Best ASUS Motherboards in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming WiFi7 NEO is the top pick for most builders: it pairs an AMD AM5 socket with DDR5, PCIe 5.0, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, and 5Gb LAN on an ATX board. This guide compares 15 ASUS motherboards across AMD and Intel sockets, from the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero to the budget Prime H610I-Plus, using only the specifications stated by each listing.
15 picks from 53 motherboards that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For esports on a budget: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS WiFi II keeps an AM4 platform affordable with an ATX form factor and 2.5Gb LAN; it is a solid match for a Ryzen 5000 series build. See pick 6
- For a compact AM5 build: The ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Gaming puts DDR5 and two M.2 slots on an ITX board with Wi-Fi 7 and USB4, so a small case can still hold a current AMD processor. See pick 3
- For a workstation on sTR5: The ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE is an EEB board built for AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series processors, with ECC R-DIMM DDR5 support. See pick 11
Our 15 picks
1 Best overall
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming WIFI7 NEO AM5 ATX Motherboard
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- ATX
- Memory type
- DDR5
$422.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming covers the broadest set of modern needs: AM5 socket for current AMD processors, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, and 5Gb LAN, all on an ATX board. It stands out here as the only pick to combine four M.2 slots with the newest Wi-Fi standard on a mainstream form factor.
Pros
- ATX form factor on AM5 socket with DDR5 support
- Four M.2 slots, the most among the ATX AM5 picks here
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb LAN, both state-of-the-art networking
- PCIe 5.0 for current graphics and storage
Cons
- No ECC memory support stated for RDIMMs
- Not stated whether it has a 10Gb LAN option
Good fit if
- Builders starting a new AM5 system with a current Ryzen processor
- Users who want multiple fast NVMe drives and the latest Wi-Fi
Skip if
- You plan to reuse DDR4 memory from an older build
- You need a mini-ITX board for a small form factor case
Verdict: The ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming is the most complete AM5 ATX board in this list, with the networking and storage options most builders will want.
2 Best for Intel LGA1700
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Form factor
- ATX
- Memory type
- DDR5
$805.65 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the only Intel pick here with DDR5 and a 20+1 power stage design, which suits an enthusiast LGA1700 build with a 14th, 13th, or 12th Gen Intel processor. Its Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0 keep it current for a high-end gaming or creation rig.
Pros
- 20+1 power stages, the highest count stated among Intel LGA1700 picks here
- DDR5 support for newer high-bandwidth memory
- PCIe 5.0 for current graphics and M.2 drives
- Wi-Fi 6E, one generation newer than the Wi-Fi 5 boards in this list
Cons
- Only Wi-Fi 6E, not Wi-Fi 7 as on the X870E-A Gaming pick
- LGA1700 is not stated compatible with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors (LGA1851)
Good fit if
- Users building a high-end Intel system with a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Core processor
- Those who want a robust power delivery for overclocking
Skip if
- You plan to use an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor on LGA1851
- You want Wi-Fi 7 for a future-proof network setup
Verdict: The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the strongest Intel LGA1700 board here for DDR5 and power delivery.
3 Best mini-ITX for AM5
ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Gaming WiFi AMD X870 AM5 DDR5 8400 HDMI 2xUSB4 2X
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- ITX
- Memory type
- DDR5
$349.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The ROG Strix X870-I Gaming is the only ITX board on the AM5 socket in this list, and it still carries DDR5, two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, and two USB4 ports. It packs most of the flagship features into a 17 by 17 cm footprint.
Pros
- ITX form factor, the smallest AM5 board here
- Two USB4 ports, a feature only this board states among the AM5 picks
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb LAN
- DDR5 support on the AM5 socket
Cons
- Only two M.2 slots, fewer than the four on the X870E-A Gaming
- mATX and ATX cases will need a smaller power supply layout, not stated
Good fit if
- Builders of a compact AM5 system in a mini-ITX case
- Users who want USB4 for high-speed external storage or displays
Skip if
- You need more than two internal M.2 drives
- You prefer a full-size ATX board with more expansion slots
Verdict: The ROG Strix X870-I Gaming is the most feature-rich mini-ITX AM5 board in this list, with USB4 and Wi-Fi 7.
