Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600

So, you have picked the Ryzen 5 3600 to be your processor? Well, before we say anything else, we would like to state that you have made the right choice! The value proposition and price to performance ratio of the processor are indeed something.

Well, picking this beastly processor for the money might have been an easy task; we can assure you that it will be pretty hard to choose the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 because of the overabundance of options out there.

And without one of those, the CPU will surely not be capable of pumping all of its juice, and the applications will feel sluggish. 

But fret-not because you just stumbled upon the right article for that. We are going to make that choosing task feel like dragging a knife through butter. 

However, you would have to go through the entire article for that to happen. So, get yourself in a comfortable position and keep on reading!

Related Read: Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600X

Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600 You Can Buy Today

We have made our systems go through tons of benchmarks, including Cinebench R15, AIDA64, Passmark, Speccy, and plenty of AAA games to evaluate the performance of the boards. And these are the ones that stood out as the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600 among all of the models we had:

1. ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WIFI

Best Overall High-End Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WIFI
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WIFI (Image credit: ASUS)

Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: Max 128 GB (DDR4) | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory Slots: 4 | Warranty: 3 Years

  • 12+2 Power Stages
  • Supports AMD Crossfire and Nvidia SLI
  • Sports Stack Cool 3+
  • The capacitors and chokes are high in quality
  • Has AIO pump header
  • Sports fanless VRM and Chipset heatsink
  • Packs Wi-Fi 6 chipset

The gaming performance can tell a lot about the motherboards because while gaming; the system goes through an intense load. And this ATX motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 from Asus did amaze us in that regard.

As you have read, the form factor of this board is ATX. That would dictate that it is full of slots, right? Well, that theory is applicable for this board. 

It has four DIMM slots. Also,  it has two PCIe x16 slots, which supports AMD Crossfire technology. It even has SLI support for the Nvidia cards.

There are plenty of expansion slots too. The M.2 slots support the latest PCIe 4.0, offering high-speed data transfer rate. 

Even the onboard Wi-Fi chip is relatively capable. It will give you a smooth and lag-free online experience. And the CPU socket supports AMD Ryzen Zen 3, making it the best ATX motherboard for 3600.

Additionally, you will notice that the board has an extended heatsink. And thanks to the ASUS Stack Cool 3+ technology, this ATX motherboard should not overheat that quickly. 

The board even has multiple temperature sensors that will adequately ensure that all components run smoothly under heavy loads. 

REASONS TO BUY

  • Has multiple expansion slots
  • Offers high overall performance
  • Supports up to 128 GB of RAM

REASONS TO AVOID

  • The manual lacks a lot of important information

2. GIGABYTE B450M DS3H V2

Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

GIGABYTE B450M DS3H V2
GIGABYTE B450M DS3H V2 (Image credit: Gigabyte )

Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD B450 | Form Factor: Micro ATX | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory: Max128GB (DDR4) | Memory Slots: 4 | Warranty: 3 Yeaes

  • Supports Non-ECC Ram sticks
  • Sports digital VRM solution
  • Has HDMI and DVI ports
  • Features Gen3 M.2 Slot
  • Boasts Audio Noise Guard
  • Packs exclusive Gigabit Lan
  • It comes with five temperature sensors

While many believe that boards that come at an affordable price do not generally offer incredible performance, it is not entirely true. Do not believe us? Go through this review of a board that has a reasonable price tag!

So, what makes this the best budget motherboard? Well, firstly, it has a blazing fast Gen3 M.2 slot. 

Through that, you are sure to get high-performance scores on CrystalMark and excellent overall performance in file transfer tasks. The SATA ports also utilize a high-speed interface.

Other than that, this micro ATX motherboard boasts two PCIe x16 ports. For that reason, it will be possible to build a system that has multiple GPUs. 

Also, there are plenty of USB ports on the I/O. There are even four ram slots, which is not something that a mico ATX motherboard usually has.

This affordable motherboard even has high-quality audio capacitors. Those will ensure that you have an immersed stereo audio-listening experience. 

And the gigabit LAN port of this gigabyte board is up to the mark. The board even supports RGB LED strips, making it the best micro ATX motherboard.

