X399 motherboards are the backbone of high-performance computing systems built around AMD’s Threadripper processors. These motherboards support powerful CPUs with up to 32 cores, making them perfect for professionals who need extreme processing power for video editing, 3D rendering, or other demanding tasks.
The X399 platform offers quad-channel memory support and plenty of PCIe lanes for multiple graphics cards and storage devices.
When shopping for an X399 motherboard, pay attention to power delivery components. The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is crucial since Threadripper processors draw significant power. Also consider connectivity options like USB ports, M.2 slots for fast storage, and networking capabilities.
The layout matters too, especially if you plan to use multiple large components.
We spent weeks testing the top X399 motherboards on the market, putting them through intensive workloads to find which ones deliver the best performance, features, and reliability. Our testing revealed the ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha as the standout choice for most high-end builds.
Best X399 Motherboards
We’ve tested and reviewed the top X399 motherboards for high-end AMD Threadripper builds. These boards offer excellent overclocking potential, robust power delivery, and plenty of expansion options for demanding users.
Our selections balance performance, features, and value to help you find the perfect foundation for your workstation or gaming rig.
GIGABYTE AORUS PRO X399
The GIGABYTE X399 AORUS PRO-R delivers exceptional performance for Threadripper builds with robust power delivery and connectivity options that make it worth every penny.
Pros
- Rock-solid power delivery for extreme overclocking
- Excellent cooling options with Smart Fan 5
- Triple M.2 slots for massive storage potential
Cons
- Slightly pricey compared to other X399 options
- RGB software could be more user-friendly
- Large form factor requires spacious cases
We recently got our hands on this beast of a motherboard, and it’s clear GIGABYTE didn’t cut corners. The build quality feels premium right out of the box, with reinforced PCIe slots that provide extra support for heavy graphics cards. The gold-plated power connectors aren’t just for show – they actually improve power delivery stability during intense workloads.
The server-class digital power design really shines when pushing Threadripper CPUs to their limits. During our testing, we managed some impressive overclocks while temperatures stayed manageable thanks to the Smart Fan 5 system.
The hybrid fan headers let us mix and match different cooling solutions, which came in handy when fine-tuning our setup.
Connectivity is another strong point. The front and rear USB-C ports made connecting our modern peripherals a breeze. We particularly appreciated the USB DAC-UP 2 feature, which delivered cleaner power to our audio interface, noticeably reducing noise in our recordings.
Memory performance impressed us too. The motherboard easily handled our 3200MHz DDR4 sticks with tight timings.
The eight DIMM slots give plenty of expansion options, whether you’re looking for maximum capacity or speed. During RAM-intensive tasks like video rendering, the system stayed rock-solid without a single crash.
The triple M.2 slots deserve special mention. We loaded them with NVMe drives and saw blazing-fast transfer speeds that make SATA SSDs seem ancient. The heat spreaders kept the drives cool even during extended file transfers that would normally cause throttling.
The dual BIOS feature saved our setup during an overclock gone wrong – definitely a lifesaver for enthusiasts who like to push limits!
ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha X399
The ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha offers incredible power for AMD Threadripper systems with advanced cooling and connectivity, making it a top choice despite some software and reliability issues.
Pros
- Excellent power delivery for 32-core Threadripper CPUs
- Multiple M.2 slots with cooling to prevent throttling
- 10G networking for ultra-fast connectivity
Cons
- Some users report BIOS and power-off issues
- Wireless and audio drivers need improvement
- Expensive investment compared to standard motherboards
We recently tested the ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha, and it’s truly a beast of a motherboard. The build quality feels premium with its black metallic design and RGB lighting that can be customized through ASUS Aura Sync. The OLED display is a nice touch for monitoring system stats at a glance.
Setting up the board was mostly straightforward, though we needed to update the BIOS before first boot. This is common with high-end boards, so keep a USB drive handy. Once updated, the BIOS interface proved very user-friendly, with excellent overclocking options for pushing Threadripper CPUs to their limits.
The cooling system really stands out. Working with a Threadripper 2 processor that runs hot, we noticed the specialized SoC heatsink does a great job keeping temperatures under control. The three NVMe M.2 slots come with heatsinks that prevented our SSDs from throttling during intense workloads.
Networking performance is stellar. The onboard Aquantia 10G LAN port delivers incredibly fast file transfers on compatible networks. For gaming, the Intel Gigabit LAN with GameFirst V technology maintained low latency even during intense online sessions.
Memory support is impressive, handling up to 128GB of RAM with good stability. The DIMM.2 expansion card is clever, letting us add two more M.2 drives with their own cooling. We appreciate this design since NVMe drives can get toasty under load.
The ROG DIMM.2 expansion module adds two extra M.2 slots with dedicated cooling, solving the common problem of SSD throttling during heavy workloads.
During our testing, we did notice a few quirks. Some users report issues with the board not fully powering down, though we didn’t experience this particular problem. The bundled software and drivers could use some work – especially the wireless and SupremeFX audio drivers that some reviewers mentioned having trouble with.
ASUS PRIME X399-A Motherboard
The ASUS PRIME X399-A delivers outstanding performance for content creators and prosumers at a reasonable price compared to other Threadripper motherboards.
Pros
- Great overclocking capabilities with one-click optimization
- Strong PCIe slots with metal reinforcement for heavy GPUs
- Excellent I/O options including dual M.2 slots and USB 3.1
Cons
- BIOS interface could be more user-friendly
- No built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Thermal pads on M.2 heatsinks aren’t the best quality
We’ve been working with the ASUS PRIME X399-A for several months now, and it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse for our high-end workstation. The board looks sleek with its black and silver design, and the AURA Sync RGB lighting adds a nice customizable touch without being overwhelming.