4 Best mATX for AM5
ASUS ROG Strix B850-G Gaming WiFi Motherboard Socket AMD AM5
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- mATX
- Memory type
- DDR5
$314.97 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The ROG Strix B850-G Gaming is the only mATX board here on the AM5 socket, and it brings DDR5, four M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, and Wi-Fi 7 to a smaller footprint. It is a rare combination of compact size and high-end storage capacity.
Pros
- mATX form factor, fitting smaller cases while keeping AM5
- Four M.2 slots, matching the count of the full-size X870E-A Gaming
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support
- Wi-Fi 7 for current networking
Cons
- No statement of ECC memory support
- Only one PCIe 5.0 slot is mentioned, so multi-GPU setups may need the ATX board
Good fit if
- Users building a compact AM5 system without giving up storage space
- Gamers and creators who want a small board with DDR5 and Wi-Fi 7
Skip if
- You need a full ATX board with more PCIe x16 slots for multiple cards
- You want USB4 as on the X870-I Gaming
Verdict: The ROG Strix B850-G Gaming is the best mATX option for AM5 builders who need four M.2 slots.
5 Best for AM4 with Wi-Fi 6E
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4
- Socket
- AM4
- Form factor
- ATX
- Memory type
- DDR4
$159.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is the only AM4 ATX board here with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb LAN, making it a strong match for a Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series build. It supports DDR4 memory, keeping an upgrade path for existing AM4 owners.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6E, the newest Wi-Fi standard among AM4 picks here
- 2.5Gb LAN, faster than the 1Gb LAN on the TUF and Prime AM4 boards
- ATX form factor for standard cases
- PCIe 4.0 for the Ryzen 5000 series
Cons
- DDR4 only, not DDR5 as on the AM5 boards here
- No stated M.2 count, so storage expansion is less clear
Good fit if
- Users with an existing AM4 Ryzen CPU looking for a networking-focused board
- Builders who want a gaming ATX board on a mature platform
Skip if
- You plan to move to DDR5 memory
- You need the latest PCIe 5.0 for a future GPU
Verdict: The ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is the best AM4 ATX board here for Wi-Fi 6E and fast LAN.
6 Best budget ATX for AM4
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS WiFi II AMD AM4
- Socket
- AM4
- Form factor
- ATX
- Memory type
- DDR4
$109.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
This is the most affordable ATX board on the AM4 socket in this list, with a 2.5Gb LAN port and PCIe 4.0 support. It keeps the full-size form factor for those who want a standard case without paying for a premium chipset.
Pros
- ATX form factor for standard cases
- 2.5Gb LAN, faster than the 1Gb LAN on the Prime B550M
- PCIe 4.0 for modern components
- AM4 socket accepts Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series
Cons
- DDR4 only, not DDR5
- Wi-Fi standard not stated, so it may be an older version
Good fit if
- Budget builders who already have an AM4 processor and DDR4 memory
- Users who want a full-size ATX board with fast wired networking
Skip if
- You want Wi-Fi 6 or newer built in
- You plan to move to an AM5 platform
Verdict: The TUF Gaming B550-PLUS WiFi II is a cost-effective ATX choice on AM4 with solid networking and PCIe 4.0.
7 Best mATX for Intel LGA1700
ASUS PRIME B760M-A AX D4 Intel B760
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Form factor
- mATX
$102.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details) Typical price: $163.33, 37% off
The Prime B760M-A AX D4 is the only mATX board on the LGA1700 socket with Wi-Fi and 2.5Gb LAN, and it supports DDR4 memory. It is a practical choice for a 12th or 13th Gen Intel build in a compact case where DDR4 is already available.
