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Discover the Best Gaming Motherboards for Your PC in 2023
Motherboards are like backbones to PCs, connecting all components. It’s crucial! What shapes your PC case? It’s the motherboard’s form factor: ATX, E-ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX. Also, the socket and chipset are pivotal in deciding which processor fits your CPU socket.
Need help to choose the right motherboard chipset? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:
- Intel’s Latest Offerings: Start with the newest Intel motherboards, tailored for 14th Gen, 13th Gen (Raptor Lake), and 12th Gen (Alder Lake) CPUs. The best motherboards include models like Z790, B760M, Z690, B660, and H610.
- AMD’s Powerhouses: Following the Intel lineup, AMD motherboards steal the show, especially for the Ryzen 7000 and 5000 series. Are you seeking something for older AMD CPUs? The X570 and B550 motherboards are your go-to choices, though they’re now becoming rare treasures.
Each motherboard brings something unique. Which one will turbocharge your gaming experience? Stay tuned to find out which motherboard reigns supreme for your gaming needs!
Motherboards: Quick Guide to Choose the Right Pick in 2023
When building your dream gaming PC, picking the perfect motherboard is essential. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice:
- Trustworthy Reviews: Our experts rigorously test and compare motherboards at Tom’s Hardware. We ensure you get reliable recommendations.
- Matching Socket and CPU: Ensure the motherboard’s socket matches your CPU. Intel’s latest CPUs use the LGA 1700 socket, while mainstream AMD chips fit in AM5 sockets.
- RAM Compatibility: Deciding between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM? DDR4 is more budget-friendly and compatible with some Intel Z790 and Z690 motherboards. However, DDR5, despite being pricier, is becoming more affordable.
- Motherboard Size Matters: Motherboards come in different sizes – ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. Smaller boards mean fewer expansion slots and features. So, choose based on your case size and expansion needs.
- Connectivity Features: Consider if you need built-in Wi-Fi or high-end ports like USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt. But remember, Thunderbolt ports are rare on AMD motherboards.
Each feature adds a unique touch to your gaming experience. How will these factors affect your gaming rig’s performance? Stay tuned to discover which motherboard features are essential for your gaming adventures!
The Best Intel Gaming Motherboards: Z790, Z760M, Z690, B660, H610
1. Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme: The Ultimate High-End Choice
Meet the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme, the pinnacle of high-end Z790 motherboards:
- Key Specs: LGA 1700 socket, Z790 chipset, E-ATX form factor, 23-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, USB ports including Thunderbolt 4.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Reasons to Buy:
- Powerful Performance: Its overbuilt power delivery and 10 Gb Ethernet are impressive.
- Connectivity: Equipped with 40 Gbps Thunderbolt ports.
- Cost-Effective: Offers great value, costing significantly less than similar flagship models.
But Consider:
- Price: It’s still a pricey option.
- Size: Its E-ATX size may limit your case choices.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme has exceptional features like 10 Gb Ethernet and Thunderbolt 4 ports. But will its size and cost fit your build? Wait until you hear about its rival!
2. ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite: Best Value for ATX
ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite, a more budget-friendly yet feature-rich option:
- Key Specs: LGA 1700 socket, Z790 chipset, E-ATX form, 27-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, USB ports including Thunderbolt 4.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Reasons to Buy:
- Connectivity: Boasts dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and various storage options.
- Audio and Power: Offers flagship-class audio and robust power delivery.
But Consider:
- Aesthetics: Lacks the premium looks of its higher-end counterpart.
- M.2 Limitation: Only four M.2 sockets can run concurrently.
Priced at $379.99, the ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite is a strong contender with robust features, yet it hits the wallet less hard. But does its less flashy appearance make you think twice?
The battle of the Z790 motherboards is intense. Both offer exceptional features and performance, but which will be the heart of your ultimate gaming setup? Stay tuned for the final verdict!
