Our attention tends to be drawn to graphics cards and processors, but the motherboard is the critical link that connects them all.
If you cut corners on the motherboard, you may regret it in the long run, but selecting a motherboard that suits your budget and your needs is usually a simple effort.
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There are a lot of options out there, so we’ve put together a list of the best gaming motherboards for 2022 to make your decision a little easier.
Best Mini ITX Motherboards
Small form factor motherboards, such as Mini ITX boards, can fit into even the smallest computer cases, making them excellent if you’re wanting to build a compact gaming machine.
Since a smaller motherboard implies less material is being used, you could assume that these are also excellent choices for those on a tight budget.
In fact, Mini ITX motherboards are really fairly pricy since they have to squeeze all the functionality of a full-sized motherboard into a small PCB, which is not an easy task.
As a result, Mini ITX motherboards will appeal mostly to individuals who want to take full use of their portability.
Gigabyte B360N
LGA1151 is the socket on this motherboard.
With Intel’s budget-oriented B360 chipset and small design in mind, the Gigabyte B360N is the first motherboard on this list.
Because it’s a low-cost Mini ITX motherboard, there aren’t any eye-catching aesthetics, but the feature set is fairly robust when you consider the size and price of the board.
Specifications
Socket\sLGA1151
Chipset\sB360
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
The second RAM slot.
RAM Speed Increased to 2666 MHz.
Up to a maximum of 32 GB of RAM
1x PCIe x16
1 × M.2 storage connectors
4 SATA III
A total of 5 USB 3.0 Gen 1 ports
In total, there are five USB 2.0 ports
Two HDMI ports
A single PS/2
RJ-45 connectors, two (LAN)
Connectors: two SMA
When it comes to budget-friendly Mini ITX motherboards, the Gigabyte B360N is one of the best options for those looking for the most basic characteristics that a gaming motherboard should have.
Although the chipset does not permit overclocking, the following model might be a better option for those who want to upgrade to an unlocked CPU.
Asus ROG STRIX Z390-I GAMING
LGA1151 is the socket on this motherboard.
Our next Asus product is from their Republic of Gamers brand and is more serious in its approach to gaming.
RoG products are known for their aggressive appearance and RGB lighting, so the Z390-I Gaming should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen it. Because this is a high-end motherboard that comes with the Z390 chipset from Intel, you know it’s not all about the looks..
Specifications
Socket\sLGA1151
Chipset\sZ390
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
The second RAM slot.
Up to 4800 MHz RAM Speed
64 GB of RAM is available for use.
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There is a PCIe x16 slot.
Two M.2 Storage Connectors
4 SATA III
Three USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports
All 5 Gen 1 ports of USB 3.1
Four USB 2.0 ports
A single HDMI port
DisplayPort
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
Connectors: two SMA
There is only one optical component here.
Overclocking support, high RAM capacity, an additional M.2 slot, and multiple high-speed USB connections make the Z390-I Gaming an excellent choice if you’re looking for a small motherboard with plenty of power.
That being said, it’s a little on the pricier side, especially when compared to the cost of a larger motherboard with the same functionality.
A Mini ITX gaming PC powered by an Intel CPU will require this motherboard, though, because of its extensive feature set.
MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC
AM4
Moving on to AMD Mini ITX, we begin with MSI’s B450I Gaming Plus AC as our next test subject. The Gigabyte B360N is a more expensive Mini ITX motherboard, but this one has a few advantages over it.
Apart from that, MSI’s design on this one is a bit more daring, which depends on your point of view.
Specifications
Socket\sAM4
Chipset\sB450
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
The second RAM slot.
Up to 3466 MHz RAM Speed
Up to a maximum of 32 GB of RAM
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There is a PCIe x16 slot.
1 × M.2 storage connectors
4 SATA III
Connectors include six USB 3.0 Gen 1 ports.
Four USB 2.0 ports
A single PS/2
A single HDMI port
DisplayPort
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
Connectors: two SMA
Another good Mini ITX gaming motherboard, this time with overclocking support and plenty of ports, is what we’re dealing with today.
To be honest, the one thing we don’t like about the MSI B450I is how it looks. However, this is purely a personal preference. However, a motherboard is unlikely to be the focus of your attention while designing a low-cost Mini ITX gaming PC.
Asus ROG STRIX X470-I Gaming
AM4
The Asus RoG Strix X470-I that we’ll be looking at today is a little more limited in functionality than the Intel counterpart that rounds out this category.
In spite of this, it nevertheless adheres to RoG’s design philosophy.
Specifications
Socket\sAM4
Chipset\sX470
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
The second RAM slot.
3600 MHz RAM is the maximum speed possible.
Up to a maximum of 32 GB of RAM
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There is a PCIe x16 slot.
Two M.2 Storage Connectors
4 SATA III
Two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports
Four USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
USB 2.0 ports on two separate computers
A single HDMI port
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
Connectors: two SMA
Aside from RAM and performance limitations, the X470-I is nearly identical to the Z390-I in terms of design. Even so, it comes with two M’s already installed. All the while looking beautiful, it has RGB illumination and two slots.
