Best Motherboards for 3rd Gen AMD Threadripper CPUs 3990X, 3970X, 3960X

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CG Director Author Jerry Jamesby Jerry James   /  Updated 

With the release of AMD’s Threadripper 3000 processors (3rd Generation Threadripper), Intel has finally lost the lead in both single-core and multi-threaded workloads.

It seems funny to say this, but if you want the best, an AMD Threadripper 3970X is it.

If you’re looking for a great balance between platform extensibility, CPU performance, and value, nothing beats the Threadripper 3960X CPU. At ~$1400 it offers 24 powerful cores and 48 threads.

With this CPU, gone are the days when you needed two separate systems to get the best rendering performance and a smooth viewport experience.

Threadripper 3000 processors boast high single-core performance, making the viewport experience as snappy as anything else available in the market.

threadripper performance comparison

Source: AMD (altered for readability)

They also feature a high core count, making them excellent for even heavy rendering workloads.

If you want to find out more about these Threadripper processors and how they compare to their Intel counterparts, do check out our Threadripper 3000 launch article.

Quick Motherboard Recommendations:

If you’re in a hurry and want a quick look at what motherboards we’re recommending, here you go:

Price-Tier / FeatureBest Motherboard for Threadripper 3000Link
Under $500ASRock TRX40 CreatorInfo / Buy
Under $600ASRock TRX40 TaichiInfo / Buy
Dual 10G Intel LanGigabyte TRX40 Aorus ExtremeInfo / Buy
Thunderbolt SupportGigabyte TRX40 DesignareInfo / Buy

Factors You Need to Consider:

Do You Need a Threadripper or Ryzen CPU?

Before getting started with picking a TRX40 motherboard, you have to make sure that you’re going with Threadripper out of genuine need and not falling prey to marketing.

Now, I’ll assume that you do need a high core-count processor for your workloads.

So, here’s a list of reasons why you might want to pick a Threadripper CPU instead of a Ryzen 9 3900X/3950X CPU:

    1. Quad Channel Memory: There’s a world of difference between needing ‘more’ RAM and needing more bandwidth. Memory channels increase the bandwidth available, and only some professional workloads can actually use this bandwidth. The mainstream platform’s dual-channel memory bandwidth should be enough for most workloads.
  1. Triple or Quad GPU setups: If you’re rendering using multiple high-end GPUs, or plan to soon, the TRX40 platform would be perfect.
  2. A lot of PCI-E 4.0 Lanes: If you need access to a lot of PCI-E 4.0 lanes, either for storage or getting ready for future GPUs, an argument could be made for grabbing a Threadripper system.
  3. ‘Many’ Powerful Cores: If you need the very best CPUs out there that deliver both core count as well as astonishing single-core performance bar none, the Threadripper 3960X and 3970X are an ideal choice.

If any of the above applies to you, Threadripper is the right choice!

If the above doesn’t apply to you and you can make do with something like a 12 or 16-core CPU, I’d recommend the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X.

AMD Product Stack Threadripper 3rd gen

Source: AMD

If you want to go Ryzen, our Best Motherboards for Ryzen article will help you pick an excellent motherboard for your Ryzen workstation.

Power Delivery (VRMs)

When it comes to power delivery, almost all the TRX40 motherboards for Threadripper seem well-built. Even the entry-level motherboards come equipped with beefy VRMs to ensure that powering these processors isn’t an issue.

In fact, they seem pretty well-equipped to handle even the recently-announced 64-core Threadripper 3990X, if it does end up being compatible with the TRX40 platform.

Yes, I do realize that entry-level boards do cost upwards of $400.

PCI-E Slot Spacing and Expandability

This is one factor that can vary from professional to professional.

Normal GPUs will come in double-slot width sizes, so if you’re planning to run a quad-GPU setup, I recommend opting for the motherboards that have enough space to house those graphics cards.

