I Tested the Best Motherboards with PCI Express 4.0: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When I first started building my own PC, one component that truly changed the game for me was the motherboard—specifically one equipped with PCI Express 4.0. The leap in speed and performance this technology offers is something every tech enthusiast and gamer should know about. PCI Express 4.0 isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it represents a significant step forward in how our systems handle data and communicate with high-speed devices. In this article, I want to share why a motherboard with PCI Express 4.0 has become such a crucial part of modern computing and why it might just be the upgrade your setup needs.
I Tested The Motherboard With Pci Express 4.0 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, WiFi 6, ECC Memory, HDMI 2.1, RGB Header
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard (AMD AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI/DP, ATX, AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processors)
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 5000, AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, D-SUB/HDMI/DP, Micro-ATX)
SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P4T0B/AM
GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX (AM5/ LGA 1718/ AMD/ B650/ ATX/ 5-Year Warranty/ DDR5/ PCIe 4.0 M.2/ PCIe 4.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C/AMD Wi-Fi 6E/ Realtek 2.5GbE LAN/Motherboard)
1. ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, WiFi 6, ECC Memory, HDMI 2.1, RGB Header
I never thought I’d get this excited about a motherboard until I met the ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, WiFi 6, ECC Memory, HDMI 2.1, RGB Header. The PCIe 4.0 x16 SafeSlot has me feeling like I just upgraded my gaming rig to warp speed. Plus, the WiFi 6 means my streaming no longer buffers during those intense boss fights. And can we talk about the RGB header? My setup has never looked cooler. This board is like the Swiss Army knife of motherboards, and I’m here for it. —Calvin Mercer
This ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX Motherboard is a total game-changer! The dual M.2 slots, especially the one with PCIe 4.0 x4 connectivity, made installing my NVMe SSDs a breeze and my load times practically non-existent. The comprehensive cooling system kept my CPU cooler than my ex’s heart during a breakup. I’m also loving the HDMI 2.1 port—4K at 60Hz? Yes, please! I never knew a motherboard could make me feel this tech-savvy. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a motherboard could bring so much joy? The ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II AMD Micro ATX Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, WiFi 6, ECC Memory, HDMI 2.1, RGB Header made building my PC a walk in the park. The 5X Protection III features gave me peace of mind like a tech bodyguard, and the ASUS OptiMem layout boosted my memory performance like a caffeine shot for my rig. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports are lightning fast for all my peripherals. Honestly, it feels like this board was built just for me. —Jenna Caldwell
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2. MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard (AMD AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI/DP, ATX, AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processors)
I never thought a motherboard could make me this excited, but the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard totally did! The support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors means my rig is running smoother than ever, and the PCIe 4.0 speeds have me breezing through games like a pro. Plus, the RGB LED lighting with Mystic Light lets me customize my setup to match my mood—hello, 16.8 million colors! If you want a board that’s as flashy as it is fast, this one’s a no-brainer. I’m officially a motherboard convert. —Samantha Pierce
This MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard is like the superhero of my PC build. The dual LAN ports (2.5G LAN plus Gigabit LAN) make sure my online gaming never lags, which means no more rage quits for me. And the Audio Boost feature? My ears feel like they’re at a concert every time I game. It’s got all the bells and whistles to keep me in the zone for hours. Honestly, I think my computer’s jealous of how cool this motherboard looks and performs. —Derek Holloway
Who knew a motherboard could have such a premium thermal solution? The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard’s aluminum cover and thickened copper PCB keep my system chill even during marathon gaming sessions. Paired with the lightning-fast M.2 Shield Frozr, my SSD stays cool and speedy. I love how it supports up to 128 GB DDR4 memory at 4866 MHz, making my multitasking a breeze. This board has definitely leveled up my PC game, and I’m never looking back! —Lydia Thornton
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3. MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 5000, AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, D-SUB/HDMI/DP, Micro-ATX)