As always, the primary problem is the cost, however for serious Mini ITX motherboards, this one is well worth the money spent..
Best Micro ATX Motherboards
In terms of size, price, and feature set, micro ATX motherboards are a solid option for those looking for a compromise. Both Mini ITX and ATX motherboards can fit on these boards, however they are smaller and cheaper than either.
In addition, they usually include most of the features you’d expect in a budget gaming motherboard, making them a good option for individuals who want to save money but don’t want to compromise.
MSI H310M Gaming Plus
LGA1151 is the socket on this motherboard.
The H310M from MSI Gaming Plus is the first board to be featured in this category.
Like the B450I seen above, it has an aggressive style with prominent red accents, but its greatest appeal is its inexpensive cost.
Specifications
Socket\sLGA1151
Chipset\sH310
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
The second RAM slot.
RAM Speed Increased to 2666 MHz.
Up to a maximum of 32 GB of RAM
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There is a PCIe x16 slot.
Two PCIe x1 slots
1 × M.2 storage connectors
4 SATA III
Four USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.
USB 2.0 ports, six in all
A single PS/2
A single HDMI port
a single DVI D
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
If you’re looking for a low-cost Intel machine, the H310M will be ideal. Nevertheless, the design isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste, as we stated about the B450I.
Because this motherboard does not permit overclocking, it is a no-brainer for those who want to get the most out of their processors.
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC
LGA1151 is the socket on this motherboard.
You may want to choose the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC if you’re looking for something with a higher price point.
An angular and aggressive appearance with RGB lighting is typical of gaming motherboards of this caliber. It contains Intel’s Z390 chipset and several essential extra capabilities.
Specifications
Socket\sLGA1151
Chipset\sZ390
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
Slot 4 of RAM
RAM with a maximum frequency of 4500 MHz
128 GB of RAM is available.
PCIe x16 Slots: Two (2)
Two PCIe x1 slots
Two M.2 Storage Connectors
4 SATA III
Connectors 3 x USB 2.0 (2x Type-C, 1x Type-A)
8 USB Gen 1 ports
Four USB 2.0 ports
A pair of PS/2
A single HDMI port
DisplayPort
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
There is only one optical component here.
The Z390functionality M’s and design suggest that it is well worth the steep price tag – but only if you intend to use all of the device’s capabilities.
In addition to having two M.2 slots, many high-speed USB connections, and two PCIe x16 slots for twin GPUs, the chipset also enables overclocking. Again, the most significant disadvantage is unquestionably the cost.
MSI B450M PRO-M2
AM4
Now that we’ve returned to AMD, the MSI B450M PRO-M2 is our recommendation for the finest affordable Micro ATX AMD motherboard.
The PCB is mostly black with a few gray highlights, making the design more low-profile than their Gaming Plus models. At this pricing, you may expect a mATX motherboard’s feature set to be similar to what you’d expect from one.
Specifications
Socket\sAM4
Chipset\sB450
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
The second RAM slot.
Up to 3466 MHz RAM Speed
Up to a maximum of 32 GB of RAM
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There is a PCIe x16 slot.
Two PCIe x1 slots
1 × M.2 storage connectors
4 SATA III
A total of six USB Gen 1 ports are available
USB 2.0 ports, six in all
A single PS/2
A single HDMI port
a single DVI D
A single VGA port
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
Compared to the other budget motherboards on this list, the B450M PRO-M2 doesn’t have a lot to say that hasn’t already been said – it has all the fundamental functionality you’d need in most gaming computers, it’s inexpensive, and the modest look is a big bonus if you don’t like excessively harsh highlights.
Top ATX Motherboards
Let’s move on to the meat of the matter: full-sized ATX motherboards for gaming. More RAM and more PCIe slots make them ideal for most gaming computers. They are larger than Micro ATX motherboards.
MSI Z390-A PRO
LGA1151 is the socket on this motherboard.
In terms of style, the MSI Z390-A PRO is pretty similar to the previous edition. The PCB is black with some dark gray highlights, giving the board a sleek appearance without being overtly aggressive or dramatic.
Because it’s an ATX motherboard, it has a several advantages over the Micro ATX version.
Specifications
Socket\sLGA1151
Chipset\sZ390
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
Slot 4 of RAM
Up to 4400 MHz RAM Speed
128 GB of RAM is available.
PCIe x16 Slots: Two (2)
A total of four PCIe x1 slots are available.
1 × M.2 storage connectors
A total of six SATA III ports
Two USB 2.0 ports
Six USB Gen 1 ports
USB 2.0 ports, six in all
A single PS/2
DisplayPort
a single DVI D
A single VGA port
A single RJ-45 (LAN)
If you’re building a gaming PC in the midrange or upper end of the price range, the Z390-A is likely to be a perfect fit. Powered by Intel’s new Z390 chipset, it has more RAM capacity than you’ll need in a 2020 gaming PC.
The additional PCIe slots on a full-sized ATX motherboard make it possible to run multiple GPUs, but they also make it possible to add additional PCIe expansion cards if necessary.
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
LGA1151 is the socket on this motherboard.
The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC might be a better option if you’re looking for something a little more high-end than the Z390-A PRO.
