Best Gaming Motherboard 2021 – Intel and AMD [Review]

This article is about Best Gaming Motherboard. A crappy motherboard would possibly result in either instability, system failure, or even irreparable damage to other expensive components of your machine. Take it from somebody who has gone the cheap route before – Certainly, you don’t want that.

You can’t overlook the motherboard!

Despite the fact that CPUs and graphics cards often get more attention, you can’t overlook the role your motherboard plays in letting all those components perform their best. It serves as the backbone of your system. Without one, all you have is only an expensive pile of technology.

Every part of your PC plugs into your board. Its form factor dictates the size of your computer. And it doesn’t stop there, your motherboard will decide what sort of storage drives you can plug in and what memory you can use too. Investing in one of the best motherboards should be the way to go. If you cheap out and settle for less, you might end up having to rebuild your entire PC from scratch.

You can go for great motherboards either Intel or AMD

So, whether you need a speedy Intel system, or want to build a core-packed AMD Ryzen rig, you should be looking for a great motherboard to let you find the ideal one for your setup and get the most out of your components.

If you have an Intel CPU you need an Intel motherboard, and if you have an AMD CPU you need an AMD motherboard. Just make sure it’s one with the right socket. To keep things simple, we’ve split this guide up into two parts, with Intel motherboards first and AMD motherboards second.

Best Intel gaming motherboards

  1. ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E GAMING
  2. Gigabyte X299X Designare 10G
  3. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike
  4. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard
  5. Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Best AMD gaming motherboards

  1. ASRock TRX40 Taichi
  2. ASUS ROG Strix X470-I
  3. Gigabyte X570 Gaming X
  4. MSI Creator TRX40
  5. MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus

The picks below include the best gaming motherboards designed for Intel:

ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E GAMING The best Intel motherboard 

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Intel Z390

Socket: Intel LGA 1151

Memory slots: 4 X DDR4

Form Factor: Standard ATX

Overclocking Support: Yes

 

Best Gaming Motherboard

 

The Strix Z390-E is a fantastic high-end gaming motherboard, and it is brought in to challenge the best motherboards out there. It’s very well-suited to avid gamers. It comes packed with a lot of extra features that will make it a worthy option for anyone with a decent budget.

The design on this motherboard is up there with the best, and it is easily one of the nicest looking boards currently available. This ATX motherboard supports 9th and 8th Gen Intel CPUs as you would expect and it comes with dual M.2 slots, USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, two RGB 4-pin headers and one addressable RGB header, and onboard 802.11AC Wi-Fi (although you have a budget to spend on a top-of-the-line gaming computer, you’d probably be better off going with a hardwired connection).

The Z390-E also features three PCI-E 3.0 lanes and refurbishes 5-way optimization overclocks intelligently based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry while FanXpert 4 delivers dynamic system cooling. This board will definitely allow you to run at least dual graphics cards. You can also run up to 64GB of DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode on this motherboard and overclock the memory up to a maximum of 4266MHz. Overclocking is made a breeze by the simple, but comprehensive, BIOS.

Might be this a bit pricey motherboard but the build quality, included traits and aesthetics are something to be admired, and this board is absolutely worth your hard-earned cash.

Gigabyte X299X Designare 10G Best Intel ATX Extreme X299 Motherboard

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Intel X299

Socket: Intel LGA 2066

Memory slots: 8 X DDR4

Form Factor: EATX

Overclocking Support: Yes

 

Best Gaming Motherboard

 

If you want the best, Gigabyte X299X Designare 10G is here for you.  This board supports the top performers for enthusiasts Intel Core X-Series Processor Family. Here you’ll find support for superior network connectivity, extreme core counts, plenty of storage, and memory configurations.

Equipped for the 48 lanes of Intel’s 10th generation Core Extreme processors, X299X Designare 10G comes with 10Gb/s dual Ethernet ports and two Thunderbolt 3 ports (via USB-C) with dual DisplayPort pass through on Intel’s 40Gb/s controller. It also offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

Here insanity kicks in with system memory spanning eight slots. With Intel X299 chip supporting 48 lanes, you can install the full 256GB amount overclocked to 4,333MHz.

This board is too much for gaming, but if you want to use it for that purpose, or heavy benchmarking and overclocking, there’s plenty to get excited about here. The Intel board supports both Nvidia SLI and AMD CrossFireX GPU configurations.

If money is no object, this board is perfect for your powerhouse PC.