REASONS TO BUY

  • Affordable yet highly capable of pushing Ryzen 3600 to its limit
  • Has ultra-fast M.2 slot
  • Offers high-quality audio experience

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It has one HDMI port only

3. MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI

Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI
MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI (Image credit: MSI)

Socket: AM4| Chipset: AMD X570| Form Factor: ATX | PCIe x16: 2| Memory: Max128GB (DDR4)| Memory Slots: 4| Warranty: 3 Years

  • Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs
  • Can push Ryzen 5 3600 to its limits
  • It has plenty of overclocking features
  • Features an ATX form factor
  • Sports Wi-FI 6
  • It has the same features as some premium boards
  • Features active cooling for the power delivery system

Among all the features, having good overclocking features is a must for the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600. And this one from MSI does have those features.

Unlike most motherboards, this flagship motherboard from MSI offers stellar overclocking performance. 

The Set Core Power Free system will give the Ryzen 5 3600 the power it requires to reach higher clock speeds. With a capable cooler, you can get a good amount of extra performance out of the CPU.

The board also has a Frozr heatsink design, making it better than some premium motherboards. It has a patented fall that has double ball bearings. And that can keep all of the significant components cool. Basically, it is an ideal motherboard for overclockers.

Other than that, it even has enthusiast motherboard features. You can increase memory clock speeds using the easy-to-adjust memory overclocking interface. 

Also, it has extended heatsinks, which will cool down the power delivery system. And, the game boost feature will offer extra performance in loads of AAA games.

REASONS TO BUY

  • Features Frozr heatsink design
  • Easy to overclock AMD Ryzen CPUs
  • Packed with premium features

REASONS TO AVOID

  • The BIOS might be a bit too advanced for some users

4. ASRock A520M/AC Micro-ATX

Best Entry-Level Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

ASRock A520MAC Micro ATX
ASRock A520M/AC Micro-ATX (Image credit: ASRock )

Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD A520| Form Factor: Micro ATX| PCIe x16: 1 | Memory: Max 68GB (DDR4)| Memory Slots: 2| Warranty: 3 Years

  • It supports most of the Zen 2 AMD Ryzen processors
  • Can run 4733 MHz RAM sticks
  • Six-phase power delivery system
  • Built-in Wi-Fi module
  • Gen 3 expansion slot
  • Sports a small form factor
  • Support overclocking

Ryzen processors are surely capable of offering excellent performance. However, you do not really need high-end boards to enjoy all of them. An entry-level motherboard, such as this one from AsRock, can allow you to get the best out of the Ryzen 5 3600.

But what does this entry-level motherboard have to offer? To start with, it has a six-phase power design. 

It has the overclocking support that will let you get the most out of the Ryzen 5 3600. Also, The PCIe gen3 will enable you to get the most out of the GPU you decide to pair up with the system.

Other than that, it supports high-speed RAMs. You can install sticks that are up to 4733 MHz. With the system paired with those sticks, applications will run as smooth as butter. 

And the overall form factor is smaller than some of the best mini ITX motherboard models. That will let you build a compact system.

Even though the motherboard is at an affordable price point, it has built-in Wi-Fi. Thanks to that, there will be no need to get yourself a separate Wi-Fi dongle. 

There is a dedicated M.2 slot, which supports PCIe 3.0. It is highly capable of offering fast data transfer rates.

REASONS TO BUY

  • Reasonably priced
  • It has a micro ATX form factor
  • Supports high-speed memory

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It does not have that many I/O ports

5. Asus Prime A320I-K Mini-ITX Motherboard

Best Mid Range Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

Asus Prime A320I K Mini ITX Motherbord
Asus Prime A320I-K Mini-ITX Motherboard (Image credit: ASUS)

Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD A320| Form Factor: Mini ITX| PCIe x16: 1| Memory: Max 32 (DDR4) | Memory Slots: 2| Warranty: 3Years

  • Safeguards components using Protection III technology
  • Has Safe Slot Core PCIe slot
  • Boasts FanXpert
  • Features a high-performance audio controller
  • It has two SATA ports
  • Can support up to 32 GB of RAM
  • Sports high-speed M.2 slot

One thing that makes the models the best motherboards for the 3600 is their durable components. And a perfect example of a unit such as that would be this one.

To begin with, it has Protection III technology. This safeguards the components and increases the overall longevity. 

In other words, you can rely on this mini ITX motherboard entirely. Also, there is a Safe Slot Core PCIe slot. This slot can handle heavy-weight GPUs like it’s nothing. 

