Best gaming motherboards in 2022
The best gaming motherboard is the basis of your PC build. It’s the root from which the rest of your components rise, and as an integral part of your gaming PC build, it determines the rest of the features that go into it. That includes everything from your wireless connectivity, overclocking capability, how much storage, and how many USB devices you can have connected to your PC. You want to choose the right one so that you won’t have to dismantle everything later.
There may not be a massive difference between motherboards packing the same chipset when it comes to performance, but several features matter just as much. These are just some things you should consider when getting ready to purchase a motherboard.
The best gaming motherboards also will mean some level of future-proofing, as much as this ever-changing world will allow. That could mean a socket or chipset that can support the top-end processors, such as Intel’s Z690 chipset and its Alder Lake chips, or one with a wealth of CPU support, like AMD’s X570 chipset and its enduring AM4 socket.
We’ve tested many AMD and Intel motherboards over the past year, from Mini-ITX to ATX, so you can make an informed decision on which one will work best for you. We’re looking at B660 motherboards right now and will update this list shortly to take onboard Intel’s more affordable offering for its Alder Lake chips.
Best gaming motherboard
Best Intel Z690 motherboard
The best Z690 board for DDR5 at a price that won’t kill your bank balance
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 12th Gen
Socket: LGA 1700
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR5-6400 (OC)
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 (running at x4)
Video ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4
USB: Up to 2x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 6x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 8x USB 2.0
Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6; Intel i225V 2.5G LAN
Reasons to buy
+
Four M.2 slots
+
13 rear USB ports
+
Strong VRM
Reasons to avoid
–
Lots of grey metal might not blend into your build.
–
WiFi 6 only
It was almost inevitable that the top-end chipset for Intel’s next-gen Alder Lake CPUs would be super-expensive. That is compounded by the premium attached to anything that mentions DDR5, but Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Pro is almost bucking that trend by offering a rounded feature set and DDR5 support. Sure, in the last CPU generation, $300+ was seen as high-end, but that’s positively mid-range for the 12th Gen platform.
There are cheaper DDR4 boards around—Gigabyte also makes an Aorus Pro in DDR4 flavor, though that’s not sold in the US or EU—if you want to get the absolute most out of the new Intel platform, you want DDR5. Well, when you can buy some anyway…
Gigabyte has been innovative about how it’s specced out the Aorus Pro. By limiting it to ‘just’ WiFi 6 wireless and 2.5G Intel wired networking connections and eschewing such unnecessary luxuries as Thunderbolt 4 or another M.2 slot, it has managed to keep the price at least relatively sensible.
And it’s a great performer, too, delivering system and gaming performance efficiently on par with the far more expensive boards we’ve also tested. The BIOS is regularly maturing, which makes us entirely confident in recommending the Gigabyte board as our pick of the Z690 bunch.
Read the full Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro review.
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 12th Gen
Socket: LGA 1700
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR5-6400 (OC)
Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PICe 3.0 x1
Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x Thunderbolt Type-C
USB: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C; Up to 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 9x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 3x USB 2.0
Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Network: Killer Wi-Fi 6E; Killer E3100G 2.5G and Intel I219V 1G LAN
Reasons to buy
+
Dual Thunderbolt 4 Type-C
+
Mega VRM
+
Good networking
Reasons to avoid
–
Only three M.2 slots
–
Like all high-end Z690 boards, it’s expensive.
When ASRock first launched its Taichi brand, we were impressed with its less-is-more design approach. It offered a good feature set and value for money without the excessive RGB overload common to gaming boards a few years ago. The brand has now evolved into a genuinely high-end one. The yet-to-be-seen Aqua is the company’s top model, but with its expected limited-edition nature and likely stratospheric price, the Taichi will essentially be ASRock’s premium Z690 motherboard. And that’s not the wrong place to be.
There’s a Razer-themed Z690 Taichi for easy integration into the Chroma ecosystem if you use Razer products. The look of the board is unique, and though looks are in the eye of the beholder, Taichi’s cyberpunk theme, with its copper coloring, looks excellent. You get a good splash of RGB, and there are cogs above the I/O that move. It looks expensive.