Pros
- mATX form factor on the LGA1700 socket
- Wi-Fi and 2.5Gb LAN, a rare combination at this size
- PCIe 4.0 for modern drives and graphics
- DDR4 support for budget builds
Cons
- No DDR5 support, limiting future memory upgrades
- Only two M.2 slots, fewer than the four on the B850-G Gaming
Good fit if
- Builders with DDR4 memory who want a small Intel board with Wi-Fi
- Users looking for a balanced mATX option for 12th or 13th Gen Intel
Skip if
- You want DDR5 for a new Intel build
- You need more than two M.2 drives
Verdict: The Prime B760M-A AX D4 is the best mATX choice for an LGA1700 Intel build with DDR4 and Wi-Fi.
8 Best budget mATX for Intel
ASUS Pro H610M-C D4-CSM Motherboard
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Form factor
- mATX
- Memory type
- DDR4
$142.23 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Pro H610M-C D4-CSM on the LGA1700 socket supports DDR4 memory and is a straightforward mATX board with PCIe 4.0. It is a listed option for a basic 12th or 13th Gen Intel build where cost matters.
Pros
- mATX form factor fits small cases
- DDR4 support lowers memory cost
- PCIe 4.0 for current components
- From the Pro series, intended for commercial use with CSM stability
Cons
- No Wi-Fi stated, so a wired or add-in connection is required
- Only one M.2 slot, limiting storage expansion
Good fit if
- Budget builders on LGA1700 who already have DDR4
- Office or basic-use systems that do not need Wi-Fi
Skip if
- You want Wi-Fi built in
- You need multiple NVMe drives
Verdict: The Pro H610M-C D4-CSM is a sensible budget mATX board for Intel LGA1700 with DDR4.
9 Best mini-ITX for Intel LGA1700
ASUS Prime H610I-PLUS-CSM Intel® H610
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Form factor
- ITX
- Memory type
- DDR5
$129.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Prime H610I-Plus-CSM is the only ITX board on the LGA1700 socket with DDR5 support, and it has a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. It is a compact option for a 12th or 13th Gen Intel build.
Pros
- ITX form factor, the smallest Intel board here on LGA1700
- DDR5 support on a mini-ITX board
- PCIe 4.0 for graphics and storage
- 1Gb LAN is stated
Cons
- No Wi-Fi stated for this board
- Only one M.2 slot
Good fit if
- Users building a small-form-factor Intel system with DDR5
- Those who need a compact board for a 12th or 13th Gen processor
Skip if
- You need Wi-Fi or more than one M.2 slot
- You prefer an ATX board with more expansion
Verdict: The Prime H610I-Plus-CSM is the only mini-ITX Intel LGA1700 board here, and it supports DDR5.
10 Best budget mini-ITX for Intel
ASUS PRIME H610I-PLUS D4-CSM Intel H610
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Form factor
- ITX
- Memory type
- DDR4
$106.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Prime H610I-Plus D4-CSM is the most affordable mini-ITX board on the LGA1700 socket here, using DDR4 memory and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. It is a cost-effective pick for a compact Intel build.
Pros
- ITX form factor for small cases
- DDR4 support reduces memory cost
- PCIe 4.0 for a modern CPU and GPU
Cons
- No Wi-Fi stated, only 1Gb LAN
- Only one M.2 slot
Good fit if
- Budget builders who want a small Intel board with DDR4
- Users who do not need wireless networking
Skip if
- You want Wi-Fi or DDR5
- You need more than one M.2 drive
Verdict: The Prime H610I-Plus D4-CSM is a solid budget mini-ITX option for Intel LGA1700 with DDR4.
11 Best for AMD Threadripper PRO
ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE EEB Workstation Motherboard
- Socket
- sTR5
- Memory type
- DDR5
$1,169.05 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE is the only workstation board here for AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series, with an sTR5 socket and ECC R-DIMM DDR5 support. It is built for high-end compute and server workloads.
Pros
- sTR5 socket for Threadripper PRO 7000 WX processors
- ECC R-DIMM DDR5 support for error-correcting memory
- EEB form factor expands beyond standard ATX
- Workstation-grade features for multi-GPU or heavy compute
Cons
- EEB form factor may not fit standard ATX cases without adapters
- No stated M.2 count in the listing, so expansion is unclear
Good fit if
- Professionals building a workstation with Threadripper PRO
- Users who need ECC memory for data integrity
Skip if
- You are using a standard desktop processor on AM5 or LGA1700
- You need a compact board for a typical PC case
Verdict: The Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE is the workstation choice here for AMD Threadripper PRO with ECC memory.
