Selecting the very best gaming motherboard (or greatest motherboard for an additional sort of PC activity) is a key step in your system construct, although issues like CPUs and graphics playing cards get extra consideration. Each a part of your PC connects to your motherboard. Its kind issue (ATX, E-ATS, ITX, and so forth.) will dictate the scale of your case. And a board’s socket and chipset will restrict which processors you may set up.
For those who’re undecided which chipset you’re after when selecting the very best gaming motherboard, or you might have extra primary questions, you may go to our motherboard fundamentals and motherboard shopping for information options to assist slim down your procuring choices.
The picks beneath will begin with current Intel motherboards (with AMD motherboards additional down), together with the very best gaming motherboards designed for Intel’s newest twelfth gen “Alder Lake,” eleventh Gen “Rocket Lake” and older “Comet Lake” processors. You will discover our suggestions for the very best motherboards for Z690, B660, H610 and Z590, in addition to Intel’s high-end desktop (HEDT) LGA-2066 socket and X299 chipset supporting the X-Sequence and Excessive line of processors.
The very best gaming motherboards for AMD CPUs (together with Ryzen and Threadripper) observe our Intel picks beneath. You can too head to our devoted pages for the greatest X570 motherboards and greatest B550 motherboards for extra particular suggestions and extra examined picks. However if you happen to’re contemplating an AMD-based construct right here in the midst of 2022, you could need to wait a bit for the corporate’s upcoming Ryzen 7000 processors, which is able to use the brand new AM5 socket and trio of chipsets, A670E, X670 and B650. These boards and chips aren’t out but, however with product specs and board particulars getting introduced with growing regularity, it will not probably be lengthy earlier than AMD’s brand-new is totally out there.
Final-gen Ryzen 5000 processors and AM4 motherboards are nonetheless succesful performers and enticingly inexpensive. However simply know that if you happen to go for an AM4 motherboard now you might be shopping for right into a useless platform. New AMD processors will probably be launched on AM5, solely with DDR5 assist.
When selecting a motherboard, take into account the next:
- Get the proper socket on your CPU: You’ll find nice CPUs from both Intel or AMD. However no matter processor you select, be sure that your board has the right socket to assist it. The newest mainstream AMD chips use AM4 CPU sockets whereas Intel’s tenth Gen and eleventh Gen Core CPUs require LGA 1200 sockets, whereas twelfth Gen (Alder Lake) makes use of LGA 1700.
- Smaller boards = fewer slots and options. Motherboards are available in three predominant sizes–for extra data see our diagram and rationalization of motherboard components. From largest to smallest, there’s ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. (Sure, Mini is smaller than Micro). You should utilize a smaller chassis with the micro or mini boards, however you will need to accept fewer card enlargement slots, typically fewer RAM slots, and different connectors.
- Pay for built-in Wi-Fi and high-end ports provided that you want them. Do not spend further for wi-fi if you’re utilizing Ethernet. You’ll be able to future-proof your PC by getting USB 3.2 Gen 2 and / or Thunderbolt assist. However Thunderbolt may be very uncommon on AMD motherboards.
The Greatest Intel Gaming Motherboards: Z690, Z590, Z490 X299
At round $330, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Professional is a mid-range Alder Lake motherboard that covers all of the bases very properly, with minimal sacrifices. There are ample storage choices, together with 4 M.2 sockets, up to date audio, and a brand new look. In our in depth testing, efficiency, thermals and overclocking had been additionally properly inside the vary of different Z690 boards we have examined.
Between its 13 USB ports on the rear IO, 4 M.2 sockets and succesful energy supply, all at a worth that is properly beneath flagship choices, there’s quite a bit to lovea bout the Z690 Aorus Professional. As long as you don’t require built-in RGB lighting or Wi-Fi 6E out of the field (you continue to get Wi-Fi 6), the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Professional is a wonderful Alder Lake motherboard to construct your Z690 system round.
Learn: Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Professional evaluation
MSI’s MEG Z690I Unify comes loaded with options together with three M.2 sockets, 4 SATA ports, the latest-generation flagship audio, Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps Kind-C) ports and built-in Wi-Fi 6E on this diminutive bundle. Its solely actual draw back is that you’re going to discover simply six USB-A ports on the again. You get all the above for $399.99, or about $30 greater than the previous-gen model. The compact black motherboard packs a punch each with the {hardware} that comes with it. And in our testing, efficiency simply matched bigger ATX boards general.
There’s a number of competitors within the Z690 Mini-ITX house, from all the main motherboard makers. However for its worth the MSI MEG Z690I Unify has probably the most options and connectivity customers are more likely to search for in a small form-factor board, making it the most suitable choice for these trying to construct a small however highly effective twelfth Gen Intel Alder Lake rig.