The Taichi did well at gaming tests, often leading the pack. Though one fps here or it isn’t significant, it’s better to show than the trail. The board was happy to run DDR5-6400 memory, something, not all Z690s could do with our pre-release testing. This indicates an excellent level of maturity, though as is often the case with a brand-new platform and standard, there is undoubtedly some refinement to come.
Taichi’s great looks, solid performance, and robust feature list make it a serious competitor in its top-end price range.
Read the full ASRock Z690 Taichi review.
Best Intel Z590 motherboard
The best Z590 motherboard for Rocket Lake CPUs
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 10th & 11th Gen
Socket: LGA 1200
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5133
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
Video ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0
Rear USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 5x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 6x USB 2.0
Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, 1x Intel 2.5Gb ethernet
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Decent value for money
+
Good VRM and cooling at this price
+
Subtle looks
Reasons to avoid
–
4+8-pin power connectors could be restrictive
–
A few more USBs at the back would be nice.
This gaming motherboard is positioned as an entry-level option for anyone looking to run Rocket Lake. Asus has always placed its TUF products as reliable options, with decent pricing and a more basic feature set. Combined, this is an excellent affordable option for someone after a no-fuss, solid, and reliable system. And given the pricing of many Z590 motherboards, that makes for a welcome change.
The TUF Z590 Plus features a subtle design with a charming white font. You get a couple of tiny splashes of RGB around the right side. It’s a nice look. There are three M.2 slots, with the topmost one supporting PCIe 4.0. The two at the bottom are contained under a single heatsink. Also, note the vertical SATA ports that sticklers for cable management might find objectionable. There are an additional two regular horizontal ports adjacent to the heatsink. You get six fan headers and two addressable RGB headers too.
This is a board for anyone who would prefer to allocate money towards a faster GPU or larger SSD instead of paying through the nose for 10Gb LAN or expensive add-in cards. And I can get on board with that. Bang for buck and the true essentials are the game’s name here. If you’re on a budget, it’s one to look out for.
Read the full Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WIFI review.
The best Z590 motherboard for overclockers and tweakers
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 10th & 11th Gen
Socket: LGA 1200
Size: E-ATX
Memory support: 2x DIMM, up to 64GB, DDR4-3200
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x8), 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x1)
Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0
Rear USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2
Storage: 3x M.2, 8x SATA 6Gbps
Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, 1x Intel 2.5Gb ethernet
Reasons to buy
+
Mega VRM and cooling
+
Endless tweaking options
+
It is well featured for an OC board.
Reasons to avoid
–
Only really for overclockers
–
Inevitably expensive
Overclocking focused motherboards have made a proper comeback. All the major manufacturers have Z590 boards specifically designed for serious overclocking. The dual memory slot design, all those buttons and switches, a monstrous VRM, and a unique layout aim to make life easier for overclockers. Then there’s a comprehensive BIOS with extensive tweaking options. This isn’t a regular board with a fancy sticker slapped on it.
The primary PCIe slot is not the topmost one either; it’s below it. The idea behind having only two memory slots instead of four is to minimize trace complexity and bring the slots closer to the CPU. This helps reduce latency and allows for a little more performance headroom than a four-slot design. This is another choice to aid overclockers who use LN2 cool a GPU by allowing extra room for pots and insulation.
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon won’t add frequency to your CPU and memory magically. It will help you extract the maximum efficiency from your system, no matter what cooling you’re using. An enthusiast who loves to tweak, spending time reducing latency and tweaking sub-timings, or a gamer dedicated to finding a few extra FPS will enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve got a board that’s specifically designed to take whatever punishment you throw at it.
Read the full Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon review.