12 Best for Intel Xeon W
ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE Intel? W890
- Socket
- LGA4710
- Memory type
- DDR5
$1,168.79 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE is a workstation board for the Intel W890 chipset with an LGA 4710-2 socket, supporting current Intel Xeon W processors. It lists PCIe 5.0 x16, M.2, MCIO, and SlimSAS connections.
Pros
- LGA 4710-2 socket for Intel Xeon W processors
- PCIe 5.0 x16 for the newest graphics and storage
- MCIO and SlimSAS connectors for high-density storage
- DDR5 RAM type is stated
Cons
- EEB form factor may not fit standard cases
- No specific M.2 slot count stated, only that M.2 is supported
Good fit if
- Workstation builders for Intel Xeon W on the W890 chipset
- Users who need PCIe 5.0 and high-density storage options
Skip if
- You are on a mainstream desktop platform
- You need a standard ATX board for a gaming PC
Verdict: The Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE is built for Intel Xeon W workstations with PCIe 5.0 and dense storage.
13 Best for Intel Core Ultra Series 2
ASUS Pro WS W880-ACE SE Intel® Core™ Ultra Processor
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Form factor
- ATX
- Memory type
- DDR5
$449.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Pro WS W880-ACE SE is the only pick here on the LGA1851 socket, matching Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. It is an ATX board with DDR5 and 8+1+2+2 power stages, making it a workstation-oriented choice for the newest Intel desktop CPUs.
Pros
- LGA1851 socket for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors
- ATX form factor, fitting standard cases
- DDR5 memory support
- 8+1+2+2 power stages for stable operation
Cons
- No Wi-Fi stated, so wired networking only
- Not stated how many M.2 slots are included
Good fit if
- Users building a new system on the latest Intel desktop socket
- Professionals who prefer an ATX workstation board
Skip if
- You are keeping an older LGA1700 Intel processor
- You need built-in wireless networking
Verdict: The Pro WS W880-ACE SE is the only LGA1851 board here, supporting Intel Core Ultra Series 2.
14 Best for Intel LGA1200
ASUS Pro Q570M-C/CSM LGA1200
- Socket
- LGA1200
- Form factor
- mATX
$164.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Pro Q570M-C/CSM is the only remaining board for the LGA1200 socket with a 10th or 11th Gen Intel processor, and it is an mATX commercial board with PCIe 4.0. It is a reliable option for businesses or users on that older platform.
Pros
- LGA1200 socket for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core
- mATX form factor for small cases
- PCIe 4.0 support
- CSM designation indicates commercial stability
Cons
- No Wi-Fi, only one LAN is stated
- No DDR5 support, as DDR4 is assumed for the platform
Good fit if
- Users with an existing LGA1200 Intel processor
- Commercial or office builds needing a stable mATX board
Skip if
- You are on a newer Intel socket like LGA1700 or LGA1851
- You want Wi-Fi or DDR5
Verdict: The Pro Q570M-C/CSM is the practical choice for legacy LGA1200 Intel builds in a small form factor.
15 Best budget mATX for AM4
ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX DDR4 Motherboard with PCIe 4.0
- Socket
- AM4
- Form factor
- mATX
- Memory type
- DDR4
$89.99 price as of 2026-10-07 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Prime B550M-A WiFi II is the most affordable mATX board on the AM4 socket with Wi-Fi 6 built in, and it supports DDR4 memory. It is a clean starting point for a budget Ryzen build.
Pros
- mATX form factor on the AM4 socket
- Wi-Fi 6 built in, a current standard
- DDR4 memory support keeps costs low
- HDMI 2.1 for display output
Cons
- Only one RAM type, DDR4, so no upgrade path to DDR5
- No stated M.2 count
Good fit if
- Budget builders on AM4 who want Wi-Fi without an add-in card
- Users building a small or basic Ryzen system
Skip if
- You need the newest Wi-Fi 7
- You plan to use a large number of M.2 drives
Verdict: The Prime B550M-A WiFi II is a budget-friendly mATX AM4 board with Wi-Fi 6 and DDR4.
