The Ryzen 5 3600 is a superb processor for gaming and productivity tasks. It delivers exceptional performance and overclocking capabilities without breaking the bank. AMD offers customers the same basic underlying features as the best mid-range processor, which is the Ryzen 5 3600X.
This is a $200 processor with a six-core 12-thread design, 32MB of L3 cache, 24 lanes of PCIe 4.0. It also comes with a bundled 65W Wraith Stealth cooler that you can use for stock clocks. This processor packs a great amount of performance that can be overclocked to match other more expensive processors.
In order to use your Ryzen 5 3600, you need to install it to a compatible AM4 motherboard. You may use motherboards with older chipsets, but not all of them are supported. The motherboard is a crucial component of your computer. It is the backbone of it, and it determines how well every other part will operate.
So how do you choose a motherboard for this processor? We have rounded up all the things you need to consider and the best options to look at just for you.
Quick Links
Things To Look For in a Motherboard for Your Ryzen 5 3600
As we have said earlier, not all motherboards will be able to run your Ryzen 5 3600. There are a lot of things to consider, including the physical and software compatibility of the two. It can be quite perplexing to choose a good board, especially if it’s your first time and you have no clue what to do.
If that’s the case, don’t worry. We got you covered. Here are the factors and elements you need to consider in choosing your motherboard.
Socket and Chipset
The most important and very first thing you should consider when buying a motherboard is the socket and chipset. If your processor and motherboard are physically incompatible, then it is impossible to make them work. So take a look at what sockets and chipsets can fit with the AMD Ryzen 5 3600.
All of Ryzen’s processors are compatible with AM4 sockets. The chipset mostly depends on how much you’re willing to spend. If you have a low budget, a basic chipset board with entry-level features will suffice.
On the other hand, it would be great to invest in a premium chipset board if you can spend more. The extra features like having PCIe 4.0 slots would really push the Ryzen 5 3600 to its full overclocking potential.
Form Factor / Motherboard Size
Now that you know that your processor can physically fit into a motherboard, it’s time to see if your case can do the same. The form factor of a mother refers to its fixed dimensions that make sure all components fit together.
This determines the final size of your system, so it is a crucial thing to consider when shopping for a motherboard. You also have to make sure that your motherboard will be compatible with your case.
Motherboards have three traditional; sizes, and they have different capabilities and features.
- This is the standard size for motherboards and is also the largest, with 12 x 9.625-inch dimensions. It offers the most space, plugs, and slots. These usually offer five total PCI-Express and PCI slots. So if you want a large system, this would be your go-to option.
- Micro-ATX. 4 inches smaller than the usual ATX. It occupies less space but has fewer expansion slots with only three.
- Mini-ITX. If you need a small PC, this can get the job done. With a tiny motherboard like this, expect fewer options and ports. A mini-ITX motherboard usually has only one PCI-Express x16 graphics card slot.
Connectivity
Motherboards come in different numbers and accessibility to ports and slots. Although you can use third-party expansion cards or extension cords, they always perform better when integrated into the motherboard. So it’s nice to see what your board already has installed.
Basic connectivity includes ethernet ports, NIC, USB3, USB Type-A, and USB Type-C ports, giving you a data transfer speed of around 10 Gbps. A Wi-Fi controller is also a great plus, so you don’t have to buy a dedicated Wi-Fi card.
Ports
Make sure to check what ports your motherboard has to offer to see if the external connections you need are available.
USB headers are great to have because they allow you to have some more extra ports through front-panel connection and using cheap expansion slot brackets at the back.
Here are the common ports that are nice to have on your motherboard,
- USB 2. Not the fastest USB connection, but it is a basic port that is sufficient for connecting your mouse and keyboard.
- USB 3.1. This is the most important port to have, and you can always use more of these as they can be used with almost any peripheral.
- USB 3.2. Offers twice the speed of USB 3.1 with two 10 Gbps lane. This isn’t a very common port to have today since you can only find it on mid to high-end motherboards, but it’s definitely nice to have high-speed data transfer available when needed.
- USB Type-C. These are compatible with either USB 3.1 Gen1 or USB 3.1 Gen2 and are designed for newer devices such as mobile phones.
- Audio ports. This is needed for your audio devices such as headphones and speakers.
- HDMI / DisplayPort Video out. If you’re not planning to buy a video card, you need this port to use your integrated graphics.
- PS/2 ports. For you to be able to use really old models of mice and keyboards.
- It provides the fastest possible connection with 40 Gbps.
You only really need USB 2 and 3 ports to have a great PC. While some of these ports are optional, they are really nice to have because they make your PC more future-proof.
