The wrong motherboard is like building a house on sand. It’s the foundation of your gaming PC and therefore one of the most essential components.
At first sight, it might seem not that fancy compared to a Graphics card, but especially superior components need a good quality motherboard. You don’t want to spend most of your budget on great PC components and cheap out on this!
In short, the best motherboard lets your hardware reach its full potential. Avoid rebuilding your PC from scratch and get the opportunity to overclock – for extra PC power!
All prices mentioned are from 11-16-2020, so they might fluctuate. When you click on the button you’ll see the correct price.
What makes a motherboard a good gaming motherboard?
Choosing the right motherboard is not easy, there are so many different models and sizes.
Socket
The most important component of a motherboard is the ‘socket’. This socket must match with your processor, otherwise, it won't fit. Manufactures such as Gigabyte, MSI, and ASUS buy up these chipsets and build them into their motherboards. It also ensures that all components can communicate with each other. From your sound card and video card to SSD and hard disk.
Slots
The larger the motherboard, the more slots for computer components. When you like a PC with a lot of internal memory, make sure you have enough RAM slots (also known as DIMM slots). Therefore, your computer works faster and you can open more programs at the same time. Also look for PCIe x16 slots to give you the highest speed for attached hardware devices in your computer, and M.2 connections on your motherboard for fast storage space. PCIe x1 slots can be used for network cards and connections for fans.
Input & Output ports
On the side of your motherboard is the ‘I/O panel’ (input/output). This communicates with devices outside of the PC, such as your mouse and keyboard connected via USB and also audio ports for your headset. You either have the choice between the standard USB 2.0 or the faster USB 3.0 ports. Good to know is that you can connect your USB cables to both ports. Also, consider sufficient ‘SATA’ (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) connections for internal hard drives, or go for M.2 (which is 1.5 times faster).
LAN and Audio Chip
Most motherboards have this, however, make sure to check that your motherboard has the option to connect a LAN cable and that has an audio chip. This way you don't have to buy a network card or audio card yourself.
WIFI & Bluetooth
These two functions are not necessary for a motherboard, especially when you want to play wired which is also recommended for the fastest and stable internet connection. Decide if you want to connect any devices via Bluetooth, such as your mouse or headset.
Intel vs AMD: Which brand should I pick?
The first choice you should make is whether you want to go for Intel or AMD. Your choice decides on which processor (CPU) you pick. Intel chipsets exclusively support Intel processors, as does an AMD chipset only support AMD processors.
Therefore, decide whether you want an Intel or AMD processor first!
Intel Processor
Intel stays the king of processors when it comes to clock speed. Very beneficial for fanatic gamers. Intel processors have a higher clock speed which means the CPU will do a good job of understanding and completing single tasks. To sum up, go for an Intel processor when you like high speed on mostly one task, such as just for gaming and music or Photoshop.
AMD Processor
AMD has the upper hand when it comes to 'cores' and 'threads'. These processors do have way more threads, meaning your computer won't have any problems performing multiple tasks at the same time. For recording your game and video editing, for instance, this is a better pick. In conclusion, when you prefer multitasking with good value for money, you should go for AMD.
Breakdown of our rating system
With the most important aspects, differences, and research on different types of motherboards, we made a list of 7 best motherboards for both Intel and AMD. You will only find value for money motherboards here. As fellow gamers, we only want the best motherboard for you!
All chosen motherboards are ATX motherboards, which is the common format for a PC. The reason people might pick other sizes is that they want a smaller PC to carry to a LAN-party or to move it around in the house for instance. In our opinion, the ATX size is the best and still perfectly fine to carry to LAN-events. A little bit heavier, but it's worth it. When something breaks and you have a larger motherboard, it’s easier to repair too.
Best INTEL Gaming Motherboards
Intel has been the industry leader for years, and continues to do so. It feels the heavy breathing of AMD closing in. In the reviews below we're going to decide if Intel is still on top of the game, or if it is beaten by AMD.
Nr. 1 INTEL Gaming Motherboard - Asus ROG Maximus XII HERO $383.54
You can build your PC with nearly zero compromises with the ASUS ROG Maximus XII HERO. Comparing to the other motherboards in the Maximus line, this premium gaming motherboard offers the best set of useful features for serious gamers.
Have you ever experienced a low ping in-game? A good, stable internet connection is important for keeping smooth gameplay. The 5Gb Ethernet port helps to prevent stuttering in-game, and therefore you won’t lack behind on your teammates or enemies.
Also, this board is specially designed for the newest 10th generation Intel processors. The ASUS software called ‘AI overclocking’ helps you to get the most out of your built, analyzing your PC and predicting the optimal settings for you.
This motherboard has premium-built quality, preventing your board and ports from bending or breaking when building your PC. The temperature sensors and extra-large heatsinks do a perfect job of preventing your PC from overheating.
New PCIe 4.0 slots ensure faster memory support for your SSD's, and the motherboard has a fast system memory up to 128GB RAM. You also have the option to connect your PC via WIFI and to make your PC look great with RGB, using the ‘Aura SYNC’ app.
Nr. 2 INTEL Gaming Motherboard - ASUS ROG Strix z490-E $287.24
The ASUS ROG Strix z490-E has a better value for money ratio than the Asus Maximus. This board is meant for fanatic gamers that want an optimal gaming motherboard without paying for features you won’t use. It is one of the best motherboards to satisfy the needs of a smart gamer.
You can place 10th generation Intel processors thanks to the 1200 socket. 2 M.2. connections will let your files and programs load faster on your SSD's, placed in new PCIe 4.0 slots. The system memory goes up to 128 RAM, divided over 4 DDR4 memory slots.