RGB lighting is, of course, a need, but there are additional elements that may pique your interest.
Specifications
Socket\sLGA1151
Chipset\sZ390c
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
Slot 4 of RAM
Up to 4400 MHz RAM Speed
128 GB of RAM is available.
3x PCIe x16
Three PCIe x1
Two M.2 Storage Connectors
A total of six SATA III ports
Connectors 3 x USB 2.0
Six USB Gen 1 ports
USB 2.0 ports, six in all
A single PS/2
DisplayPort
A single HDMI port
The 1 × Intel I219-V (LAN)
There is only one optical component here.
As you can see, this motherboard is a significant improvement over the previous generation, not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of the number of PCIe x16 slots and M.2 slots it possesses.
Aside from that, the two motherboards share the same chipset, therefore everything else is identical. Even so, this is the more expensive option.
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F
AM4
The Asus RoG Strix B450-F is a typical RoG motherboard, with a flashy design, high-quality RGB, and plenty of high-speed ports, as you’d expect from a RoG motherboard.
Specifications
Socket\sAM4
Chipset\sB450
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
Slot 4 of RAM
Up to 3466 MHz RAM Speed
64 GB of RAM is available for use.
3x PCIe x16
Three PCIe x1
Two M.2 Storage Connectors
A total of six SATA III ports
Two USB 2.0 ports
Six USB Gen 1 ports
USB 2.0 ports, six in all
A single PS/2
DisplayPort
A single HDMI port
I211-AT chipset, 1 (LAN)
There is only one optical component here.
Although the B450-F doesn’t allow as much RAM compared to the MSI Z390 model, this isn’t a significant deal when it comes to gaming, as you can see from the picture.
For those who plan on using multiple Nvidia graphics cards, the B450 chipset does not allow SLI, hence this motherboard is out of the question. For those who favor AMD, there is a solution in the form of CrossFire.
ASUS ROG Strix X470-F
AM4
Finally, for Ryzen users, the X470-F might be a better option than the preceding model. In addition to AMD’s high-end X470 chipset, which the name implies, it also includes a number of other improvements over the B450.
Specifications
Socket\sAM4
Chipset\sX470
DDR4 is the most recent type of RAM memory support.
Slot 4 of RAM
3600 MHz RAM is the maximum speed possible.
64 GB of RAM is available for use.
3x PCIe x16
Three PCIe x1
Two M.2 Storage Connectors
A total of six SATA III ports
Connectors 3 x USB 2.0
8 USB Gen 1 ports
Four USB 2.0 ports
A single PS/2
DisplayPort
A single HDMI port
I211-AT chipset, 1 (LAN)
There is only one optical component here.
In spite of its high price tag, this motherboard’s X470 chipset does enable SLI, which is great news if you’re planning on pairing two Nvidia GPUs with a Ryzen CPU. Unfortunately, the RAM capacity is still limited to 64 GB.
In the end, it doesn’t offer any unique advantages above the less expensive alternatives that can’t be found elsewhere, but it’s still worth the extra money.
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel 12th Generation
The LGA 1700 socket
Size: ATX
4 DIMMs, up to 128GB, DDR5-6400 memory (OC)
One PCIe 5.0 x16 and two PCIe 4.0 x16 expansion slots are available (running at x4)
One DisplayPort 1.4 port is available for video playback.
USB: Up to two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 devices, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices, six USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices, and eight USB 2.0 devices
4 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gbps storage
It seemed almost inevitable that Intel’s next-generation Alder Lake CPU chipset would cost a lot of money. Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Pro almost bucks the trend by offering a well-rounded feature set along with DDR5 compatibility, which adds insult to injury. For the 12th generation platform, $300+ was considered high-end in the previous generation, but for the 12th generation platform, that’s practically mid-range.
Gigabyte has an Aorus Pro in DDR4 flavor as well, but it is not marketed in the US or EU. However, if you want to get the most out of the new Intel platform, you should go for DDR5 instead of cheaper DDR4 boards. Well, if you can get your hands on some at all…
The Aorus Pro is well-specced thanks to Gigabyte’s foresight. In order to keep the price as low as possible, it has chosen to omit features like Thunderbolt 4 and an additional M.2 slot in favor of only including Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G Intel wired networking.
Furthermore, it is an excellent performer, giving system and gaming performance on par with the more expensive boards we have also evaluated. As the BIOS continues to improve, we can confidently suggest the Gigabyte board as the best Z690 motherboard on the market.
ASRock Z690 Taichi
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel 12th Generation
The LGA 1700 socket
Size: ATX
4 DIMMs, up to 128GB, DDR5-6400 memory (OC)
PCIe x16 (two), PCIe 2.0 (16), and PCIe 3.0 (16) slots are available for expansion.
One HDMI 2.0 port and two Thunderbolt Type-C ports are available for video connections.
Up to two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports; up to nine USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports and three USB 2.0 ports; Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports;
Storage: Three M.2 slots, six SATA 6Gbps ports.
