Even though components like CPUs and graphics cards typically receive more attention, picking the best motherboard for gaming (or the best board for another type of computer work) is a crucial stage in the system building process. Almost every component of your computer plugs into the motherboard. The size of your PC case will depend on its form factor (ATX, E-ATS, ITX, etc.). The socket and chipset of a board will also restrict the kind of processors you can install.
Think about the following factors while choosing a motherboard:- Get the appropriate CPU socket. Great CPUs are available from both AMD and Intel. But whichever CPU you decide on, check to see if your board has the right socket for it. The most recent standard AMD processors use AM4 CPU sockets, whereas the 10th and 11th generation Intel Core CPUs require LGA 1200 sockets. The 12th generation (Alder Lake) and upcoming 13th generation (Raptor Lake) CPUs use LGA 1700.
- Less spaces and features correspond to smaller boards. There are three main sizes for motherboards; for more information, check our diagram and breakdown of the components. There are three sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. (Mini is indeed smaller than Micro.) With the micro or small boards, you can use a smaller chassis, but you'll have to make up with fewer card expansion slots, occasionally fewer RAM slots, and other interfaces.
- Only pay for premium ports and built-in Wi-Fi if you actually need them. Using Ethernet instead of WiFi will save you money. Adding compatibility for USB 3.2 Gen 2 and/or Thunderbolt will help you prepare your PC for the future. But on AMD motherboards, Thunderbolt is quite uncommon.
Z690, Z590, Z490, and X299 ARE THE BEST INTEL GAMING MOTHERBOARDS.
- Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro
Specification :
Specification :
Socket: LGA 1700Chipset: Intel Z690Form Factor: E-ATXVoltage Regulator: 18 Phases PCIe x16: (2) v5.0 USBPCIe x16: (2) v5.0 (x16, x8/x8)USB Ports: (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps), (3) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps), (4) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)Warranty: 3 years
Any Alder Lake CPU that is compatible with the Z690 Aorus Tachyon can be overclocked to sub-ambient levels thanks to its reliable power delivery. The board doesn't obstruct reaching the highest possible clock rates thanks to the 105A SPS MOSFETs, a sizable heatsink, and overclocking tools. Additionally, it scored better than average overall in our tests, achieving some of the fastest times in our new Blender benchmark, Cinebench R23, and Procyon Office. It also outperformed the Z690 boards we tested somewhat in our game tests.
The E-ATX Aorus Tachyon has a number of features that facilitate overclocking as well, such as buttons for increasing and decreasing the CPU ratio, cooldown features, limp modes, multiple BIOS capability, tantalum capacitors around the socket area (easier and better for insulating for sub-zero runs), as well as more.
Although this board is designed for overclocking, it also does most other tasks effectively. It has a ton of features that are helpful for almost any type of user, like the last generation's top-tier Realtek audio solution and the four M.2 sockets and six SATA connections. However, people who require more RAM than 64GB (such as professionals and multimedia producers) may need to search elsewhere.
Specification:
Socket: LGA 1700Chipset: Intel Z690Form Factor: Mini-ITXVoltage Regulator: 12 PhasesPCIe x16: (1) v5.0USB Ports: (2) Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (40/20/10 Gbps), (2) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps), (4) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)Warranty: 3 years
Three M.2 sockets, four SATA ports, the newest flagship audio, Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps Type-C) connections, integrated Wi-Fi 6E, and more capabilities can be found in MSI's MEG Z690I Unify's small package. The fact that there are just six USB-A connections on the back is the only serious drawback. For $399.99, or around $30 more than the model from the previous generation, you receive everything mentioned above. The hardware that comes with the small black motherboard is powerful. Additionally, in our testing, performance generally matched that of larger ATX boards.
The Z690 Mini-ITX market is highly competitive, with products from all the main motherboard manufacturers. The MSI MEG Z690I Unify is the ideal option for individuals wishing to construct a compact yet potent 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake machine because it contains the most features and connectivity consumers are likely to look for in a tiny form-factor board for its pricing.
4. ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WI-FI
Specification:
Socket: LGA 1700Chipset: Intel B660Form Factor: Mini-ITXVoltage Regulator: 9 Phase (8+1, 60A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore)PCIe x16: (1) v5.0 (x16)USB Ports: (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps), (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps), (3) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), (3) USB 2.0 (480 Mbps)Warranty: 3 years
The Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WIFI has emerged as a deserving compact motherboard in the B660 area after our benchmark testing and a detailed examination of its extensive feature set. The compact board has two M.2 ports, integrated Wi-Fi 6, a last-generation premium audio solution, a PCIe 5.0 slot, and these features. The heated VRM temperatures are the only actual hardware issue, however keep in mind that this was during a stress test and isn't an usual loading scenario.
Apart from that, the performance in all of our tests was strong and could compete with comparable DDR5-based boards. It is fairly priced, packed with features, and a strong performance at $219.99. From this class of board, you really can't ask for much more. If you want to save some money and don't intend to overclock your Alder Lake processor, the ITX board to choose is the Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WIFI. There are Z690 choices if you do (we've already examined two, the ASRock Z690 PG ITX-TB4 and MSI MEG Z690I Unify), but the most of them cost well in excess of $300.
5. ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial
Specification:
Socket: LGA 1200
Chipset: Intel Z590Form Factor: ATXVoltage Regulator: 18 PhasesPCIe x16: (2) v4.0USB Ports: (2) Thunderbolt 4, Type-C , (8) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type AWarranty: 3 years
The Asus ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial is a full-featured Z590 motherboard with five M.2 connections, 10 GbE, integrated Wi-Fi 6E, and a bespoke waterblock. It also has premium audio with a DAC. The Extreme Glacial ($1499) is what flagship-class motherboards should be, despite its hefty price tag.
Those are some of the best Intel Gaming motherboards according to Anthuroch.