Choosing The Best Motherboard For Gaming in 2024

Making the decision to buy the best motherboard for gaming is not a simple one, and we will tell you why. Many people misunderstand that a CPU is the motherboard and the best CPU will be the best motherboard. Suppose you are someone who is building a gaming PC from the ground up or a gaming enthusiast looking to upgrade an existing one. In that case, you must know the difference and exact definition of the best gaming motherboard.

We have a loyal customer base because of our quality products and the after-sales service that we provide. When our consumers decide to upgrade their old gaming PC, they come straight to us. If you are on a quest to find the best budget motherboard, we can undoubtedly assist you. Dealing with refurbished gaming PCs is our strong suit because this is where a buyer does not know much.

Moreover, catering to the audience sitting back and enjoying the spectacle of new technologies unfolding is something that we have mastered. We educate our readers and potential customers so that they can make an informed decision when choosing from the queue of best motherboards. Another thing that we disdain is our customers wasting or spending unwanted money.

A lot of things go into choosing the best motherboard for gaming, and selecting a motherboard just by reading the best budget gaming motherboard is not going to be enough. The budget one’s not always fulfill the specific need for which the user buys it. They are already on the verge regarding the expenditure, and if they purchase something incompatible without the warranty, nothing but trouble follows. Similarly, spending too much on things the user does not need at the moment is also a waste of money because the money could be spent on upgrading other components of a gaming PC motherboard.

What Is The Best Motherboard For Gaming?

There is no one-word answer to this question, but there can be many of them. The best motherboard for gaming encapsulates the combination of critical elements all joining together to form the best gaming motherboard. To name a few elements like form factor, slots, chipset, and more that we will discuss later on.

First, let’s understand what a motherboard is and break the myth of the CPU being the motherboard but rather a part of the motherboard. A motherboard is like a business center, which not only holds everyone together but empowers them, literally, to do their job proficiently. The whole computer system relies on the motherboard, including the CPU, to run.

A gaming motherboard can be different from a normal motherboard. There is no such thing as a gaming motherboard or a non-gaming motherboard. But the name represents the high specifications that a gaming motherboard possesses. The gaming PC motherboard can also be used for content creation, such as video making and photo editing. These tasks are demanding on the whole system and require the same aspects as gaming.

The construction of the best motherboard for gaming PCs includes signal improvement parts like copper parts and e-glass to circulate the signal among other parts as quickly as possible to reduce lag. Certain games considered large require these things, hence the name gaming motherboard. The components and computer peripherals that come and open their stall at the gaming motherboard will be discussed, and those are the ones that one needs to consider in buying the best motherboard for gaming.

Things To Consider When Making The Best Gaming Motherboard

These components and their versions, factors, sizes, and compatibility matter when you search for the best AMD motherboard or go out to have a look at the best Intel motherboard for gaming. Let us tell you how and why these computer hardware matter.