Additionally, this mini ITX motherboard has an industry-leading audio system. It will be able to ensure proper stereo sounds. 

There are two ram slots, which can support up to 32 GB of total memory. Also, the onboard illumination will make your rig light up a bit, even if there are no RGB fans or lights installed.

Talking of which, it boasts FanXpert 2+. Using that, you will have total control over the system fans. 

And as there is a fast M.2 slot, there will be no need to worry about having sluggish data transfer rates either. The Gigabit Lan port is also capable of offering insane network speeds.

REASONS TO BUY

  • Small and highly compact
  • Offers fast data transfer rates
  • Can work with heavy-weight GPUs

REASONS TO AVOID

  • No USB type c support

6. MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi

Best Micro ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

MSI B550M PRO VDH WiFi
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi (Image credit: MSI)

Socket: AM4 | Chipset: AMD B550| Form Factor: Micro ATX| PCIe x16: 1| Memory: Max128GB (DDR4)| Memory Slots: 4| Warranty: 3 Years

  • Supports up to 128 GB of memory
  • Utilizes Core Boost technology
  • Sports Audio Boost
  • Has premium thermal pads
  • Features MATX form factor
  • Runs at dual-channel
  • Offers easy bios update option

Even the workers from the leading digital publisher companies game a little. And this motherboard for Ryzen 5 is surely capable of offering respectable overall FPS in demanding games. 

It even has a lot more to offer. Want to know about them all? Read through the review of this best motherboard for Ryzen.

As the label states, this one has a MATX form factor. That means it will surely be possible to get yourself a compact and small gaming PC using this. 

And even though the form factor is small, it has a lot of ports for storage devices. The blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 will offer steady and reliable data transfer rates. 

The USB ports on the board are Gen 2, which means you will get reasonable transfer rates on those too. It even sports the famous M.2 shield Frozr that MSI MPG is well known for. 

For that, M.2 device will not overheat that quickly. And the core boost technology will ensure the Ryzen 5 3600 is at optimal speed.

Other than that, it has an Audio Boost chipset. That chip is capable of offering crystal clear and high-quality sound. There are premium thermal pads on the core components too. Overall, this is an excellent pick for the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600.

REASONS TO BUY

  • Provides blazing-fast data transfer rates
  • Can offer high-quality audio
  • Capable of keeping core components cool under heavy loads

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It does not have Wi-Fi 6

Choosing the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600

After going through the previous segment, you must have a good idea regarding the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600. 

However, to strengthen your knowledge and to increase the chances of you getting something worthy of every penny, you need to keep these in your mind:

Form Factor

The form factor ATX is the most common type of form factor. It is basically what most of the motherboard board for Ryzen 5 3600 comes in. And the form factor ATX is going to fit inside all of the regular-sized casings that are available.

Read: Best Motherboards For Ryzen 7 3700X

However, if you are looking for something compact, the form factor ATX is not going to cut it. 

Instead, you would need to look into MATX and mini ITX motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600. Those will let you build a system that will be highly compact and small in size.

Chipset

As you know by now, the Ryzen 5 3600 will be the brains of your PC. But what are the brains of the motherboard? Well, it is the chipset! 

Most of the features of the motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 are going to depend on this chipset. Usually, the B series, such as the MSI b450 tomahawk max, is among the affordable lineup.

However, the features that you will find in an X series board, such as Asus TUF Gaming X570, will be higher in number. 

But in comparison, the MSI b450 tomahawk max will have a higher price to performance value, while the Asus Tuf Gaming X570 is more for enthusiasts and extreme overclockers.

Memory Slots

One of the most critical aspects of the motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 is the memory slots. Usually, the higher the number of RAM slots, the better because they will allow you to install a good chunk of ram. 

And considering how demanding the applications are getting nowadays, a higher amount of RAM will surely come in handy. 

So, we would recommend opting for a motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 with at least two ram slots. Also, do consider the maximum memory capacity. It should be at least 32 GB.

PCI-Express Slots

Other than the DIMM slots, consider the number of PCI-Express slots available in the motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600. 

Without having a good number of those, it will be hard for you to install different blazing-fast components. Also, ensure that the M.2 slot is of higher generation, or else you will not get that high transfer speeds.

