Just saw this thread and honestly, like someone mentioned, even the big brands can be a massive letdown. I spent weeks pouring over VRM charts and thermal data before picking up an ASUS Prime, but unfortunately, it was not as good as expected. The memory training issues were driving me insane... literally took 45 seconds just to see the BIOS screen. It was super disappointing given the 7600X is such a snappy chip. I eventually gave up and swapped to the Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2. It usually sits right around $190. It has a 12+2+2 phase VRM which is way more robust than what I had. My boot times dropped to like 12 seconds with the latest BIOS. If you can find the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI on sale, thats also a solid pick with great thermal pads on the M.2 slots. Just watch out for some of the cheaper boards... Ive seen some B650s with terrible PCB layering that messes with EXPO profiles.

ASRock B650M PG Riptide. Been running strong for a year, no complaints. Rock solid.

ASRock B650M PG Riptide. Save cash; performance is 95% of the expensive boards. No regrets so far.

Consider MSI's MAG series. While VRM implementations vary, ensure adequate cooling. Unfortunately, some boards I've tested didn't meet expected thermal performance under sustained load.

ASUS boards are generally safe bets. Check the VRM temps though!

Before diving into boards, consider if you'll DIY the whole build. If not, many shops offer combo deals, mobo + CPU, sometimes cheaper. Asus boards are solid; had one running strong since '17.

Interesting question! Based on my research, ASUS boards consistently top reliability surveys. I've personally run ASUS for years, and the VRMs are fantastic for overclocking a 7600X if you're into that. Gigabyte's fine, but ASUS seems to hold value longer. Check user reviews - you'll see the pattern!

Unfortunately, my ASUS board had issues after a year. Not as good as expected, even with good reviews. For longevity, I'd suggest having a pro check compatibility charts. It's worth the extra assurance, especially if you're planning on keeping it for a while. Better safe than sorry!