If you want to maximize the performance of your internals, you should invest in the best motherboard possible. It is essential to ensure your computer runs at its best. It is so critical that you don’t compromise on quality. You might get a subpar computer that doesn’t perform as well as the components that you have spent so much.
No matter whether you are upgrading your computer or building one, you should spend as much effort on getting the best motherboard than you would on selecting the best processor and graphics card. A solid motherboard is essential to ensure that your components run at their best.
This guide contains our top picks to help you choose the best motherboard for you. No matter what your situation may be, there’s a motherboard that will help you improve your , not get in the way.
Getting to terms
This list will help you to get started with your next build if you aren’t familiar with the top motherboards. There are many different types of motherboards, with the most popular being ATX and Micro ATX. There are many other form factors, such as mini ITX or E-ATX. You don’t have to worry, though. Most best computer cases can support multiple form factors.
In our review of the top motherboards, we also listed the type of socket that each mobo uses. For those who don’t know, the socket is the part of the motherboard where the CPU locks in. The socket is the part of the motherboard that the CPU locks into.
1. Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero
Best Intel Motherboard
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: LGA1200
- Chipset: Intel Z590
- Dual Channel DDR4 memory support
Support for multi-GPU: NVIDIA 2-WaySLI Technology
Features: ASUS-exclusive software, firmware utilities, enlarged VRM heatsink and onboard WiFi 6E. ROG SupremeFXALC4082 gaming audio.
There are many reasons to buy
+Several USB ports, two Thunderbolt 4+ USB ports. Excellent quality
Avoidable reasons
-Expensive
Although it is not cheap, the Rog Maximus XIII Hero’s price is well worth it. The list of features includes Wi-Fi 6, PCIe4.0, tons ports (including two thunderbolt), as well as four M.2 SSD sockets. This board will be a great choice for anyone who is looking to build a computer around Z590 boards. This board is not only highly efficient, but also easy to overclock. It also comes with ample RGB lighting, just like every ASUS motherboard.
2. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike
High-end Intel motherboards
Specifications
- E-ATX Form Factor
- Socket: LGA1200
- Chipset: Intel Z490
- Memory Support: 4 DIMM sockets (upto 128GB).
Multi-GPU support: 2-Way NVIDIA SLI Technology, 3-Way AMD CrossFire Technology
Features: M.2Xpander-Z Gen4S, 10G SuperLAN + 2.5GLAN, Frozn Heatsink. Double Side M.2 Shield Frozn
There are many reasons to buy
+Superb build quality+Onboard Thunderbolt video output+Easy Overclocking in BIOS
Avoidable reasons
-Pricey-Uses two 8 pin cpu power connectors
Although high-end motherboards can be expensive, if you have something like the MSI MEG Z490 Godlike, you are almost guaranteed top-notch performance. This is especially true if your motherboard has Intel components. You don’t have to pay a lot. We’d even go so far as to call this the best z490 boards on the market right now. It has an outstanding thermal solution, incredible overclocking performance and easy installation.
3. GIGABYTE Gaming X Z490 Gaming
The best budget Intel motherboard
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: LGA1200
- Chipset: Intel Z490
- Memory Support: 4 DIMM sockets (upto 128GB).
Support for multi-GPU: AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire, 2-Way AMD CrossFire
There are many reasons to buy
+Pre-installed I/O shield + Optional 4-pin connector
Avoidable reasons
No USB Type-C connectivity
Although the GIGABYTE Gaming X Z490 Gaming X doesn’t have many new features, it is a great option for anyone looking for an Intel-compatible motherboard at a budget price. The entry-level motherboard is priced at a reasonable price. It includes three PCIe 3.0×4 M.2 slots and six SATA ports, as well as four memory slots that support DDR4-4600 up to 128GB. It performs as well as the best, without burning a hole into your wallet
4. MSI MEG Z590 Ace
Best Intel ATX motherboard
Specifications
ATX Form Factor
Socket: LGA1200
Chipset: Intel Z590
Dual Channel DDR4 memory support
Multi-GPU support: 2-Way Nvidia Crossfire and 2-Way NvidiaSLI
Features: Wi-Fi 6E dual Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 4 VRM Heat-pipe, 2.5Gbps LAN, WiFi 6E, Wi-Fi 6E and 7W/mK thermal pads
There are many reasons to buy
+Lots power+Excellent sound+Nice features
Avoidable reasons
The MSI MEG Z590 Ace is a premium option to your flagship Intel 10th and 11th-generation Intel chips. It not only has four M.2 sockets and two Thunderbolt USB–C ports, but also offers Wi-Fi 6E support and excellent audio with the latest ALC4082 audio processing. If you have the budget for $499, there is a lot to love about this product.
