Black Friday motherboard deals: upgrade your platform for less

Upgrade your platform for less this Black Friday

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A motherboard is the foundation of any PC build, and Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to snag one at a discount. Whether you’re building around AMD’s latest Ryzen 9000 series or Intel’s Core Ultra lineup, this year’s sales promise options for every platform.

From high-end models with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support to budget-friendly options for older chipsets, there’s plenty to look out for. However, remember that the newest motherboards—like AMD’s X870 and Intel’s Z890—are less likely to see deep discounts due to their recent release. Here’s everything you need to know about Black Friday motherboard deals.

Black Friday motherboard deals: early discounts

Why upgrading your motherboard is worth it.

A new motherboard provides more than a home for your CPU—it unlocks next-gen features and ensures compatibility with the latest hardware. The X870 motherboards for AMD’s AM5 platform are designed to maximize the performance of Ryzen 9000 processors, offering robust power delivery, PCIe 5.0 for both GPUs and SSDs, and improved memory overclocking for DDR5.

Similarly, Intel’s Z890 boards on the LGA 1851 socket bring top-tier support for Core Ultra CPUs. These motherboards have forward-looking features like Thunderbolt 5, advanced VRM setups, and enhanced AI tuning for overclocking enthusiasts. Remember that these are the only motherboards supporting the Core Ultra series right now.

For those sticking with older platforms like AMD’s AM4 or Intel’s LGA 1700, Black Friday is also a great time to find discounted motherboards that still pack plenty of power for gaming and productivity builds.

High-end boards: X870 and Z890

Since the X870 and Z890 motherboards just launched alongside AMD’s Ryzen 9000 and Intel’s Core Ultra CPUs, don’t expect massive discounts. These boards cater to enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge features, and while prices may dip slightly, stock levels and demand could keep discounts modest.

Mid-range and older chipsets

If you’re building a PC on a budget or sticking to slightly older platforms, Black Friday will likely offer significant savings on chipsets like AMD’s B650 and X670 or Intel’s Z790 and B760. These motherboards provide robust performance and feature sets, often supporting DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 at a much lower price point.

Where to find the best Black Friday motherboard deals

Retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Micro Center, and Best Buy are your go-to sources for motherboard deals. Many brands, including ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock, will likely feature in the sales, so keep an eye on their official stores and partner retailers.

Retailer shortlist – US

• Amazon US
• Best Buy
• Walmart

Retailer shortlist – UK

• Amazon UK
• Currys
• Ebuyer

When do Black Friday sales start?

Black Friday officially lands on November 29th, but motherboard deals are already starting at major retailers. If you’re aiming for a specific board, it’s wise to act early, as popular models can sell out quickly during these sales events.

Cyber Monday is unlikely to feature better motherboard deals than Black Friday, so don’t wait too long. Early shoppers will likely get the best combination of discounts and stock availability.

Features to consider when buying a motherboard

When shopping for a motherboard this Black Friday, consider the following key features:

• Socket and chipset compatibility: Ensure your motherboard matches your CPU. X870 and Z890 are for the newest Ryzen and Core Ultra CPUs, while older models like B650 and Z790 cater to last-gen processors.
• Expansion slots: PCIe 5.0 for GPUs and SSDs is standard on newer boards, but older models may offer only PCIe 4.0.
• Memory support: AM5 and LGA 1851 platforms require DDR5 RAM, while AM4 and LGA 1700 support DDR4, which is more affordable.
• VRM quality: High-quality VRMs are essential for overclocking and maintaining stable performance in demanding workloads.
• Future-proofing: Investing in the latest platforms like X870 and Z890 ensures you’ll be ready for future CPU generations.

Final word

Whether upgrading to the newest X870 or Z890 motherboards or looking for a great deal on mid-range or budget boards, Black Friday offers many opportunities.

While newer motherboards might not see massive discounts, their introduction could drive down prices on older but still capable options, making this the perfect time to build or upgrade your system. Be sure to act fast—popular models won’t stay in stock long!