Overclocking
If you plan on overclocking your processor, you have to make sure that your motherboard supports it first. For example, your chipset should be able to handle changes in the CPU multipliers and voltages.
Overclocking is a demanding task, and it can stress out your components. So any additional heat-dissipating would be very beneficial in squeezing that extra speed out of your processor.
Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is one of the best-selling processors, not only from AMD, but it also beats the competition. This is because of the value it offers for your money. Because it’s such a popular and in-demand processor, it can be quite hard to choose a motherboard for it.
This is because there are a lot of options to choose from in the market. The best motherboards for the choices are almost endless, and you would have a hard time selecting one on your own. That’s why we saved you hours of research and searching and compiled the top 8 best motherboards for your Ryzen 5 3600.
Msi Mpg X570 Gaming Plus
If you bought the Ryzen 5 3600 for gaming purposes, then this motherboard will go great with your processor as well as your gaming needs. The MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS is a motherboard designed and optimized for gamers.
It has an AM4 socket that is compatible with AMD Ryzen and is perfect for your Ryzen 5 3600. It has MSI Lightning Gen 4 PCI-E which makes full use of your processor’s super-fast PCIe lanes.
It supports DDR4 memory and is equipped with a safety measure called IO shielding, which protects its IO ports from potential electrostatic discharge damage.
The X570 is capable of high bandwidth management, and this task can be pretty stressful. That is why MSI equipped it with a FROZR heatsink design which provides it with exceptional cooling to sustain its heavy performance. This extra cooling feature will allow you to overclock your Ryzen 5 3600 with ease.
Pair this with the Core Boost power delivery system that provides precise current output to the CPU, and you have a motherboard that’s engineered for overclocking and squeezing speed out of your processor without stressing your components.
If you think that you’ve seen how good this motherboard is for gaming, wait till you learn about MSI Gaming Tools. This is a unique and cleverly designed set of hardware and software tools made to give you an edge at gaming. So If you’re a really competitive gamer, this will always keep you one step ahead of your rivals.
Overall, the MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS is a top choice if you bought your Ryzen 5 3600 for gaming or if you really want to do some overclocking.
Asus Rog Strix X570-E
If you like style and performance in the same picture, the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E might be the perfect motherboard to pair with your Ryzen 5 3600. It’s a high-quality board that supports all of the 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs.
It has an AM4 socket and dual PCIe4 M.2 slots. This allows you to have two high-speed PCIe 4 storage devices and lets you enjoy the fastest data transfer speeds. It is physically built to go with the latest AMD Ryzen CPUs.
With digital power control and an array of power stages, it can easily give stable power to CPUs. Its ProCool II sockets are designed so that they make flush contact with PSU power lines, and the metal armor that comes with it ensures sufficient heat dissipation. These powerful features make the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E ideal for overclockers.
But the main thing we love about this motherboard is its aesthetics. It comes with built-in RGB LEDs and strips connected to the onboard RGB header. One of the coolest features it packs is the ASUS Aura which gives you totalRGB lighting control and allows you to sync your motherboard with other Aura-capable hardware.
This gives you a motherboard with awesome capabilities and stunning aesthetics that would go perfectly with your Ryzen 5 3600. If you want the backbone of your PC to be in style, this is the best buy for you
Asrock b550M Steel Legend
A midrange B550M motherboard that offers stability and great features for its price. It has an AM4 socket, and it is fully compatible with 3rd-gen AMD processors. The name Steel Legend comes from its reinforced steel slot for PCIe 4.0 with next-generation standards.
It provides you with benefits such as extra anchor points, stronger latch, ensures signal stability, and allows heavy graphics cards to be installed properly. This gives you confidence that your components fit properly, and you won’t have to worry about having loose connections on your board.
One awesome feature that other motherboards don’t have in this price range is the availability of USB 3.2 Gen 2. The ASRock B550M Steel Legend has a pair of onboard Type-A and Type-C USB 3.2 Gen2 ports built on the rear i/o. This allows you to have data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, double that of Gen 1 USB 3.2s.
The USB 3.2 Type-C also doubles your charging speed. So if you’re up to speed, this motherboard doesn’t disappoint, especially when you consider its price tag. It has a massive aluminum alloy heatsink that is made to dissipate heat from your chipset and ensure stable performance for your system.
It is also equipped with other power solutions such as Premium 60A Power Choke, Dr. MOS, High-Density Glass Fabric PCB, Full Spike Protection, and I/O Armor that are designed to provide your system with sufficient and stable power while keeping it safe from static electricity and short circuits.
