5 Best Gaming Motherboards for AMD Processors

MSI A88X-G45 Gaming

The motherboard from the Gaming series is a mid—level model for assembling a gaming computer. Despite the comparatively small price, the MSI A88X-G45 GAMING has excellent equipment and is almost as good as other products in our selection. The board uses an AMD A88X chipset and an FM2+ socket for Athlon (X2, X4) and A-series APU (A10, A8, A6, A4) processors. Therefore, the model is not suitable for assembling a computer with FX series chips with the maximum (for the AMD platform) level of performance, however, it is a good choice for a PC with an excellent price-speed ratio.

The board will provide good performance in games and even has overclocking functions, including automatic. The OC Genie 4 function will allow you to increase the frequency of the processor, RAM and graphics at the touch of a button on the printed circuit board. The device is also supplemented with mechanical power and reboot buttons, and an LED indicator shows the temperature of the processor. The model is also distinguished by improved Military Class 4 components to ensure stable operation of the power supply system and the durability of the board. In addition, all important elements of the board, including the chipset, are supplemented with radiators for heat removal, so that even with prolonged gaming battles, the board will withstand the load.

The board has many ports and interfaces. It has eight USB 3.0 ports (6 on the back panel, 2 are used for output to the front panel of the case) and the same number of SATA 3 slots. If you will use a board without a discrete graphics card, then you will need three ports for connecting a monitor and a TV (HDMI, DVI and D-Sub). The board has not received a fashionable M.2 type slot, but there are ports with minimal delay for connecting a gaming mouse and keyboard, as well as a Killer E2205 network adapter with minimal ping in network games. In addition, the sound subsystem is based on the Realtek ALC1150 codec with a separate amplifier and support for powerful headphones with a resistance of up to 600 ohms.

Another feature of the motherboard was the bundled software. The Command Centre package performs the functions of overclocking and monitoring the stability of the system. With its help, you can use a special OC Mode, which in a couple of clicks will increase the performance of the system, and also, for example, allows you to control the speed of fans. But, as noted in the reviews, for all functions to work correctly, it is necessary to update the BIOS firmware (which is available on the MSI website).

The MSI A88X-G45 GAMING has a basic set of features and overclocking capabilities at a low price. It can be recommended to those who are economical in choosing components and are not ready to pay money for unused features. If it is not critical for you to play The Witcher 3 and other projects that are very demanding of hardware, at maximum settings, and you love Dota 2 and World of Tanks, then supplement this A-series CPU board and save on a graphics card, or take a 4-core Athlon and a level map to it Radeon R7 260X.

Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X

The G1.Sniper series includes models for creating a gaming computer, but more often, based on Intel processors. Many enthusiasts are skeptical about AMD's hybrid solutions of the A line, but this motherboard is designed to dispel all prejudices – you can build a gaming PC for reasonable money. To do this, the device has the necessary functionality and high quality of manufacture using a reliable component base. So, she has three video connectors that will be useful for creating a multimonitor system with the ability to output 4K images (if there is a processor with integrated graphics). There are all the traditional interfaces, including eight SATA 3. But there are only 2 USB 3.0 ports on the back panel, which is less than the competitors.

The motherboard is based on AMD A88X logic and supports processors with FM2+ socket of the Trinity, Richland and Kaveri families. These solutions cannot be called the most performant, so they are hardly suitable for creating a high-performance system with multiple graphics adapters. However, if you still decide to use two video cards of the type Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X, the board supports AMD CrossFire technology.

The manufacturer paid special attention to the audio subsystem, which is borrowed from more expensive Gigabyte models. It is based on the eight-channel codec Realtek ALC898, which is covered with a lid, which is designed to reduce electromagnetic interference. There is AMP-UP Audio technology, which consists in the possibility of replacing the amplifier chip, although the default solution from Texas Instruments will suit most buyers. In addition, the board is supplemented with two Gain Boost switches to amplify the signal by 6 and 2.5 times when using headphones with high resistance. However, it is not necessary to rely on the capabilities of the board itself. If you are the owner of an external DAC, then you will need a separate USB DAC-UP port with gold-plated interface contacts. According to the manufacturer, the port is protected from power interference and will ensure optimal output signal quality.

The overclocking potential and fine-tuning capabilities in the BIOS leave much to be desired. This is a disadvantage of the outdated BIOS, as well as the board itself and the A-series processors. Therefore, the Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X is suitable for gamers who will play without delving into the UEFI BIOS setup and without checking the system's overclocking potential.

MSI 970 Gaming

Manufacturers often use most of their developments and proprietary technologies in different models. Therefore, the MSI 970 GAMING in terms of capabilities and design largely repeats the MSI A88X-G45 GAMING board. That's just this model is based on AMD 970 system logic and AMD SB950 south bridge, so it is designed for Phenom II, Athlon II and FX processors with an AM3+ socket. If you need high performance, then take the MSI 970 GAMING and the FX series processor, for example, FX-9370 or FX-8320.