• Form Factor: The form factor is key for the best motherboards. It will dictate the size of the gaming motherboard and whether it fits. Motherboards for gaming come in Micro ATX, Mini ITX, Extended ATX (E-ATX), or simply ATX form factors. A larger form factor is considered suitable for a gaming PC motherboard like ATX or E-ATX to house more supporting technologies required for heavy gaming.
• Memory Technology: Look for a PC motherboard for gaming that supports DDR5 and/or DDR4 RAM because any technology lower than that will not work for contemporary gaming. Also, note that the best motherboard for gaming uses DIMM or SO-DIMM.
• Memory Card Slots: The best motherboards for gaming boast more memory card slots than a simple best motherboard. The number can vary from 2 to 8 because it needs more memory to run games.
• RAM Size: By RAM size, we mean the maximum amount of memory a gaming motherboard can support in terms of GB. Modern gaming motherboards can support up to 64 GB at maximum, while some can take up to 32 GB. With more slots, you can install more memory; if money is the constraint, you can do it gradually.
• CPU Socket Type: The CPU socket type will be Intel or AMD processor-specific. Choose carefully and note the processor’s model number to match the motherboard’s socket type.
• USB Port: Look for a gaming motherboard that supports USB 3.1 and 3.0 for speedy data transfer, especially if you connect an external HDD or SDD for gaming purposes. Another benefit of having them is that they are also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports.
• Number of USB Ports: The best motherboards for gaming have multiple USB ports, as having them is necessary for gamers. Numerous USB ports enable gamers to attach many devices with overloading and require a network hub to connect an external hard drive, controller, or even a VR device.
• Cooling Fan: Select a gaming PC motherboard that supports a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for precise speed control and magnetic levitation or fluid dynamic bearings for reduced noise. Neglecting this feature can turn your gaming rig into a furnace.
• Storage Sockets: Most of the best motherboards for gaming still use PCIe, but some high-end best gaming motherboard have an M.2 storage socket appropriate for a solid-state drive. Some former-generation gaming motherboards that still support SATA are compatible with the USB 3.0 interface.
• Built-in Graphic and Sound Card: The best high-end motherboards for gaming already have built-in graphics and sound cards that can complement many tasks, including low-tier gaming. However, it should also have slots to add new ones required for gaming.
• Display Port Option: The best motherboard for gaming should have an HDMI port to connect the high-end smart TV or a Best 4K gaming monitor for the ultimate gaming adventure.
• LAN and WiFi Card Support: Consider a gaming motherboard that supports premium WiFi and LAN cards to support you in online and LAN gaming.
• RGB Color Effect: Though this feature does not affect performance, it is a trend amongst hardcore gamers, and if you are planning on becoming one, you will eventually need it. After all, it’s all about mindset.
• Energy Star Certification: All the best motherboard for gaming have an Energy Star certification to make them safe and eco-friendly among their features and manufacturing.

There are some soft qualities of the best gaming motherboard that are equally important in the selection of the best motherboard. These qualities are;

Overclocking Capability

Many computer components like GPUs, CPUs, and RAMs including the gaming motherboard can overclock beyond their factory setting to enhance performance. Overclocking pushes hardware to run faster than its standard specifications, enhancing gaming, rendering, and computational tasks. So, the best motherboard will have a good overclocking capability but that does not necessarily mean the higher number represents the best motherboard for gaming. Overclocking brings overheating with itself and the best motherboards for gaming have means like excellent cooling systems to combat that. Overclocking significantly improves performance at the price of higher power consumption, increasing the risk of instability or hardware failure and potentially void warranties. Choose a PC motherboard for gaming that balances both.

Comprehensive Software Suite

A software suite optimizes the user experience and functionality of the gaming motherboard without changing its physical specifications. A comprehensive software suite of the best motherboard feature utilities for system monitoring like BIOS updates, RGB lighting control, fan speed management, and overclocking. The user can optimize performance, maintain system health, and personalize the system with the help of these tools. This software suite of the PC motherboard for gaming saves time by providing a UI.

User-Friendly BIOS

A user-friendly BIOS interface enables the firmware of the best motherboard for gaming to be more intuitive, making it accessible to amateurs and experts alike, allowing them to navigate and configure system settings. It has a graphical user interface (GUI) with icons and mouse support, which simplifies the configuration process. One of the main advantages is the intuitive selection of common refinements, one-click overclocking solutions for easier speed increasing and help sections available for different settings which provide explanations. This method simplifies BIOS setup allowing users to optimize their systems, improve performance, and customize settings without having profound technical skills, thereby enhancing the user interface of the motherboard.

Now, onto exploring the best motherboard for gaming;

The Best Intel Motherboards

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi

Tomahawk motherboards from MSI typically get good reviews. They don’t have the luxury features found on more expensive boards and instead concentrate on a vital set of features. Tomahawk models should be on your radar if you require a powerful GPU to support a demanding Core i9 13900K CPU but aren’t concerned with extra features.