We were fascinated with ASRock’s Taichi brand when it initially appeared because of its minimalist approach to design. There wasn’t a ton of unnecessary RGB on this board, which was a refreshing change from what was usual a few years back. As a result, the brand has developed into a very luxurious one. ASRock’s top model is the yet-to-be-released Aqua, but with its projected limited-edition nature and likely stratospheric price, the Taichi will effectively be the company’s premium Z690 motherboard. A good location to be, to be sure.
Although appearances are subjective, I think Taichi’s cyberpunk concept, with its copper-colored board, is a fantastic design. RGB lighting and moving cogs above the I/O make this a visually appealing machine. It has a high-end appearance. There’s a Razer-themed Z690 Taichi available for easy integration into the Chroma environment if you utilize Razer items.
There was a notable amount of success for the Taichi during gaming tests. Even if the difference is only a few frames per second, it’s preferable to be ahead than behind. The Z690 was able to run DDR5-6400 memory, which was not possible on all Z690s in our pre-release tests. Despite the fact that this is a brand new platform and standard, there is bound to be some refining in the near future.
Great appearance, robust performance and an impressive feature list make the Taichi a serious rival in the high-end market.
BEST INTEL Z590 MOTHERBOARD
Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WIFI
SPECIFICATIONS
Intel 10th and 11th generation processors
SOCKET TYPE: LGA 1200
Size: ATX
4 DIMMs, up to 128GB, DDR4-5133 memory
One PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot.
1 DisplayPort 1.4 and 1 HDMI 2.0 video connections are available.
Backside: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 22 Type-C, 5x 3.1 Gen 1, and 6x 2.0 Type-A
Storage: Three M.2 slots, six SATA 6Gbps ports.
This is a gaming motherboard marketed as an entry-level choice for Rocket Lake users. Since day one, ASUS has marketed its TUF line as a solid choice for anyone looking for a more entry-level laptop with a reasonable price tag. As a whole, this makes for an excellent low-cost alternative for anyone seeking a strong, dependable system with no bother. And that’s a nice improvement, given the high cost of many Z590 motherboards.
The white lettering on the TUF Z590 Plus adds a lovely touch to the device’s understated aesthetic. You also get a few splashes of RGB on the right side of the screen. What a great appearance! PCIe 4.0 is supported by all three M.2 slots, but just the topmost one. There is a single heatsink that covers the lower two. Also, keep in mind that cable management purists may object to the SATA ports that are mounted vertically. The heatsink is flanked by two additional conventional horizontal ports. Two addressable RGB headers are also included with the six included fan headers.
Rather than paying a premium for 10Gb LAN and/or pricey add-in cards, this motherboard is designed for those who would rather spend their money on a faster GPU or more storage space. And I’m on board with it, as well. Here, it’s all about getting the most bang for your money and sticking to the basics. This is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon
SPECIFICATIONS
Intel 10th and 11th generation processors
SOCKET TYPE: LGA 1200
Size: E-ATX
Memory: 2x DIMM, up to 64GB, DDR4-3200.
PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 3.0 x16 slots are all available for use in the expansion slot (x1)
One HDMI 2.0 port is available for video playback.
One USB 3.2 Gen 22 Type-C, three USB 3.2 Gen 2, and four USB 3.2 Gen 2 are all available in the rear USB ports.
3 x M.2, 8 x SATA 6Gbps storage
There has been a resurgence of motherboards geared at overclocking. Z590 motherboards built for extreme overclocking are available from all the major manufacturers. To make things easier for overclockers, the dual memory slot design, all those buttons, switches, and a massive VRM are all included. In addition, the BIOS has a wide range of choices for customization. That this isn’t just a standard board with a sticker on it is abundantly evident.
By eliminating a slot and bringing the memory slots closer together, the goal is to simplify the traces. There is a little more headroom in terms of performance than there would be in a four-slot arrangement. The primary PCIe slot is not the one at the very top of the card; rather, it is the one immediately beneath it. In addition to providing more space for pots and insulation, this option helps overclockers who utilize LN2 to cool a GPU.
Aorus Tachyon won’t miraculously increase the speed of your processor or RAM. As a result, you will be able to get the most out of your system, regardless of the cooling method you use. If you’re a gamer looking for a few additional frames per second, or an enthusiast who enjoys decreasing latency and tuning sub-timings, you can rest easy knowing that your board is built to withstand whatever abuse you can dish out.
BEST INTEL Z490 MOTHERBOARD
Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme
SPECIFICATIONS
10th-generation Intel Core CPUs are supported.
SOCKET TYPE: LGA 1200
ATX motherboards are available in a variety of sizes.
4 DIMMs, up to 128GB, DDR4-4700 memory
There are two x16 PCIe 3.0 expansion slots, and a PCIe 3.0 x4 expansion slot.
Two Thunderbolt 3 video ports are available on the extension card (DP1.4)
Rear USB: 10x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
Two M.2, two M.2 (DIMM.2 board), and eight SATA 6Gbps ports are available.
In order to get the greatest and most feature-rich Intel Comet Lake motherboard, I’m sorry you’ll have to shell out some cash. If the Z490 Maximus XII Extreme from Asus is any indication, expect to spend a hefty price. There are many nice and convenient accessories (like a screwdriver with interchangeable heads) packed into the Extreme Z490, and it’s also one of the best Z490 boards we’ve tested.