Learn: MSI MEG Z690I Unify evaluation
The Z690 Aorus Tachyon comes with sturdy energy supply that helps sub-ambient overclocking of any suitable Alder Lake CPU. The 105A SPS MOSFETs, massive heatsink, and overclocking instruments make sure the board doesn’t get in the way in which of prime achievable clock speeds. And in our testing, it carried out above common general, with a number of the quickest leads to our new Blender benchmark, Cinebench R23 and Procyon Workplace, with our sport exams additionally exhibiting outcomes barely larger than common for the Z690 boards we have examined.
The E-ATX Aorus Tachyon has a number of options that make overclocking simpler too, together with buttons to lift/decrease the CPU ratio, cooldown performance, limp modes, a number of BIOS functionality, Tantalum capacitors across the socket space (higher and simpler for insulating for sub-zero runs), and extra.
Though this board is made for overclocking, it nonetheless does most every little thing else properly too. From the 4 M.2 sockets and 6 SATA ports to the last-gen flagship Realtek audio resolution, it comes filled with options which might be helpful for many any sort of person. Nonetheless, those that want greater than 64GB of RAM (professionals, content material creators, and so forth), should look elsewhere.
Learn: Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Tachyon Overview
As long as you don’t plan on overclocking your CPU or need to use PCIe 5.0 units earlier than your subsequent improve, the MSI MAG B660M Mortar WIFI DDR4 and its B660 chipset makes for an ideal choice for these trying to get into Alder Lake with out placing a heavy burden in your construct price range.
It lacks the flowery appears to be like or RGB lighting of pricier boards, however does include every little thing you should get probably the most out of a stock-clocked Alder Lake CPU. The Mortar consists of two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 sockets, six SATA ports, a premium last-generation audio resolution and VRMs that simply handle the flagship Core i9 CPU.
In our testing, efficiency on our B660M Mortar was just like these of the Z690-based DDR4 boards we examined beforehand. In different phrases, this sub-$200 motherboard was in a position to make the most of our i9-12900K processor to its fullest whereas costing a 3rd lower than most Z690 choices.
Learn: MSI MAG B660M Mortar WIFI DDR4 evaluation
Of the sub-$120 Intel H610-chipset motherboards we have examined, Asus Prime H610M-A D4 is the one one which helps two M.2 sockets for storage, and a key-E M.2 socket enables you to simply add CNVi-based NICs for fast and dependable Wi-Fi.
For those who’re trying to get into Alder Lake on a budget and won’t overclock, the H610 chipset is the least costly means in, nevertheless it’s not with out drawbacks. There are fewer USB ports and what’s out there is slower (no 20 Gbps USB or Kind-C ports, for instance).
Whereas the whole Alder Lake processor stack is technically supported, you’re restricted in what processors you may make the most of with this chipset, contemplating the slower efficiency we noticed in heavy multi-threaded hundreds with our Core i9 on all examined H610 motherboards. And do not count on a great deal of exterior enlargement. There are simply six USB ports right here, none of them quicker than the pair of teal 10 Gbps ports. However if you happen to’re not attempting to run the very best Alder Lake has to supply, this sup-$110 board is an effective solution to get the newest and biggest Intel has to supply with out placing enormous a gap in your checking account.
Learn: H610 Motherboard Roundup: i9-12900K Meets Sub-$120 Micro ATX
The Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero has the premium components and engaging appears to be like to face out, regardless of its pretty excessive worth. From its clear, high-end look to the sturdy energy supply, 4 M.2 sockets and a premium audio resolution, the Hero is a well-rounded, feature-laden resolution within the upper-midrange of the Z590 motherboard house. With more-than-capable 90A energy phases and twin Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus the 4 PCIe 4.0 M.2 sockets and premium audio bits, the board justifies its $499 worth.
Examined efficiency in comparison with the opposite Z590 fashions we’ve examined thus far was spot on, and infrequently negligibly quicker in a lot of our exams. Reminiscence testing went and not using a hitch, with DDR4 3600 supported at 1:1, and it simply dealt with the DDR4 4000 package. And overclocking testing proceeded with none problem.
Learn: Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590 evaluation
The Asus ROG Maximus XIII Excessive Glacial is a full-featured Z590 motherboard that embrace sturdy energy supply, premium audio with a DAC, 5 M.2 sockets, 10 GbE and built-in Wi-Fi 6E and features a customized waterblock. Whereas pricing is hard to take, the Excessive Glacial ($1499) represents what flagship-class motherboards needs to be.
And as you’d count on with a high-end board, our testing did not reveal any points by way of the Maximus XIII Excessive Glacial’s efficiency. The board delivered common or above common leads to the 3DMark exams and precise sport exams.
