Building a powerful gaming or workstation PC with an NVIDIA RTX 3090 requires a motherboard that can handle this graphics card’s demands. The 3090 is a beast that needs proper power delivery, cooling, and expansion capabilities to perform at its best.
Choosing the right motherboard ensures you’ll get the full benefit of this high-end GPU without bottlenecks or stability issues.
When selecting a motherboard for an RTX 3090, key factors include PCIe 4.0 support, robust VRM design for power delivery, and adequate spacing for proper cooling. The chipset matters too – modern Intel Z590/Z690 or AMD X570 boards provide the features needed to support this powerful GPU.
We’ve found that boards with reinforced PCIe slots handle the 3090’s considerable weight much better.
After testing dozens of motherboards with RTX 3090 setups, we’ve determined the ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero offers the best balance of performance, features, and reliability. Its excellent power delivery system and cooling design make it ideal for the demanding 3090, while providing plenty of expansion options for a complete high-end build.
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Best Motherboards for RTX 3090
We’ve tested dozens of motherboards to find the perfect match for your RTX 3090 graphics card. The right motherboard needs strong power delivery, PCIe 4.0 support, and proper spacing to handle this beast of a GPU.
Our top picks below offer the best combination of performance, features, and reliability to maximize your 3090’s potential.
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II offers exceptional performance and connectivity that makes it an ideal companion for an RTX 3090 GPU setup.
Pros
- Robust power delivery with 12+2 power stages keeps high-end GPUs stable
- WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet provide fast, reliable networking
- PCIe 4.0 support maximizes 3090 performance potential
Cons
- Higher price point than some B550 alternatives
- RGB lighting stays on when system is off (if power connected)
- BIOS interface has a learning curve for beginners
We recently installed this motherboard in a high-end gaming rig with an RTX 3090, and the experience was remarkably smooth.
The PCIe 4.0 slot delivers the full bandwidth the 3090 demands, with no bottlenecking issues we could detect even during intensive gaming sessions. The build quality feels premium right out of the box, with solid construction and thoughtful component placement.
Power delivery is where this board truly shines for 3090 owners. The 12+2 power stage design handled our overclocked CPU without breaking a sweat, keeping temperatures in check even during stress tests. This is crucial when pairing with power-hungry components like the 3090, which demands rock-solid power delivery under load.
The cooling solution works brilliantly too. We noticed VRM temperatures stayed reasonable even during extended gaming marathons.
The onboard WiFi 6E performed impressively in our testing, delivering low-latency connections perfect for competitive gaming. The 2.5Gb LAN port is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired connections for their gaming setup.
BIOS flashback functionality made updating a breeze – we didn’t even need a CPU installed to update the BIOS. The board’s RGB implementation through Aura Sync integrates nicely with other components, creating a cohesive lighting scheme.
For 3090 owners concerned about future upgrades, the AM4 socket supports a wide range of Ryzen CPUs.
Overall durability seems excellent. The high-quality capacitors and chokes suggest this motherboard will handle the demands of a 3090 system for years to come. We found the bundled software useful rather than bloatware, which is refreshing compared to some competitors.
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi offers excellent value for RTX 3090 owners with its stable performance, PCIe 4.0 support, and reliable connectivity at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- PCIe 4.0 support maximizes RTX 3090 performance
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth saves extra adapter costs
- Easy-to-navigate BIOS ideal for beginners
Cons
- Limited RGB options compared to premium boards
- Only one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for expansion
- Micro-ATX form factor limits additional card installations
We recently installed this motherboard in a build with an RTX 3090, and we’re impressed by how well it handles such a powerful GPU.
The B550 chipset provides the necessary PCIe 4.0 support that helps get the most from the 3090’s bandwidth requirements. Setup was straightforward, and the board posted right away with no BIOS updates needed for our Ryzen 5000 series CPU.
The thermal solution works better than expected for a mid-range board. Even under heavy gaming loads with the 3090 pumping out heat, the VRMs stayed cool thanks to the extended heatsink design. We monitored temperatures during several long gaming sessions, and everything remained well within safe ranges.
Connection options are plentiful for most setups. The board includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports that deliver fast transfers when moving large game files.
The built-in WiFi saved us from buying a separate adapter, and signal strength was surprisingly good even through walls.
For the price, this motherboard delivers exceptional value. While it doesn’t have the flashy RGB or extra features of more expensive X570 boards, it provides everything needed to run an RTX 3090 reliably. The compact Micro-ATX form works well in smaller cases while still accommodating the massive GPU.
The BIOS interface deserves special mention for being user-friendly. We easily set XMP profiles for our RAM and made other adjustments without hunting through confusing menus. The Flash BIOS Button is also a nice touch for future CPU upgrades.
MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi offers excellent power design and connectivity options that make it a solid choice for pairing with an RTX 3090 graphics card.
Pros
- Robust 16+1+1 power delivery system handles high-end CPUs
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gbps LAN provide fast connectivity
- Four M.2 slots offer plenty of storage expansion
Cons
- No RGB lighting if that’s important to your build
- Premium price compared to similar Z790 boards
- Some users report Wi-Fi connection issues
We’ve been testing this MSI motherboard with our RTX 3090, and the performance has been stellar.
The power delivery system with its 16+1+1 phases and 80A SPS handles our Intel i9 processor with ease, even under heavy gaming loads. This stability is crucial when you’re running a beast like the 3090.
The silver color scheme looks clean in our case. We appreciate the minimalist design without flashy RGB – it lets the other components shine. The pre-installed I/O shield made our build process much smoother, saving us from the frustration of forgetting to install it before mounting.
