Best Gaming Motherboards — You’ve come to the right place if you are looking for the Best Gaming Motherboards to enhance your performance! Our expert guide sifts through all the confusing specs and pricey parts to bring you great tips for smooth gameplay with the highest-quality overclocking. Get responsive/proper equipment and feel the excitement of dominating your game. Go ahead and below are the top selection that will bring a change in your gaming experience.
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Top 5 Best Gaming Motherboards:
1. ASRock X870E Taichi – Best Gaming Motherboard Overall
ASRock’s Taichi motherboards have proved popular in recent years, being almost-flagship motherboards with a bargain price. The ASRock X870E Taichi, has a lot going for it as a high-speed board, with plenty of capable power delivery and a killer aesthetic if you’re in the market for a board like that.
This refresh also features some highlights like improved VRMs and the presence of USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports that have now become a staple on all modern platforms. This makes it a future-proof choice for a system with an AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU, with the inclusion of networking support for 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7. To add even more temptation, its launch price is also lower than that of the previous-gen X670E Taichi, which spells savings for builders on a budget.
Moving to X870/X870E also gets you native support for Zen 5-based CPUs, plus improvements like PCIe 5.0 for NVMe storage and graphics. The new Taichi features a new design and improved DIY features. In our tests, it returned performance that ranks among the fastest we’ve yet experienced on this platform, and in absolute terms edged out competitors by narrow margins.
When pitted against similar product offerings from Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI, the ASRock X870E Taichi is one of the most superior and affordable options on the market. Just be aware that its larger E-ATX form factor might not work in all ATX cases, so you may want to plan for that in order to have a smooth build experience.
2. Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero – Best Premium Gaming Motherboard
This isn’t the cheapest option out there, but if you want the best experience possible out of your AMD Ryzen 9000 rig and you don’t care about the budget, the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero motherboard is a stellar option. This board is fully packed with features to upgrade your gaming setup. The showstopping feature of the board though is the gorgeous RGB I/O shield that will light up the whole gaming atmosphere of your builds. There are also two USB-C 4.0 ports on the back and a front panel header capable of delivering up to 60W of power. That means you can easily charge devices such as your Steam Deck or laptop directly from your PC’s front.
It should also be easier to install, thanks to Asus. It features an incredible tool-free design that lets you mount and swap out your graphics card without needing to mess with latches or buttons — just lift it at the right angle, and you’re good! Asus’ latest EFI design is all about usability, and comes with a map of your motherboards so you can find your way around easily.
Although the Crosshair X870E Hero commands a premium price, especially in the US, it provides a wealth of features. If you’re looking to stake out some high quality silicone under the hood of your next rig, this is definitely one to consider. It might not be as fast as its less expensive siblings, but it will definitely add a lot of quality and innovation to your gaming.
3. Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice – Best Value Gaming Motherboard
For an ideal motherboard for that frosty white PC build here is the Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice. The white finish is also a stunner and will fit well with the rest of your setup, and Gigabyte has truly nailed it. Everything from the spotless PCB to color-matched rear I/O panel, and sockets, to the heatsinks is all done up to this level. Even the POST code display lights up all in white, the sign of a real stylish motherboard.
However, the Aorus Elite X870 wears more than just its looks; it’s based on AMD’s most advanced X870 chipset, making it a stellar companion for potent Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs. Its value is notable, with ten USB-A ports and two USB-C 4.0 ports, tons of connectivity for all your peripherals.
Those interested in gaming are well-covered by this motherboard which comes packing three PCIe 5.0 M.2 ports to support the latest high-speed SSDs. Its toolless design makes installation a snap, allowing you to fasten M.2 SSDs without so much as a screwdriver. Gigabyte’s EZ-Latch Plus button also allows for easy graphics card unmounting without the same hassle.
What’s better? It boasts a wealth of features for its price and arguably offers better bang-for-buck than its B650 board equivalent, if such a thing existed. Take your gaming experience to the next level without emptying your wallet with this classy and practical performing board!
4. Asus TUF Gaming B650 Plus WiFi – Best Affordable Gaming Motherboard
AMD B650 chipset may be considered a mid-range product, but it is loaded with enough features to excite the gamers and builders alike. The Asus TUF Gaming B650 Plus Wi-Fi is the best B650 motherboard, combining good quality with helpful features.
Chips on this motherboard are arranged for peace of mind when it comes to the heat spreaders, offering superb thermal management without obstructing airflow. The heatsink over the main M.2 slot is relatively small compared to some of the more expensive motherboard offerings like this Asrock X670E Pro RS, but it still offers quite sufficient cooling for your components while giving that all-important PCIe 5.0 speed.
The TUF B650 Plus has a very capable 12+2 phase design with 60A stages, and will easily power the power-hungry Ryzen 9 7950X. Its rear I/O ports provide plenty for everyday peripherals and a 5Gbps Type-C front header andm ample USB options, but a 10Gbps Type-C would have pushed it even further.
It features 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6, which is still a respectable level of connectivity even if 6E is not yet vying for space in the data stream on this motherboard. Any way you cut it, the Asus TUF Gaming B650 Plus is a solid option featuring a refined experience that includes almost all essentials to deliver a wise purchase for gamers seeking durability and output.
5. Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX – Best Budget Gaming Motherboard
A premium gaming motherboard that doesn’t cost a fortune!If you are looking for a premium-level X670 gaming motherboard, but don’t want to pay a fortune, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX should be on your shortlist. It trumps the majority of X670E boards yet provides a mind-boggling amount of features that are aimed both at gamers and content creators alike.