Best Intel Z490 motherboard
The best board for a Comet Lake Core i9
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 10th Gen
Socket: LGA 1200
Size: Extended ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4700
Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 (or x8/x8), 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
Video ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports on extension card (DP1.4)
Rear USB: 10x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
Storage: 2x M.2, 2x M.2 (DIMM.2 board), 8x SATA 6Gbps
Network: 1x 10Gb Marvell ethernet, 1x Intel ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless
Reasons to buy
+
High-end performance
+
Stunning bundle
+
Incredible build quality
If you want the best, most fully-featured Intel Comet Lake motherboard, then I’m afraid you will have to pay for it. And pay through the nose if Asus’ Z490 Maximus XII Extreme is anything to go by. As the name suggests, it is extreme, packing in a variety of luxurious and convenient extras (a frickin’ screwdriver with interchangeable heads for one), and it’s also one of the highest performing Z490 boards we’ve tested.
But it only really makes sense if you’re buying a K-series Core i9 and genuinely intend to overclock the nuts off it. The Maximus XII will allow you to get the highest clock speed out of your 10900K and won’t turn it into a pile of molten slag while you’re at it. The MSI Z490 Godlike is the fastest Z490 outright at stock speeds, but I’d rather have the ROG board in my camp if I’m going down the OC route.
It’s only for the very highest of high-end PC builds; however, the $750 price tag means you could make a respectable full gaming PC for the price of this single motherboard. It’s an aspirational Z490 motherboard and arguably the best gaming motherboard for Comet Lake overclocking, but I’ll concede it’s not a remarkably realistic purchase for most of us.
- MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi
A vaguely affordable high-end Z490 motherboard
Specifications
CPU socket: Intel 10th Gen
Socket: LGA 1200
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 (OC)
Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
Rear USB: 5x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Network : 1x 2.5Gb LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
More reasonably priced Z490
+
Still competitive performance
The rarified air of the ultra-enthusiast ROG board up top might make one giddy, but the Z490 Gaming Carbon will bring us back down to earth without a bump. This MSI offering will tell you we’re back into typical motherboard territory with the sparse back panel and missing OLED displays. Sure, you’ll never get the same level of luxury feature list as you’ll find with either the Maximus XII or MSI’s Godlike boards, but it’s right up when it comes to the nuts and bolts of pure performance there.
Where it matters, in the gaming performance stakes, there’s practically nothing between any of the Z490 boards we’ve tested, and it’s only ever a little behind when it comes to the actual CPU performance in productivity apps. However, when it comes to overclocking, the MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi inevitably can’t compare to the big boys, with our 10900K running at its peak.
The power componentry and cooling aren’t enough to stop the thirsty CPU from throttling when pushed to its 5.3GHz all-core maximum. But, while that might mean it’s not the board you’d choose for an overclocked Core i9 machine, that’s a tiny niche of gamers, and for either i5 or i7 CPUs, the MSI Gaming Carbon is still a quality home for your Comet Lake CPU.
Best Intel B460 motherboard
A premium and well-priced mATX B460
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 10th Gen
Socket: LGA 1200
Size: Micro ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to DDR4-2933 (i7,i9) or DDR4-2666 (i5)
Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen (1x Type-C), 2x USB 2.0
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Network: Realtek 2.5Gb LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Great value
+
Strong VRM
+
Quality I/O and connectivity
Reasons to avoid
–
Only four fan headers
–
B460 memory limitations
Grabbing one of the best Z490 motherboards might be appealing to your inner elitist, but the sticker price shock is a problem. Sure, it would be nice to have 10Gb LAN, seven M.2 slots, or quad GPU support, but who needs that stuff? We will be delighted with a quality B460 motherboard, such as the MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi.
If you can put up with the memory speed limitation and have no intention of overclocking (well, with a K-series CPU anyway), this is the kind of board on your PC building wishlist. It ticks most of the essential boxes, and at $150, it’s reasonably priced, though the competition is tough with many premium B460 motherboards in this range.
It’s got a strong VRM configuration, 2.5Gb LAN, WiFi 6, and adequate, if not particularly outstanding, I/O. Pairing it with a 65W non-K processor and having a crack at pseudo overclocking is definitely worth the minimal effort. If you can live with the maximum DDR4-2666 speed, something like an Intel Core i5 10600 and B460M Mortar, paired with a decent mid-range GPU, would deliver a quality, affordable gaming combo.