Read Also: Best Mobile Phone For Gaming

MSI MEG Z490 Godlike Best high-end motherboard for Intel System

 

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Intel Z490

Socket: Intel LGA 1200

Memory slots: 4 X DDR4

Form Factor: E-ATX

Overclocking Support: Yes

 

 

If you are planning to have a furious fast Intel CPU for your gig, you should have a well-matched motherboard to go with it. Fortunately, there is an Intel version of the Godlike, the all-new MSI MEG Z490 by MSI which is the sheer champion of the best high-end motherboards for the Intel system. You will get pretty much guaranteed top-class performance as long as you’re willing to pay the price.

It comes with BIOS flashback and CMOS buttons and for LAN connectivity there are Aquantia AQC107 10G and Realtek RTL8125B 2.5G controllers. You can add two additional M.2 slots, capable of 32GB/s bandwidth transfer speeds, using an M.2 expansion card. The 128GB dual-channel DDR4 slots can now handle speeds up to 5000MHz too. The OLED display allows you to look inside your case for debugging codes and hardware temperatures rather than loading software.

As a matter of fact, this is the best Z490 board out there right now, with stunning overclocking performance, an outstanding thermal solution, and easy installation, just be ready for over-the-top price.

ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard The best value motherboard for Intel 

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Intel Z390

Socket: Intel LGA 1151

Memory slots: 4 X DDR4

Form Factor: ATX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

Best Gaming Motherboard

The lower-priced Asus TUF board is designed for 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors to maximize connectivity and speed for even less than either of the price of MSI or Asus STRIX boards.

The feature set is a little lighter – there’s only protection on a single PCIe slot, and the PCB feels a touch flimsier than the others – but it still has the overclocking performance as well as Asus’ all-core enhancement features. It comes packed with dual M.2, Gigabit LAN, and USB 3.1 Gen2 ports. This TUF Motherboard is empowered with Military-Grade TUF Components like TUF LANGuard, TUF chokes, TUF Capacitors and TUF MOSFETs to maximize system durability. It is also equipped with overclocking capabilities and 8-Channel HD gaming audio by Realtek.

Asus offers this motherboard at a very reasonable price which is particularly great for those gamers trying to adhere to strict budgets.

Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming Best Intel ITX motherboard

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Intel Z390

Socket: Intel LGA 1151

Memory slots: 2 X DDR4

Form Factor: Mini-ITX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

 

ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming shows admirable performance and worth despite its miniature size. If you like compact size PC for your desktop without compromising on key features, you should look into the Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming.

Regardless of the tiny form factor, this small Strix Z390-I has plenty of features. It packs dual PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slots, Intel v219 Ethernet, upgraded Intel 9560 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi, an ALC1220A audio codec, and legit overclocking capabilities. You don’t even need to settle for a measly 32GB of RAM. Thanks to Asus’ double capacity memory compatibility – you can have up to 64GB of memory in the most minuscule motherboard you’ve ever seen.

Asus has put plenty of extra treats on the board over its predecessor Z370 to make the next-gen worthwhile. For miniature eight-core builds, the Z390-I can’t be beaten.

The picks below include the best gaming motherboards designed for AMD:

ASRock TRX40 Taichi Best AMD TRX40 Motherboard

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: AMD TRX40

Socket: AMD sTRX4

Memory slots: 8 X DDR4

Form Factor: ATX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

Best Gaming Motherboard

If you want the best, ASRock TRX40 Taichi is here for you.  This board supports the top performers for enthusiasts AMD’s 3rd-generation Ryzen Threadripper chips. Here you’ll find support for superior network connectivity, extreme core counts, plenty of storage, and memory configurations.

Added features such as dual networking that includes 2.5GbE, a 20Gb/s USB3 2×2 header, 2.4Gb/s Wi-Fi, and an included four-drive M.2 expansion card justify its $500 price.

It supports PCI Express 4.0, which lets you have the option for faster storage with fewer lanes used per add-in device. It features eight memory slots but you can only install AMD’s 3rd-generation Threadripper chips.

This board is too much for gaming, but if you want to use it for that purpose, or heavy benchmarking and overclocking, there’s plenty to get excited about here. This ASRock TRX40 Taichi board supports both Nvidia SLI and AMD CrossFireX GPU configurations.

If you have a budget, this board is perfect for your powerful PC.

ASUS ROG Strix X470-I

US$319.00 at Amazon

The best mini-ITX motherboard for AMD 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: AMD X470

Socket: AMD AM4

Memory slots: 2 X DDR4

Form Factor: Mini-ITX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

ASUS ROG Strix X470-I can’t be judged by its small size. It delivers sufficient performance and packs plenty of latest features regardless of its miniature size without the feeling of compromise.

