The PC motherboard is possibly the most misunderstood and not noted component of a PC. Even as it’s actual that the CPU and GPU are going to play an extra essential position in maximum gaming rigs, failing to discover the right area on your budget for the best motherboards for gaming manner that neither of those additives is probably to work as well as they should. It’s essentially the glue that holds your PC construct collectively.
Whether or not you’re looking to construct a new gaming computer from scratch or actually higher recognize the specs as you pass shopping for a pre-built version, our manual can assist. Similarly to supplying best motherboards for gaming opinions for 10 of the best models, we’ve additionally covered a breakdown of some of the most critical stuff you need to realize.
The Best Gaming Motherboard
1 MSI Performance Gaming Intel X299
The X299 is the flagship top-end best motherboards for gaming from a company that specializes almost completely in assembly the needs of game enthusiasts. And this DDR4 motherboard is every bit as top as you may count on given its sturdy pedigree. The number of PCIe 3.0 lanes to be had (over 20!) provide a phenomenal amount of room for reminiscence and storage and networking without you having to make sacrifices to the processor connection. The consequences are four M.2 storage slots and one U.2 as well as compatibility for WiFi and USB 3.0.
This LGA 2066 best motherboards for gaming also sports a graceful aesthetic, but that might not be a difficulty unless you’re looking for an open tower layout that clearly shows off the heart. Of extra sensible use is its VR abilities (that can produce extremely good effects without lag) and the support for phenomenal sound quality through the BOOST 4 technology built-in.
Key Features
- Aesthetic customization options via RGB LED and interchangeable heatsink covers
- Great cooling system with robust user configuration options
- High-quality components subjected to rigorous testing
- Steel Armor protects the most vulnerable ports and components
CPUX-series (9th gen)Memory8 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetIntel X299SocketLGA 2066 Storage2x M.2, 8x SATA 6Gb/s
2 GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO
The Z390 Aorus pro may be the motherboard for gamers with a rate cap of $two hundred. It takes the middle frame of the vanilla Z390 and provides a few accessible features for just a few dollars more. It comes geared up with an abundance of USB ports and VRM thermal overall performance that outmatches the best motherboards for gaming that price over 100 bucks extra. It has no hassle hitting the motherboard benchmarks for the modern-day top-shelf gaming CPUs either. This best gaming motherboard is prepared to deal with the modern-day 8th and ninth technology chipsets from Intel, so you don’t want to have any concerns about how it’s going to preserve up over time. Unique to the pro version is the inclusion of two thermal guards for every M.2 slot, the added protection of PCIe armor within the form of I/O guard, and a USB-C slot. it’s nicely worth the upgrade.
Key Features
- Equipped for Intel Optane Memory
- Built for practically every high-end gaming standard
- USB, Wireless AC, and Bluetooth connections built in
- Provides exceptionally strong thermal solutions
CPU8th and 9th gen Intel CoreMemory4 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetIntel Z390SocketLGA 1151Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s
3 ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero
Like the Aorus pro listed above, this model of the Maximus XI Hero is constructed of the Z390 chipset, but its nearly double charge increase is basically justified. In case you want to make the maximum of Intel’s contemporary technology processors, the overclocking potential in this LGA 1151 motherboard is definitely extra special. The twin PCIe x16 slots are completely furnished with the sort of voltage law and firmware updates that you want to get the maximum juice out of your rig, and heat spreaders are available for the M.2 slots if you’re looking to further enhance your build with SSD units.
It makes use of a five-way optimization system to maximize your tuning. An onboard clock generator affords professionals with all of the metrics they want to soundly overclock. That is also an RGB best motherboards for gaming with a tremendously intuitive software program interface that permits you to create quite complicated light shows.
Key Features
- One of the best Z390 boards for overclocking
- Compatible with the latest generation Intel processors
- Utilizes Asus’ innovative Aura Sync RGB lighting system
- Comes with a free download code for Black Ops 4
CPUEighth and ninth gen Intel CoreMemory4 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetZ390SocketLGA 1151 Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s
4 GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO
A great motherboard won’t mean a whole lot if you don’t have the processors to do it justice, and that’s where entry-level gaming PC motherboards like the B450 come in. This is a Ryzen motherboard compatible with the 2000 models. And for an entry-level model, it’s got a lot of heft. The aesthetics are strong here, but more important is the presence of a generous selection of connectivity options. It’s not going to be able to overclock a Ryzen processor to its max, but it should easily be enough for the average gamer.
The fact that this AM4 best motherboards for gaming comes with WiFi makes it an especially useful choice for the price range, but that value is further bolstered by HDMI, DVI, and USB 3.1 support. It also includes an integrated back panel, a nice addition that’s generally only seen in higher-end models.
Key Features
- Supports both 1st and 2nd generation Vega processors
- WiFi functionality built in
- Smart Fan 5 lets you reconfigure your cooling systems
- AMP UP support for increased audio performance
5 MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge
The Gaming Edge might also come in at much less than $200, but it may run Intel’s maximum give up center processors. They have taken some smart steps to make a certain high-quality performance without charging a fortune. The standard 8-pin connector has been more suitable with a further 4 pins to help you get the most out of overclocking even while you‘re going for walks a beastly CPU just like the i9-9900K, and they‘ve managed to fit in a warmth sink nicely above the charge point to save you any internal damage from that energy-boosting.
The WiFi help is a pleasant touch, despite the fact that you need to remember that its throughput maxes out at 433Mbps. And wherein this best motherboards for gaming clearly cuts corners is inside the factors that are not all that important. The RGB lighting fixtures is a bit under average, but it really is allowed MSI to squeeze as much overall performance as feasible out of this relatively cheap best motherboards for gaming.