Specifications:

• CPU support: Intel 12th and 13th Gen
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Size: ATX
• Memory: 4x DIMM, Up to 128GB, DDR5-7200+(OC)
• Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Display ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4. 1x HDMI 2.1
• USB ports: Up to 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 6x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 6x USB 2.0
• Storage Options: 4x M.2, 7x SATA
• Network: Intel 2.5G LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E

DDR4 is best if you have plenty of DDR4 memory, but DDR5 is best if you need to buy more. The Tomahawk supports four M.2 drives but not PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Would it be nice? Along with a lack of PCIe 5.0 drives, the Z790 platform requires an 8x/8x split between the 16x primary slot and the M.2 slot, making it unnecessary at this time. A good PCIe 4.0 drive will last for years, just like a good PCIe 3.0 drive does and is still relevant.

Instead of using a huge M.2 heatsink like the Gigabyte Aorus Z790 Master, the Tomahawk uses a low-profile design that doesn’t require much surface area. The Z790 Tomahawk has 7 SATA ports. The seven connections alone may make SATA a good choice for massive storage. Some expensive boards include four SATA. The VRM stands out among its price-range competitors.

The MSI Z790 Tomahawk should meet most of your best motherboard for gaming needs. Board builders exploit USB4 and 10G LAN to justify gaming motherboards twice the price of the Z790 Tomahawk. The checklist is complete for most users. Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, a robust VRM that can handle 13900K, loads of USB ports, including 3.2 Gen 2×2, a stable BIOS, and a discrete design that fits any build theme. Do you need more? If you do, expect a price increase.

Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus

We found the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus to be an affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and competent Z690 ITX motherboard that performed well in our tests. It has two M.2 ports, a premium audio codec, and high-quality 105A MOSFETs to power any CPU—all for roughly $330, which is cheaper than the majority of the best motherboard for gaming. Plus, the design is RGB-inclusive.

Specifications:

• Socket: LGA 1700
• Chipset: Intel Z690
• Form Factor: Mini-ITX
• Voltage Regulator: 13 Phases
• PCIe x16: (1) v5.0
• USB Ports: (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C (20 Gbps) (3) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) (2) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) (2) USB 2.0 (480 Mbps)
• Warranty: 3 years

When we take into consideration the competition, we have the Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 from ASRock, the MEG Z690I Unify from MSI, and the Asus ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi 6E. There is no difference between any of these ITX boards; the only variation is the pricing and your requirements. There are at least two SATA connections and two M.2 sockets included in each one, as well as Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE. There are additional SATA ports on the other boards, but the MSI is the only one that has three M.2 sockets. Only a small percentage of consumers would be able to tell the difference between the ASRock board and other boards in terms of audio quality.

Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is a product that we find appealing. It resolves issues that were present with the PCIe slot of the previous version and provides us with an SKU that is generally well-rounded and undoubtedly offered at a reasonable price. In addition to this, it is the only Z690-based ITX board that comes with RGB LEDs already built in, which will further help it stand out in your case. Those who require more than two SATA drives will be required to search elsewhere; however, the Ultra Plus is the alternative best budget motherboard in Z690 Mini-ITX that is currently available for the price.

The Best AMD Motherboards

ASRock’s X670E Taichi

For those looking for a mid-range motherboard, ASRock’s X670E Taichi is an appealing and well-rounded option. There are a multitude of storage options available to you for the price of $499, including eight SATA connectors, four M.2 sockets, and a large number of USB ports, two of which are USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps). The results of our benchmark testing demonstrated that there is no cause for concern with regard to the performance of this board or its ability to increase the clock speed.

Specifications:

• Socket: AM5
• Chipset: X670E
• Form Factor: E-ATX
• Voltage Regulator: 27 Phase (24x 105A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore)
• PCIe x16: (2) v5.0 (x16, x8/x8)
• USB Ports: (2) USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps) (5) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) (3) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
• Warranty: 3 years

We recently evaluated a different top-end MSI MEG X670E ACE best motherboard for gaming to this model from ASRock, and we discovered that the X670E Taichi is the best. This is due to the fact that its pricing is far lower than the price of the competition, and it provides nearly all of the major features for AMD’s most recent platform.

