In November 2020, AMD released its Ryzen 5 5600X CPU which has proved to be a blast, and has put the final nail into the Intel’s coffin. Not only did it manage to blew Intel Core i9-10900K out of the water when it comes to multithreaded tests, but it also obliterated the latest Intel Core i9-11900 in raw single-threaded benchmark tests. Featuring 6 cores, and 12 threads, the new AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is simply an awe-inspiring processor, especially when given the fact that it features a TDP of only 65 watts.
Read more: The Best Budget CPU Coolers in 2021
However, to fully experience the power of this outstanding gaming, and productivity-optimized CPU, you’ll need a high-quality motherboard. Luckily enough, the AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs still support the AM4 socket, which means you won’t have too much trouble finding a compatible motherboard, as there are plenty of them already out there.
Although the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X will work on older AM4 motherboards with B450 chipset, we recommend getting a brand new B550 or X570 motherboard, as most of these boards come with the latest BIOS updates, and feature full support for this new CPU.
Being such a powerful CPU, it is no wonder that AMD Ryzen 5 5600X works best with the latest generation of PC components, such as high-speed DDR4 RAM sticks, or PCIe 4.0 compatible graphics cards. This is why we recommend getting some very fast RAM modules if you plan to buy this CPU, as Ryzen 5 5600X tends to be quite sensitive to RAM speed. In this roundup, we’ll show you the best motherboards compatible with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor. So, without further ado, let’s take a look.
Best Overall:
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK
Best Budget:
MSI B550-A PRO
Best Micro-ATX:
Gigabyte B550M AORUS PRO-P
Best Mini-ATX:
ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming
Best High-End:
ASUS TUF Gaming X570-PRO
Best for Enthusiasts:
ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula
Best Overall: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 5000 & 3000 Series desktop processors |
| Memory Support | 4 x DDR4, 5100 MHz (OC), up to 128GB |
| PCIe Connectors | 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (CPU) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4, chipset) 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| SATA / M.2 | 6 × SATA 3, RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 (chipset) 1 × M.2 to 22110 NVMe x4 1 x M.2 to 2280 NVMe x4 |
| Networking | 1 × 2.5 Gb/s Realtek LAN Chip 1 x 1.0 Gb/s Realtek LAN Chip |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1-Channel ALC1220P |
| Rear Connectors | 2 × LAN (RJ45) 1 × HDMI 1 × DisplayPort 2 × USB 2.0 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 1 × USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2 5 x audio jacks 1 x S/PDIF Out |
- Great power delivery
- High-quality components
- Supports AMD Smart Access Memory
- 2.5G + Gigabit LAN
- Subtle RGB
- Lacks onboard Wi-Fi module
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is a fantastic mid-range motherboard for the new AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor. This motherboard natively support all AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs, and it even supports AMD’s SAM technology (resizable BAR function) to enhance performance for AMD Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards. The TOMAHAWK also comes with a 10+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, which makes it a really good motherboard for performing serious overclocking operations.
The TOMAHAWK can also boast with full support for PCIe 4.0 interface, DIY-friendly design, and enhanced passive cooling solution for VRM. This motherboard also features 6-layer PCB design, one steel PCIe 4.0 x16 bracket, highly efficient heatsinks with 7W/mK thermal pads, M.2 thermal solution, and support for AIO liquid cooling pump.
Another great feature of this motherboard is that it comes with two LAN modules – one 2.5G, and one Gigabit LAN. On its rear panel you’ll also find some extra ports, such as one USB 3.2 Type-C port, as well as S/PDIF Out connector. The TOMAHAWK also comes with its own proprietary software for fan control, as well as LAN management, and there is also support for A-XMP memory profiles.
Overall, the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is a near-perfect motherboard for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU. Its only flaw is that it lacks an onboard Wi-Fi module, which you can mitigate by installing a cheap Wi-Fi PCI card.
Best Budget: MSI B550-A PRO
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 5000 & 3000 Series desktop processors |
| Memory Support | 4 x DDR4, +4400 MHz (OC), up to 128GB |
| PCIe Connectors | 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (CPU) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4, chipset) 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| SATA / M.2 | 6 × SATA 3, RAID 0, 1, 10 (chipset) 1 × M.2 to 22110 NVMe x4 1 x M.2 to 2280 NVMe x4 |
| Networking | 1 × 1.0 Gb/s Realtek LAN Chip |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1-Channel AL892/ALC897 |
| Rear Connectors | 1 × LAN (RJ45) 1 × HDMI 1 × DisplayPort 2 x USB 2.0 2 × USB 3.2 Gen1 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2 6 x audio jacks |
- Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs
- Features two PCIe x16 slots
- Lots of fan headers
- Easy debugging LED
- Gigabit LAN
- No RGB lighting
- Mediocre sound card
The MSI B550-A PRO is a decent budget motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, as well as other AMD Ryzen 5000 & 3000 Series CPUs. Although it doesn’t feature an efficient power delivery as the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK, this board does come with some nice additional features such as the extended heatsink design, flash BIOS button, 2oz thickened copper PCB, steel PCIe 4.0 x16 bracket, and pump fan support.