Key Features
- Capable of handling OC for top tier 9th gen Core processors
- Enough expansion slots to support multiple GPUs
- Audio Boost 4 provides powerful sonic performance
- RGB lighting supports 16.8 million colors and 29 effects
CPUEighth and ninth gen Intel CoreMemory4 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetZ390SocketLGA 1151 Storage3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s
6 GIGABYTE H370 AORUS Gaming 3
In case you‘re not inquisitive about seeking to make the most of overclocking your processor, you’re better off choosing an inexpensive H 3 70 chipsets than the extra loaded Z370 alternatives. And with something like this Gigabyte version, you get to change that overclocking capacity for a superb charge tag and an extensive range of features.
This may still serve reliably well as an i7 motherboard, and it comes with all of the perks you’d assume from the Aorus series: the quality and trendy WiFi controller, a USB 3.1 second-generation controller built-in, and a beneficent selection of RGB lights. Best motherboards for gaming with WiFi are actually the rule instead of the exception in a good gaming motherboard, however, it’s nevertheless first-class to look it in such a low-cost version. For the maximum component, overclocking is the best real factor you are sacrificing here. The ports are nevertheless widespread and guarded with heatsinks.
Key Features
- An affordable Intel gaming motherboard that only sacrifices OC
- Comes with support for Intel CNVi Wifi
- Utilizes RGB FUSION for multi-zone lighting configurations
- Smart Fan 5 complemented by multiple temperature sensors
CPUEighth gen Intel CoreMemory4 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetH390SocketLGA 1151 Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s
7 ASUS ROG Strix Z390 Best Motherboards For Gaming
Asus’ Republic of gamers merchandise is generally bombastic pieces of hardware that push difficult in the direction of presenting innovative new designs, sometimes to mixed effects. The Strix Z390 -I turn away from the standards to produce the best motherboards for gaming that makes a specialty of the basics, and it manages to get practically the entirety on point. The level of commitment to USB generations means it could in shape your wishes irrespective of the age of your different additives, and each WiFi and Bluetooth are built properly in.
The dual M.2 ports are a pleasant wonder given the charge. In case you needed proof that a mini ITX board can compete with more standard options, the Strix is it. upgrades to the VRM are first-rate as well, covered six additives for stepped forward virtual memory. This can no longer be a showpiece stunner, however, it is a master class in how a fine manufacturer can do greater (loads extra) with much less.
Key Features
- Full complement of security protocol via Gamer’s Guardian
- Five way optimization for maximum overclocking potential
- HDMI 2.0 support with max resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 60 Hz
- Built with the needs of beginners in mind
CPUEighth and ninth gen Intel CoreMemory2 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetZ390SocketLGA 1151Storage2x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s
8 GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING
The X470 is AMD’s latest attempt at a high-end CPU, and the company seems to have finally found a top tier processor that can hold its own against Intel. The combination of quality and budget pricing in the Gigabyte X470 only makes the X470 a more viable choice for gamers. The RGB lighting is substandard, but that’s the only omission (and a justifiable one) in a board that otherwise punches above its weight class. In addition to the six SATA ports, it comes with headers for both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 and plenty of space designated for cooling systems.
The Realtek 1220 audio is respectable in its own right, but it’s only further bolstered by the inclusion of a strong software suite. Considering the number of cores available in the latest Ryzen processors, this best motherboards for gaming could conceivably turn your computer into a tank.
Key Features
- Compatible with an expansive range of AMD processors
- Incredible performance for an entry-level price
- PCIe armor provides an added level of protection to the most important slots
- Strong sound performance and can calibrate your headphones’ performance
CPUFirst and second gen AMD RyzenMemory4 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetX470SocketAM4 Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s
9 GIGABYTE Z370 AORUS Ultra Gaming
There is a reason why our listing is so suffering from Gigabyte’s Aorus builds. They thread the needle of fine and pricing flawlessly, and it’s as true of their Z370 version as it’s far from any in their different entries on our list. when you consider that that is a Z-version compatible chip, you can expect to overclock functionality, and Gigabyte’s superb cooling technology really shines here. That trademark 5x protection it is been showing up in every different Aorus model is available here as properly, alongside the 5 manner optimization for perfect overclocking conditions. Gigabyte has been generous with its capabilities as nicely. Both external and internal USB 3.1 slots are to be had, and there are M.3 slots (a standard in this listing however usually first-rate to peer in a card at this finances).
Key Features
- Two ultra M.3 slots built in
- Great reinforcement against overheating
- Superb audio performance
- Tremendous overclocking potential
CPUEighth and ninth gen Intel CoreMemory4 DIMMs Dual-Channel DDR4ChipsetZ370SocketLGA 1151 Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s
10 ASUS Prime Z390-A Motherboard
Asus’ top collection is not technically tailored for gamers. It is the best motherboards for gaming with hardware fans in thoughts, and at the same time, as it loses a few gaming-specific capabilities due to that specialization, its all-around functionality makes it a worthwhile consideration. That is a meat and potatoes best motherboards for gaming, offering little more than what the chipset offers out of the box, however, it really is a methodology that allows Asus to preserve the fee low. And the fundamentals of a Z390-A motherboard are pretty beefy anyway.
The high definition audio and Intel Optane supercharge are both high-quality features to have, and in case you‘re thinking about running dual graphics cards, the choice is there. The PRIME supports each NVIDIA two-way SLI and AMD 3-way CrossFireX technologies, so that you have a few flexibilities on what GPU you choose.
Key Features
- Hardware safeguards include LAN guard and over-voltage protection
- High definition 8 channel gaming audio
- Data transfer speeds of up to 32 Gbps
- Great aesthetic RGB options