Specifications side by side
| # | Motherboard | Socket | Form factor | Memory type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming WIFI7 NEO AM5 ATX Motherboard | AM5 | ATX | DDR5 |
| 2 | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th | LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 |
| 3 | ASUS ROG Strix X870-I Gaming WiFi AMD X870 AM5 DDR5 8400 HDMI 2xUSB4 2X | AM5 | ITX | DDR5 |
| 4 | ASUS ROG Strix B850-G Gaming WiFi Motherboard Socket AMD AM5 | AM5 | mATX | DDR5 |
| 5 | Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 | AM4 | ATX | DDR4 |
| 6 | ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS WiFi II AMD AM4 | AM4 | ATX | DDR4 |
| 7 | ASUS PRIME B760M-A AX D4 Intel B760 | LGA1700 | mATX | not stated |
| 8 | ASUS Pro H610M-C D4-CSM Motherboard | LGA1700 | mATX | DDR4 |
| 9 | ASUS Prime H610I-PLUS-CSM Intel® H610 | LGA1700 | ITX | DDR5 |
| 10 | ASUS PRIME H610I-PLUS D4-CSM Intel H610 | LGA1700 | ITX | DDR4 |
| 11 | ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE EEB Workstation Motherboard | sTR5 | not stated | DDR5 |
| 12 | ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE Intel? W890 | LGA4710 | not stated | DDR5 |
| 13 | ASUS Pro WS W880-ACE SE Intel® Core™ Ultra Processor | LGA1851 | ATX | DDR5 |
| 14 | ASUS Pro Q570M-C/CSM LGA1200 | LGA1200 | mATX | not stated |
| 15 | ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX DDR4 Motherboard with PCIe 4.0 | AM4 | mATX | DDR4 |
How the picks were chosen
We started from a pool of 52 priced ASUS motherboard listings on the store, narrowed by the catalogue data to 15 distinct models that cover the main socket families (AM4, AM5, LGA1200, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA4710, sTR5) and form factors (ATX, mATX, ITX, EEB). We shortlisted on the stated chipset, socket, memory type, PCIe generation, M.2 count, and networking features, setting aside duplicate configurations and limited-edition bundles. Prices on the page are read live from the store listing at the time shown; we did not test any of these motherboards, and every specification comes from the product listing.
Picking the right one for you
Socket: matching the motherboard to your processor
The socket is the first filter. An Intel processor on LGA1700 only fits boards like the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero or the Prime B760M-A AX D4, while a newer Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor uses the LGA1851 socket on the Pro WS W880-ACE SE. AMD builders have two paths: AM4 boards such as the TUF Gaming B550-PLUS accept Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs with DDR4, while AM5 boards like the ROG Strix X870E-A take newer Ryzen processors with DDR5. workstation sockets are separate, with the sTR5 board for Threadripper PRO and the LGA4710-2 board for Xeon W. Check the processor model against the socket before buying.
Memory type: DDR4 versus DDR5
The RAM type determines the memory you can install and the platform's age. DDR4 boards, such as the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming or the Prime B760M-A AX D4, suit budget builds where memory is already available. DDR5 boards, including the AM5 and LGA1700 picks with the newer chipsets, support higher-bandwidth memory and are a better match for new high-end systems. Workstation boards like the Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE go further with ECC R-DIMM DDR5 for error-correcting memory in compute or server roles. Decide which memory standard fits your budget and upgrade plan first.
Form factor: ATX, mATX, ITX, or EEB
The form factor sets the case size and expansion limits. ATX boards like the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero fit most mid-tower cases and offer the most PCIe slots. The mATX boards, including the ROG Strix B850-G Gaming and the Prime B550M-A WiFi II, are shorter and fit compact cases while still sharing a full case mounting. ITX boards, such as the ROG Strix X870-I Gaming, are for small-form-factor builds with just one PCIe slot. The EEB workstation boards, like the Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE, are larger than standard ATX and need a compatible workstation chassis. Measure your case before choosing.