For improved performance, you can also put multiple disks together into a single array (RAID: Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). When these disks work together they will have the performance of a more expensive disk.
You will also have fast internet speed thanks to the Intel 2.5GbE LAN port, supporting speed rates up to 2.5Gb. Give a nice finishing touch to your motherboard with the fancy RGB thanks to ASUS Aura Sync software.
Nr. 3 INTEL Gaming Motherboard - MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus $149.99
This basic gaming motherboard will make building your PC like plug and play. The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus will satisfy you with all the basics you really need. Unlike the Maximum XII Hero and Strix, you wont find the latest cutting edge technology inside this board. However, it does the job to give you a solid yet simple gaming motherboard.
What makes this board special is that there will be less delay when gaming because of the Killer NIC (Network Interface Card). Standard network cards make use of the primary CPU. Your board also works flawlessly with the 8th and 9th generation Intel Processors thanks to the Intel Z390 chipset with an 1151 socket.
The manufacturer claims that the Killer NIC is capable of reducing network latency and lag. The board also has 2 M.2 connections for placing fast storage on the motherboard. Also, this motherboard has the option to connect 7 case fans and has a heatsink to cover the most important places with cooling. MSI comes with software too to optimize your processor and RAM.
Best AMD Gaming Motherboards
Where Intel had the upperhand before, AMD made a huge comeback on quality and performance. AMD Motherboards are idealic for people who want to do multiple tasks at once. For instance, streaming, recording, gaming and video editting.
Nr. 1 AMD Gaming Motherboard - Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master $359.99
When you’re looking for the best high-performance motherboard, you should consider going for the Aorus X570 master, you will be ready for the foreseeable future! This is a great and solid foundation for building your PC with an AMD processor. Your games will work flawlessly with this beast of a board!
It's not the highest-end motherboard that Gigabyte offers, but this board will be a premium foundation for your PC - giving you all you need. The high built-quality is making this board almost impossible to get damaged or cause any problems, lasting for years. The board contains 4 DDR4 RAM slots, giving you a super-fast memory speed and 3 M.2 slots for fast loading SSDs or HDDs.
Your connected devices will work perfectly fine thanks to the speedy USB 3.2 ports. The motherboard also has Bluetooth for easily connecting devices such as a mouse or headset, in-built WIFI, and two LAN-ports. Your system memory speed can go up to 128GB.
Nr. 2 AMD Gaming Motherboard - Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite $179.99
When you don't need unnecessary extra's on your motherboard but you do desire a high-performance gaming motherboard, the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite is the right pick for you. Of all the X570 gaming motherboards, this board comes out the best when you look for value for money.
With the AM4 socket and X570 chipset, the motherboard supports the newest generation of AMD processors, which is the 3rd generation of Ryzen. Good to know is that you can also place a 2nd generation processor. You can get up to 128GB of RAM, divided into 4 DDR4 memory slots and your chipset will be cooled with an in-built heatsink.
The 6 temperature sensors let you monitor the temperature and you can use Smart Fan software to tweak your cooling settings. You can place up to 4 RAM modules, 2 M.2 SSD's in the new PCIe 4.0 slots, and 6 SSD's or HDD's. The Gigabyte Fusion app lets you change the colors of the LED accents.
Nr. 3 AMD Gaming Motherboard - Asus ROG STRIX B450-F $120.99
The ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F will give you the basic features you desire from a gaming motherboard for not too much money. This board will be effective for those who have never built a gaming PC because it has a simple design with which you can’t go wrong. The performance will be solid enough for playing the heaviest games.
The AMD B450 chipset lets you place AMD Ryzen processors of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation, thanks to the AM4 socket. Place 2 M.2 SSD drivers for a fast storage speed. and the motherboard is firmly built, making sure that heavy components won’t bend your motherboard.
It provides proper audio thanks to the 8-channels audio card. You can optimize the performance of your computer thanks to the ‘5-Way Optimization’ app from ASUS.
Our Number 1 Recommended Gaming Motherboard for 2020
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus $159.99
Pros
Cons
The Winner of The Best Gaming Motherboards of 2020
After intensive research for the best performing motherboard with a high value for money, the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus came out the best! You don’t need a high-priced motherboard to take enjoyment. One of the aspects we looked at in this competition is that the winner would be a gaming motherboard we would use ourselves.
It contains the newest and best high-tech features you need for esports, streaming, and gaming. The motherboard is made from strong and solid materials that can endure a lot. You will experience a flawless and smooth gaming experience – and all this for a fair price!
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus - Specifications
Firstly, the special SHIELD FROZR technique prevents your PC from slowing down and maximizes your SSD performance. It also contains Core Boost, one of the latest advancements of MSI's motherboard CPU power delivery system. It's optimized with a circuit design to work as efficiently as possible.
Moreover, you’re able to locate your enemies precisely, thanks to the Audio Boost 4 audio processor. It’s isolated from the rest of the motherboard, ensuring the purest audio signal. MSI GAMING hardware and software tools will help you to stay one step ahead of the competition.
Good to know is that The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus is mostly silent too. You can place the newest AMD processors of the 3rd generation. The board supports PCIe 4.0, M.2 SSD’s and you can place 4 RAM modules. It also has a fast memory speed of 128GB and the DDR4 RAM reaches a speed of 4400MHz, which can be even higher when you overclock.
Pre-installed IO shielding protects your input/output ports from potential electrostatic discharge damage from the external environment. The board has 6 USB ports from which two are fast USB 3.2 gen 2 ports. The in-built Frozr heatsink will keep your motherboard cooled. It has RGB lights, which you can easily change with the Mystic Light app.
Optimize your Performance and Security
Most importantly, make sure to update all your firmware and the latest drivers to get the most out of your motherboards.
Intel
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/