Read the full MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi review.
An affordable alternative
Specifications
CPU support: Intel 10th Gen
Socket: LGA 1200
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to DDR4-2933 (i7,i9) or DDR4-2666 (i5)
Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen (1x Type-C), 2x USB 2.0
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Network: Realtek 2.5Gb LAN
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Quality VRM
+
Good value for money
+
Strong performance
Reasons to avoid
–
No WiFi
–
B460 memory limitations
The ASRock B460 Steel Legend is an awesomely named mid-range B460 entry. At $150, it’s what we’d call a mid-range B460 board. You get a pair of heatsink-covered M.2 slots, an e-key M.2 slot for an optional WiFi card, a front USB Type-C header, and a good helping of RGB onboard. The specs indicate that your cash is well spent on some essential areas.
The increased power demands of 10th generation CPUs mean motherboards generally have to include improved VRM designs, and on that front, the B460 Steel Legend is well equipped. It consists of a 9+1 phase VRM powered by a single 8-Pin EPS connector. Each stage can deliver up to 60A. Remember that overclocking is not allowed on B460 motherboards, so the VRM will not see extreme loads as you might get with an all-core overclocked Intel Core i9 10900K.
The ASRock B460 Steel legend will appeal to buyers who aren’t so interested in bells and whistles but want a solid ATX board capable of powering any 10th Gen CPU without bursting into flames. Integrated WiFi would have been a nice cherry on top for the price, and that’s arguably one of the reasons we prefer the MSI B460M Mortar. But the ASRock B460 Steel legend is still a highly competitive offering and comes highly recommended by us. It shows its steel, one might say. If it had WiFi, we might even have said it was legendary.
Read the full ASRock B460 Steel Legend review.
Best AMD X570 motherboard
The best X570 ever created and the last AM4 board you’ll ever need
Specifications
CPU support: AMD Ryzen 5000 Series / 4000 G-Series / 3000 Series/ 3000 G-Series / 2000 Series / 2000 G-Series
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
Memory: 4x DIMM, Up to 128GB, DDR4-4866 (OC)
Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1
Video ports: N/A
Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 8x USB 3.2 Gen2 (1x USB Type-C)
Storage: 3x M.2; 8x SATA
Networking: 802.11ax 2.4Gbps Wi-Fi; Intel I211-AT 1G & Realtek RTL8125 2.5G LAN
Reasons to buy
+
Clean design
+
Great performance
+
No chipset fan
Asus’ ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero wants to be the last AM4 motherboard you’ll ever need. But what is it that makes a great motherboard? Features are essential, as is a stable and refined BIOS, value for money, a good design, but sometimes intangible. Sometimes it’s that the damn thing works.
Motherboard testing is often one of the most painful things a tech journalist must do. With some boards, you have to fight it to get it to do what you want, or expect it to, or have to or crank up some voltage setting to a level you don’t want to, but the Dark Hero just boots the first time, even as we played with the memory clocks and timings and the Infinity Fabric.
The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero might not be the best AM4 motherboard ever made, we’d have to review a few hundred others to make that claim, but it’s an easy claim to make that the Dark Hero is undoubtedly one of the best AM4 motherboards we’ve ever used. Time and months of user feedback will determine if the Dark Hero assumes a position as one of the truly legendary ROG motherboards, but we wouldn’t bet against that happening.
Read the full Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero review.
- MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon WiFi
The best gaming motherboard for AMD Ryzen 3000 builds
Specifications
CPU support: AMD 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Gen Ryzen / Ryzen APUs
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4400
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x16 (x4), 2x PCIe x1
Video ports: HDMI
Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 (1x Type-C), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Network: Ethernet, 2.4Gbps 802.11ac
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
2 PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots
+
WiFi 6 Compatible
The MSI MPG X570 represents an amalgamation of bleeding-edge motherboard tech built to get the most out of AMD’s 3rd gen Ryzen CPUs. It has four DIMM slots that can handle speeds up to 4,400Mhz and two M.2 slots sporting PCIe 4.0.