On the other hand, if your work is more CPU and storage-focused, slot spacing wouldn’t be too much of an issue.

In fact, if you want to go with graphics cards that have thicker heatsinks, you might want to prefer motherboards that allow at least one triple-slot width card.

Form Factor

Motherboards usually offer standard ATX and M-ATX form factors, with the odd E-ATX here and there. However, the extensibility of the Threadripper platform has resulted in some not-so-common form factors out there, including XL-ATX.

If you’re shopping for a motherboard that needs to go into an existing cabinet, please do make sure that the case will support it.

ATX Form Factors Comparison with xl-atx

Just to make things easier, I have listed a few cases that are compatible with the form factors I’ve recommended.

I/O Ports

Back panel connectivity, especially ports that support the latest USB standard could be critical to the workflow of professionals who want to connect faster external devices .

It’s not just speed.

If you’re used to having plenty of USB connectivity to connect several devices, you should make sure that you have enough.

Moreover, 10G LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt ports, and USB-C ports are a few other determinative factors you should consider when looking at a motherboard’s back panel.

What are you willing to spend on a good Motherboard?

Under $500 (CGDirector’s Best Value Recommendation)

ASRock TRX40 Creator (ATX)

Honestly, ASRock confounded me with this motherboard. I tried very hard to find faults with this board, and I have to say, I could only nitpick.

ASRock’s TRX40 Creator comes equipped with an ideal 4x double-spaced PCI-E slot configuration and even outmatches its pricier competitors when it comes to LAN speed.

ASRock TRX40 Creator Hero

Source: ASRock

Eight phases of 90A power stages should be enough to power even the upcoming 64-core Threadripper SKU (theoretically). So, both the 32 and 24-core processors won’t be limited in any way at all.

Performance-wise, you’re not missing out on anything if you pick the ASRock TRX40 Creator.

When it comes to the I/O, I do take issue with the lack of a pre-installed I/O shield. I know, being at the lower end of the TRX40 motherboards price spectrum must come at the cost of something or the other.

That aside, the USB port selection isn’t too extensive either with 7 USB ports, out of which 3 support the latest, fastest USB standard.

However, it’s the dual LAN (10GbE and 2.5 GbE) and Intel Wi-Fi 6 that vaults this motherboard past even some costlier alternatives like Gigabyte’s TRX40 Aorus Master.

ASRock TRX40 Creator top

Source: ASRock

The PCI-E slot configuration would interest professionals who’re considering quad-GPU setups for rendering.

The evenly-spaced slots make the ASRock TRX40 Creator’s layout far more pleasing for such a setup.

ASRock TRX40 Creator io

Source: ASRock

The only minor issue I could come up with from a hardware point-of-view was the fewer VRM phases and the active cooling solution on the VRM in addition to the chipset fan.

It’s not a bad VRM, by any stretch.

ASRock’s TRX40 Creator puts all other motherboards in its price bracket to shame.

It offers better features, and its beefy VRM even outperforms higher-phase VRM models from other brands – teaching us yet again, quality over quantity.

Here’s a snapshot of a few tests run by Tech Yes City (Big thanks!):

ASRock TRX40 Creator VRM Temps

Data-Source: Tech Yes City

 

ASRock TRX40 Creator pcie4 Temp Test

Data-Source: Tech Yes City

 

ASRock TRX40 Creator pcie4 chipset temps

Data-Source: Tech Yes City

As if the VRM performance wasn’t convincing enough, this TRX40 motherboard comes in a convenient standard ATX form factor, unlike some unusual sizes we’ve been seeing – ensuring that finding a case won’t be an issue.

Unless you have an issue with this board’s PCI-E spacing or lane bandwidth (x16/x8/x16/x8), the ASRock TRX40 Creator is the motherboard I recommend to most professionals out there.

Note – If you’re going to be running both extended CPU-GPU rendering workloads, I’d recommend shopping for something stronger like the Gigabyte Aorus TRX40 Extreme. 