3. ASRock Z790 Steel Legend: The Affordable Powerhouse Among Motherboards
Introducing the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend, the go-to for budget-conscious gamers:
- Specifications: LGA 1700 socket, Intel Z790 chipset, ATX form factor, 18-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and versatile USB ports.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Storage Options: Boasts five M.2 sockets and eight SATA ports.
- Connectivity: Features a 20 Gbps Type-C port on the front.
Points to Consider:
- M.2 Limitation: Only four sockets can run at the same time.
- Audio: The audio codec could be better.
Priced around $230, the Z790 Steel Legend offers flexibility without a hefty price tag. Its features, like PCIe 5.0 slot and M.2 support, are impressive. But will the audio codec meet your expectations? Let’s compare it with its sibling!
4. ASRock B760M Steel Legend Wi-Fi: Compact and Capable
Meet the ASRock B760M Steel Legend Wi-Fi, a top choice in the Micro-ATX category:
- Specifications: LGA 1700 socket, Intel B760 chipset, Micro ATX form factor, 14-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and multiple USB options.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Why It’s Worth Considering:
- M.2 and Wi-Fi: Comes with three M.2 sockets and integrated Wi-Fi 6E.
- Display Support: Includes eDP for an internal monitor.
But Keep in Mind:
- USB Ports: Limited to only eight USB ports on the rear IO.
- Sound Quality: Sports a somewhat dated audio codec.
At around $160, this motherboard is a steal for those who don’t plan to overclock. Its performance and features, like the eDP port and RGB lighting, are commendable. However, is the limited number of USB ports a deal-breaker for you?
Choosing between these ASRock models depends on your needs and budget. Will you choose the affordable yet powerful Z790 or the compact B760M with unique features? The choice might be challenging, but you’re in for a gaming treat either way!
5. Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus: A Mini-ITX Marvel
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus stands out in the Mini-ITX arena:
- Specifications: LGA 1700 socket, Z690 chipset, Mini-ITX form, 13-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and diverse USB ports.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Reasons to Pick:
- Affordable Price: Competitively priced at $329.99.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Includes RGB LEDs for a premium look.
- Powerful Components: Boasts robust 105A SPS MOSFETs.
Points to Note:
- SATA Support: Limited to only two SATA ports and no SATA M.2 support.
Priced lower than its rivals, this board offers excellent value with two M.2 sockets and a high-quality audio codec. Its RGB LEDs add flair to your build, but will the limited SATA options work for you?
6. MSI MAG B760M Mortar Wi-Fi: Top Choice for Budget Builders
MSI brings you the MAG B760M Mortar Wi-Fi, an mATX gem:
- Specifications: LGA 1700 socket, B760 chipset, mATX form, 14-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and varied USB connectivity.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Why It’s Worth Your Money:
- Advanced Features: Includes a PCIe 5.0 slot and a 20 Gbps Type-C port.
- Storage Flexibility: Offers a SATA-capable M.2 socket.
Considerations:
- USB Port Count: Has only seven Type-A USB ports on the rear IO.
- Audio Quality: Comes with a budget audio codec.
Priced under $190, the MSI MAG B760M Mortar Wi-Fi supports high-end Intel processors and offers essential features for a budget motherboard. However, its thermal throttling under heavy loads might be a concern. Is this the right balance of price and performance for you?
Choosing between these motherboards depends on your specific needs and space constraints. Will the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus’s aesthetic and performance edge sway you, or does the MSI MAG B760M Mortar Wi-Fi’s budget-friendly feature set win the day? The decision is crucial for your compact gaming rig!
AMD has always been a front-runner in the gaming motherboard arena, and their latest offerings are no exception. Let’s dive into what makes their current motherboards stand out:
AMD’s Flagship X670/X670E Chipsets
The X670/X670E chipsets are AMD’s crown jewels, boasting PCIe 5.0 support. While this advanced technology awaits its full potential, the future looks promising as current-gen graphics cards still need to utilize this bandwidth fully. PCIe 5.0 SSDs are starting to appear, hinting at faster data transfers and improved performance.