The MPG X570 supports WiFi 6, and while that does necessitate a WiFi 6 compatible router, it’s backward consistent with other WiFi standards. It gives the potential for a speed boost down the line. The rear I/O panel features seven USB Type-A ports for peripherals and a single USB Type-C port for connectivity and high-speed data transfer. There are headers for the included WiFi antenna to help with wireless connectivity and a gigabit ethernet port. Also of note is the HDMI port, which many X570 boards omit (not that we’d recommend using an AMD APU with integrated graphics in a high-end board like this).
The MPG X570 features enough compatibility to get the most out of your hardware now and in the future, provided you’re willing to pay a premium. While it’s undoubtedly an excellent mobo, if you aren’t already committed to a shopping list of top-of-the-line components now or shortly, you may want to consider a slightly less expensive board for your needs.
The best AMD motherboard with a million USB ports
Specifications
Chipset: X570S
Memory: 4x DIMM, up to DDR4-5100, up to 128GB
Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4), 3x PCIe 4.0 x1
Video ports: None
USB ports: Up to 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 8x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 6x USB 2.0
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Network: Killer E3100G 2.5G LAN
Lighting: One RGB logo, ARGB headers
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Strong VRM and cooling
+
Loads of USB
+
Four M.2 slots
Reasons to avoid
–
Single 2.5G LAN only.
–
5G would be nice
Despite the X570 chipset showing its age, Gigabyte’s X570S Aorus Master feels like an old dog learning some new tricks. The fact that it comes with four M.2 slots alone is impressive, along with a decent heatsink. The finned VRM heatsinks add a ton of surface area. The cooling all around gets a thumbs up from us.
Our only real knock against the Aorus Master is that it only offers a single 2.5G LAN and lacks 5G, which is a bit of a bummer. That being said, it’s still one of the better AMD motherboards out there. I’m a sucker for a motherboard with a ton of USB ports. This mobo has SO many.
Thanks to its many USB ports and storage options, the Aorus Master is still keeping AM4 and X570 relevant. Even at $400, it’s got enough features (and looks good to boot) to justify the higher price point.
Read the full Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master review.
Best AMD B550 motherboard
Simply the best B550 motherboard
Specifications
CPU support: AMD 3rd and 4th Gen Ryzen
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, up to DDR4-4600
Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Networking: Intel Wi-Fi 6, Intel 2.5Gb ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1
Rear USB: 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 2.0
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Extensive feature set
+
Build quality
+
Top-end networking
Reasons to avoid
–
Very pricey for a B550 board
–
Stock-clocked performance is unremarkable.
–
Limited bandwidth for peripherals
Sure, the Asus ROG Strix B550-E is the same price as plenty of X570 motherboards; in fact, it matches our favorite of AMD’s top-end boards, the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon. But it’s a premium motherboard, with all the trappings you’d expect from Asus’ Republic of Gamers stables, such as 14+2 power stage, M.2 heatsinks, and pre-installed backplates. You also get WiFi 6 wireless networking as well as Intel 2.5Gb ethernet. And RGB LEDs, of course.
Performance is typically good for a high-end Asus board, matching X570 motherboards for gaming performance without issue. That said, of the B550 boards we’ve tested, the far more affordable MSI board comes out top in our straight performance testing. But the Asus can overclock far better, even if it chews up more raw power from the plug.
The Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming is the whole package then, and right now is our all-around pick for the best B550 motherboard. Though that still feels like a strict recommendation when X570 boards are the same price…
Read the full Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming review.
The best B550 motherboard for pure gaming performance
Specifications
CPU support: AMD 3rd and 4th Gen Ryzen
Socket: AM4
Size: Micro-ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, up to DDR4-4400
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
Networking: Realtek 2.5Gb ethernet
Rear USB: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 2.0
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Outstanding stock-clock performance and efficiency
+
Slick BIOS
+
Competitive pricing
Reasons to avoid
–
Poor overclocking
–
Stingy back-panel port count
–
Short on luxuries and frills
When it comes to gaming performance, MSI’s micro-ATX MAG B550M Mortar is your best bet for an affordable next-gen Ryzen machine. It comes in around the $160 mark, making it cheaper than a great many X570 and other B550 motherboards on the market right now.