On that note, a motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 that has multiple PCI-Express x16 slots will let you install multiple GPUs to the system. 

And because of how demanding the games can be nowadays, it would be better to have this. It will act as a future-proofing solution for your system. 

Power Delivery System

The power delivery system is another crucial thing for all the motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600. 

In this case, the better and higher the phase number of the power delivery system is, the better the board will be. With one of those, it will be pretty easy to overclock the Ryzen 5 3600.

Additionally, a motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 with a sound power delivery system will be highly reliable. 

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It will be able to ensure a stable clock speed, and the performance from the processor is going to remain consistent in most of the demanding applications.

CPU Compatability

Most of the 400 and the 500 series are directly compatible with the Ryzen 5 3600. 

However, if you like to have the peace of mind that you will not face any issues when you are trying to upgrade the CPU, look for 3rd Gen CPU compatibility in the motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600.

Components

Most of the motherboard manufacturers are going to opt for high-quality components for the boards. 

However, some of the affordable and budget series might skimp on this. So, while you are planning to opt for one of them, look for the terms “ultra-durable” and “military-grade” components.

The motherboard for Ryzen that has those components will last for an extended amount of time. Also, those components will be able to handle higher loads without any issues.

Connectivity Options

Many of the enthusiasts might refer to the connectivity options as I/O ports. No matter what you call it, it is the same thing. 

And the higher the number of I/O ports a motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 has, the better because it will enable you to install a good amount of peripherals without needing any hubs.

In addition to that, if you have USB type C devices, do check whether the motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 has a type c port or is reader supported or not. Without that, you would have to rely on dongles.

BIOS

Last but not least, consider the BIOS. A motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600 that comes with a good BIOS will offer you additional features. 

And those extra features will surely come in handy when trying to overclock the memory and the core speed of the CPU.

In addition to that, do make sure that the BIOS is easy to upgrade. Without that option, things can get a little tricky when you try to upgrade the Ryzen 5 3600 CPU to something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are MSI MPG and MSI MAG Motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600 the Same Thing?

Even though the name of the boards might sound the same or look similar, they are not the same thing. Motherboard manufacturers will introduce different series to the market. Each will have some features that will be special to that specific series.
So, considering that, you will find some of the features that will be present in the MAG series but will not be available on the MSI MPG boards. The price point of both the boards will not be the same either.

What Are the Highlighting Features of Ryzen 5 3600?

The most highlighting feature of the Ryzen 5 3600 is the core and thread count. It has six cores and twelve threads. Due to having a higher thread count, the CPU offers good overall performance on applications that use multiple cores efficiently.
Additionally, the L3 cache is 32 MB, which is higher than some of the Intel counterparts. However, all these specs will not mean anything if you do not get a good motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600.

Are SATA SSDs Faster Than M.2 SSDs?

Not really. The SATA interface is quite dated and has reached its maximum capacity throughout the years. Nowadays, SSDs can offer significantly higher transfer speeds. And to enjoy those rates, an M.2 or NVME port is essential.

Do Budget Motherboards Offer Good Performance with Ryzen 5 3600?

There is plenty of budget and entry-level motherboards available for the Ryzen 5 3600. 
The features that most of these boards pack are good enough for making the Ryzen 5 3600 run at higher clock speed and offer good overall performance. But they will not shine that bright when it comes to overclocking.

Should I Opt for Higher Speed Memory for Ryzen?

One well-known thing about the Ryzen is that it benefits a lot from the higher-speed memories. It can offer stellar overall performance once paired with a proper dual-channel setup with high-speed memory sticks. 
So, yes, we would recommend getting high-speed memory sticks if your motherboard supports them.

Conclusion

The 3600 is a reasonably capable CPU. After upgrading our machines with it, we were capable of completing most of the demanding tasks smoothly. 

It is also a beast when it comes to gaming. But all of that was possible because we paired it with the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 3600.

And we can assure you that all models we have reviewed in this article are nothing but that! However, while choosing one, do consider the budget and the features that seem essential to you.

Nonetheless, if we were to recommend some models over the others, we would first suggest the ROG Strix B550-F. 

It has a lot of advanced features, which the CPU can surely take advantage of. But if your budget is a bit tight,  check out the GIGABYTE B450M. Even though it is affordable, that board is competent too!

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