With these features and build quality, the ASRock B550M Steel Legend is really as versatile and durable as steel. It’s not the perfect motherboard, but it is definitely worth your money.
At this price range, you couldn’t really ask for more. If you want a cheap but solid budget motherboard to go with your Ryzen 5 3600, this is one of the best picks.
Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite
If you need the best motherboard in the cheapest price range, the Gigabyte A520 AORUS Elite is perfect for your needs. It is an entry-level motherboard that gives you all essential real-world features at a very low price.
Not everyone has the budget or need for a high-end monster gaming system. Some of us can only afford or just want something to use for basic tasks, light gaming, and productivity. These are the buyers that should go for the Gigabyte A520 AORUS Elite.
It has an AM4 socket, and it supports the Ryzen 5 3600 and other Ryzen CPUs, reaching peak performance of its memory at speeds over DDR4-4000. It doesn’t have PCIe 4.0, but that’s a small setback at this price. Even Intel systems don’t have PCIe support either. Instead, it has a PCIe 3.0 and 4x SATA, which is more than enough for your practical needs.
The rear I/O comes with a good selection of USB ports for its ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, three Gen 1 ports,, and four 2.0 ports. For display, it has a DVI-D port and HDMI 2.1. Though it lacks USB Type-C, it has already gone beyond its price in terms of port availability.
One that sets it apart from the competition is the audio built around the ALC1200 codec. Basically, this allows you to have a choice between the headset, S/PDIF, or HDMI audio. This is a premium feature that can only be found on more expensive motherboards. But Gigabyte is giving it to you for less than $100.
So for practical use and for users who are on a tight budget, the Gigabyte A520 AORUS Elite is a steal with its price. There is no motherboard with all its features and capabilities that costs $100 below that is better than this one. That makes it our top pick for an entry-level motherboard for the Ryzen 5 3600.
Asus Rog X570 Crosshair Viii Formula
For those of you who want to get the most out of your Ryzen 5 3600, a premium motherboard is what you’re looking for. So here we have ASUS’s top-of-the-line X570 motherboard packing awesome features and specifications that every enthusiast lusts for.
It has an AM4 socket and PCIe 4, which makes it perfect for your Ryzen 5 3600. In addition, it boasts unthrottled transfer speeds with its dual PCIe 4.0 storage which supports NVMe SSD RAID. With this, you can make a RAID configuration using two PCIe 4 storage devices for a big leap in performance and speed.
If you want to boost your Ryzen 5 3600, this motherboard makes overclocking smooth as butter with its comprehensive thermal design. It has a CrossChill EK III cooling system that uses both water and air. With this, you can achieve 29.3°C-lower MOSFET temperatures on water. This means that your system wouldn’t heat up even under heavy stress while overclocking.
Another premium feature it has is the Livedash. Livedash is a built-in OLED panel that lets you see useful information about your system and allows you to customize different gifs and graphics. It even lets you put your own image or animation on display on your motherboard. Talk about personalization.
The ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Formula is one of the best when it comes to speed, performance, and customization. So if you have the extra money to spend on a motherboard, we suggest you check out this premium top pick from ASUS.
Asus AM4 Tuf Gaming X570-Plus
If you’re looking for a flagship chipset but still want to leave room in your budget for other important components, ASUS’s AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus might just be the answer. It’s a reliable mid-range motherboard with the durability and performance of a more expensive one.
It supports all 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD processors, including the Ryzen 5 3600. It has an AM4 socket and dual PCIe 4.0 slots which provides NVMe SSD RAID support. This will allow you to give your system a significant boost in speed and performance.
If that’s not enough for you, you can always overclock your processor, and this motherboard allows you to do that with ease. It has a built-in cooling system and power solutions that make it ideal for the task.
It utilizes 12+2 Dr. MOS power stages that provide you with stable and reliable power output and efficiency that AMD processors require. The backbone of your PC would benefit from a superb cooling system with an Active PCH heatsink, VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4. All these features help make overclocking easy and smooth for your system.
When it comes to your connectivity needs, especially for gamers who want every ounce of speed and connection, this motherboard won’t let you down. It comes with exclusive Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet, Intel 2×2 802. 11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, Bluetooth 5.0, TUF LANGuard, and technology. A connectivity package that you would rarely find on a motherboard at this price range.
The ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus definitely gives you value worth more than what you’ll be spending. So if you’re a gamer on a budget or just want a solid board for your system without spending too much, this is a great pick. So check it out.
Msi B450 Tomahawk Max Ii
Here we have another solid entry-level motherboard for those of you who are on a tight budget. A military-inspired motherboard that is both strong and tough for your everyday use. It is compatible with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen / Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics Desktop Processors with its AM4 socket.
