Choosing CPUs, motherboards & memory starts with a simple fork: are you replacing the platform around your processor, or adding desktop memory to a build that already has a suitable board? The three ATX motherboards here divide between AM4 DDR4 and AM5 DDR5, while the G.SKILL entry is a single DDR5 memory module. That distinction matters more than comparing their prices side by side.
Quick take
Pick the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi for the stated AM4 DDR4 route and named Ryzen 3000 through 5000-series processor support. The AORUS X870E PRO ICE and ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI both target AMD AM5 with DDR5, but they differ in condition and included details. The G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 belongs in a memory-only purchase: it is listed as one 32GB DDR5 module rather than a motherboard.
The listed-price range runs from $124.99 to $379.00, a $254.01 spread. Treat that as a scope-and-platform comparison, not a direct like-for-like contest: a memory module and a motherboard solve different parts of a PC build.
Listed-price comparison
| Item | Listed price | Relative price |
|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX | USD 167.99 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard | USD 199.99 | |
| Factory Refurbished) ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard | USD 124.99 | |
| G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 32GB 1x32GB DDR5 6000 CL32 XMP 3.0 Intel Desktop Memory | USD 379.00 |
Decision matrix
- Building around an AM4 DDR4 setup: The MSI board is the clear match because its title specifies AM4 and DDR4, and its processor support list names AMD Ryzen 5000, 5000 G, 4000G, and 3000 series processors.
- Choosing an AMD AM5 DDR5 ATX board in open-box condition: The AORUS X870E PRO ICE pairs its AM5 and DDR5 title with AMD EXPO, Wi-Fi 7, four DIMM slots, and M.2 expansion.
- Choosing an AMD AM5 DDR5 ATX board in refurbished condition: The ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI is the lower-priced AM5 motherboard, sitting $75 below the AORUS model, and its package description names several included setup accessories.
- Adding one desktop memory module: The G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 is the relevant selection when the purchase calls for one 32GB DDR5-6000 CL32 module with XMP 3.0.
Product notes
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX
Choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi when your plan is specifically an AM4 DDR4 build using one of the named Ryzen families. Its description calls out Ryzen 5000, 5000 G, 4000G, and 3000 series support, alongside PCIe 4.0, an M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, and AMD Wi-Fi 6E. New condition is another concrete point for shoppers weighing the three motherboard routes. Its limitation is platform direction: this is explicitly an AM4 DDR4 ATX board, so it is not the match for an AM5 or DDR5 motherboard build.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard
The AORUS X870E PRO ICE fits an AMD AM5 DDR5 ATX build where AMD EXPO and Wi-Fi 7 are part of the requested specification. It also lists M.2 expansion, on-board audio, HDMI and Ethernet, while the description identifies four DDR5 DIMM slots and PCIe 5.0 storage options. Its white-themed design gives themed builds a specific visual direction without changing the underlying platform choice. The tradeoff is its open-box condition. Choose this route when those AM5, DDR5, EXPO, and Wi-Fi 7 details matter to your parts list and open-box condition suits the purchase.
ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI gives you an AM5 DDR5 ATX motherboard route with M.2, PCI Express x1, and PCI Express 4.0 x16 expansion listed. Its description also names support for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series desktop processors and includes a SATA cable, I/O shield, M.2 screws, an M.2 standoff, and a Wi-Fi antenna. That makes it a focused choice for an AM5 build at the lowest listed motherboard price in this comparison. The limitation is condition: it is factory refurbished and identified as certified-refurbished rather than new or open box.
G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 32GB 1x32GB DDR5 6000 CL32 XMP 3.0 Intel Desktop Memory
G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 is for a different purchase decision from the ATX boards: it is listed as one 32GB desktop DDR5 module. The title pairs that format with DDR5-6000, CL32, and XMP 3.0, giving shoppers a concrete memory specification rather than a platform replacement. Select it when a single-module desktop memory upgrade is the goal and that 32GB format fits the intended configuration. Its limitation for motherboard shoppers is scope. It adds memory rather than supplying an AM4 or AM5 board, so it should be chosen alongside a suitable platform plan, not in place of one.
Final recommendation by use case
For the named Ryzen 3000 through 5000-series AM4 DDR4 path, choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi. For an AM5 DDR5 board, pick the AORUS X870E PRO ICE when its Wi-Fi 7 and AMD EXPO specifications are the draw; pick the ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI when a refurbished AM5 route with the stated accessory bundle is preferable. Choose the G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 when the need is one 32GB DDR5 memory module, not a motherboard.