The gaming frame rates of the MSI B550 Mortar put it above the rest of the B550 crew we’ve tested so far, and indeed its straight CPU performance puts it up there with some of the best X570s. That bodes well if you’re looking for an affordable home for your AMD Zen 3 CPU of the future; this B550 has a great chance to ensure it performs to its fullest stock-clocked potential without breaking the bank.
But you will be missing out on extra PCIe 4.0 M.2 and x16 graphics slots if those extras mean a lot to you. You can also ditch wireless networking, depending on whether you pick the straight Mortar or the more expensive Mortar WiFi version. However, the 8+2+1 power phase design is arguably a more unwelcome miss, as that results in a board that will not spark any overclocking joy in your heart. But, as an affordable gaming board without OC pretensions.
Read the full MSI MAG B550M Mortar review.
Best AMD A520 motherboard
One for AMD’s mini-ITX fans on a mini-budget
Specifications
CPU support: AMD 3rd and 4th Gen Ryzen
Socket: AM4
Size: Mini ITX
Memory support: 2x DIMM, up to 64GB, up to DDR4-4600 (OC)
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 3.0 x16
Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DVI-D
Storage: 1x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gbps
Networking: Realtek GbE LAN, Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 (1x Type-C), 2x USB 2.0
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Good value for money
+
WiFi included
+
Ryzen 5000 support
Reasons to avoid
–
Weak audio
–
Limited function due to price and size
AMD’s budget Ryzen motherboard chipset, the A520, has largely slipped under the radar. While B350 and B450 motherboards were mainly regarded as entry-level, A320 was strictly seen as the resolutely low end.
The introduction of B550 motherboards, and their associated move upward in price, left a big hole in the sub-$100 market. Enter A520. There’s cheap and affordable, but a decent A520 board can more or less do everything aboard at double the price can. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t care about PCIe 4.0 or the overclocking support offered by B550, then the A520 motherboards might be precisely what you need.
This board supports AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs and, almost as importantly, Ryzen 4000 series APUs. Combine a Zen 3 CPU with a motherboard such as this ASRock A520M ITX/ac, and you’ll be able to build an affordable and compact system that can beat any Intel chip in any workload.
The ASRock A520 M’s audio is a bit of a letdown, but that’s something that budget boards often compromise on. A gamer listening to compressed audio assets in-game probably won’t be any less immersed. The little ASRock A520M ITX/ac has it and will serve you well at the heart of a budget gaming system. It benefits from the strengths of the Ryzen platform and adds some future-proofing into the mix. ITX fans looking for a capable budget AMD Ryzen option should have this one on their shortlist.
Read the full ASRock A520M ITX/ac review.
The A520 Aorus Elite might be cheap, but it’s not nasty.
Specifications
CPU support: AMD 3rd and 4th Gen Ryzen
Socket: AM4
Size: ATX
Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, up to DDR4-4733 (OC)
Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe x16 (x2), 3x PCIe 3.0 x1
Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DVI-D
Storage: 1x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gbps
Networking: Realtek GbE LAN
Rear USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
Reasons to buy
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Awesome value
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Decent VRM and heatsink
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Guaranteed next-gen Ryzen support
Nvidia RTX 3090 Gaming System
AMD’s A520 motherboard chipset might not make for the sexiest of PC components, that’s for sure. You probably wouldn’t buy one to take place at the heart of your water-cooled build or Nvidia RTX 3090 gaming system. The chipset itself doesn’t miss out on essential real-world features when you look at it. There’s no PCIe 4.0, but no Intel systems have it either, not until Rocket Lake next year.
The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is a high-end A520 board, which might seem oxymoronic, but if you didn’t know what it was, you’d be forgiven for assuming it was more of a mid-range board and not a $90 bargain. It’s even got two RGB headers and a further two ARGB headers. The only thing it lacks is WiFi, but then do you expect to have WiFi at this price?