Despite the fact that B550-A PRO isn’t very suitable for overclocking, it is still a very good budget motherboard for building a powerful gaming computer. The B550-A PRO comes with six SATA ports, and two M.2 slots, and it features one USB 3.2 Type-C connector, as well as one DisplayPort, and one HDMI port. Its major flaw is that it features only Gigabit LAN, which is kind of disappointing to see in 2021. Also, this board has no RGB lighting, but if you are looking for a simple and straight-to-the-point motherboard, then MSI B550-A PRO is a decent choice.
Best Micro-ATX: Gigabyte B550M AORUS PRO-P
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 5000 & 3000 Series desktop processors |
| Memory Support | 4 x DDR4, 4733 MHz (OC), up to 128GB |
| PCIe Connectors | 1 × PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4, chipset) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| SATA / M.2 | 4 × SATA 3, RAID 0, 1, 10 (chipset) 1 x M.2 to 22110 NVMe x4 1 x M.2 to 2280 NVMe x4 |
| Networking | 1 × 2.5 Gb/s Realtek LAN Chip |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1-Channel ALC1200 |
| Rear Connectors | 1 × LAN (RJ45) 1 × HDMI 1 × DisplayPort 4 x USB 2.0 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x audio jacks |
- Easy to use BIOS
- Very good VRM design
- Lots of USB ports
- Great for HTPC builds
- No onboard Wi-Fi
- Weirdly placed first PCIe x16 slot
Gigabyte B550M AORUS PRO-P is a mid-range microATX motherboard that natively supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processors. The reason why this is one of our favorite mATX motherboards for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU is the fact that it’s able to offer a lot for a reasonable amount of money. The B550M AORUS PRO-P features two PCIe x16 slots (one supports PCIe 4.0 interface), and it comes with a 10+2 phases digital VRM design, which means this compact motherboard is also great for overclocking.
The B550M AORUS PRO-P also comes with two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, features AMP-UP audio with high-end capacitors, and there is also Realtek’s 2.5G LAN for faster Internet connectivity. This motherboard is also very suitable for building a compact HTPC, as it features plenty of USB ports, and it even comes with an S/PDIF out connector.
This motherboard, however, does have some flaws. First of all, it features no onboard Wi-Fi module, and secondly, the first PCIe x16 slot is placed too close to the CPU socket, which means you’ll have to pay attention to the CPU cooler clearance.
Best Mini-ATX: ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming
| Chipset | AMD X570 |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 5000/3000/2000 Series desktop processors |
| Memory Support | 2 x DDR4, 5100 MHz (OC), up to 64GB |
| PCIe Connectors | 1 × PCIe 4.0 x16 (CPU) |
| SATA / M.2 | 4 × SATA 3, RAID 0, 1, 10 (chipset) 2 x M.2 to 2280 NVMe x4 |
| Networking | 1 × 2.5 Gb/s Intel LAN Chip 1 x Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Audio | ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel HD Audio |
| Rear Connectors | 1 × LAN (RJ45) 1 × HDMI 1 × DisplayPort 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2 3 x LED audio jacks |
- Great for overclocking
- On-board Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax module
- SupremeFX 8-channel audio
- AI-powered proprietary software
- Crowded rear I/O panel
- M.2 screws are easy to stripe
- Expensive
Although expensive, the ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming is truly an outstanding motherboard that fully supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs, and can easily fit into almost any mini-ITX PC case. Built for high-performance gaming, this motherboard is loaded with features, despite its super-tiny dimensions.
The ROG Strix X570-I Gaming comes with a 8+2 power phase design, and is able to support DDR4 RAM sticks running at speeds of up to 5,100 MHz. Both VRM and M.2 slots feature their own custom-made heatsinks, which is nice to see, and the motherboard fully supports PCIe 4.0 interface, alongside AMD’s SAM technology. For connectivity, there is Intel’s 2.5G LAN, as well as onboard Wi-Fi 6 module with MU-MIMO support. This motherboard also comes with ASUS’ superb SupremeFX 8-channel audio, which many audiophiles will be thrilled to see.
However, the best thing about this motherboard is its software support. The ROG Strix X570-I comes with a powerful UEFI BIOS, and it also ships with a high-end AI-powered ASUS’ proprietary software which allows you to automatically adjust CPU voltage, as well as perform dynamic overclocks. Despite its great features, this motherboard has a few downsides. It can only address up to 64 GB of RAM, the rear I/O panel is badly designed, and the M.2 cover screws are easy to stripe. However, despite its weird flaws, this motherboard is still a blast.