5. Asus ROG Strix Z590-I
Mini-ITX motherboards that are the best
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: LGA1200
- Chipset: Intel Z590
- Memory support: Dual channel DDR4-5133
Features: AI Overclocking, AI Noise Cancellation, AI Cooling, SATA and AuraSync RGB lighting, ALC4080, Savitech S3H712 amplifier
There are many reasons to buy
+Full-featured+Great for 11th-gen chips
Avoidable reasons
The Mini-ITX motherboard from Asus offers a mid-to-high-end option. It has two M.2 slots and four SATA 6Gb/s ports, as well as plenty of connectivity. The small form factor features an all-black design with diagonal mesh lines and a RGB-enabled ROG logo. It is also very efficient, with excellent network performance, great audio, and well-balanced thermal.
6. ASRock X570 Phantom GamingX
Best AMD motherboard
Specifications
ATX Form Factor
Socket: AMD AM4
Chipset: AMD Premium X570
Memory Support: 4 DIMM sockets (upto 128GB).
Support for multi-GPU: NVIDIA NVLink and Quad SLI. AMD 3-Way CrossFireX.
Features: ASRock Polychrome SYNC and ASRock Super Alloy. ASRock Phantom Gaming 2.5G. LAN
There are many reasons to buy
+Easy installation+Beautiful design+Excellent Cooling
Avoidable reasons
Upgrading storage can be physically difficult
The ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming X is the best choice for an AMD setup. This motherboard is the most popular AMD motherboard right now. It has a great feature set, great design, and a very efficient cooling solution. This motherboard is a favourite among overclockers, with Wi-Fi 6 support. There might be limitations on what you can do with your internals if you are a fan of tweaking and upgrading them. It’s difficult to fault this board.
7. Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master
High performance AMD motherboard
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: AMD Socket Am4
- Chipset: AMDX570
- Memory Support: 4 DIMM sockets (upto 128GB).
Multi-GPU support: NVIDIA quad-GPU SLI, 2-Way NVIDIAsLI technologies, AMD quad-GPU CrossFire & 2-Way AMD CrossFire
Features: Q-Flash Plus and APP Center support, Xpress Installation support
There are many reasons to buy
+Excellent price for performance+Pre-installed I/O Shield+Well thought out design
Avoidable reasons
Placement of a USB3 header is awkward
The Gigabyte Aorus X570 master motherboard is beautiful with silver accents on a black board. This complements its RGB lighting. It can also be used as the mainframe of a powerful computer. For future-proofing your gaming needs, it can support up to 128GB DDR4400 RAM. It is well-designed, with shielding at its I/O ports and WiFi 6, as well as a variety of placement options that make it a high quality board. It is also significantly cheaper than high-end Intel motherboards.
8. Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming
AMD motherboards at the best price
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: AMD AM4
- Chipset: AMDB550
- Memory Support: 4 DIMM sockets (upto 128GB).
Support for multi-GPU: Nvidia 2-way GPUSLI, AMD 3-way CrossFire
Features: Aura Sync and ASUS Thermal Solution, ASUS EZ Do It Yourself, ASUS EZ Make, ASUS EZ Save, ASUS Sync.
There are many reasons to buy
+Easy setup+Price is right
Avoidable reasons
-Only 1 PCIe 4.0-Limited processor support
The Asus ROG-B550-E Gaming motherboard is a great choice if you are looking to build a new system. It has all the ports you need, including shielded I/O ports. This motherboard offers excellent power delivery, great features, and an extremely efficient cooling solution. It also has a cool aesthetic.