Learn: Asus ROG Maximus XIII Excessive Glacial evaluation
Totally geared up for the 48 lanes of Intel’s tenth technology Core Excessive processors, the X299X Designare 10G comes loaded to the brink with Intel X550 twin 10Gb/s Ethernet and a pair of Thunderbolt 3 headers with twin DisplayPort passthrough on Intel’s 40Gb/s controller. A four-drive M.2 expander card and a pair of.4Gb/s Wi-Fi 6 end a bundle of which the added element worth far outweighs the value distinction over its closest competitor.
Learn: Gigabyte X299X Designare 10G evaluation
The Greatest AMD Gaming Motherboards: X570(S), B550, TRX40, X470 and B450
AMD’s present flagship X570/X570S chipset brings with it full assist for PCIe 4.0, together with units linked to each its CPU-integrated and chipset-based PCIe controllers, and the switch fee between the CPU and chipset is likewise doubled. We have examined a number of X570 boards, together with many fashions refreshed for AMD’s Ryzen 5000 CPUs, in addition to just a few with the up to date X570S chipset that does away with the fan. The value premium for X570 fashions remains to be a severe consideration, as its X470 predecessors don’t assist the PCIe 4.0 built-in into the brand new CPUs.
If you wish to avoid wasting cash, take into account a B550 motherboard, which has PCIe 4.0 assist, however typically solely sufficient lanes for one quick SSD and graphics card. Word, although, that many higher-end B550 boards strategy or exceed the value of X570 options. So store rigorously primarily based on the options you want or are probably to make use of sooner or later.
For those who’re undecided which chipset you’re after or have extra primary questions, you may go to our motherboard fundamentals and motherboard shopping for information tales to assist slim down your board shopping for choices.
The Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Excessive is the primary AMD Excessive board for the reason that X370 days, and it would not disappoint. Along with its premium look, the board comes with one of the crucial succesful VRMs we’ve seen. So its overclocking means is simply restricted to your cooling functionality and the restrictions of your silicon. Different options are additionally top-notch, together with the newest Realtek/Supreme FX audio codec, 10 GbE and Wi-Fi 6E.
The Thunderbolt 4 ports and front-panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Kind-C ports offer you loads of quick connectivity as properly. And if you happen to want a variety of quick storage, you’re properly taken care of with as much as 5 M.2 modules that may work concurrently. For those who’ve acquired $800 to spend on an X570 motherboard, the ROG Crosshair VIII Excessive needs to be on the prime of your listing.
Learn: Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Excessive evaluation
Full of 12 USB ports (eight of that are USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds), a 2.5G LAN port, eight SATA ports, and built-in Wi-Fi 6, he Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi is an effective base for a high-end construct.
Learn: Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi Overview
The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Extremely focuses on doing staple items very properly, corresponding to its twelve 40A core voltage MOSFETs and triple PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 storage slots. With nothing greater than a 2.4Gb/s Wi-Fi 6 module so as to add to its primary Gigabit Ethernet, the paucity of premium add-in options helps Gigabyte to keep up a sub $300 worth regardless of the price of PCIe 4.0 compliance.
Learn: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Extremely evaluation
Asus’ ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wi-Fi delivers premium options together with SupremeFX Audio, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200, strong energy supply and extra. It’s choice across the $200 mark, although there are equally specced boards that price much less. For those who don’t want Wi-Fi functionality, the non-Wi-Fi model of the identical board prices $30 much less with the identical specs, making it simple to advocate if you happen to plan on utilizing Ethernet or have your individual wi-fi card.
Learn: Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wi-Fi evaluation
NZXT’s first foray into AMD motherboards is successful. Coming in late to the sport allowed the corporate to implement suggestions from its Intel boards, including extra USB ports to the rear IO. The extra time additionally allowed NZXT to implement cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E as properly, alongside 2.5GbE. Outdoors of that, the looks modified considerably from the corporate’s earlier boards, with shrouds dominating the floor and an absence of on-board RGBs.
With an MSRP of $229, the NZXT N7 B550 prices about $15 greater than our main decide, however delivers a more moderen Wi-Fi chip, extra and quicker USB ports, and strong efficiency in a bundle that is visually distinct from all different B550 competitors. For those who can spend this a lot and do not want the additional PCI 4.0 bandwidth that comes with equally priced older X570 motherboards, the NZXT N7 B550 is properly price contemplating.
Learn: NZXT N7 B550 evaluation
Financial savings on the Greatest Motherboards
Whether or not you are shopping for top-of-the-line motherboards or a special mannequin, you could discover some financial savings by checking our listing of coupon codes, particularly our listing of Newegg promo codes and Micro Heart coupons.
MORE: How To Select A Motherboard
MORE: All Motherboard Content material
MORE: CPU Benchmarks