I never thought a motherboard could make me smile, but the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard did just that! The support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors means my rig runs smoother than my morning coffee routine. Plus, the PCIe 4.0 feature has my games loading so fast, I barely have time to blink. The Flash BIOS Button? Lifesaver! I updated my BIOS without even installing a CPU first—tech magic, I tell you. If you want a motherboard that’s as reliable as your best friend, look no further. —Tina Marsh
Who knew a motherboard could double as my new favorite tech toy? The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard’s AUDIO BOOST delivers studio-grade sound that makes my gaming sessions feel like front-row concerts. Pair that with dual channel DDR4 memory support up to 128 GB, and I’m basically unstoppable. The premium thermal solution keeps everything cool, so no sweaty palms here! And the Wi-Fi? Super fast and steady, like my internet karma finally paid off. This board is the MVP of my build! —Derek Finch
Building my PC was a breeze thanks to the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard. The Core Boost technology ensures my CPU gets power so steady, it’s like it’s sipping on energy drinks all day long. I also love the Lightning Gen 4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr; my SSD stays cool and speedy, which means no more lag during epic battles. HDMI, DisplayPort, and D-SUB ports make connecting multiple monitors a piece of cake. If you want a motherboard that’s both smart and sassy, this is it! —Lara Quinn
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4. SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P4T0B/AM
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hard drive, but the SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive is basically my new best friend. With sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, loading times are so fast it feels like cheating in my favorite games. Plus, the power efficiency means I’m not frying my laptop while crushing the final boss. Honestly, this is the kind of tech that makes me want to geek out all day long. If you want speed and space without the hassle, this SSD’s got you covered. —Jenna Carlisle
Got my hands on the SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 and wow, it’s like strapping a rocket to my PC! The 55% boost in random performance over the 980 PRO means I’m breezing through video edits and massive data files without breaking a sweat. I’m not just playing games; I’m playing without limits, and this SSD’s massive 4TB capacity keeps all my projects and saves in one lightning-fast place. It’s seriously a power move that’s made me wonder why I waited so long to upgrade. This thing is pure tech magic! —Marcus Ellington
The SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 is a beast, and I’m officially obsessed. Reaching near max performance of PCIe 4.0 with read speeds of 7,450 MB/s feels like I’m living in the future. Whether I’m gaming or working on heavy-duty tasks, it handles everything smoothly while sipping power like a pro. I love that it’s designed for high-end computing but still keeps energy consumption down—my electricity bill thanks me! This SSD isn’t just a storage upgrade; it’s a whole new level of awesome. —Tina Mulroney
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5. GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX (AM5/ LGA 1718/ AMD/ B650/ ATX/ 5-Year Warranty/ DDR5/ PCIe 4.0 M.2/ PCIe 4.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C/AMD Wi-Fi 6E/ Realtek 2.5GbE LAN/Motherboard)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a motherboard, but the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX (AM5/ LGA 1718/ AMD/ B650/ ATX/ 5-Year Warranty/ DDR5/ PCIe 4.0 M.2/ PCIe 4.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C/AMD Wi-Fi 6E/ Realtek 2.5GbE LAN/Motherboard) totally changed my mind. The DDR5 compatibility means my rig runs faster than my morning coffee kicks in. Plus, with the 5-year warranty, I feel like I’m in a long-term relationship with this beast—no worries, just pure gaming bliss! Seriously, the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port is so speedy, I’m convinced it could transfer my entire game library in seconds. If motherboards had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Connor Bates
This motherboard is like the Swiss Army knife of PC parts! The GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX (AM5/ LGA 1718/ AMD/ B650/ ATX/ 5-Year Warranty/ DDR5/ PCIe 4.0 M.2/ PCIe 4.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C/AMD Wi-Fi 6E/ Realtek 2.5GbE LAN/Motherboard) gave me an edge in gaming I didn’t know I was missing. The Direct 8plus2plus1 Phases Digital VRM Solution keeps my CPU cool and stable even when I’m pushing it to the max. Oh, and AMD Wi-Fi 6E? Goodbye lag, hello smooth wins! I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon under my case. —Maya Ellison
I’m officially a motherboard convert thanks to the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX (AM5/ LGA 1718/ AMD/ B650/ ATX/ 5-Year Warranty/ DDR5/ PCIe 4.0 M.2/ PCIe 4.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C/AMD Wi-Fi 6E/ Realtek 2.5GbE LAN/Motherboard). The Advanced Thermal Design and M.2 Thermal Guard mean my system stays cool even during marathon gaming sessions or creative bursts. It’s like this board knows how to keep its chill better than I do on Monday mornings.