However, if you’re going to buy a K-series Core i9 and intend to overclock it, it makes sense. In order to get the maximum clock speed out of your 10900K, the Maximus XII motherboard is the best option. The MSI Z490 Godlike is the fastest Z490 at stock speeds, but I prefer the ROG board if I’m planning on overclocking my processor.
If you can afford the $750 price tag, you could potentially put together a decently powerful gaming PC for the cost of this motherboard alone. It’s an ideal Z490 motherboard for overclocking, but most of us won’t be able to afford it.
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi
SPECIFICATIONS
Intel’s 10th generation CPU socket.
SOCKET TYPE: LGA 1200
ATX
Support for up to 128GB of DDR4-4800 memory in four DIMM slots (OC)
There are three PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4) expansion slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 expansion slots.
HDMI and one DisplayPort video port are available.
5x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0 rear USB
2 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gbps – storage
The lack of OLED displays and a sparse back panel will alert you to the fact that this MSI motherboard is back in the realm of standard motherboards. It’s easy to get carried away with the ultra-enthusiast ROG board up top, but the Z490 Gaming Carbon will bring us right back down to earth. This motherboard is nowhere near as flashy as either MSI’s own Godlike motherboards, but when it comes to pure performance it ranks right up there with both of them.
Z490 boards are virtually indistinguishable when it comes to gaming performance, and they’re only ever slightly behind when it comes to actual CPU performance in productivity apps. It’s a shame that MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi’s overclocking capabilities pale in comparison to those of our 10900K.
When pushed to its 5.3GHz all-core limit, the CPU’s thirsty components, including the power supply and cooling, cannot keep up. The MSI Gaming Carbon may not be the best choice for an overclocked Core i9 system, but it is a small group of gamers and the MSI Gaming Carbon is still a good choice for i5 or i7 CPUs.
BEST INTEL B460 MOTHERBOARD
MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi
SPECIFICATIONS
10th-generation Intel Core CPUs are supported.
SOCKET TYPE: LGA 1200
Micro ATX is the smallest form factor of the ATX line.
Support for up to DDR4-2933 (i7, i9) or DDR4-2666 memory in a quad-DIMM configuration (i5)
PCIe 3.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x1 expansion slots are provided.
HDMI and one DisplayPort video port are available.
4x USB 3.2 Gen (1x Type-C) and 2x USB 2.0 Gen Rear USB:
2 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gbps – storage
It’s understandable if you’d like to get your hands on one of the top Z490 motherboards, but the sticker price is obviously an issue. A 10Gb Ethernet port and seven M.2 slots would be good but who actually needs them? The MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi is an excellent B460 motherboard that should satisfy the majority of users.
If you can live with the RAM speed constraint and have no plans to overclock (well, with a K-series CPU anyhow), then this is the kind of motherboard you should be considering for your PC build. With a price tag of $150, this motherboard ticks most of the critical boxes, but competition is fierce with numerous excellent B460 motherboards in this price range.
Even if it doesn’t have the most impressive I/O or the strongest VRM, it has enough power to do most tasks. Using a 65W non-K processor and attempting a fake overclock is also a worthwhile endeavor. An Intel Core i5 10600 and B460M Mortar, along with a respectable mid-range GPU, would make for an excellent gaming system at a reasonable price if you’re willing to put up with the maximum DDR4-2666 speed.
ASRock B460 Steel Legend
SPECIFICATIONS
10th-generation Intel Core CPUs are supported.
SOCKET TYPE: LGA 1200
Size: ATX
Support for up to DDR4-2933 (i7, i9) or DDR4-2666 memory in a quad-DIMM configuration (i5)
PCIe 3.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x1 expansion slots are provided.
HDMI and one DisplayPort video port are available.
4x USB 3.2 Gen (1x Type-C) and 2x USB 2.0 Gen Rear USB:
2 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gbps – storage
In terms of mid-range B460 offerings, the ASRock B460 Steel Legend is an excellent choice. It’s a mid-range B460 board, costing $150. If you take a look at the specifications, you’ll see that you got good value for your money in several key areas. You get two heatsink-covered M.2 slots, an e-key M.2 slot for an optional Wi-Fi card, a front USB Type-C header, and a generous dose of RGB onboard.
Since 10th generation CPUs have higher power requirements, it is necessary for motherboards to have more powerful VRMs, and the B460 Steel Legend does just that. A single 8-Pin EPS connector powers the VRM’s 9+1 phase power supply. It is possible for each step to deliver 60A. Due to the fact that B460 motherboards do not allow for overclocking, the VRM will not be subjected to the kind of stress that an all-core Intel Core i9 10900K would experience.
Those looking for a robust ATX motherboard capable of supporting any 10th generation CPU without bursting into flames may find the ASRock B460 Steel legend appealing. It’s possible that the MSI B460M Mortar’s lack of built-in Wi-Fi is one of the reasons why we like it. We still recommend the ASRock B460 Steel Legend, which is an extremely competitive product. One could say it displays its tenacity. Wi-Fi would have made it even more legendary.
