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Introduction

When it comes to building a high-performance gaming PC, the motherboard is one of the most critical components. It is the foundation upon which all the other components are built, including the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage, and it determines the overall performance of the system. A good gaming motherboard not only provides the necessary features to support the latest hardware but also offers stability, reliability, and versatility. In this article, we will discuss some of the best motherboards for gaming PC that are currently available in the market.

When choosing a best motherboard for gaming, it’s important to consider factors such as the chipset, socket type, RAM compatibility, and expansion slots. The chipset determines the motherboard’s compatibility with CPUs and other components, while the socket type determines the compatible CPU. RAM compatibility is also an important factor to consider, as it determines the maximum amount of RAM that the motherboard can support, as well as the speed at which the RAM can operate. In general, gaming motherboards support faster RAM speeds than standard motherboards. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a motherboard from a reputable manufacturer with a good track record for quality and reliability.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a gaming motherboard is the expansion slots. These slots allow you to add additional components such as graphics cards, network cards, and sound cards, which can enhance your gaming experience. Overall, gaming motherboards can be a great investment for serious gamers who want to get the most out of their gaming rigs. However, they can also be more expensive than standard motherboards, so it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully before making a decision. Some popular brands for gaming motherboards include ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock. So some of our best gaming motherboards are mentioned below.

Points to Consider When Choosing the Best Motherboard for Gaming

Selecting the best motherboard for gaming can be a daunting task given the vast array of options available. To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore the key features you should consider before making a purchase:

Socket Compatibility: Future-Proofing Your Rig

The socket compatibility of the motherboard determines which CPU you can use. As newer generations of CPUs are released, it’s essential to choose a motherboard that supports future upgrades, ensuring your gaming rig stays relevant for years to come.

Chipset: Unleashing the Full Potential

The chipset of a motherboard plays a pivotal role in determining its capabilities. Higher-end chipsets typically offer more advanced features, better connectivity, and improved performance. However, budget-conscious gamers can find suitable options in mid-range chipsets as well.

RAM Compatibility: Speed Matters

Ensure that the motherboard you choose supports the type and speed of RAM you plan to use. Faster RAM can significantly impact gaming performance, so it’s essential to pick a motherboard that allows you to take full advantage of your chosen memory modules.

PCIe Slots: Expanding Your Possibilities

PCIe slots are crucial for adding graphics cards, storage solutions, and other expansion cards. Make sure the motherboard has enough PCIe slots to accommodate your current needs and any future upgrades.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

Having the right mix of USB ports, audio jacks, and networking options is vital for a seamless gaming experience. Choose a motherboard with the connectivity options that best suit your gaming setup.

Cooling and Overclocking Capabilities

Gaming sessions can put a significant strain on your components, especially when overclocking. A quality gaming motherboard should have robust cooling solutions and features that allow safe and effective overclocking.

Form Factor: Size Matters

Motherboards are available in a variety of form factors, including ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Consider the size that best fits your gaming case and the features you need.

BIOS: User-Friendly Customization

A user-friendly BIOS with robust customization options can make your gaming experience more enjoyable. Look for a motherboard with an intuitive BIOS interface.

BEST GAMING MOTHERBOARDS

1. Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

13 USB ports on Rear IO

DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support

Great VRM performance

M.2 and PCIe EZ-Latches

CONS

4 SATA ports may be a limit to some

Last-gen audio codec

The Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master is a high-performance motherboard that is designed for Intel’s latest 11th generation processors. It boasts a range of features and technologies that make it an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts, content creators, and power users alike. The motherboard is designed to deliver the best possible gaming experience by offering high-end features and advanced technologies that make it a top choice for gamers. It features a range of RGB lighting zones that can be customized using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 software, allowing users to create a unique and personalized look for their system. The board also features a range of high-quality components, including solid-state capacitors, server-grade chokes, and high-current MOSFETs, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery to the CPU and other components.

It features an LGA 1200 socket, which is compatible with Intel Core i9, i7, i5, and i3 processors, as well as Intel Xeon processors. It also supports DDR5 memory, with four DIMM slots that can accommodate up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 6600MHz (OC). The motherboard also features a range of connectivity options, including 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB Type C Gen 2 10Gb/s, and 4x Type A 2.0. It also features two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs for ultra-fast storage performance. Additionally, the board features dual Intel 2.5Gb LAN ports and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E wireless module, providing fast and reliable network connectivity.

The motherboard also features advanced cooling technologies, including multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers that allow users to optimize their system’s cooling performance. This helps to ensure that the system remains stable and reliable, even when running at high temperatures or under heavy loads. When it comes to performance, the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master delivers outstanding results across the board. In benchmarks, it consistently outperforms other motherboards in its class, thanks to its advanced power delivery system and high-quality components. This makes it an excellent choice for users who demand the highest levels of performance from their PC, whether they’re gaming, creating content, or running demanding applications.

2. MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Six SATA ports

Solid feature set

Affordable Price

CONS

Only two M.2 sockets

Frame rate sacrifice in games

MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 is a Micro ATX motherboard that has been designed to meet the needs of gaming enthusiasts and content creators. The motherboard is compatible with the latest Intel Core processors and supports DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 5000 MHz. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, making it a great choice for users who demand high-speed internet access. It is also designed for Intel 11th and 10th Gen processors, including the latest Core i9 processors. The board is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability, even under heavy usage, also features with a range of RGB lighting options available to customize the look of your system.

The MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 also features advanced audio technology, including an Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, provides 7.1-channel HD audio output and ESS Sabre Hi-Fi 9218 DAC, which provide high-quality audio output for gaming and multimedia applications. The board also features a range of audio enhancements, including Nahimic Audio, Audio Boost, and Voice Boost, which provide improved audio quality and customization options. The motherboard has a range of ports, including Up to 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, up to 8x USB 2.0. The motherboard also has an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and a VGA port, making it easy to connect multiple monitors.

The motherboard has four DIMM slots that can support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 5000 MHz. The motherboard also has two M.2 slots, which can support both NVMe and SATA-based storage devices. The motherboard also has an extended heatsink design that helps dissipate heat, keeping the system cool during intensive gaming sessions. The motherboard also has a pre-installed I/O shield that provides easy access to ports and protects the motherboard from dust and debris. Overall, the MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 is an excellent micro-ATX motherboard that delivers high-performance, advanced features, and excellent build quality. It’s an excellent choice for gamers, power users, and anyone looking to build a high-performance desktop PC.

3. Asus TUF Gaming B650 Plus WIFI

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Enhanced PBO modes

2.5Gb LAN

Good USB complement

CONS

Lack PCIe 5.0 GPU support

Only WiFi 6

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650 Plus WiFi is a feature-packed motherboard designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts. It’s a feature-packed motherboard that boasts durable components and cutting-edge technology to deliver an unmatched gaming experience. It supports 10th and 11th generation Intel Core processors and features a robust power delivery system, dual M.2 slots, and WiFi 6 connectivity. The motherboard also has three M.2 slots with heatsinks that support NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast storage performance. It also has four SATA 6Gbps ports for additional storage options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650 Plus WiFi also comes with WiFi 6 connectivity, which provides fast and reliable wireless performance, as well as Bluetooth 5.2 support.

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650 Plus WiFi also features ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Microphone technology, which filters out background noise and enhances voice clarity. This is a great feature for gamers who use voice chat during gameplay. On the rear panel, the motherboard features a range of connectivity options, including up to 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 8x USB 2.0 ports. It also has an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4 output, and an Realtek LAN port with support for 2.5Gbps Ethernet. . It also features a range of software and features that enhance the gaming experience, including ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting, ASUS AI Noise Cancelling.

The motherboard also features ASUS Q-Code, which provides real-time status information for system diagnosis. Additionally, the motherboard features ASUS BIOS Flashback, which allows users to update the BIOS without a CPU or memory installed. The motherboard’s VRM is cooled by large aluminum heatsinks, which help to dissipate heat and keep the components cool. Additionally, the motherboard features an active cooling solution in the form of seven fan headers, which can be used to help cool the motherboard. The ASUS TUF B650 has a decent core feature set with superb cooling and subtle attractive aesthetics, and aside from the lack of a PCIe 5.0 slot, it’s going to have a long life ahead of it.

4. MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Seven SATA ports

Good offering of I/O, M.2 slots

Excellent VRM

CONS

Limited PCIe Gen 5

Not better VRM heatsinks

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a high-end motherboard designed for gaming and other performance-intensive applications. It is built around Intel’s Z790 chipset and supports 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors, making it an excellent choice for building a gaming PC or a workstation that requires top-tier performance.The motherboard comes with a robust VRM design that provides stable power delivery to the CPU. The motherboard comes with a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec that provides high-quality audio output and it also comes with Audio Boost 4 technology that amplifies the audio signal, providing an immersive gaming experience in PC.

The motherboard has a user-friendly BIOS interface that allows users to customize their system settings easily. The BIOS comes with features such as Game Boost, which allows users to overclock their system with a single click. The motherboard also comes with M-Flash, which allows users to update their BIOS firmware easily. It supports a maximum memory capacity of 128GB and has a memory speed of up to 7200MHz (OC). The motherboard comes with a total of seven SATA 6Gb/s ports and four M.2 slots for storage. The motherboard also has a total of 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 6x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 6x USB 2.0 ports. The RGB lighting can be synchronized with other Mystic Light compatible components, allowing users to create a unique lighting setup.