Under $600

ASRock TRX40 Taichi (ATX)

ASRock seems to have done everything right with this release. The Taichi is overbuilt and quite impressive.

Whether it’s the VRM, PCI-E slots, or expansion capabilities.

ASRock TRX40 Taichi hero

Source: ASRock

The Taichi seems to be the only motherboard that offers 3 full-length, full-speed x16 PCI-E 4.0 slots. The layout is perfect for those who want to go with a triple-GPU setup with considerable future-proofing.

Moreover, if you have a GPU with a thicker heatsink, you’ll want a layout that looks like this rather than double-width spaced slots.

However, if you were considering a quad-GPU setup, you’ll have to compromise on lane width and go with something like the ASRock TRX40 Creator.

ASRock TRX40 Taichi top

Source: ASRock

Its VRMs are overdone, and don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining at all!

It features a 16-phase (12+2+2) VRM with 90A MOSFETs.

The heatsink on the board also does an excellent job at cooling it, with the 24-core processor barely pushing the temperatures past 40°C.

What does this mean for an average professional? You could upgrade to a 64-core Threadripper (if possible) without changing anything else, and the Taichi will be able to handle it, even overclocked.

ASRock TRX40 Taichi vrm temps

Data-Source: Tech Yes City

When it comes to rear-panel I/O, the Taichi does compromise a bit compared to the Creator. There is no 10G LAN and instead, the board is equipped with Dual Dragon 2.5 GbE LAN and Intel Gigabit LAN.

Nonetheless, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are both built-in so you don’t need to use any add-in cards.

ASRock TRX40 Taichi io

Source: ASRock

Like most of the other motherboards in the TRX40 motherboard lineup, Thunderbolt isn’t available on the Taichi either. If that is a factor, there’s no option but to go for the Gigabyte TRX40 Designare.

Honorable Mentions

Dual 10G LAN: Gigabyte TRX40 Aorus Extreme (XL-ATX) ~$850

ASRock’s value just can’t be beat, unless you need dual 10 Gigabit LAN or need to run a combination of extended CPU+GPU rendering workloads. 

The Gigabyte Aorus Extreme is an ‘extremely’ well-built motherboard with all you’d expect from a professional-grade product – beefy VRMs, great features, ample extensibility, and so on.

It is also among the costlier TRX40 motherboard options out there.

Gigabyte TRX40 Aorus Extreme hero

Source: Gigabyte

One of my gripes with the Aorus Extreme is the lack of an x16/x16/x16 mode in case the fourth slot isn’t populated. However, you’re left with a rigid x16/x8/x16/x8 layout, much like the ASRock TRX40 Creator.

Gigabyte TRX40 Aorus Extreme top

Source: Gigabyte

In addition to the 4 M.2 connectors on the board, the Aorus Extreme also bundles in an Add-In Card that can house 4 additional M.2 devices if needed.

From a VRM point of view, you needn’t worry at all. The motherboard is more than capable of handling even a 64-core Threadripper (if/when the time comes), so the current Threadrippers aren’t an issue at all.

Gigabyte TRX40 Aorus Extreme io

Source: Gigabyte

When it comes to the rear panel I/O, Gigabyte can’t be beat. It houses 8 USB ports, with ALL of them supporting the latest USB standard (3.2 Gen 2).

But the real reason this motherboard deserves a special mention is the onboard LAN – dual 10G Intel LAN.

It has all the other bells and whistles we’d expect from a professional motherboard at this price point – Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, and a top-notch audio solution.

A small caveat with this motherboard is the unfortunately right-angled 24-pin motherboard power connector. With the power cables coming in from the right rather than from the top, your case will need additional side space to accommodate the thick cable.

Moreover, the board’s XL-ATX form factor isn’t standard, and finding cabinets could become a pain (see below).