It comes with 32GB Dual Channel DDR4-SDRAM, 2 x USB3.1 Gen2, 6 x USB3.1 Gen1, 2 x USB2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN (RJ45) ports, 3 x LED-illuminated audio jacks. It also have 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! Module. It expands its features down to the BIOS. Where you will see a stress test for overclocks before you even boot into Windows. This board also goes beyond the limitations of the Mini-ITX. Form factor by including an M.2 Audio Combo riser, so that you can install your M.2. NVMe SSD without massing out other components.

Certainly, it’s a bit down in the overall performance when we compare it with other high-end motherboards, but taking into consideration the value it packs in the minuscule size, it’s a wonderful mini-ITX motherboard.

Gigabyte X570 Gaming X Budget-friendly AMD Motherboard

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: AMD X570

Socket: AMD AM4

Memory slots: 4 X DDR4

Form Factor: ATX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

Gigabyte X570 Gaming X has the potential to fully unlock the latest Ryzen 3rd Generation processors without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Gigabyte X570 Gaming X packs dual GPU configurations, as well as up to 128GB of RAM, dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots and a PCIe 4.0 x 16 slot for AMD’s newest Navi graphics cards. It accommodates plenty of RGB options to help you light up your build. It also lets you hit higher overclocks with your 3rd Generation Ryzen CPU.

For those gamers who want to be able to overclock their new Ryzen processor. Without paying a premium for more expensive X570 boards, the GIGABYTE X570 Gaming X motherboard is the great option.

MSI Creator TRX40 Best AMD E-ATX motherboard

 

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: AMD TRX40

Socket: AMD sTRX4

Memory slots: 8 X DDR4

Form Factor: E-ATX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

You would definitely need a top of the line motherboard like the MSI Creator TRX40 if you have an AMD Threadripper beneath the lid of your PC.

This is an inspiring motherboard that is fitted with a 16 phase digital power design just for the processor, and that already is a good indication of things to come. The board comes in an E-ATX form factor, meaning you’ll need a chassis that can actually hold this bigger sized motherboard. Included as well as an AIC drop-in card can hold another four M.2. units.

The board has built-in four PCI Express 4.0 slots, six SATA ports, 3x onboard M.2 drive sockets and wherever you place a focus you’ll end up in a multitude of something. This board features 10 Gb LAN (Aquantia embedded) as well as an Intel Gigabit jack. The board also has been fitted with WIFI 6 (802.11ax) for gigabit wireless performance and offers 5.5x higher throughput compared to the 802.11ac 1×1 standard.

This is intended and created specifically for creators with the most demanding computing needs. It’s a little expensive, but If you want the best motherboard for your professional creative ventures, MSI Creator TRX40 is the perfect option for you.

MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus

S$169.99 at Amazon

Best Budget AMD ATX Motherboard

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: AMD X570

Socket: AMD AM4

Memory slots: 4 X DDR4

Form Factor: ATX

Overclocking Support: yes

 

The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus is the entry-level model to the X570 chipset from its product stack which also has a clear gaming look about it. It is unambiguously low-priced, still, it’s eight 46A core voltage regulators manage adequate CPU power to cover the full range of AMD’s recent AM4 processors. This motherboard costs half as much as most X570 motherboards which are pretty pricy up to this point even more than the cost of X470 boards, but it maintains nearly all the features a die-hard gamer would desire.

With a red and black design, it’s a reversion of MSI of more recent times, but the board has no integrated RGB which may somewhat disappoint the users. The power delivery although adequate, probably isn’t the best around for overclocking aRyzen 3000 processor to its limits, but buyers who are satisfied by mere adequacy should be pleased by its exceptionally low price.

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ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII EXTREME

best gaming motherboards

In the event that you need the best, most completely highlighted Intel Comet Lake motherboard then I’m worried you must compensation for it. Furthermore, shell out some serious cash if Asus’ Z490 Maximus XII Extreme is anything to pass by. It is, as the name proposes, extraordinary, pressing in an assortment of extravagant, and inconceivably convenient additional items. A frickin’ screwdriver with exchangeable heads for one, and it’s likewise one of the most elevated performing Z490 sheets we’ve tried.

Yet, it possibly truly bodes well in case you’re purchasing a K-arrangement Core i9 and really expect to overclock the nuts off it. The Max XII will permit you to get the most noteworthy check speed out of your 10900K and won’t transform it into a heap of liquid slag while you’re busy. The MSI Z490 Godlike is really the quickest Z490 by and large at stock rates, however I’d preferably have the ROG board in my camp in case I’m going down the OC course.

