Choosing CPUs, motherboards & memory is mainly a compatibility decision, not a simple question of picking the lowest listed price. These four boards lead to distinct routes: an AMD AM5 DDR5 build, an AMD AM4 DDR4 setup, an Intel 8th- or 9th-generation system, or a replacement board for a Dell Precision 3650 Tower. Start with the processor and memory platform already in your plan, then use features and condition to narrow the field.
Quick take
The AORUS X870E PRO ICE and Dell Precision 3650 Tower board set the USD 199.99-to-USD 89.99 listed range. The AORUS is the specifically named AM5 and DDR5 route, while the Dell is tailored around a named Precision tower. Between the two MSI choices, the Z390-A PRO is directed at Intel 8th/9th Gen on LGA 1151, whereas the MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is an AM4 DDR4 board. That makes the right answer depend far more on the rest of your PC parts than on the small difference between the two MSI prices.
Listed price comparison
| Motherboard | Listed price | Price position |
|---|---|---|
| MSI Z390-A PRO | USD 172.21 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE | USD 199.99 | |
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi | USD 167.99 | |
| Dell Precision 3650 Tower NDYHG 0NDYHG | USD 89.99 |
Decision matrix
- Need an ATX board? The MSI Z390-A PRO, AORUS X870E PRO ICE, and MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi titles each specify ATX. The Dell choice is instead identified for the Precision 3650 Tower.
- Shopping around named connectivity or expansion details? The AORUS title names WiFi 7, the B550 description names WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN, and the Z390-A PRO title calls out M.2 plus USB 3.1.
- Condition matters to you? The AORUS is listed as open box, the Dell board as used, and the MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi as new.
- Replacing a board in a Dell tower? The Precision 3650 name and NDYHG 0NDYHG identifiers make the Dell option the targeted starting point rather than a broad platform comparison.
Product notes
NEW MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard LGA 1151 for 9th/8th Intel ATX M.2 USB 3.1 DDR4
The MSI Z390-A PRO suits a desktop parts list already centered on an 8th- or 9th-generation Intel processor. Its LGA 1151 and DDR4 wording keeps the choice focused, while the ATX, M.2, and USB 3.1 callouts give buyers several named build details to match with their planned components. The limitation is equally concrete: its processor generation, socket, and DDR4 direction are specific, so it is not the route for an AM4 or AM5 plan. Choose it when those Intel-generation terms are already fixed in the build rather than when you are still deciding between platform families.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard
The AORUS X870E PRO ICE is the clear match for an AMD AM5 build whose parts list calls for DDR5, WiFi 7, and AMD EXPO. It also lists M.2 expansion and on-board audio, giving the board a distinct group of named features without assuming anything beyond them. Its limitation is condition: it is listed as open box, unlike the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi, which is listed as new. Pick the AORUS when the AM5 and DDR5 terminology is intentional in your planned system and the listed WiFi 7 capability is part of the decision.
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX
For an AM4 desktop using DDR4 memory, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi offers a direct platform match. Its title establishes the AM4, DDR4, and ATX combination, while its description names PCIe 4.0, M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, and WiFi 6E. That makes it a sensible choice for a shopper who wants those particular connection and storage terms alongside an AMD AM4 board. The tradeoff is the platform itself: AM4 and DDR4 are a separate route from the AORUS board's AM5 and DDR5 wording, so this is not a substitute when those newer platform labels are required.
Dell Precision 3650 Tower Intel W580 Socket LGA1200 Motherboard NDYHG 0NDYHG
The Dell Precision 3650 Tower board is a specific route for someone replacing a board in the named Dell tower. The NDYHG and 0NDYHG identifiers, LGA1200 socket, DDR4 SDRAM, and unlocked BIOS and Computrace details all make its intended context much more defined than the other choices. It is also the lowest-priced board in this comparison. Its limitation is clear as well: the condition is listed as used, and the Precision 3650 Tower naming makes it a narrower pick than an ATX board selected for a fresh parts list. Choose it for that Dell-focused use case, not merely because it sits at the bottom of the listed range.
Final recommendation by use case
- AMD AM5 and DDR5 build: Choose the AORUS X870E PRO ICE for its stated AM5, DDR5, WiFi 7, and AMD EXPO focus.
- AMD AM4 and DDR4 build: Choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi when its AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, and WiFi 6E terms fit your component plan.
- Intel 8th- or 9th-generation desktop: Choose the MSI Z390-A PRO for its LGA 1151 and Intel 9th/8th Gen designation.
- Dell Precision 3650 Tower replacement: Choose the Dell Precision 3650 Tower motherboard when the tower name and NDYHG 0NDYHG identifiers match the intended repair.