9. Asus TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS
Best AMD Micro ATX motherboard
Specifications
- Form Factor: Micro ITX
- Socket: AMD AM4
- Chipset: AMDB550
- Memory Support: 4 DIMM sockets (upto 128GB).
- AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology supports multi-GPUs
Features: ASUS TUF protection, ASUS Thermal solution for aluminum M.2 heatsink and ASUS EZ diy, AURA Sync
There are many reasons to buy
+PCIe4.0 support+AI noise cancelling technology works great
Avoidable reasons
-No heatsink for the upper NVMe slot – Still expensive for what it has to offer
The Asus TUF Gaming B550M+ is an upgrade to its predecessor, which was the B450. It offers a better power solution and a great cooling system, as well as game-ready features, and military-grade components. AI Noise-Canceling microphone software is one of those features. It supports Bluetooth, USB, or 3.5mm headsets and has full RGB lighting control. These features are all while maintaining the TUF Gaming Alliance promise of easy compatibility, building, and aesthetics that complement its trusted partner.
10. NZXT N7 A550
Best for the AMD B550 chipset and Wi-Fi 6E
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: LGA1200
- Chipset: AMDB550
- Maximum Memory Support: 4 DIMMs, Max. 128GB, DDR4
- AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology supports multi-GPUs
There are many reasons to buy
+Affordable+Native Wi-Fi 6E capabilities
Avoidable reasons
If you are looking to upgrade your AMD Ryzen processor, an AMD B550 motherboard may be required. The NZXT N7 B550 is a great mid-range option. This motherboard is built around the B550 chipset and features Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. It’s something you won’t find on other boards. The motherboard also has more USB ports on the rear, which makes it more versatile. You’ll also love the digital RGB and fan control via CAM.
11. ASRock X299 Taichi
Best Intel Core X-Series motherboard
Specifications
- ATX Form Factor
- Socket: LGA-2066
- Chipset: Intel X299
- Memory Support: Quad-Channel 8x DDR4 4,400MHz (upto 128GB).
- Support for multi-GPU: Nvidia 3-Way CrossFireX, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX
- Features: 3 x PCIe M.2 (Key M)
There are many reasons to buy
+Gigantic memory support+Slots to 8 RAM modules
Avoidable reasons
The X-series processors have arrived and they are amazing. An X-series motherboard is required to fully take advantage of the X-series processors. The ASRock X299 motherboard is a great choice, with overclocked memory speeds of up to 4400MHz (!!!). There are 8 slots for memory modules. You can also add up to 128GB RAM. This machine can handle anything. This motherboard is the one you want if you are looking for the best motherboard money can buy.
12. MSI Creator TRX40
Best AMD Ryzen Threadripper motherboard
Specifications
- E-ATX Form Factor
- Socket: sTRX4
- Chipset: AMD TRX40
- Memory Support: 8 DIMM sockets (upto 256G)
Support for multi-GPU: 3-Way NVIDIA CrossFire and 3-Way NVIDIASLI
Features: 10G LAN + Gigabit LAN Intel, 7 x Lightning Gen4 with M.2 XPANDER AERO GEN4, Full fan control. Frozr Heatsink Design. Mystic Light
There are many reasons to buy
+Good overclocking+Efficient cooling+Has 10GbE, 1GbE and 2.4Gbps Wi-Fi
Avoidable reasons
-Double-slot M.2 cooling limits – Expensive adapter card
A motherboard such as the MSI Creator TX40 is essential for an AMD Threadripper-powered PC. This motherboard is specifically designed for creators who have the most complex computing requirements. It also has a lot of features. The latest PCIe Gen4 slots and M.2 connectors, Wi-Fi 6 and 10G Ethernet, USB3.2 Gen2x2, Wi.Fi 6 and 10G, Wi-Fi 6, and 10G LAN are just a few of the features. MSI’s Frozr Heatsink and Mystic Light RGB lighting are also included. Although it is a bit more expensive than the competition, there are few things in this creative world that aren’t. It’s the perfect motherboard for professional creative endeavors.
