize PCIe 5.0 storage and fast wireless networking without needing the full X670E feature set.
MSI MAG Tomahawk ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM5 gaming builds needing strong power delivery
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X670E
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
View on Amazon: MSI MAG Tomahawk ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for AM5 Ryzen processors. It features a 14+2+1 power phase design and supports DDR5 memory up to 6600+ MHz. You get PCIe 5.0 connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast networking. This board suits gamers who want robust power delivery and modern expansion options without premium pricing.
Pros
- 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System for stable CPU performance
- Supports DDR5 memory up to 6600+(OC) MHz
- Includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- PCIe 5.0 slot and Lightning Gen5 M.2 support
Cons
- Heavier build at 4 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- No mention of USB-C front panel headers in specifications
- Limited to 2.5Gbps Ethernet speed instead of 10Gbps
Good fit if
- You need strong power delivery for Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series CPUs
- You want PCIe 5.0 support for future graphics cards or SSDs
- You require Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity
Skip if
- You prefer a smaller mATX or ITX form factor
- You need 10Gbps Ethernet for high-speed networking
- You are building an Intel-based system
Verdict: MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi delivers solid AM5 performance with its 14+2+1 power design and PCIe 5.0 support. It fits users who prioritize reliable power delivery and modern wireless standards for their gaming builds.
GIGABYTE Gaming X AX AM5 ATX Motherboard
Best for: gamers needing stable power and Wi-Fi 6E
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X670
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 4
View on Amazon: GIGABYTE Gaming X AX AM5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This ATX motherboard uses the X670 chipset to support Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. It features a 14+2+2 phase power design for stable performance and includes four DDR5 memory slots. You get PCIe 5.0 support, three M.2 slots for storage, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. It is a solid option for gamers who need reliable power delivery and modern expansion options without premium pricing.
Pros
- 14+2+2 phase digital VRM solution for power stability
- Supports AMD EXPO and Intel XMP for DDR5 memory
- Includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet
- Offers PCIe 5.0 and triple NVMe M.2 slots
Cons
- Only includes three M.2 slots instead of four
- Lacks the premium build quality of higher-end X670E models
- Does not include USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity
Good fit if
- You want a reliable AM5 board with strong power delivery
- You need Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connections
- You plan to use multiple M.2 SSDs for storage
Skip if
- You require four M.2 slots for maximum storage flexibility
- You need the full feature set of an X670E chipset
- You prefer a motherboard with USB4 or Thunderbolt support
Verdict: GIGABYTE X670 Gaming X AX AM5 delivers solid gaming performance with its robust 14+2+2 power phases and modern connectivity. It is a practical choice for builders who prioritize stable power delivery and Wi-Fi 6E over premium chipset features.
GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM5 gaming builds with multiple storage drives
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 3
View on Amazon: GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This ATX motherboard pairs the B850 chipset with an AM5 socket for Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 processors. It features a 12+2+2 power phase design and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks for stable operation. You get three M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 support, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. It suits builders who want modern standards and solid thermal management without premium pricing.
Pros
- B850 chipset with AM5 socket support
- 12+2+2 power phase design
- Three M.2 slots for storage
- PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- Only 2.5 GbE Ethernet speed
- Dark brown color limits aesthetic options
- B850 chipset lacks PCIe 5.0 for storage on some boards
Good fit if
- You need AM5 support for Ryzen 9000 series
- You want three M.2 slots for storage
- You prefer Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
Skip if
- You require 10 GbE Ethernet
- You want a white PCB for builds
- You need PCIe 5.0 for M.2 storage
Verdict: GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX offers a solid foundation for Ryzen 9000 builds with ample storage and wireless options. It is a practical pick for gamers who value modern connectivity and thermal design over high-end networking speeds.
ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W
Best for: White AM5 builds needing three M.2 slots
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 3
View on Amazon: ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W Affiliate link
This white ATX motherboard pairs the B850 chipset with AMD AM5 sockets for Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. It includes three M.2 slots and supports PCIe 5.0 for future-proof storage and graphics. The board features Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast networking. Its 8+2+1 phase power design aims to deliver stable performance for demanding tasks.
Pros
- Supports PCIe 5.0 for graphics and storage
- Includes three M.2 slots for expansion
- Features Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- Uses an 8+2+1 phase power design
- Offers a white PCB aesthetic
Cons
- B850 chipset lacks PCIe 5.0 for graphics slots compared to X670E options
- 2.5Gb Ethernet is slower than 10Gb or 25Gb alternatives
- No Thunderbolt support listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You want a white motherboard for a matching build
- You need three M.2 slots for storage
- You are using an AM5 Ryzen processor
Skip if
- You require PCIe 5.0 for your graphics card
- You need Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- You prefer a black motherboard design
Verdict: ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W suits builders who prioritize a white aesthetic and ample M.2 storage over top-tier chipset features. It is a solid choice for AM5 systems that do not require PCIe 5.0 graphics support.
MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard
Best for: Intel 12th/13th Gen gaming builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet Speed
- 2.5Gbps LAN
View on Amazon: MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi motherboard supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 expansion. Networking includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit LAN. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. This renewed unit is tested for functionality. It suits gamers needing fast storage and modern connectivity.
Pros
- LGA 1700 socket for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs
- PCIe 5.0 support for next-gen components
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN
- DDR5 memory compatibility
Cons
- Limited to Intel processors, not AMD AM5
- Sold as a renewed product
- No mention of USB4 or Thunderbolt support
Good fit if
- You are building an Intel-based gaming PC
- You need Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN
- You want PCIe 5.0 storage options
Skip if
- You use AMD Ryzen processors
- You require a brand new unit
- You need AM5 socket compatibility
Verdict: MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX is a solid Intel gaming board for users who need Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0 speeds. It fits builders prioritizing modern connectivity over AMD platform support.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MSI Gaming Plus ATX AM5 Motherboard | ASUS ROG Strix AM5 ATX Motherboard | MSI MAG Tomahawk ATX Motherboard | GIGABYTE Gaming X AX AM5 ATX Motherboard | GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX Motherboard | ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W | MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | X670E | AMD B650 | X670E | X670 | B850 | B850 | not stated |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| M.2 Slots | not stated | 3 | not stated | 4 | 3 | 3 | not stated |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | WiFi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5G LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5GbE | 2.5 GbE | 2.5Gb LAN | 2.5Gbps LAN |
| Power Phases | 14+2+1 | 12+2 | 14+2+1 | 14+2+2 | 12+2+2 | 8+2+1 | not stated |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Use Case | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming |
| Dimensions | 13.7 × 10.8 × 2.76 inches | 10.8 × 2.08 × 13.5 inches | 12 × 9.6 × 2.5 inches | 13.5 × 3.15 × 10.7 inches | 12 × 9.6 × 1 inches | 12 × 3.43 × 2.36 inches | 2.76 × 1.97 × 0.39 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 3.09 pounds | 4 pounds | not stated | not stated | 3.25 pounds | 3.92 pounds |
| Size | 12" x 9.6" | M.2x3|PCIe 5.0|WiFi6E|B650E-F | ATX | ATX | ATX | 3X M.2|WiFi6E|2.5Gb LAN | not stated |
| Color | Black | BLACK | Multicolor | GAMING | Dark Brown | WHITE | Black |
| Model | X670E GAMING PLUS WIFI | ROG STRIX B650E-F GAMING WIFI | X670ETMAHAWIFI | X670 GAMING X AX V2 | B850 GAMING X WIFI6E | B850 MAX GAMING WIFI W | Z790 |
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Frequently asked questions
Which AM5 motherboard is best for standard gaming builds?
The MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi is the top pick for standard ATX AM5 gaming builds. It features a 14+2+1 power phase design and supports PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing. You also get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet for reliable connectivity.
What is a good alternative if I want PCIe 5.0 without the X670E chipset?
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F WiFi is a strong alternative. It uses the B650E chipset but still delivers PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics and storage. This board includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN, offering modern connectivity for AM5 gaming systems.
Is there a budget-friendly AM5 option with strong power delivery?
The MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi is the best budget choice. It features a 14+2+1 power design suitable for reliable gaming performance. You also receive Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, ensuring you have fast wireless and wired networking options for your build.
Which motherboard offers a robust power phase design for stable gaming?
The GIGABYTE X670 Gaming X AX V2 provides a 14+2+2 power phase setup. This design prioritizes stable power delivery for gaming workloads. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, making it a practical choice for builders who value consistency over extra chipset features.
What board is best for AM5 systems needing multiple storage drives?
The GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X ATX is ideal for builders needing ample storage. It supports Ryzen 9000 processors and includes multiple M.2 slots. You also get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN, providing modern connectivity for gamers who prioritize storage capacity and thermal design.
Can I find a white AM5 motherboard with three M.2 slots?
The ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W is a solid white option. It features three M.2 slots for ample storage expansion. This board supports Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN, making it suitable for AM5 systems that do not require PCIe 5.0 graphics support but want a clean aesthetic.
Are there LGA 1700 alternatives if I prefer Intel?
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi is the top LGA 1700 choice. It supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors with PCIe 5.0 speeds. You also get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, offering modern connectivity for builders who prioritize Intel platform support over AMD options.