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon Wifi

best gaming motherboards

The inadequate back board and missing OLED presentations will reveal to you we’re once more into typical motherboard region once more. The rarified quality of the ultra-lover ROG block top may make one thrilled, however the Z490 Gaming Carbon will carry us down to earth without a knock. Indeed, you’re never going to get a similar degree of extravagance highlight list as you’ll discover with either the Maximus XII or MSI’s own Godlike sheets, however with regards to the stray pieces of unadulterated execution it’s right up there.

Where it makes a difference, in the gaming execution stakes, there’s hardly anything between any of the Z490 sheets we’ve tried, and it’s just ever a little behind with regards to the real CPU execution in profitability applications. With regards to overclocking, notwithstanding, the MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi definitely can’t measure up to the huge young men with our 10900K running at its pinnacle.

Words and Technical terms you may need to know

Socket — You can find great CPUs from either Intel or AMD, but whatever processor you choose, make sure that your board has the correct socket to support it. Trying to fit the wrong processor into the wrong socket type can cause fatal damage to your components. The socket, for those not in the know, is the part on the motherboard that the CPU locks into. Typically, newer Intel processors use either LGA 1151 or 2066 while the latest AMD Ryzen architecture is designed for the AM4 chipset.

Chipsets — Your chipset is a key factor in determining which features your motherboard comes with. It allows the various parts of a motherboard to talk to each other. The chipset defines which processor generations a motherboard is well-matched with, as well as what add-in cards can be used.

With AMD & Intel having non-compatible sockets and chipsets, it’s always worth making sure that your hardware components are compatible.

PCI slots — PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) is an interface standard for connecting high-speed components like Video card, Wi-Fi card, Extra USB ports, or NVMe expansion cards. PCIe slots come in different physical configurations: x1, x4, x8, x16, x32. The number after the x tells you how many lanes (how data travels to and from the PCIe card) that PCIe slot has.

These are normally used only if you want more than one video card in the computer. Most motherboards have one PCI-Express x16 slot for a video card and one or more x1 slots for other things like network adapters. Less common are x4 and x8 slots. You can “up-plug” PCI-Express cards.

DIMM Slots — Dual In-Line Memory Module slots, the slots on a motherboard where your RAM lives. The number of total slots contributes to the maximum amount of RAM your system can handle, paired with the chipset and OS.

BIOS/UEFI — Basic Input/Output System/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, which connects the hardware and software that lives on the board (the firmware) to the operating system (OS, like Windows or Linux). They allow you to adjust system-level settings, such as fan speed or RAM frequency. UEFI has largely replaced the older BIOS standard

M.2 — formerly known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors. M. 2 replaces the mSATA standard, which uses the PCI Express Mini Card physical card layout and connectors.

2 slots allow you to run your SSDs in RAID. While 2.5-inch SSDs use the SATA bus, and add-in cards use the PCIe bus, which is faster and has more bandwidth than SATA, M. 2 SSDs can go either way, depending on the product.

The best gaming motherboard is the establishment whereupon your PC should be assembled. It is the piece of cycle which chooses what CPU you use, what case it can go in, and what capacity you’re ready to plumb into your machine. As such it should be a steady base from which you’ll collect your whole form, and must be dependable as well.

The most well-known structure factors/sizes of a motherboard from biggest to littlest, which past actual measurements figures out which cases it’ll find a way into and (comprehensively) the number of extension spaces are accessible. There are other, more uncommon structure factors (XL-ATX, HPTX, and so on), yet these three are the most pervasive shopper structure factors.

At the point when you have an AMD Threadripper in the engine of your PC, you totally need a monster of a motherboard like the MSI Creator TRX40. This is planned and assembled explicitly for makers with the most requesting registering needs. This motherboard additionally brags a significant list of capabilities. Among those highlights are the most recent PCIe gen4 openings and M.2 connectors, USB3.2 Gen2x2, Wi-Fi 6 and 10G LAN, just as MSI’s Frozr Heatsink plan and Mystic Light RGB lighting.

It’s somewhat expensive, particularly close to the opposition, however on the other hand, nothing in the imaginative circle isn’t nowadays. On the off chance that you need the best motherboard for your expert innovative undertakings, it doesn’t beat this.

The availability, prices, and other details of these products which are described in this article might be subject to change any time, so prior to making a purchase, please be sure these are still in effect.

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