If you have the financial means to spend this much on a gaming motherboard, the X670E Taichi is an excellent choice among its contemporaries and the best AMD motherboard that can be purchased for approximately $500. It is important to keep in mind that if you do not want a large amount of PCIe bandwidth, you can save yourself at least one hundred dollars by selecting an ASROCK MB B650E model. Many of these models still contain the essential characteristics that the majority of gaming PC builders are looking for.

Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master

The B650E Aorus Master has the appearance to be the center focus of your build, and it comes at a price point that is more affordable than many alternatives that are based on the X670. It is one of the greatest options that are available for B650E along with Gigabyte MB AMD B650E, and you should put it on your list if you are planning to construct a Ryzen 7000 system and you do not want the additional bandwidth that X670 provides.

Specifications:

• Socket: AM5
• Chipset: AMD B650E
• Form Factor: ATX
• Voltage Regulator: 20 phases
• PCIe x16: (1) v5.0 (x16, x8) (1) v4.0 (x4) (1) v4.0 (x2)
  USB Ports: (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C (4),
  USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) (4) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) (4) USB 2.0 (480 Mbps)
• Warranty: 3 years

The B650E Aorus Master best motherboard for gaming from Gigabyte is a premium, well-rounded gaming motherboard that is available at a price that is substantially lower than what you would have to pay for alternatives to the X670E. It does blur the line between the full-featured X670 chipset and the B650E chipset, but it includes all that the B650E has to offer, with the exception of a few fast USB connections in this particular instance. A price of $400 is normal for this particular variant. There are four PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, nine USB ports on the rear IO, and the same powerful VRMs as are found on the X670E Aorus Master, which is a far more expensive motherboard. In our benchmark testing, it also performed as we would have anticipated it to.

Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero

The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero from Asus aspires to be your final requirement for an AM4 motherboard. But how can one tell the best motherboard for gaming from the worst one? Things like features, a stable and optimized BIOS, price-to-quality ratio, and attractive design are vital, but sometimes it’s more about intangibles. There are instances when it’s just that the item works.

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

A delicate design distinguishes the Dark Hero. It may be boring. With current gaming motherboards being more discrete with RGB, we may have reached ‘Peak RGB’. Gigabyte and MSI have boards priced higher than the Dark Hero. Compared to the MSI Godlike and Gigabyte Aorus Extreme, a $400 motherboard is somewhat reasonable.

ATX board layouts are common today. Mindfully placed above the PCIe slot is the primary M.2. Second bottom slot has a heatsink. You can reach the sockets without removing the heatsink. We also like the lack of a chipset cooling fan. With upgraded Hero VRM, now matches other premium X570 boards with 90a power stages instead of 60a. This board will take LN2 benchmarks well, even from overclockers and the heatsinks are bulky.

A packed rear IO. Eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one Type-C. Four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports join them. S/PDIF audio connectors, BIOS clean and flashback buttons, and LAN and WiFi antenna ports are also present. Preinstalled IO shields are now standard on the best motherboard for gaming.

The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is one of the greatest AM4 motherboards we’ve used, but we’d have to test hundreds more to say so. The Dark Hero may become a legendary ROG motherboard with time and user input, but we wouldn’t bet against it.

Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming

Although it shares a price point with many X570 motherboards, the Asus ROG Strix B550-E is a high-end model that comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from Asus’ Republic of Gamers lineup. 14+2 power stages, M.2 heatsinks, and backplates already installed are what we are referring to. In addition to Intel 2.5Gb ethernet, you also receive Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking. Plus, of course, RGB LEDs.

