The landscape of the PC hardware industry has been completely transformed by AMD’s Ryzen processors. AMD’s ability to create powerful, mid-range CPUs at affordable prices is a major reason for this.
The 3rd Generation Ryzen 5 3600 processor is undoubtedly one of the most versatile CPUs on the market, especially when you consider the price. This 6-core/12-thread processor can be used for both gaming and high-end CPU-intensive tasks. The Ryzen 5 3600 is a popular choice for gamers looking to build an affordable gaming PC. It currently costs just under $200.
First-time builders often don’t know which motherboard to choose because the Ryzen 5 3600 has so many compatible chipsets. This guide will cover a few of the top motherboard options for Ryzen 5 3600 in a variety of price points and use cases.
Our Top Picks For the Best Motherboards Ryzen 5 2600
Below is a table that lists the top Ryzen 5 2600 motherboard. It includes our top pick, a runner-up pick, our favorite mini-ITX motherboard choice, and a solid budget option.
1. ASUS Prime X570-P
Best motherboard for Ryzen5 3600
- X570 Chipset
- Standard-ATX
- PCIe 4.0
- 128GB DDR4 RAM
If you plan to overclock your Ryzen 5 3600 to higher levels than moderate, you will need to: A) Upgrade the stock cooler to a higher-end CPU cooler and B) Get a motherboard that supports superior overclocking.
The X570 chipset is currently the best AM4 chipset to overclock Ryzen’s 3rd-generation processors. The ASUS Prime X570P is currently less than $130, whereas most X570 chipsets are significantly more expensive than the B550 chipset motherboards.
This motherboard is comparable to many B550 motherboards. We think that the ASUS Prime X570P is a great option for Ryzen 5 3600 users due to its extra features.
It has a beautiful design and can hold up to 128GB DDR4 RAM.
If you have a budget to spare and plan on overclocking your Ryzen 5 3600, the X570 chipset motherboard will work for you. It is well-priced and will give you higher overclocks than many other similarly priced options.
2. ASRock B550 PRO4
Our second-place motherboard pick
- B550 Chipset
- Standard-ATX
- PCIe 4.0
- 128GB DDR4 RAM
ASRock’s B550PRO4 motherboard is a solid choice for anyone who doesn’t intend to do extreme overclocking. Although the B550 PRO4 motherboard doesn’t have the same overclocking potential of the ASUS Prime X570P, it offers many of the same features.
It supports up to 128GB DDR4 memory and has one PCIe-4.0 lane. This ATX standard form-factor is also compatible with USB 3.2.
The B550 PRO4 is only $5 less than the ASUS PrimeX570-P. There aren’t many reasons to choose the B550 over the X570. If you decide to change your mind or want to overclock, the $5 extra would have been a great deal. The B550 chipset boards support overclocking. However, an upgraded cooler could allow you to achieve decent overclocks.
It’s difficult to recommend the B550PRO4 at this time, as it will dramatically increase your overclocking capabilities for $5 less. This might change if the ASUS Prime X570P is sold at a lower price.
3. ASRock B550M – ITX
Mini-ITX is the best option
- B550 Chipset
- Mini-ITX
- PCIe 4.0
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
ASRock’s mini-ITX motherboard B550M-ITX is a semi-affordable choice if you are looking to build your own mini gaming PC. There aren’t many mini-ITX motherboards with AM4 sockets that are affordable. The ASRock B550M -ITX mini-ITX motherboard is the most affordable.
This motherboard can support up to 64GB DDR4 memory and can reach memory clock speeds of up to 4733MHz (when underclocked). It also has decent overclocking potential and a single PCIe-4.0 lane.
The bottom line is, however, that this ASRock motherboard is the best option for Ryzen 5 3600 users who want to use it in a mini ITX form factor system.
4. MSI B450M PROM2 Max
Best budget motherboard for the 3600
- B450 Chipset
- Micro-ATX
- PCIe 3.0
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
One of the issues with the Ryzen 5 3600 was the lack of budget-friendly options for motherboards. The B550 chipset hadn’t been released yet, and the older B450 motherboard wasn’t guaranteed to work out of the box. You had to pay more for a better-quality motherboard.
You can now find motherboards below $100 that are compatible with the Ryzen 5 3600 thanks to the B550 chipset release and older B450 chipset motherboards with compatible BIOS versions.
MSI’s B450MPRO-M2 max is one of the most affordable options that will work with the 3600. Although it’s not a high-end motherboard, the MSI B450M PRO-M2 Max is a great option for budget-minded gamers who only need a solid motherboard.
This micro-ATX motherboard supports up to 64GB DDR4 memory and is compatible with PCIe 3.0 technology. It also supports some overclocking.
The B450 chipset motherboard offers the best value for money if you are looking to build a gaming computer with a Ryzen5 3600 processor.
View online or download MSI B450M PRO-M2 Max user manuals if you need help with the settings.
5. GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Elite
- B550 Chipset
- Standard-ATX
- PCIe 4.0
- 128GB DDR4 RAM
Gigabyte’s AORUS Elite B550 Ryzen 5 3600 motherboard is worth looking at. The B550 chipset motherboard is a little more expensive than the ASUS Prime X570P and will not offer as much overclocking power.
It does however have a more attractive design. This motherboard might be a better choice if you care about aesthetics and don’t plan to run extreme overclocks on your CPU.
This motherboard is an ATX standard form factor. It supports up to 128GB DDR4 RAM. It also has PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.0 technology.
If performance is your primary concern, the ASUS Prime X570P would be a better choice. If aesthetics are important to you, the Gigabyte board, among others with more attractive designs, is worth a look.
6. MSI MPG B550I
- B550 Chipset
- Mini-ITX
- PCIe 4.0
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
The MSI MPG B550I motherboard is another mini ITX motherboard that will work with Ryzen 5 3600. The mini-ITX motherboard costs a little more than the ASRock mini ITX motherboard.
It has a sleeker design and more features.
It is not affordable at just $190 but it is certainly not an option for many who want to purchase a Ryzen5 3600. This mini-ITX motherboard, despite its higher price tag, is better suited to users who have the funds to buy an upgraded Ryzen processor (such as a 3700X).
7. MSI B450A-A PRO Max
- B450 Chipset
- Standard-ATX
- PCIe 3.0
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
We also have a compatible Ryzen 5 3600 motherboard that is less than $100. This motherboard is very similar in design to the MSI B450MPRO-M2 Max, but with one important difference: its price and form factor.
The MSI B450A Pro Max, which is the ATX standard version of PRO-M2 Max or rather the PRO-M2 micro-ATX version is the PRO-M2, is about less expensive than its micro/ATX counterpart.
If you’re looking for a standard ATX motherboard that is compatible with the Ryzen 5/3600, this is the best option. This is your best option if you are willing to spend less and save money.
Which Motherboard is right for you?
There are many motherboard options available that can be used with the Ryzen 5 3600 processor. However, it all comes down to your budget and personal preferences.
An X570 chipset motherboard is best if you want to achieve higher overclocks in your build. A B450 chipset motherboard compatible with 3rd-generation Ryzen processors is a good choice if you want to save money. If you are looking to build a mini gaming computer, make sure you check out the mini-ITX AM4 motherboards.
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