The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000-series GPUs, built on the Ampere architecture and launched in September 2020, delivered 45–55% higher 4K gaming frame rates compared to the RTX 2080 Ti, according to TechPowerUp benchmarks. The RTX 3090, released at $1,499, was the flagship model with 24 GB GDDR6X memory and a 350W TDP, making it the most powerful consumer GPU of 2020.
The RTX 3090 requires high-end CPUs to prevent bottlenecks in 4K gaming workloads. Examples include the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (Zen 3, 16 cores, PCIe 4.0 x24 lanes) and the Intel Core i9-11900K (Rocket Lake, 8 cores, PCIe 4.0 x20 lanes). Both processors enable full PCIe 4.0 x16 throughput for the GPU, which is critical for maximizing performance in bandwidth-heavy applications such as 3D rendering and machine learning.
For AMD platforms, the compatible motherboards are based on the X570 and B550 chipsets, supporting PCIe 4.0, DDR4-5100 MHz memory, and up to 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU. For Intel platforms, the Z590 chipset supports PCIe 4.0 and advanced VRM designs, while Z490 and B560 boards are limited in PCIe 4.0 support. Since the RTX 3090 pairs best with stable VRM configurations and full PCIe 4.0 x16 bandwidth, the X570 and Z590 motherboards from manufacturers like ASUS ROG, MSI MEG, and Gigabyte AORUS are the recommended choices for scalable high-performance builds.
MSI MEG Z590 GODLIKE
MSI MEG Z590 GODLIKE is the king of Z590 motherboards for the 10th and 11th-generation Core i-series processors. You can buy this motherboard with closed eyes if you have the budget for it, as it is a flawless motherboard and comes with tons of features that you won’t find in any other motherboard. This motherboard is originally targeted towards content creators, but enthusiast gamers and overclockers can also buy this motherboard, as its overclocking performance is off the charts.
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO is one of the flagship motherboards for the Z590 chipset by ASUS, followed by the MAXIMUS XIII FORMULA. The price of this motherboard is more than most mainstream motherboards, but it is still a lot cheaper than the likes of Z590 GODLIKE or AORUS XTREME. ASUS motherboards are well-known for their good looks and I/O features, which is why this motherboard holds great value for high-end users. With this motherboard, you can easily overclock the 10th or 11th-generation Core i-series processors.
GIGABYTE X570 AORUS XTREME
GIGABYTE X570 AORUS XTREME is one of those motherboards that scream quality. Its top-notch performance allows it to overclock even the mightiest Ryzen processors with ease, while its powerful onboard features are jaw-dropping for even enthusiast users. This motherboard is quite similar to the Z590 GODLIKE in terms of pricing, but it is a motherboard for AMD Ryzen processors, and there is barely any motherboard that can match the features of this one.
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E GAMING
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E GAMING is one of the most popular mainstream motherboards for the Ryzen 5000-series processors, and its high performance allows it to overclock the flagship processors with ease, while providing quality features to the users. The price of this motherboard is lower than that of the ROG CROSSHAIR series motherboards, which is why its design might not be as fascinating.
ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO
ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO is the flagship motherboard for AMD Ryzen 5000-series processors, and its performance is quite similar to the X570 AORUS XTREME despite having a much lower price. The motherboard is based on the X570S chipset, which is an improved variant of the X570 chipset, with no requirement for active cooling for the motherboard. It is a fantastic motherboard, whether you consider its overclocking performance, I/O features, or aesthetics.