Networking: Wi-Fi standard and LAN speed
The networking hardware sets your connection speed and convenience. Wi-Fi 7 appears on the AM5 picks like the ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming and the X870-I Gaming, while Wi-Fi 6E is on the ROG Strix B550-F and Wi-Fi 6 on the Prime B550M-A WiFi II. LAN speed varies from 1Gb on the budget H610 boards to 2.5Gb and 5Gb on the higher-end picks. Some boards, including the Pro series models, do not state wireless support, so plan for a wired connection or a separate adapter. If you stream large files or play online games, a newer Wi-Fi standard and a faster LAN port are worth the trade.
Storage and expansion: M.2 slots and PCIe
M.2 slots determine how many NVMe drives you can install. The ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming and the ROG Strix B850-G Gaming lead with four M.2 slots, while budget boards like the Pro H610M-C D4-CSM list only one. PCIe generation matters for graphics and storage speed: PCIe 5.0 is on the latest AM5 and LGA1700 boards, while PCIe 4.0 covers AM4 and older Intel platforms. For multi-GPU setups, check the number of PCIe x16 slots, since most mATX boards offer fewer than a full ATX board. Pick a board that satisfies the number of drives and cards you plan to install now and later.
Workstation features: ECC memory and server connections
For compute-heavy or server workloads, the workstation boards carry features desktop boards lack. The Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE on the sTR5 socket supports ECC R-DIMM DDR5, and the Pro WS W890E-SAGE on LGA4710-2 adds MCIO and SlimSAS connectors for high-density storage. These boards use the EEB form factor, which is wider than standard ATX and often needs a dedicated chassis. They also skip consumer networking like Wi-Fi in favor of multiple LAN ports, not stated in each listing. If your work needs error-correcting memory or enterprise storage, these are the options; for a typical desktop, a mainstream ATX board is simpler.
Questions
What does the socket on an ASUS motherboard mean for my CPU choice?
The socket is the physical connector that determines which processor line fits. For Intel, LGA1700 supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors, while LGA1851 matches the newer Core Ultra Series 2. On AMD, AM4 accepts Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series, and AM5 takes newer Ryzen chips. Workstation sockets sTR5 and LGA4710-2 are for Threadripper PRO and Xeon W. Always match the CPU model to the board socket before buying.
Is DDR4 still a good choice for an ASUS motherboard in 2026?
DDR4 is a sensible option for budget builds, especially if you already own memory modules. Boards like the Prime B760M-A AX D4 and the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming support DDR4 on Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4 platforms, respectively. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and is the standard on new AM5 and high-end LGA1700 boards, but it costs more. For an existing platform, DDR4 keeps the upgrade affordable.
Do all ASUS motherboards include Wi-Fi?
No, Wi-Fi is an optional feature that varies by model. Many gaming boards, such as the ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming with Wi-Fi 7 and the Prime B550M-A WiFi II with Wi-Fi 6, include wireless networking. However, commercial and workstation boards like the Pro H610M-C D4-CSM and the Pro WS W880-ACE SE do not state Wi-Fi support, so they require a wired connection or a separate Wi-Fi card. Check the product listing for the networking standard before buying.
What is the difference between ATX, mATX, and ITX ASUS boards?
The form factor dictates the board size and the case it fits. ATX boards, like the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, measure 305 by 244 mm and offer the most PCIe slots and ports. mATX boards, such as the ROG Strix B850-G Gaming, are shorter at 244 by 244 mm and fit smaller cases while keeping most features. ITX boards, like the ROG Strix X870-I Gaming, are just 170 by 170 mm and are for compact builds with a single expansion slot.
For an AMD Ryzen 5000 build, which ASUS motherboard here is best?
For a Ryzen 5000 series processor on the AM4 socket, the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is a strong choice with an ATX form factor, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb LAN. The TUF Gaming B550-PLUS WiFi II is a more affordable ATX alternative with similar socket support. Both accept DDR4 memory. If you prefer a smaller mATX board, the Prime B550M-A WiFi II includes Wi-Fi 6 as well.
Revision notes
- : First published.