Thermal performance stands out with this board. Those extended heatsinks and MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK keep everything cool even when the 3090 is generating serious heat nearby. We ran our system through intense gaming sessions, and the motherboard temperatures stayed well within safe ranges.
Connectivity is another strong point. With four M.2 slots, we’ve added plenty of fast storage without using up SATA ports.
The board’s PCIe 5.0 support provides future-proofing, though our 3090 still uses PCIe 4.0. The built-in Wi-Fi 7 is blazing fast once you get the drivers installed.
One thing to note – make sure to download all drivers before expecting full functionality. The LAN and Wi-Fi won’t work until proper drivers are installed. This caught us off guard initially, but after getting everything updated, network performance has been rock-solid.
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the perfect powerhouse motherboard for RTX 3090 owners looking for reliable performance with future-proof connectivity and excellent thermal management.
Pros
- Robust power delivery with 16+1+2 VRM design handles even the most demanding CPUs
- Four M.2 slots with thermal guards keep NVMe drives cool under heavy gaming loads
- Tool-free PCIe EZ-Latch system makes installing heavy GPUs like the 3090 much easier
Cons
- DDR5 memory requirement means additional upgrade costs if coming from a DDR4 system
- BIOS can be finicky during first-time setup and updates
- RGB implementation is modest compared to more premium motherboards
We recently put the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX through its paces with an RTX 3090, and this combo absolutely crushes gaming performance.
The motherboard’s 16+1+2 phase VRM design delivers rock-solid power even during extended gaming sessions, keeping temperatures in check.
Installing our massive 3090 was surprisingly easy thanks to the PCIe 5.0 EZ-Latch feature. No more fumbling with tiny screws while trying to secure a heavy graphics card! The reinforced PCIe slot easily supports the weight of the card without any sagging concerns.
Thermal performance really impressed us during testing. The motherboard’s extensive heatsink coverage and M.2 Thermal Guard III kept our system running cool even when pushing the limits. We noticed our NVMe drives maintaining consistent speeds without thermal throttling during large file transfers.
Connectivity is another strong point. The 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6E delivered excellent network performance during online gaming. USB options are plentiful, including a speedy USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port for our external drives.
The BIOS experience was mostly positive, with an intuitive layout for tweaking settings. The Q-Flash Plus feature saved us when we needed to update the BIOS without even having the CPU installed – a real lifesaver for new builds.
For 3090 owners, this motherboard strikes an excellent balance of features and price. The DDR5 support future-proofs your system, while the robust power delivery ensures your high-end GPU gets all the juice it needs for peak performance.
ASUS ROG Strix B550-A
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A delivers excellent performance and connectivity for RTX 3090 builds with its PCIe 4.0 support and robust power design.
Pros
- Strong power delivery for high-end CPUs
- PCIe 4.0 support perfect for 3090 graphics cards
- Sleek white design with quality components
Cons
- Higher price than some B550 alternatives
- No WiFi included in base model
- Limited RGB compared to other ROG boards
We recently installed this motherboard in our test rig with an RTX 3090, and the pairing worked beautifully. The PCIe 4.0 slot delivers all the bandwidth needed for the graphics card to perform at its best.
The white aesthetic gives a fresh look compared to typical black motherboards, making our build stand out.
The power delivery system on this board impressed us during testing. With 12+2 DrMOS power stages, it kept our Ryzen CPU stable even during intense gaming sessions with the 3090 pushing serious heat into the case.
The cooling design works well, with heatsinks in all the right places to manage thermals.
For connectivity, the dual M.2 slots give plenty of options for fast storage. We noticed quick load times in games stored on our PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive.
The 2.5Gb LAN port delivered consistent networking performance, which is crucial when downloading large game files or streaming while gaming on the 3090.
The BIOS is intuitive to navigate and offers extensive control for overclocking. We found it easy to tune RAM settings to get the best performance with our 3090.
The board also comes with useful software tools that let us monitor system performance without leaving our games.
Build quality feels premium, with solid capacitors and chokes that should last for years. The I/O shield came pre-installed, which made our installation process easier.
All the headers are well-labeled and accessible, even after installing our bulky 3090 card.
RTX 3090 Compatibility Note: We’ve tested this board extensively with the RTX 3090 and found zero bottlenecks. The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot provides all the bandwidth needed, while the sturdy board design handles the weight of heavy graphics cards without sagging.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right motherboard for your RTX 3090 is a big deal. We want to help you find the perfect match for this powerful graphics card.
Chipset Compatibility
The chipset is the brain of your motherboard. For a 3090, we recommend either AMD X570/B550 or Intel Z490/Z590 chipsets. These provide the best features and support.
| Chipset | PCIe Version | Best For |
| AMD X570 | PCIe 4.0 | High-end builds |
| AMD B550 | PCIe 4.0 (limited) | Mid-range builds |
| Intel Z590 | PCIe 4.0 | High-end builds |
PCIe Support
PCIe 4.0 support is crucial for maximizing the 3090’s performance. While the card will work in PCIe 3.0 slots, you’ll get better performance with PCIe 4.0.
Power delivery is another key factor. Look for motherboards with robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) designs to handle the power demands of both your CPU and the 3090.
Form Factor Considerations
Size matters when fitting a massive card like the 3090. We recommend ATX or E-ATX motherboards that provide enough space between PCIe slots.
Pro Tip: Measure the space in your case before buying. The 3090 is a 3-slot card in most designs!
Connectivity Options
Look for motherboards with plenty of USB ports, M.2 slots for fast storage, and good audio components.
These features create a well-rounded system that matches your high-end GPU.
Multiple PCIe slots give you room to add more cards like capture devices or additional networking options.