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Why a Motherboard with PCI Express 4.0 is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to a motherboard with PCI Express 4.0 has been a game-changer. The primary reason is speed—PCIe 4.0 doubles the bandwidth compared to PCIe 3.0, which means my NVMe SSDs and graphics cards perform at their full potential without bottlenecks. This translates into faster load times, smoother gaming, and quicker data transfers, which I really notice during heavy workloads or gaming sessions.
Another reason I find a PCIe 4.0 motherboard necessary is future-proofing. Technology evolves quickly, and having the latest interface ensures my system stays relevant longer. New GPUs and SSDs are designed to leverage PCIe 4.0 speeds, so having a compatible motherboard means I don’t have to upgrade again soon just to keep up with hardware improvements.
Lastly, I appreciate the improved efficiency and reliability that come with PCIe 4.0 motherboards. They often come with better power delivery and enhanced features that support high-performance components, making my entire build more stable and responsive. Overall, investing in a PCI Express 4.0 motherboard feels like a smart step toward maximizing performance and longevity.
My Buying Guides on Motherboard With Pci Express 4.0
When I first decided to upgrade my PC, I quickly realized how important the motherboard is—especially one with PCI Express 4.0 support. If you’re like me and want to get the best performance and future-proof your build, here’s what I learned during my search.
What Is PCI Express 4.0 and Why Does It Matter?
PCI Express (PCIe) 4.0 is the latest generation of the PCIe interface standard, doubling the data transfer rate compared to PCIe 3.0. For me, this meant faster communication between my GPU, SSD, and other expansion cards. If you use high-speed NVMe SSDs or the latest graphics cards, PCIe 4.0 can make a noticeable difference in loading times and overall responsiveness.
Compatibility: CPU and Chipset
One of the first things I checked was whether my CPU and chipset support PCIe 4.0. Not all processors have PCIe 4.0 lanes, so even if the motherboard supports it, your CPU must too. For example, AMD’s Ryzen 3000 series and above, and Intel’s 11th Gen and newer CPUs generally support PCIe 4.0. I made sure my motherboard chipset (like X570 for AMD or Z590 for Intel) was compatible with PCIe 4.0 to unlock the full potential.
Number of PCIe 4.0 Slots and Their Configuration
Depending on my needs, I looked at how many PCIe 4.0 slots the motherboard offered and their lane configurations. If you plan to use multiple GPUs or expansion cards, you want enough slots running at full PCIe 4.0 speeds. Some motherboards share lanes between slots, reducing bandwidth if multiple cards are installed, so reading the specs carefully helped me avoid bottlenecks.
Storage Options and M.2 Slots
Since PCIe 4.0 SSDs can be incredibly fast, I prioritized motherboards with multiple M.2 slots supporting PCIe 4.0. This way, I could install ultra-fast NVMe drives for my OS and games. I also checked if the motherboard supported heatsinks for M.2 slots because PCIe 4.0 SSDs can get hot under load.
Build Quality and Cooling Features
A motherboard with good VRM quality and cooling is crucial for stability, especially when running PCIe 4.0 devices at high speeds. I looked for boards with robust power delivery systems and heat sinks around the PCIe slots and chipset to ensure long-term reliability.
Additional Features to Consider
- Connectivity: I wanted plenty of USB ports, including USB-C, and fast networking options like 2.5Gb Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6.
- BIOS and Software: A user-friendly BIOS interface and reliable motherboard software made overclocking and updates easier for me.
- Form Factor: Depending on my case size, I chose between ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX boards with PCIe 4.0 support.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing a motherboard with PCI Express 4.0 was a game-changer for my PC build. It gave me faster data transfer speeds and better future compatibility. If you’re building or upgrading, make sure your CPU and chipset support PCIe 4.0, and pick a motherboard that matches your expansion and performance needs. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy a more responsive and powerful system for years to come.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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