B650 Motherboards: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
For those watching their wallet, B650 motherboards are an intelligent choice. They offer fewer PCIe 5.0 lanes, typically enough for one SSD and a graphics card. But here’s a twist: some higher-end B650 models are priced similarly to X670 options. So, balancing your budget with the features you need is crucial.
The Rise of Affordable Motherboards
Good news for budget gamers: AMD motherboard prices are seeing a drop. You can now find B650 motherboards as low as $125. For example, the ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 is an exciting sub-$150 option we’re reviewing. And for those who don’t need PCIe 5.0, A620 boards are emerging as even cheaper alternatives, some offering unsanctioned overclocking capabilities.
The Lasting Appeal of AM4 CPUs and Motherboards
Pay attention to the older AM4 platform. It still delivers excellent gaming performance, especially with CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. However, it’s a legacy platform without the latest features like PCIe 5.0 or USB4.
Need help determining which AMD chipset fits your needs? Our motherboard basics and buying guide can help you make an informed decision. Keep watching as we explore these exciting AMD motherboard options, each offering unique advantages for your gaming setup!
1. Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master: The Best Motherboard Among B650E Motherboards
The Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master stands out in the AMD motherboard lineup:
- Specifications: AM5 socket, B650E chipset, ATX form factor, 20-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and various USB ports.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Reasons to Buy:
- Advanced Storage: Offers four PCIe 5.0 M.2 sockets.
- Connectivity: Boasts 13 USB ports on the rear IO.
- Design: Features M.2 and PCIe EZ-Latches for easy installation.
Considerations:
- USB Speed: Lacks 40 Gbps ports.
- Audio: Comes with a last-gen audio codec.
Priced at $349.99, the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master blurs the line between affordability and high-end features. While it offers fewer speedy USB ports, it includes robust VRMs and a premium appearance. But will the audio codec meet your gaming needs?
2. ASRock X670E Taichi: Premium Choice Among AM5 Motherboards
ASRock’s X670E Taichi shines in the premium AM5 motherboard category:
- Specifications: LGA1718 socket, X670E chipset, E-ATX form, 27-phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and USB4 Type-C ports.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Reasons to Pick:
- USB Connectivity: Includes two USB4 Type-C ports.
- Storage Options: Comes with eight SATA ports and four M.2 sockets.
- Aesthetics: Offers an attractive design with an included M.2 heatsink.
Points to Note:
- Price: A bit steep at $499.
- M.2 Accessibility: Lacks quick-release on M.2 sockets.
The ASRock X670E Taichi, priced lower than many competitors, delivers almost all critical features of AMD’s latest platform. However, is the price within your budget for a new Zen 4-based system?
3. Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi: A High-End Option Among X570 Motherboards
The Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi excels in the high-end X570 motherboard range:
- Specifications: AM4 socket, X570 chipset, ATX form, 12+2 phase voltage regulator, PCIe x16, and multiple USB 3.2 ports.
- Warranty: 3 years.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Control Features: Includes onboard power/reset buttons and a Q-code LED display.
- Cooling: All M.2 slots come with a heatsink.
- Connectivity: Features 12 USB ports on the rear IO.
But Keep in Mind:
- Cost: It’s on the pricier side.
- Chipset Fan Placement: Located directly under the GPU, which could be a concern.
This motherboard is a solid foundation for a high-end build, with features like a 2.5G LAN port and integrated Wi-Fi 6. However, will its price and chipset fan placement fit your build plans?
Choosing the correct motherboard from these top AMD options depends on your specific requirements and budget. Whether it’s the feature-rich Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master, the premium ASRock X670E Taichi, or the high-end Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi, each offers unique advantages for your gaming rig. Which one will power your next gaming adventure? Stay tuned for more insights!
