New processors don't always lead to an influx of new motherboards, but there does tend to be a correlation between the two, just to ensure that you're getting the most from the new technologies on offer. New CPUs can also introduce a different pinout on the socket, which necessitates a slew of new boards, which is what we've seen with Intel's 10th gen chips (opens in new tab). Alternatively, a new CPU family may plug into existing boards, which is what we've seen with AMD's Ryzen 5000 chips (opens in new tab).
Back to Intel a second, and the new Z490 chipset takes care of the top end of the stack and can be found in the more tricked out motherboards, while the B460 and H470 chipsets can be found in more affordable, mainstream offerings. There are some important differences between these chipsets, with overclocking being an obvious separator, although memory performance and connectivity options are also a factor. Basically the more you spend, the more you're going to get access to. How much of that you actually need is another question, and weighing up features versus price is what separates a good motherboard from a great one.
Things are a little different with AMD, as the more-recently released Zen 5000 family plug straight into existing motherboards. Indeed AMD has stuck with its AM4 socket since the original Ryzen chips dropped. There have been a few new releases this year though, with the 'budget' B550 and A520 chipsets making it into motherboards this summer. Again, if you want the full feature set, then you're going to want to focus on the enthusiast-class X570 chipset, but these more affordable options can still definitely deliver. Plus we're still seeing new motherboards based around the X570 pop up from time to time as well.
This all means a lot of new motherboards have been released this year, sporting a number of new chipsets. We've highlighted three motherboards that have stood out to us below:
Best motherboard 2020: the nominees
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(opens in new tab)We'll be announcing our motherboard of the year on New Year's Eve, so check back then if you want to see which of these excellent offerings impressed us the most. They're all impressive in their own way and highlight just how healthy the motherboard market is right now. With more new CPUs due next year, it's going to be interesting to see how the market develops across a range of prices and form factors.