Thunderbolt Support: Gigabyte TRX40 Designare (XL-ATX) ~ $630

Yes, it’s another Gigabyte motherboard.

For some reason, the Gigabyte TRX40 Designare is the ONLY TRX40 motherboard with a Thunderbolt header.

Since this motherboard is only recommended for those who absolutely NEED Thunderbolt, I won’t be going over the full motherboard specifications in great detail.

Gigabyte TRX40 Designare Box

Source: Gigaybte

Thunderbolt isn’t built-in and requires the use of an included add-in card – meaning one of your PCI-E x4 slots will be occupied by it.

Now, at first, this won’t seem like an issue. But take a closer look at the slot layout.

Gigabyte TRX40 Designare top

Source: Gigabyte

Notice anything? There’s no PCI-E x4 slot on the motherboard!

So, to use the Thunderbolt AIC, you’ll HAVE to sacrifice one of your full-length PCI-E x16 slots.

I’m still not sure if I missed something, but from the official specifications of both the motherboard and the card, that’s what it looks like.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, because even with an x4 slot in the middle, you wouldn’t be able to use a double-width GPU in the slot right after it. However, many professionals do use custom water cooling loops to get around this issue.

So, if you need Thunderbolt 3, you’re effectively stuck with a pricey 3-slot motherboard.

And if you don’t need Thunderbolt, well, you shouldn’t buy the Designare at all.

Gigabyte TRX40 Designare io

Source: Gigabyte

The TRX40 Designare does come with Dual Intel Gigabit LAN. However, the absence of even 2.5 GbE or 5 GbE LAN at this price point is quite strange.

I guess it speaks volumes to the cost of getting Thunderbolt 3 on the TRX40 platform. The rear panel is well-populated in general, plenty of USB slots.

However, Gigabyte decided to equip the motherboard with 2 USB 2.0 slots in addition to 6 latest-gen USB 3.2 Gen 2 slots.

The VRMs are solid and, like so many other TRX40 motherboards, are overbuilt to a good degree. It will be able to handle even the 64-core Threadripper (if supported by this chipset/socket) when it launches.

Final Thoughts

ASRock and Gigabyte have outdone themselves when it comes to TRX40 motherboards. (Yes, we did take a look at the offerings from Asus and MSI)

In fact, ASRock has done such a stellar job at offering value that it’s hard to recommend anything else unless you have a unique requirement like Thunderbolt or Dual 10G LAN.

Gigabyte did well to cover those bases to ensure that they have some unique offerings in their TRX40 motherboard lineup.

Since all the TRX40 motherboards are quite well-built, you really can’t go wrong with whatever you pick. However, if you want the most for your money, the ASRock TRX40 Creator and Taichi are the best value options out there.

Bonus

What cases can I buy for an XL-ATX motherboard?

Most full tower cases ‘should’ support this form factor. However, to make things easier for you, here are a couple of recommendations:

Corsair 780TCorsair Graphite Series 780T
Phanteks Enthoo Pro 
Fractal Design Define XL R2Fractal Design Define XL R2 

 

That’s about it! What Motherboard or PC-Parts are you thinking of buying?

CGDirector is Reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Jerry James

Hi, I’m Jerry – a Freelance Technical Content Writer and Strategist.
I’ve been building PCs for the past two decades, and I’m not stopping anytime soon.
Feel free to comment and ask for my inputs on your PC builds; I’ll do my best to help out!

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  • MographChamp

    where online are you seeing any of these mobos available and better yet available at their listed msrp? It’s not out there in my searches.

  • Cedric

    Hi Jerry,
    I know this article is a bit 1 year old but I am trying to upgrade my system to had a 3rd GPU and I am having trouble.
    I have the MSI tr40x creator with 3070x CPU and 2X2070 super in Nvlink. There is no space available to had my new 3090 which is a 3 slot card.
    Do know any board I could use for my setup? My 2070s need to say together.
    Thanks

    • Jerry James

      Hey Cedric,

      The MSI TRX40 Creator should be able to accommodate those GPUs. Is your last PCIe slot blocked by your cabinet or are you using additional PCIe add-in cards other than the GPUs?
      If you could share a photo of the inside of your case, it’d help me be more specific.