It also supports DDR4 memory. Although it doesn’t have PCIe 4 slots, its other features totally overshadow this. We weren’t expecting it to be available in this price range anyway. So that is one little detail, but it doesn’t make this lackluster or anything for an entry-level motherboard.
On the other hand, it already offers USB 3.2 Gen 2 and a Turbo M.2 for a fluid and fast gaming experience. It also has MSI’s signature features like Core Boost, which gives your board ample power to support more cores allowing you to have a stable and reliable system.
It also has MSI Gaming Tools, which is a popular feature built to give gamers an edge over their competition using handy gaming tools.
For cooling, this motherboard has an extended heat sink design. The heat sink is engineered to be bigger so that it can cover a wider surface area for more efficient heat dissipation keeping your VRM and processor from overheating.
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II tops the list of entry-level motherboards and is surely one of the best options if you want a great board for around $100.
Gigabyte B450 Aorus Pro WiFi
If connectivity is a big deal for you and you’re looking for a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi but doesn’t cost a ton, you have finally stumbled upon it right here. The Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI is another budget motherboard that offers great connectivity and solid performance for its price range. Some of its features might even shock you.
For starters, it has an AM4 socket for your Ryzen 5 3600, and it has Dual PCIe Gen3 M.2 NVMe for fast data transfer speeds. The M.2 drives are protected with a thermal guard that ensures that it doesn’t overheat. This addition prevents throttling and bottlenecks so your system can perform at its best.
It also comes with USB 3.1 Gen 2, and we didn’t really expect it at this price, but it already has both USB type C & type A. Another key selling point is the Intel Ethernet LAN + Dual-band 802.11AC Wi-Fi. With all these future-proof ports and onboard Wi-Fi being available, connectivity won’t be a problem.
We also have to give credit to Gigabyte for still putting aesthetics into the conversation even with the low cost. This motherboard comes with RGB Fusion that lets you fully customize the built-in LEDs around the motherboard.
Now you have a motherboard with good performance and speed, greater connections, and personalized aesthetics—all of these for a little over a hundred bucks. The Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI is one of the best value for money budget motherboards you can get for your Ryzen 5 3600.
FAQs About Motherboards
With all this knowledge and options, you are now ready to pick a motherboard for your Ryzen 5 3600. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about motherboards that could be beneficial to you in the future.
How Long Do Motherboards Last?
The lifespan of motherboards isn’t always the same. Some last for only 3-5 years while other products can reach 7-10 years. It also comes down to maintenance and other external factors such as electrical and physical damage.
How Do I Make My Motherboard Last Longer?
As with any other product, cleaning is one of the best solutions to make sure your motherboard lasts for as long as possible. It will also help if you check the capacitors and CMOS battery to avoid leaks that may hinder your PC’s performance or even lead to damaging your motherboard. Make sure that your motherboard also receives sufficient cooling from your case fans.
Why Do Motherboards Wear Out?
There are a lot of factors that contribute to motherboards wearing out, but the most common reasons are physical damage, electrical shocks, and overheating. These can cause your motherboard to die or even fail if kept unchecked.
Can Motherboards Be Infected With Viruses?
Yes, motherboards can also be infected by malware. The motherboard’s BIOS can be infected, and it will launch once the system boots.
Can I Replace My Motherboard?
Yes. You can change your motherboard as long as you make sure that the new one would be fully compatible with your system.
Can Motherboards Be Recycled?
Motherboards still have great value even after being used. The motherboard is even the most recyclable piece of hardware inside your system unit. Good recyclers would buy your board to earn profit from it. Some motherboards even contain gold, and recyclers would extract it for cash.
What Should I Buy Next After My Motherboard?
After you have selected your PSU, CPU, and motherboard, the next component you should be looking for is your Random Access Memory (RAM). Then you can buy a case, and now you have a working rig.
Should I Get the Exact Type of Ram a Motherboard Lists?
Not really. You will have to match the type of memory, whether it’s DDR3 or DDR4, but you can also use speed as a basis in choosing as long as the difference is minimal. Most higher or lower-speed RAMs will adapt to the specifications of the motherboard.
Final Thoughts
Now you are more than ready to pick a motherboard for your Ryzen 5 3600. Each of the options on our list has been carefully selected to suit our description of a good motherboard having all the essential features while catering to different needs and budgets.
So, you can be sure that anything you choose to buy from our top picks would deliver way more value than its price. We saved you the time you had to spend searching online because now you have the best options available in the market.
Now that you have decided on your processor, it’s time to choose a solid backbone for your computer.