Products at a Glance
How we picked the best motherboard for the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super
As is protocol with our buying guide research, the process of choosing the best motherboard for the RTX 4080 Super started with analyzing publicly available benchmarks and reviews to assess how different motherboards perform with high-end GPUs, particularly in terms of PCIe bandwidth utilization and power delivery. Overall, motherboards that excelled in stable power delivery and high-speed data transfer while remaining cool made it onto this list, as the unit needs to fully leverage the heavy GPU load of the RTX 4080 Super. We also consider the longevity and upgradeability of the motherboard, ensuring it can support the future hardware and technology advancements of an investment built to last.
In addition to performance metrics, we evaluate motherboards based on their build quality, ease of installation, and overall user experience. A user-friendly BIOS interface, clear component labeling, and a logical layout are essential for a smooth building process. Finally, we take into account additional features like cooling solutions, onboard audio quality, and aesthetic elements, as they contribute to the overall satisfaction of the build.
At PC Guide, our team has been analyzing all kinds of system upgrades to enhance the performance of your new Super GPU, including what processors and components might also pair up well alongside this 4080. If this has piqued your interest, you can read all about it in the best CPU for the RTX 4080 Super, and the RTX 4080 Super vs the RTX 4080 compares this new Super variant to its original model.
Product Reviews
- Robust VRM for overclocking.
- High-speed DDR5 memory support.
- Extensive storage options.
- Premium pricing.
- Limited PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots.
- May be overkill for moderate users.
The MSI MEG Z790 ACE is a premium motherboard that caters to users seeking a top-tier platform for their high-performance builds. Designed for LGA 1700 socket, it supports 12th/13th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors, making it versatile for various high-end setups. The board stands out with its support for Dual Channel DDR5 memory at 7800+MHz (OC) and a maximum storage capacity of 128 GB. Its dual Thunderbolt 4 ports offer exceptional connectivity, supporting 40 Gb/s speeds and 8K display support, enhancing its appeal for content creators and professionals.
The extreme power design of the MSI MEG Z790 ACE, featuring a 24+1+2 phase power design with 105A Smart Power Stage, is ready to unleash the maximum performance of any compatible CPU. This makes it an ideal choice for users interested in pushing their systems to the limit through overclocking. Given that this unit also made the list as one of the best motherboards for the RTX 4080, it’s clear that it will also be an excellent pairing with the Super refresh of this card.
- Advanced AI-driven features.
- Strong overclocking capabilities.
- High-speed connectivity options.
- No 10G Ethernet support.
- Mediocre audio codec.
- May be expensive for some budgets.
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI is a motherboard designed for those who love to push the boundaries of their systems, particularly appealing for deep learning and high-end gaming setups. Ready for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, this motherboard is equipped with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware advancements.
Its AI-driven features, including AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and AI Networking, provide a smart and automated approach to system optimization. The robust power solution, featuring 18+1 90A power stages, high-quality alloy chokes, and durable capacitors, supports multi-core processors and facilitates stable and efficient power delivery.
The high-performance gaming networking capabilities, including onboard WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, enhance online experiences, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and professionals.
- Affordable yet feature-rich.
- Strong VRM for overclocking.
- Advanced connectivity options.
- Lacks PCIe Gen5 for GPU.
- No RGB lighting.
- Not ideal for top-tier Ryzen CPUs.
The Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX is an impressive budget-friendly motherboard that doesn’t skimp on features necessary for a high-performance build. Designed for the AMD AM5 socket, it supports the latest Ryzen 7000 Series processors, making it future-proof for upcoming AMD CPUs. The motherboard is DDR5 compatible, supporting 4 DIMMs with AMD EXPO and Intel XMP memory module support, allowing for high-speed memory configurations.
Thermal management is a highlight, with a cutting-edge design that includes a 6mm heatpipe, fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, and M.2 thermal guard, ensuring components stay cool under load. Its next-gen connectivity is impressive, featuring PCIe 5.0, PCIe 5.0 NVMe x4 M.2, and both front and rear USB-C ports.
Fast networking with 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5, along with dynamic audio capabilities, makes this board a complete package for gamers and professionals alike. The EZ-Latch feature for PCIe and M.2 connectors adds convenience to the build process.
- Great Feature-Set
- High Compatibility
- Sleek Design
- Power Hungry
If you’re building a gaming PC for the RTX 4080 Super, pairing it with an AMD processor is always a wise choice, and the ASUS Prime X670E-Pro-Wifi is the perfect match for that partnership. This motherboard, based on the AMD X670 chipset and AM5 socket, ensures that you have the latest generation units powering your rig. It’s specifically designed to leverage the strengths of the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series desktop processors. The ASUS Prime X670E-PRO WiFi stands out for its impressive price-to-performance ratio, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to pair their 4080 Super with a powerhouse like the 7800X3D.
The motherboard boasts a great feature set, including PCIe 5.0 support and dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, complemented by RGB Aura lighting effects, which add to the aesthetic appeal of gaming setups. However, it’s worth noting that the ASUS Prime X670E-PRO WiFi can be power-hungry. This is not unusual for a motherboard designed to support high-performance components and features: to manage this, ensure that your PSU can handle the demand, especially if you plan to overclock or run other power-intensive tasks.
Features and considerations
The RTX 4080 Super utilizes PCIe 4.0, so selecting a motherboard that supports this standard is essential to fully harness the GPU’s capabilities. Additionally, considering a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support could be beneficial for future-proofing, as it offers even higher bandwidth for the upcoming hardware you’ve not yet got in your rig.
Apart from these technical aspects, the choice of motherboard will also influence the system’s expansion capabilities and connectivity options. So, it could be said that features such as multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, ample SATA ports for additional storage, and sufficient USB ports, including high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2, are important for a modern, high-end build.
Is B550 good for RTX 4080 Super?
The RTX 4080 Super is compatible with B550 chipset motherboards. While B550 motherboards support PCIe 4.0, which is less than the PCIe 5.0 supported by the RTX 4080 Super, the GPU can still operate effectively on these motherboards. The RTX 4080 Super will function with PCIe 4.0’s bandwidth, which is sufficient for most gaming and professional applications.
Our Verdict
Final thoughts
And so concludes our investigation into the best motherboards to pair up with the RTX 4080 Super GPU. As our top pick, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE offers a robust platform for users seeking top-tier performance, particularly when it comes to overclocking and high-speed memory support. On the other hand, for those prioritizing deep learning and high-end gaming, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI provides advanced AI-driven features as well as strong overclocking capabilities.
The Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX stands out as the best budget option, offering an affordable yet feature-rich solution for those building a mid-range system. Lastly, the ASUS Prime X670E-PRO WiFi, as the best choice for gamers, strikes an excellent balance between performance, aesthetics, and price, making it a versatile option for a variety of builds.