      Cheers!
      Jerry

      • Cedric

        Thanks for the reply Jerry. Yes my last slot is blocked by my PSU box.
        https://photos.app.goo.gl/Txh1cio5pNcLHLYH6

        If I managed to put it there would it be very hot for the gpu’s

        • Jerry James

          Ah in that case it might be a better and cheaper option to just change your case to something like a Fractal design define XL 🙂

          • Cedric

            Thanks, I will look it that one, I only have fractal cases and find then really good.

  • Jack

    I am planning on building a high end PC for digital animation and game development. I decided to go with 64 core threadripper after seeing how surprisingly underwhelming Intels cpus have been lately.

    I will be building my system in the lancool 2 mesh rgb case with an added dark pro 4 CPU cooler. I am also waiting on the release of Nvidias new 30 series graphic cards. I plan on Including one 3090 within the system. I do have an older Mac system. Any ideas on how to incorporate hard drives from my old Mac into this tower? The reason I asked is that I have my Mac rig for audio work and another Windows rig for animation/game design. I would like to incorporate both into a single unit. This is also the reason why I am going with the TXR40 as it Includes Thunderbolt which is helpful in what I do.

    • Jerry James

      Hey Jack,

      If you don’t need a PC immediately, I’d actually recommend waiting for the Zen 3 (Ryzen 4000) announcement. Worst case, it brings down prices for 3rd Generation Threadripper parts further.

      As for the processor choice, do take a look at our 3990x review for more info 🙂 I wouldn’t recommend the CPU for active viewport work.
      https://www.cgdirector.com/amd-threadripper-3990x-review/

      But for rendering and virtualization, it has no real competitor.

      What kind of hard drives were you using with your Mac?

      Cheers!
      Jerry

      • Jack

        I was running a 6 and 8 tb SSL drives for Mac.
        The software I use for digital animation is Daz 3D, Reallusion iClone 7/Character Creator 3 and Unreal Engine. I thought threadripper would be good for the software I use.

  • simon

    hi Jerry

    great article – im about to buy a threadripper setup and wanted to see your thought son my setup and most importantly, motherboard…..
    Im a 3d visualiser and use 3ds max and corona – i do want to dabble into real time in the near future hence the 2080 card.

    For the motherboard, i m not sure what to get, ive been told by the technician at the store that either an asrock TRX40 taichi or a Gigabyte Aorus Pro wifi TRX40… Im not sure if any newer recommendations have come out since your write up – any help at all would be much appreciated as its quiet a large investment for me.

    Ryzen 3970
    Noctua U14-S TR4-SP3
    128 Gig Ram G.Skill F4-3200C
    Samsung 970 Pro 1TB – (used for windows installation/programs and scene files – maybe some regular
    use models and textures)
    WD 10TB Ultrastar Secondary drive (for my 3D model assets) –
    ASUS Rog strix GTX 2080S
    Case Coolermaster MCB CM694
    Power Supply – corsair CP-9020180 AU RM850X 80 plus

    Thanks so much looking forward to your response.
    Simon

    • Jerry from CGDirector

      Hey Simon,

      I’m glad you found the information helpful! 🙂

      Your build looks good to me. I can see that you’ve done some thorough research before picking those parts. No real reason to change anything there.

      Now for the motherboards, my recommendations haven’t really changed. ASRock’s Taichi would be an excellent option as it does offer great value for money. The only downside is the lack of a 4th full-length PCI-E slot. If that’s not an issue for your workloads, then I see no reason to skip it 🙂

      Other options that I like are MSI TRX40 Creator and ASRock TRX40 creator.

      Cheers!
      Jerry

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