The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite, unlike almost all preceding A320 boards, definitely does not mean cheap and nasty. Gigabyte deserves credit for including audio built around the ALC1200 codec. Usually, this is reserved for use with more expensive motherboards. This Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is well worth looking at if you’re on a budget. It leaves Intel’s budget B460 boards looking weak in comparison, plus you benefit from next-generation Ryzen compatibility. Is it for everyone?
Read the full Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite review.
Gaming motherboard FAQ
What’s the most critical factor in buying a motherboard?
You need to know which processor you want to build your new rig around. With its impressive Alder Lake CPUs, are you firmly tying yourself to the mast of the good ship Intel? Or are you going to continue flying the AMD flag proudly? Once you’ve picked your chip, it’s down to features, overclocking intentions, and your budget.
What matters when buying a motherboard?
Other than knowing which processor you’re going to be fitting, size matters when picking up a motherboard. If you’re building out a standard ATX scale gaming PC, pretty much any motherboard is open to your whims, but if you want to go for a smaller chassis, either Micro ATX or Mini ITX, then you’ll need a corresponding mobo.
That doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing performance or key features anymore. A single PCIe slot is more than enough for today’s SLI/CrossFire-less GPU world, and even some Mini ITX boards will come with multiple M.2 SSD slots.
We’ve picked our top two favorite gaming motherboards for each of the primary Intel and AMD chipsets to give you the best options. The scale will impact pricing, however. Interestingly Micro ATX boards are often the most affordable, while Mini ITX options can be the most expensive.
Can I overclock on any motherboard?
No. There are restrictions to stop that, especially on the Intel side. It has opened up memory overclocking across its 500-series chipsets, but still, the Z590 is your only chance of overclocking the latest Rocket Lake K-series CPUs. But don’t worry, they don’t overclock very well.
AMD is more generous, allowing all its CPUs and most of its motherboard chipsets. You’re good to tweak if you make sure not to go for the cheapest Ryzen board, one with an ‘A’ at the front of its terminology. Though again, there are limited returns.
Jargon buster – motherboard terminology
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
The most common form factors/sizes of a motherboard from largest to smallest, which beyond physical dimensions determines which cases it’ll fit into and (broadly) how many expansion slots are available. There are other, less common form factors (XL-ATX, HPTX, etc.), but these three are the most ubiquitous consumer form factors.
USB Header
A connector on the motherboard allows you to run a cable to the case to add additional USB ports, typically on the front panel (though some instances provide top or rear panel slots).
BIOS/UEFI
Basic Input/Output System/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface connects the hardware and software on the board (the firmware) to the operating system (OS, such as Windows or Linux). UEFI has largely replaced the older BIOS standard. They allow you to adjust system-level settings, such as fan speed or RAM frequency.
Expansion Slots (PCIe Slots)
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express slots on the motherboard are designed to accommodate add-in cards like graphics cards, SSD cards, dedicated sound cards, etc. PCIe slots are measured in both length (x16, x8, x4, x1) and the number of data transmission lanes they provide (x16, x8, x4, x1). It’s possible for an x16 slot to only provide eight lanes of data, for instance, which means the maximum possible data transfer rate is halved (though in many cases, because PCIe offers such a high ceiling for transfer speeds, a lower number of lanes doesn’t make a tremendous difference).
DIMM Slots
Dual In-Line Memory Module slots on a motherboard where your RAM lives. The total slots contribute to the maximum amount of RAM your system can handle, paired with the chipset and OS.
Chipset
The logic allows the various parts of a motherboard to talk to each other. The chipset determines which processor generations a motherboard is compatible with and what add-in cards can be used.
SATA Ports
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment ports, an interface for connecting storage devices/drives to a motherboard (HDDs, SSDs, optical drives, etc.). The number of physical ports on your board, combined with ports for NVMe storage, will determine the total number of storage drives you can have connected to your PC at any time.
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