The motherboard features eight fan headers, allowing for precise control over system cooling. The board also features a dedicated water-pump header, making it ideal for liquid cooling setups. The motherboard features four DIMM slots that support up to 128GB of memory. It also supports XMP profiles, which allow users to easily overclock their memory to achieve higher speeds. The PCIe slots support multi-GPU configurations, allowing users to install multiple graphics cards for improved gaming performance. The motherboard also supports RAID configurations, allowing users to combine multiple drives for improved performance and data redundancy. Overall, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance motherboard that is designed for gaming and enthusiasts.

5. Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Wi-Fi

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

All M.2 slots include a heatsink

No chipset fan

Q-Code LED display

CONS

Expensive

Asus is a well-known brand in the computer hardware industry, renowned for producing high-quality motherboards, graphics cards, and other PC components. The Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Wi-Fi is a high-end motherboard designed for use with AMD Ryzen processors. The motherboard is equipped with a range of features that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance gaming PC. It also comes with a wide range of software utilities, including AI Suite 3, which provides access to advanced overclocking settings and system monitoring tools. The motherboard also has Aura Sync RGB lighting, which allows users to customize the lighting effects and colors of the motherboard and connected RGB devices.

The motherboard supports up to 16 cores and 32 threads, making it an ideal choice for gamers and content creators who demand high performance. The Dark Hero also supports DDR4 memory, with a maximum capacity of 128GB and speeds of up to 5000MHz. The motherboard features four DIMM slots, which support dual-channel memory configurations for optimal performance. The Dark Hero has eight SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots, which support NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage performance. The Dark Hero also has a high-quality audio solution, featuring a SupremeFX S1220 codec, ESS ES9023P DAC, and premium Nichicon capacitors. It also features three PCI Express 4.0 x16 slots, which support AMD Crossfire and NVIDIA SLI multi-GPU configurations.

The motherboard has a range of ports, including eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 (7x Type-A and 1x Type-C), along with four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.. The motherboard is built using high-quality materials and components, which ensure its durability and reliability. The Dark Hero also features a robust cooling solution that includes a large VRM heatsink and several heatpipes, which help to dissipate heat and keep the motherboard running cool under heavy loads. It also features a user-friendly BIOS that allows users to easily tweak settings and overclock their system. The BIOS has an EZ Mode that provides basic information about the system and allows users to change settings such as fan speeds and boot order. Overall, the Asus X570 ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Wi-Fi is a excellent choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance gaming PC and provides excellent value for money.

Conclusion

Choosing the best motherboard for gaming is a critical step in building a powerful gaming rig that meets your specific needs. The right motherboard can unleash the full potential of your components, providing you with an immersive and lag-free gaming experience. Remember to consider factors like socket compatibility, chipset, RAM compatibility, and connectivity options before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can I use an AMD CPU with a motherboard that supports Intel processors?

No, you cannot use an AMD CPU with a motherboard designed for Intel processors. The two CPU manufacturers have different socket designs and are not compatible with each other.

Q. What is the ideal RAM capacity for gaming?

For modern gaming, a minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended. However, if your budget allows, opting for 32GB can provide better multitasking and future-proofing.

Q. What is overclocking, and should I do it?

Overclocking is the process of increasing a component’s clock speed, typically the CPU or GPU, to achieve better performance. While it can provide a performance boost, it also generates more heat and may void your warranty. If you have adequate cooling and understand the risks, overclocking can be beneficial for gaming.

Q. How do I update the BIOS of my motherboard?

To update your motherboard’s BIOS, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS version for your specific model. Then, follow the instructions provided in the BIOS update utility to install the new version.

Q. Can I use a dual-channel RAM kit with a single-channel motherboard?

Yes, you can use a dual-channel RAM kit with a single-channel motherboard. However, the RAM will operate in single-channel mode, which may result in slightly lower performance compared to using it in a dual-channel motherboard.

Q. Do all motherboards have built-in Wi-Fi?

No, not all motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi. Some budget-oriented motherboards may lack Wi-Fi functionality. If Wi-Fi is essential for your gaming setup, ensure the motherboard you choose has built-in Wi-Fi or opt for an add-on Wi-Fi card.

Q. Is it necessary to update my motherboard drivers regularly?

Updating your motherboard drivers regularly is not always necessary unless you encounter specific issues or want to take advantage of new features and improvements. It’s generally a good idea to check for driver updates periodically from the motherboard manufacturer’s website.