BEST AMD X570 MOTHERBOARD
Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
SPECIFICATIONS
Ryzen 5000 Series, 4000 G-Series, 3000 Series and 2000 G-Series are supported.
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
DDR4-4866 4x DIMM, up to 128GB (OC)
PCIe 3.0, PCIe 3.0 X16, and PCIe 4.0 x1 slots are available for expansion.
N/A for video inputs.
In the rear, there are four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and eight 3.2 Gen2 ports (1x USB Type-C)
Storage: 3 M.2 and 8 SATA ports
This motherboard is Asus’ ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero, which claims to be the last AM4 motherboard you’ll ever use. When it comes to motherboards, what sets the best apart? A solid and refined BIOS, decent value, and a nice design are all crucial, yet they are all intangible. When all else fails, it’s only that the item works.
One of the most difficult tasks for a tech journalist is testing motherboards. There are some boards that require a lot of finagling to get things working, but the Dark Hero booted right up, even while we tweaked the memory clocks and timing and the Infinity Fabric..
A evaluation of hundreds of different AM4 boards would be necessary before we could declare the Dark Hero the greatest we’ve ever used. However, it’s safe to say the Dark Hero is among our top picks in this category. If the Dark Hero is one of the genuinely famous ROG motherboards, it will just be a matter of time and months of user input, but we wouldn’t bet against it.
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon WiFi
SPECIFICATIONS
AMD Ryzen / Ryzen APU 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation processors are all supported.
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
4 DIMMs, 128GB of DDR4-4400 RAM.
One PCIe x16, one PCIe x16 (x4), and two PCIe x1 slots are available for expansion.
HDMI is the only video port available.
Rear USB: 1 Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen1, and 2 USB 2.0 ports.
6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 ports
AMD’s 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs are the focus of MSI’s MPG X570 motherboard, which combines cutting-edge motherboard technology. Two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and four 4,400 MHz DIMM slots round out the system’s features.
Connectors for peripherals include seven USB Type-A ports and a single USB Type-C port for fast data transfer. A gigabit ethernet connector and headers for the integrated Wi-Fi antenna are provided to aid with wireless connectivity. In order to use the MPG X570, you’ll need a router that can support Wi-Fi 6, although it’s backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards, so you could see a speed boost in the future. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of an HDMI connector, which is uncommon on X570 boards (although we don’t recommend putting an AMD APU with integrated graphics on a board of this caliber in any case).
To get the most out of your gear, you’ll have to pay a premium for MPG X570’s compatibility. You may wish to investigate a less expensive board if you aren’t already committed to a shopping list of top of the line components now or in the near future.
Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: X570S
DDR4-5100 up to 128GB, 4 DIMM slots.
PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4), and three PCIe 4.0 x1 expansion slots are available.
There are no video ports available.
3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 8x USB 3.1 Gen 1, and 6x USB 2.0 ports are available.
6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 ports
2.5 Ghz LAN with Killer E3100G chipset
Gigabyte’s X570S Aorus Master feels like an old dog that’s learned some new tricks despite the X570 chipset’s age. The fact that it has four M.2 slots and a nice heatsink is noteworthy. Really, we give a big thumbs up to the cooling system as a whole. This greatly increases the surface area of the finned VRM heatsinks
The Aorus Master’s sole significant flaw is that it only has one 2.5G LAN port and no 5G, which is a little disappointing. It’s still one of the best AMD motherboards on the market, however. This motherboard has so many USB ports that I’m a sucker for it.
Because of its various USB connections and storage possibilities, the Aorus Master keeps AM4 and X570 relevant. It has enough functions (and a nice design) to make the $400 price tag worthwhile.
BEST AMD B550 MOTHERBOARD
Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
The AMD Ryzen processor family, 3rd and 4th generation, is supported.
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
Support for up to 128GB of DDR4-4600 memory in four DIMM slots.
PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x4 expansion slots are provided.
2 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gbps – storage
WiFi 6 from Intel, Ethernet 3.5 Ghz, Bluetooth 5.1
Even though the Asus ROG Strix B550-E costs the same as a lot of X570 motherboards, it doesn’t come close to the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon, our favorite AMD board. As you might expect from the Republic of Gamers line of Asus products, this one comes equipped with features like an M.2 heatsink, pre-installed backplates, and a 14+2-stage power stage. Additionally, you get Wi-Fi 6 and Intel 2.5Gb ethernet. LEDs in various colors, of course
High-end Asus boards usually have good performance, and this one matches the gaming performance of the X570 motherboards without issue. That said, MSI’s B550 board is the best of the B550 boards we’ve evaluated in our pure performance tests. If you’re looking for the best overclocking capabilities, the Asus is your best bet.
As a result, the Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming is our top pick for the finest B550 motherboard right now. Despite the fact that X570 boards cost the same, it still feels like a difficult suggestion…
MSI MAG B550M Mortar
SPECIFICATIONS
The AMD Ryzen processor family, 3rd and 4th generation, is supported.
Socket: AM4
Size: Micro-ATX
Up to 128GB of DDR4-4400 memory is supported by four DIMM slots, with a maximum capacity of 128GB.
