Best Mini-ITX motherboards for AM5

It all started with a large PC build. But there was always a desire for something more compact, like a Mini-ITX case. With a low-profile cooler and a graphics card like an RTX 5070. Due to the small size, there are some limitations when it comes to VRM quality. Depending on the motherboard’s specs, it becomes clear which CPU to go with.

This article includes all Mini-ITX motherboards for the AM5 socket, not just the best ones. After analyzing the component quality, VRM design, and test results, I compiled my own top 10 list of motherboards. As it turns out, a newer chipset does not always mean better hardware design.

How to choose a Mini-ITX motherboard for AM5

Testing shows that CPU power consumption can differ from the stated TDP. For example, the Ryzen 5 9500F draws up to 88W, and the Ryzen 5 7600 is similar; even the Ryzen 7 7800X3D reaches up to 90W — all within the sub-100W range. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 5 7600X, 7700, and 9600X go up to 125W, and so on.

Taking VRM capabilities into account, the top-tier ranking looks as follows. Thanks to a higher-quality component base, the ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI is on par with the MSI MPG X870I EDGE TI EVO WIFI. Meanwhile, the ASRock A620AI WiFi offers a stronger VRM than many micro-ATX and ATX motherboards.

Could you review the FULL version of the table, which also includes ATX and Micro-ATX models in addition to Mini-ITX boards. Identify the best options for the Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 9 9950X. This ranking includes all Mini-ITX motherboards for the AM5 socket, including lesser-known Chinese brands such as ONDA, Maxsun, Jginyue, Erying, and SOYO.

The ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi costs about half as much as the ASUS ROG STRIX X870-I GAMING WIFI. However, the number and quality of the MOSFETs are on the same level: 10 true phases, 110A each. What you’re paying extra for is USB4 and WiFi 7. Both boards also offer PCIe 5.0 speeds. Of course, it’s also worth looking at real CPU stress test results.

Top 10 Mini-ITX motherboards for AM5

ASUS ROG STRIX X870-I GAMING WIFI

The VRM layout remains the same as on the X670E-I. It features two fans for the VRM and chipset, as well as a rear backplate. Of course, it also includes Wi-Fi 7, two USB4 Type-C ports, two M.2 slots, and PCIe Gen5 x16. Notable extras include the external ROG Strix Hive II sound card, a Wi-Fi 7 antenna, and the ROG FPS module.

ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi

Compared to the B650I Lightning WiFi, the new model features an upgraded VRM. It also includes a PCIe 5.0 graphics card slot and two M.2 slots. Notably, it lacks USB4 and USB 3.2 20 Gbps ports; instead, only 10 Gbps ports are available, one of which is USB-C (DP). It retains Wi-Fi 6E and the Intel Killer E3100G.

ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI

It has the best power delivery system among all Mini-ITX AM5 motherboards. It features active cooling for the M.2 slots and VRM area. It supports PCI Express 5.0, M.2 PCIe 5.0, and Intel WiFi 6E, along with two USB4 Type-C ports (up to 40 Gbps) and five USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The ROG Strix Hive module is more than just a sound card.

ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi

Despite the chipset, the high-quality VRM allows support for any processor. However, keep in mind that there is no BIOS Flashback button. It features a PCIe slot with Gen5 support and two M.2 slots (Gen5 and Gen4). A large M.2 cooling fan is included. It also has four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one of which is Type-C, as well as Wi-Fi 6E.

ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I GAMING WIFI

Slightly lower amperage, but still a 10-phase CPU power delivery compared to the X870-I. The VRM heatsink features a built-in fan. The PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics card slot comes with Q-Release Slim. It includes two M.2 slots with PCIe Gen5 support and an M.2 Q-Slide mechanism. Wi-Fi 7 is included, but there is no USB4.

GIGABYTE X870I AORUS PRO ICE

The CPU power delivery has two fewer phases, but 110A across eight phases still looks solid. A small VRM heatsink also helps cool the USB4 controller. It features a PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slot and a couple of M.2 slots. Other features include proprietary quick-release mechanisms for the graphics card, storage drives, and the Wi-Fi antenna.

MSI MPG X870I EDGE TI EVO WIFI

The VRM heatsink features ventilation openings for the fan. Similarly, the CPU power delivery is built around 8 phases rated at 110A. It supports high-speed DDR5-10000 memory. The XPANDER 5-in-1 card adds an extra M.2 slot, a Type-C port, and more. In total, there are 3 M.2 slots (only one of which is PCIe Gen5), a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, USB4, and Wi-Fi 7.

GIGABYTE B650I AORUS ULTRA

There are two heatsink sections connected by a heat pipe, plus an additional heatsink for the M.2 drives with an integrated cooler. A large metal backplate is located on the rear of the board, with the third M.2 slot positioned beneath it. It features four USB 3.2 ports, including a USB-C port with DP support. Only one of the M.2 slots supports PCIe Gen5.

MSI MPG B850I EDGE TI WIFI

An example of a high-quality VRM design on a new chipset that outperforms the X870I in real-world tests. A fan is still included for cooling the M.2 slot and the chipset. On the plus side, it features PCIe 5.0 for graphics and a Lightning Gen 5 M.2 slot. It lacks USB4, although it does include a 20 Gbps USB port. The package comes with several cables and a WiFi 7 antenna.

ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-I GAMING WIFI

We note a heatsink with an integrated fan, featuring a mesh cover secured by two screws. The fan only activates when the VRM area reaches high temperatures. In the lower-tier model, ASUS uses less powerful MOSFETs — 70A instead of 110A. It includes everything you need: a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, an M.2 M-key PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, and six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

Conclusions

The next two positions are taken by the MSI MPG B650I EDGE WIFI and ASRock A620AI WiFi. Their VRM quality is also impressive: 8 true phases, 80A. However, they would rank higher if price-to-performance were taken into account. They use budget chipsets, have fewer USB ports, and lack PCIe 5.0 support.

The number of motherboards has increased. We have gathered all Mini-ITX AM5 motherboards to compare VRM quality in the truly compact segment. You can build a mini PC using desktop components, as ultra-compact form factors typically use mobile CPUs and GPUs.