It also packs good feature for the money, with four M.2 slots including a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and three PCIe 4.0 options, so it never lacks for storage, and comes with a sizable heatsink to keep it operating cool. Getting four SATA ports means you’ll have space for all your drives.
On the performance side, we have a 16+2+2 phase VRM with 70A power stages to power even the fiercest of combos like the 7950X, and as far as connectivity goes, you get Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 G LAN and 13 USB ports, enough to plug everything you need into the motherboard and have it working flawlessly day in and day out. Unrivalled value for money: Aorus Elite AX This is the perfect choice for gamers who want great performance without the price premium on more advanced boards. Why not have something good for such a low cost.
Gaming Motherboards Buying Guide:
The unique role motherboards play in a dedicated gaming machine is that they function as the backbone of the PC, allowing you to mount every component so you benefit from maximum performance. Many of these features can greatly improve your gaming performance, so be sure to choose the right motherboard for you. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the best gaming motherboards on the market right now, outlining the performance, compatibility, and expansion options that will help you choose the right component for your next build.
ATX Motherboards
If you are looking for a versatile motherboard with plenty of features, ATX motherboards are a fantastic choice. They typically offer multiple PCIe slots for expansion, a variety of RAM slots, and solid power delivery systems, making them ideal for high-performance setups.
Mini-ITX Motherboards
Mini-ITX motherboards have a certain kind of appeal; that’s probably obvious from the almost indestructible nature of their compact, space-saving design. Perfect for squeezable builds, these motherboards let you build a powerful desktop without stealing the show.
That compact footprint often comes at the cost of fewer expansion slots and lower RAM capacity versus larger options. But due to technology advancements, a large number of Mini-ITX boards today are offering solid performance for gamers who value a tight budget and the smallest amount of space.
RAM Support and Slots
When it comes to a gaming motherboard, consider the RAM it supports along with the number of slots available. Different motherboards support different amounts of maximum RAM at different frequencies, which can make a big difference on your PC’s overall performance especially under load during intense gaming sessions.
Most RAM support allows compatibility and the flexibility to upgrade your gaming rig later. Aim for motherboards that have multiple slots, and are compatible with high-speed RAM kits, so you can enhance your performance as needed. Support for DDR4 or even DDR5 will make your memory even more efficient and fast.
Expansion Slots and Ports
Although your current build may be perfect for you, think ahead when it comes to the expansion slots and ports on your motherboard. Expansion capabilities help you to add additional components, be they graphics cards, sound cards, or other networking options, to get even more out of your gaming experience.
Expansion possibilities on a motherboard, at hardware level, would refer to things like PCIe slots for graphics cards and other expansion cards, and USB ports for external devices. Whether you are looking to build a new rig from the ground up or have a few existing components from a previous build, an efficient motherboard will factor into your decision, allowing room to grow and keeping your rig that meets the workload of current and emerging games and technology.
Choosing the Right Components
You need to ensure component compatibility and optimization by selecting them carefully. Begin with a strong processor and a high-performance GPU based on what games you play. At this point, you might want to think about your motherboard that will support whichever CPU you’re going for, plus enough slots for RAM and other connectivity. Storage is also essential; you get speed from SSDs, and lots of storage from HDDs. Power supply unit, we need a good one to keep all our components running. In the end, what level of performance you get from your gaming experience will depend on your choices.
Installation Process
You will have to carefully build up each individual part in order to complete a fully working gaming PC. Insert your motherboard into your case first, then follow with the CPU, cooler, and RAM. Check that everything is seated and connected correctly. Next, install your GPU, storage drives, and PSU. After everything has been seated properly, boot up the system and head into the BIOS to finalize settings and get started on your gaming journey.
Every step in the installation process, from fastening your motherboard to connecting different components, have an essential impact on general system function. First, let’s start out with your motherboard, it is the backbone of your build and allows all the components to communicate with each other. Install the CPU (and cooler if applicable) following the manufacturer’s instructions for the best heat dissipation. RAM should slide into place easy and you want it as snug in there as possible. Some GPU installations could be a little different from one another depending on the model, but always make sure that the card is aligned and stable. Then, the power supply is connected carefully, making sure each and every required cable is attached to the individual components allowing the PC to boot successfully, and excellently work for gaming.
Maintenance and Upgrading
Once you have selected the best gaming motherboard, you need ensure to it running in pristine condition. Frequent upkeep is essential for peak performance, and knowing when to upgrade is key to keeping your place in the competitive gaming scene. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance, and knowing how to improve your system will both go a long way in making your gaming experience better, and prolonging your hardware’s life.
When to Upgrade Your Motherboard
All the signs that might mean it’s time to upgrade your motherboard. If you notice downtimes in performance, regular crashes, or are not able to fit new hardware parts in anymore, it probably makes sense to contemplate an upgrade. Also, if your current motherboard doesn’t have some of the features necessary for gaming, like better connectivity or an upgrade to more modern CPUs, you’ll want to consider your options.
Motherboard upgrades can grant your gaming setup a whole new world of performance and feature support. When you discover that your current motherboard cannot support the most current graphics cards or memory speeds, or are preparing for demanding games that may put a strain on your system, it’s time to match your motherboard with a newer model. Stay tuned to the specs of new games and hardware developments so you can decide for yourself when to upgrade.
To wrap up
With this in consideration, the best gaming mobo is essential for optimising your gaming setup. Whether its compatibility, performance, or features that are important is up to each gamer to decide, based upon their own gaming style and needs. Spending big on a good motherboard will future-proof your build and give you usage in demanding games. To make the ultimate gaming rig you want, take your time when comparing options and reading reviews; the right motherboard can make all difference.
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