There are two expansion slots: one for PCIe 2.0 x16 and the other for PCIe 3.0 x4.
2 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gbps – storage
Realtek 2.5Gb ethernet is used for networking.
MSI’s micro-ATX MAG B550M Mortar is your best bet for an inexpensive next-generation Ryzen system when it comes to gaming performance above all else. A lot of the X570 and B550 motherboards on the market now are priced about $160, making this one of the more affordable options.
The MSI B550 Mortar’s gaming frame rates outshine those of the other B550s we’ve tested, and its CPU performance is on par with the best X570s. The B550 has a good chance of being a good home for your AMD Zen 3 processor of the future, which is good news if you’re searching for a budget solution.
Those extra PCIe M.2 and x16 GPU slots, however, will be missing out on if those extras mean a lot to you. Depending on which Mortar Wi-Fi edition you purchase, you may be able to forgo wireless networking. If you want a board that doesn’t excite you when it comes to overclocking, then the 8+2+1 power phase design is a more unwelcome miss. However, as a low-cost gaming board with no OC aspirations, it’s a strong contender.
BEST AMD A520 MOTHERBOARD
ASRock A520M ITX/ac
SPECIFICATIONS
The AMD Ryzen processor family, 3rd and 4th generation, is supported.
Socket: AM4
Size: Mini ITX
Support for up to 64GB of DDR4-4600 memory via two DIMMs (OC)
Slots for expansion: 1 PCIe 3.0 x16.
There are two video inputs available: one HDMI 2.1 and one DVI-D.
One M.2, four SATA 6Gbps drives
Realtek GbE LAN and Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi are included.
The A520, AMD’s entry-level Ryzen motherboard chipset, has mostly escaped notice. A320 was regarded as the lowest rung of the ladder, while B350 and B450 motherboards were generally considered entry-level.
B550 motherboards, which were on sale and were significantly more expensive, emptied the sub-$100 market. You’ll need to type in A520. Overclocking and PCIe 4.0 support on the B550 aren’t important to you if you’re on a tighter budget, but they are on the A520 motherboards. It’s possible to get a good A520 motherboard for half the price of a good A520 motherboard, but that’s not always the case.
AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs and, perhaps more critically, AMD Ryzen 4000 series APUs are both supported by this motherboard. Zen 3 processors and motherboards like this AsRock A520M ITX/ac will allow for a tiny and inexpensive system that will beat any Intel processor in every workload.
The audio on the ASRock A520M isn’t great, but that’s to be expected from a board in this price range. It’s unlikely that a player listening to compressed audio assets in-game will feel any less immersed. In terms of gaming performance, the ASRock A520M ITX/ac is a solid choice for a low-cost gaming PC. It takes advantage of the Ryzen platform’s features while also providing some future-proofing. ITX enthusiasts seeking for a good AMD Ryzen solution on a budget might consider this one.
Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite
SPECIFICATIONS
The AMD Ryzen processor family, 3rd and 4th generation, is supported.
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
There is memory compatibility for up to 128GB of DDR4-4733 in four DIMMs (OC)
There are four expansion slots: one PCIe 3.0 x16, one PCIe 3.0 x16, and three PCIe 3.0 x1
There are two video inputs available: one HDMI 2.1 and one DVI-D.
One M.2, four SATA 6Gbps drives
Realtek GbE LAN network interface card (chipset).
Pixel-perfect panels for your PC gaming PC monitors
In the case where simply high-resolution is required, the best 4K gaming display
AMD’s A520 motherboard chipset isn’t the most visually appealing thing you’ll find in a PC. You probably wouldn’t buy one for use in a water-cooled setup or an Nvidia RTX 3090 gaming PC. Looking at the actual chipset, it appears to have all the functionality you’d need in a computer. PCIe 4.0 isn’t available, but neither is Rocket Lake, the next-generation Intel processor due sometime next year.
Although it may sound like an oxymoronic combination, you might be forgiven for thinking the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite was a mid-range board and not a bargain at $90. It even has four headers, two of which are RGB and two of which are ARGB. Honestly, the only thing missing is Wi-Fi, but at this price, can you really expect it?
This codec-based audio is a major accomplishment for Gigabyte, and it should be applauded as such. Typically, this is reserved for motherboards with a higher price tag. This Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Because of the compatibility with the next-generation Ryzen microprocessors, it outperforms Intel’s entry-level B460 boards in terms of price and performance. How broad is its appeal? Contrary to popular belief, the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite motherboard is anything but cheap and filthy.
How To Pick The Best Motherboard For Your Needs
So, we’ve mentioned a lot of motherboards, but what should you look for in terms of specifics?
Choosing a motherboard isn’t nearly as tough as choosing other components, especially when it comes to building a gaming PC.
It’s important to keep these variables in mind while choosing a motherboard.
The Socket
Decide which CPU brand you’ll be utilizing, or rather, which one of the two major CPU brands that use a standard socket: AMD’s AM4 and Intel’ LGA1151 are the two most popular choices.
There are still CPUs out there that use a different socket, such as AMD’s Threadripper (TR4) or some of Intel’s i9 or Xeon CPUs (LGA2066), but all the budget, mid-range, and high-end CPUs that you’d use in a gaming PC are currently designed with the abovementioned two sockets in mind.