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

The Strix seems stronger when overclocked. AMD’s free-market capitalism approach to clocking pretty much any CPU by allowing super-simple core ratio changes makes it nearly ridiculous not to try. Asus’ sleek and familiar BIOS interface lets overclockers access the core ratio and most other settings on the Strix B550-E. You can increase core ratios and let the board figure out the specifics or manually adjust voltages and timings.

Allowing the board to conduct the delicate brain work overclocks our AMD Ryzen 3 3100 quad-core test chip to 4.2GHz on all cores. The Ryzen 3100’s standard boost clock is 3.9GHz, a 300MHz bump. Which is noteworthy but not great. The cheaper MSI board outperforms the other B550 boards in pure performance tests. Asus can overclock better, but it uses more plug power overall. Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming is the whole package and our top B550 motherboard. X570 boards are available at the same price, making this advice difficult.

FAQs

How do I know which is the best motherboard for gaming?

Choosing the best motherboard for gaming involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific gaming needs and preferences. Here’s a concise step-by-step guide:

• Form Factor: Opt for ATX or E-ATX form factors for more features and upgradability possibilities.
• CPU Compatibility: For Intel, match the socket type LGA 1700 with your CPU and the same for AM5 with AMD.
• Memory Support: Choose either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM support with many slots for scalability.
• Expansion Slots and Connectivity: Check on the multiple PCIe x16 slots and sufficient USB 3.1/3.0 ports.
• Storage Options: Check the M.2 and SATA ports for SSDs and HDDs which are inserted there.
• Networking Features: Give preference to LAN and WiFi that provide a high-quality experience for online gaming.
• Audio Quality: Modern audio systems with an integrated sound card are the best choice.
• Overclocking Support: Select motherboards with solid power delivery and cooling to go with overclocking.
• Aesthetics and Extras: Opt for red green blue lighting and IO (I/O) shields that are compatible with your need.
• Reliability and Brand Reputation: Choose motherboards from recognizable brands that have reputable warranty & support.

Does the best motherboard matter for gaming?

Investing in the best motherboard for gaming is crucial for gamers who demand high performance, reliability, and the flexibility to upgrade, ensuring a superior gaming experience. Here are the reasons to invest in the best gaming motherboard;

• Performance Foundation: The best motherboard for gaming is the backbone of your gaming PC in regards to the compatibility and potential of the other components, such as the CPU, GPU, RAM and storage devices.
• Expansion Capabilities: The best motherboard for gaming with good gaming features should have enough expansion slots and connectivity options for graphics cards, memory, and storage, this enables room for upgrades and one’s system can evolve with their gaming needs.
• Overclocking Potential: Gaming motherboards with the best specs are an essential component for gaming enthusiasts looking to get the most performance they can. A good motherboard provides enough power delivery, cooling options and BIOS settings to help you overclock the CPU and memory safely.
• Enhanced Features: The best motherboard for gaming does not only have gaming-centric features like advanced networking options for lag-free online gaming, and better-quality audio for an immersive experience, but they are also built with robust build for durability.
• Aesthetics: The best motherboard for gaming will typically come with added aesthetics such as RGB lighting and sleek designs, which are a part of the overall look of your gaming setup.

What are the best motherboards for first-time PC builds?

Two high-quality PC motherboards for gaming the MSI MAG Z750 Tomahawk WiFi for Intel and the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master for AMD are designed for the first PC builders. They offer an optimum balance of features, performance, and installation ease.

Which motherboard is most likely the easiest to configure?

The Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming is probably the simplest to configure with its BIOS interface that is easy to use, all-round software suite, and intuitive setup that ensures that it is suitable both for beginners and experienced users.

What should I buy first, CPU or motherboard?

CPU is usually the first system component to go for one reason, it determines the motherboard’s required socket and chipset compatibility. The process leads you to the motherboard that will meet your performance needs and future upgrade options.

What is the most popular motherboard size?

The ATX is the most common best motherboard for gaming size thanks to its compatibility, feature set and expansion capabilities that provide a comfortable fit for standard to high-end gaming systems.