Unlike the previous MSI model, the 970 GAMING is suitable for overclocking. Thanks to the advanced cooling system, the board can withstand the highest loads. It uses an improved element base, which was named Military Class 4. High-quality components in the form of solid-state capacitors with a service life of up to 10 years and chokes with ferrite cores, are able to withstand high thermal and electrical loads. At the same time, they will provide stable power to the processor, RAM and graphics card. By the way, the motherboard supports AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI technologies, so you will have no difficulty installing and configuring two video cards to work as one. At the same time, both graphics cards will work in x8+x8 mode – a feature that is usually present in more expensive solutions (with AMD 990X and AMD 990FX chipsets).

In addition, even a beginner can handle overclocking. In a thoughtful BIOS with mouse control support and optimization for modern operating systems, it will not be difficult to select the necessary settings. In addition, there is a OC Genie 4 function for overclocking the processor and RAM in a few clicks of a button without having to restart the computer.

Together with the improved Killer E2205 network controller, the motherboard is equipped with the next generation of Audio Boost 2 audio subsystem. It is based on the flagship 8-channel codec Realtek ALC1150, two amplifiers for headphones with a resistance of up to 600 ohms, high-quality capacitors, gold-plated connectors and protection of the sound path from electrical and magnetic interference. There are also eight USB 2.0 ports, a pair of which has a high polling frequency and is designed to connect gaming manipulators, an optical audio output and only two USB 3.0 ports. There are also six SATA 3 ports, but the model has not received the latest SATA Express and M.2 interfaces.

MSI 970 GAMING will be a good choice for users planning to build a powerful AMD PC (with an AM3+ socket) with the ability to overclock the processor.

Asus Crossblade Ranger

The Asus Crossblade Ranger board is an extraordinary solution for those who prefer ASUS and AMD products. It is made in the corporate design of Republic of Gamers devices with a bright black and red design. The first thing you should pay attention to is the thoughtful layout of the board elements. There is enough space to install massive cooling systems, and the large distance between the expansion slots makes it possible to install two powerful video cards. In addition, the board is equipped with buttons for switching on, restarting, a switch of operating modes for overclocking and a small screen for displaying POST codes. So the board is suitable for installation on an outdoor stand and experimenting with the capabilities of the system.

The motherboard has an improved component base. The model can withstand 20% higher temperature loads, which is especially important when using a closed case and numerous overclocked components, it is protected from voltage drops, etc. At the same time, an advanced cooling system is implemented, which consists of three radiators of impressive size.

The advanced network controller is based on the Intel I211-AT module, which loads the processor less, is protected from interference in the network and is supplemented with the GameFirst III traffic optimization function, which will be relevant for online games. When connected to the network, the priority of data transmission will be provided to game packages, and the software will allow you to limit the speed of downloading and transferring data for many other programs, loaders and browsers.

Another distinctive feature of the Asus Crossblade Ranger is the SupremeFX sound subsystem, which is based on the modern Realtek ALC1150 codec. It uses high-quality capacitors and a variable gain amplifier to use headphones with high resistance. At the same time, the Sonic SoundStage sound profile system is supported (FPS, sports simulators, fighting games and races) with a switch directly on the printed circuit board. The entire subsystem is controlled by the Sonic Studio application, which has numerous settings and additional functions. In particular, Sonic Radar technology helps to better navigate by sounds in shooters, which fans of Battlefield, Counter-Strike, etc. will appreciate.

The Crossblade Ranger board is an advanced version ASUS A88X-PRO and the best (as well as the most expensive) board with an AMD FM2+ socket with excellent overclocking capabilities.

Asus Crosshair V Formula

ASUS is considered by many gamers to be the best manufacturer of motherboards and the top positions in our selection are occupied by two models of this company. Crosshair V Formula from the Republic of Gamers line is designed not for ordinary players, but for enthusiasts of PC assembly and modification, as well as its overclocking. Thanks to an advanced element base, an enhanced processor power system, high-quality components and large radiators on the chokes and chipset, the board can withstand any overclocking loads, even extreme ones.

The board is designed to install processors with an AM3+ socket, which AMD has the most performant and demanding to "power" and, accordingly, emit a lot of heat. Nevertheless, the FX series chips can be overclocked to impressive frequencies (which sometimes exceed 7 GHz). To unlock the potential of overclocked processors and memory — DDR3 2400 modules are supported — the board supports the installation of three video cards with dual-slot cooling systems at once. Moreover, both SLI and CrossFireX. Such a computer will have a fantastic level of performance in 3D games and will cope with modern hits even in 4K resolution (not to mention Full HD).

An open stand based on Crosshair V Formula with a nitrogen cooling system of the processor will look very impressive. In addition, a special ROG Connect port will help you track the status of your computer and configure some parameters using a laptop. However, the ASUS board is also suitable for assembling a PC without forcing the operation of components or with a small automatic overclocking, if the user does not understand this much.

She has a complete set of all the "chips" that are found in gaming models: a high-quality audio processor (SupremeFX X-Fi 2), GameFirst II technology for managing network traffic. Of course, there are all the necessary slots and expansion slots. Therefore, the model is also suitable for those who are looking for a first-class board for a gaming PC. By the way, the manufacturer himself describes it as "the world's best gaming motherboard for AMD processors." Actually, this implies its only disadvantage — the high cost.