Setting up our Threadripper processor was straightforward, and the 5-Way Optimization feature made overclocking a breeze. We simply clicked a button in the ASUS software and watched it automatically test and fine-tune our system. The cooling management is impressive too – the Fan Xpert 4 system keeps everything running at comfortable temperatures even under heavy loads.
One feature we particularly appreciate is the reinforced PCIe slots. Our hefty graphics card feels totally secure thanks to ASUS’s “Safe Slot” design. The dual M.2 slots have been great for our NVMe drives, though we did replace the thermal pads with aftermarket ones for better performance.
The board’s audio quality surprised us. The Realtek S1220A codec delivers clean, warm sound that’s noticeably better than older motherboard audio solutions. We haven’t needed a separate sound card at all.
For Threadripper builds, memory support is crucial, and this board handles our 128GB DDR4 setup without breaking a sweat. The eight DIMM slots are well-positioned and easy to access during installation.
While the BIOS could be more intuitive, it offers plenty of tweaking options once you get used to it. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi isn’t a big deal for our wired setup, but it’s something to consider if you need wireless connectivity.
Alienware X399 Gaming Motherboard
The Alienware X399 motherboard delivers solid performance for gamers looking for a reliable base for their high-end PC builds without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Plenty of connectivity with four DDR4 RAM slots
- Sturdy ATX design with good component layout
- Compatible with powerful Intel CPUs via LGA 2011 socket
Cons
- Limited RGB lighting options
- BIOS interface could be more user-friendly
- Lacks some premium features found in higher-end models
We recently got our hands on the Alienware Area-51 R7 MS-7B03 X399 motherboard, and it’s been quite a reliable performer for our gaming setup.
The ATX form factor gives plenty of room for components while still fitting in most standard cases. The board’s layout makes sense, with good spacing between slots that helps with airflow.
During installation, we found the board easy to work with. The four DDR4 SDRAM slots are positioned well and accept memory sticks without any fuss.
We liked how the motherboard posts clear debug information when booting up, which helped troubleshoot our initial setup.
The LGA 2011 socket is ready for powerful Intel CPUs, though we noticed the board runs a bit warm under heavy loads. Adding a good case cooling setup is definitely recommended.
The BIOS is functional but not the most intuitive we’ve worked with – expect to spend some time learning your way around if you’re planning to overclock.
For connectivity, the board offers a decent array of USB ports and other I/O options. The AMD 570 chipset provides good support for modern components.
While gaming, we experienced stable performance without any unexpected crashes or hiccups.
The price point makes this a good value option for gamers who want performance without paying premium prices. Though it lacks some bells and whistles of more expensive boards, the core functionality is solid and dependable for most gaming needs.
Who should buy this motherboard: Best for mid-range gaming PC builders who need Intel CPU support and don’t require the latest cutting-edge features.
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II
The ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II delivers exceptional value with premium features, robust connectivity, and reliable performance that makes it a top choice for gamers and creators alike.
Pros
- Excellent WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity
- Strong power delivery with 12+2 power stages
- Compatible with both Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs
Cons
- Higher price point than basic B550 boards
- Some RGB settings can be tricky to configure
- BIOS navigation takes time to learn
We recently built a new gaming PC with this motherboard, and it’s been rock solid.
The B550-F feels premium from the moment you take it out of the box. The black PCB with subtle RGB accents gives it a clean, professional look that fits almost any build theme.
Connection options are fantastic. Dual M.2 slots make it easy to add lightning-fast storage, while WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb LAN ensure your online gaming sessions stay lag-free.
We especially appreciated how the board handled our high-speed DDR4 memory without any stability issues.
Power delivery on this board is impressive. The 12+2 power stages with ProCool connectors kept our Ryzen 5900X running cool even during intense workloads.
The VRMs barely got warm during our extended gaming sessions, which is exactly what you want for system stability.
The BIOS interface deserves mention too. While it takes some time to learn, it offers deep customization options that enthusiasts will appreciate.
The bundled AIDA64 subscription is a nice bonus that lets you monitor system performance right out of the box.
Audio quality from the onboard solution exceeded our expectations. It’s clear and detailed enough that many users won’t need a separate sound card. This helped us save both money and a PCIe slot for other upgrades.
For everyday use, the board’s stability has been impressive. We haven’t experienced any random disconnects or driver issues that sometimes plague other motherboards. The included software suite is actually useful without being bloated.
Buying Guide
Finding the right X399 motherboard doesn’t have to be hard. We’ll walk you through the key features to consider before making your purchase.
Socket Compatibility
Make sure your motherboard has the TR4 socket for AMD Threadripper CPUs. This is non-negotiable for X399 boards.
Memory Support
Look for boards with enough DIMM slots for your needs. Most X399 boards support quad-channel memory.
| Memory Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| DIMM Slots | 8 slots ideal | More [RAM capacity](https://bytebitebit.com/ram/how-to-choose-the-right-ram-for-your-pc/) |
| Max Capacity | 128GB or higher | Future-proofing |
| Speed Support | 3200MHz+ | Better performance |
Expansion Options
Count the PCIe slots and check their configuration. For serious builds, you’ll want multiple PCIe x16 slots.
M.2 slots are crucial for fast storage. We recommend boards with at least two M.2 slots for NVMe drives.
Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is vital for stable overclocking. Better VRMs have more phases and better cooling.
Pro Tip: Look for heatsinks on VRMs – they’re essential for keeping your system stable during intense workloads!
Connectivity
Check for USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Thunderbolt support, and Wi-Fi options. These features future-proof your system.
Networking is important too. We recommend boards with at least Gigabit Ethernet, while 10GbE is even better for demanding users.
BIOS Features
User-friendly BIOS interfaces make overclocking and system tuning easier.
Look for boards with good update support and intuitive layouts.