Best High-End: ASUS TUF Gaming X570-PRO
| Chipset | AMD X570 |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 5000/3000/2000 Series desktop processors |
| Memory Support | 4 x DDR4, 5100 MHz (OC), up to 128GB |
| PCIe Connectors | 1 × PCIe 4.0 x16 (CPU) 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4, chipset) 2 x PCIe 4.0 x1 (chipset) |
| SATA / M.2 | 8 × SATA 3, RAID 0, 1, 10 (chipset) 2 x M.2 to 22110 NVMe x4 |
| Networking | 1 × 2.5 Gb/s Intel LAN Chip 1 x Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax + Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Audio | Realtek 8-Channel ALC1200A |
| Rear Connectors | 1 x LAN (RJ45) 1 x DisplayPort 1 × HDMI 2 x USB 2.0 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A + Type-C) 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x audio jacks |
- Powerful VRM design
- Full PCIe 4.0 interface support
- On-board Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax module
- 8 SATA 6 Gb/s ports
- Great upgradeability
- Tight RAM clearance
- Requires BIOS update to properly work with AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs
If you really want to experience the full benefits of owning the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, then considering getting the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-PRO motherboard. For most PC gamers and users, this motherboard will be an overkill, however, if you plan to build a high-end gaming PC, or even a content creation workstation, this motherboard should suit your needs.
The first benefit of owning a motherboard based on AMD X570 chipset is the fact that you can experience the full potential of the new PCIe 4.0 interface. This means that TUF Gaming X570-PRO comes with two PCIe x16 slots that fully support PCIe 4.0 interface, as well as with two additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. Along with that, you also get two M.2 to 22110 slots, as well as an onboard Wi-Fi 6 module, 8-channel audio, and 8 SATA 6 Gb/s connectors.
The TUF Gaming X570-PRO is also an outstanding overclocker. This motherboard comes with a very powerful 12+2 power phases design, as well as with Digi+ VRM, and supports memory sticks running at speeds of up to 5,100 MHz.
Although this is a full ATX motherboard, the RAM clearance on it isn’t perfect, so keep that in mind when you’ll be assembling your PC with it. Also, this motherboard has some stability issues with certain hardware configurations, so be sure to update the BIOS before booting up for the first time. Other than that, the TUF Gaming X570-PRO is an amazing motherboard which is able to support plenty of system upgrades for years to come.
Best for Enthusiasts: ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula
| Chipset | AMD X570 |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 5000/3000/2000 Series desktop processors |
| Memory Support | 4 x DDR4, 5100 MHz (OC), up to 128GB |
| PCIe Connectors | 2 × PCIe 4.0 x16 (x8, CPU) 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4, chipset) 1 x PCIe 4.0 x1 (chipset) |
| SATA / M.2 | 8 × SATA 3, RAID 0, 1, 10 (chipset) 1 x M.2 to 22110 NVMe x4 1 x M.2 to 2280 NVMe x4 |
| Networking | 1 × 2.5 Gb/s Intel LAN Chip 1 x 5.0 GB/s Aquantia LAN Chip 1 x Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Audio | ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel HD Audio |
| Rear Connectors | 2 x LAN (RJ45) 1 x Clear CMOS Button 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 8 x USB 3.2 Gen2 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x audio jacks |
- Incredibly powerful VRM design
- Three separate PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
- 5.0G LAN + onboard Intel Wi-Fi 6
- 8 SATA 6 Gb/s ports
- 12 USB ports
- No HDMI or DisplayPort connectors
- Loud chipset fan
- Very expensive
The best of the best, the ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula is a motherboard that leaves no compromises. It is absurdly expensive, incredibly feature-rich, and will make you cry. With an immensely powerful 14+2 power phase design, three separate PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and support for DDR4 +5100 RAM, even the mighty AMD Ryzen 5900X can be bottlenecked at times with this board.
However, this is not all. The Crosshair VIII Formula also comes with two separate LAN modules – one 2.5G made by Intel, and one 5.0G made by Aquantia. Besides that, there is also an onboard Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 module with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, as well as 8 SATA 6 GB/s ports, and two M.2 SSD slots. For audio, there is the superb ROG SupremeFX, and for data transfer, there is a whooping 12 USB ports on the motherboard’s rear panel.
Being such a powerful motherboard, it is a bit disappointing to see the lack of any video outputs, such as HDMI or DisplayPort connectors, but hey, what’s the point of buying this monster if you don’t plan to use it with a graphics card? Another thing to note is that this motherboard has a rather loud chipset fan, so don’t buy it if you have sensitive ears. Overall, the Crosshair VIII Formula is like an extraordinary powerful sports car. It is loud, mean, has no cup holders, and is fast as hell.
Conclusion
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a fantastic high-performance processor which requires a high-end motherboard in order to work at full speed. In this roundup we’ve shown you the best motherboards which you can pair with the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU. We hope our buying guide helped you in search of the information you were looking for. If you still feel confused, and need advice about buying, feel free to post comment below. We will try to help you.
Read more