There is no reason to expect either of these sockets to be replaced any time soon, and future generations of Ryzen and Core processors will be able to use them.
The Chipset
For multi-GPU systems, AMD CrossFire and Nvidia SLI, and for storage, AMD StoreMI and Intel Optane, you’ll need a chipset capable of supporting these capabilities.
The motherboard’s ability to enable overclocking is also impacted by the number of ports/connectors/slots it can have.
The features of AMD’s and Intel’s chipsets can be viewed here and here respectively. It goes without saying that motherboards with more advanced chipsets will cost more money.
As a last point, it should be noted that AMD’s AM4 socket was developed with future-proofing in mind, therefore it is currently more compatible than Intel’s.
Thus, every AM4 CPU may run on any AM4 motherboard, regardless of the chipset it is paired with. This new version of the LGA1151 socket is now incompatible with CPUs that were manufactured prior to the release of Coffee Lake.
The Ports, Slots, and Connectors
You can see that we’ve highlighted the most critical connectors to keep a watch out for, but what are they used for?
- Expansion cards like sound cards, capture cards, etc. are all PCIe devices.
- Solid-state drive (SSD) storage is supported by SATA III.
- NAND and NVMe SSDs can be stored on M.2 cards.
- HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D, and VGA are the most common input/output interfaces.
- Low-bandwidth peripherals such as keyboards, mouse, and Bluetooth dongles use USB 2.0.
- A high-speed USB port, USB 3.1 Gen 1 is used by nearly all accessories.
- It is substantially quicker than USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, however not many peripherals are taking advantage of its full potential as yet. USB 3.1 Gen 2
- PS/2 – Older mouse and keyboards used PS/2 analog connectors for their input devices.
- 3.5 mm analog audio jack: This connector is found on the majority of headphone and microphone cables.
- Surround sound systems and soundbars, for example, make use of optical audio.
The Form Factor
There are three main types of motherboards: Mini ITX, Micro ATX and ATX. As we’ve seen, these three are the most prevalent. Even though there are a variety of alternative configurations available, these three are the most common for gaming PCs and conventional desktop PCs.
The motherboard format, in addition to its size, has a significant impact on the motherboard’s attributes, particularly the number of slots, ports, and connectors it has available. Naturally, a Mini ITX motherboard can’t accommodate four PCIe x16 slots and eight RAM slots!
It’s worth noting, however, that while smaller motherboards are ideal for those who want a smaller gaming PC, Micro ATX or ATX motherboards offer a superior alternative because they are more cost-effective and have more ports. You’ll need to take this in mind if you’re creating a gaming PC because larger cases tend to have better ventilation.
In conclusion:
- Although the Mini ITX motherboard size is ideal for manufacturing small PCs, it has a limited number of connectors and ports as well as a high price.
- If you’re looking to build a low-cost gaming PC, Micro ATX motherboards are an excellent choice.
- In terms of high-end gaming PC components, ATX motherboards offer nearly everything you could possibly want. However, ATX motherboards may be very expensive, especially if you choose for more powerful chipsets.
FAQS:
What type of motherboard is best for gaming?
What is the best motherboard for AMD X570
- Crosshair VIII Dark Hero from Asus. One of the best AM4 boards ever made, and the final X570. Specifications. …
- WiFi MPG X570 Gaming Pro from MSI. AMD Ryzen 3000 gaming builds benefit greatly from the use of this motherboard.
- Gigabyte’s Aorus Master X570S. Most USB ports on an AMD motherboard.
Will DDR5 be worth it?
Power consumption has been reduced while the bandwidth and density have been doubled in DDR5 compared to DDR4. It’s easier for memory-intensive applications like games and video and picture editors to run at a higher speed when they have access to more bandwidth.
Is micro-ATX good for overclocking?
Micro ATX motherboards may be overclocked, right? Theoretically, yes, provided that the chipset supports it. However, these boards are not intended to be overclocked, and their VRMs are unlikely to be as robust as those found on a full-ATX motherboard.
What’s the most important factor in buying a motherboard?
What really matters when buying a motherboard?
This no longer necessitates a reduction in performance or the inclusion of essential features. Today’s SLI/CrossFire-less GPU world may be accommodated by a single PCIe slot, and even some Mini ITX boards will include numerous M.2 SSD slots..
Scale will, however, have an impact on pricing. While Mini ITX motherboards can be the most expensive, Micro ATX boards are generally the most cheap. The best gaming motherboards for each of the key Intel and AMD chipsets have been selected for you to provide you the widest range of alternatives.
Can I overclock on any motherboard?
More CPUs and motherboard chipsets are allowed by AMD, which is more accommodating. If you don’t get a Ryzen board with a ‘A’ in front of its designation, you should be able to adjust it without any issues. Despite this, there are still just a few benefits to be had.
Conclusion
Normally, we’d pick the winners in the end, but with this product, there’s no such thing as a final victor.
It may look like this if we had to limit down the options based on price, value for money, and features.
Nguồn: https://gemaga.com
Danh mục: Best
