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Your motherboard is the foundation of your PC build, so it’s odd, considering how important it is, that you don’t see nearly the same level of factionalism over motherboard brands as you do with CPUs, GPUs, or most of the other components in your build.
So, you might find yourself asking how much the brand of your motherboard matters, and if it’s a big deal what are the best motherboard brands?
Not only do we have the answers to those questions, but we’ve also put together a list of the best motherboards offered by each of the top brands. Whatever your budget, build, or component preferences we’ve got the answers you need for your motherboard.
Do Brands Matter For Motherboards?
Yes, but usually not as much as with other components. There’s a wide range of motherboard brands, and each brand is typically going to have several options to choose from. There’s naturally going to be a lot of overlap in terms of specifications.
A lot of connectors are standard, there’s only so many RAM, M.2, or PCIe slots you can put on the board, and there’s a range of power throughputs and refresh rates that are available for current-gen motherboards as well.
So, what are the differences you’re going to see in motherboards? Construction is often going to be the main difference. Overall sturdiness, heatsinks being large enough and optimally placed, connectors being secure and placed in a way that won’t require you to disassemble your entire PC to replace a single part are going to be a major consideration, and will be consistent across all of the brand’s motherboards, at least in higher-quality brands.
This brings us to the second major difference between brands: internal standards. This includes quality control, obviously important in all PC components, but especially in something as central as your motherboard.
It also encompasses things like minimum specs and metrics. For instance, if all of a brand’s motherboards include 4 RAM slots, and support a minimum of 64GB of RAM then you can usually expect that you’ll be getting a better price and more reliable performance on that configuration than from a similar board from a company that has lower operations.
There are exceptions, but a brand is about the general assumptions you can make about the products it offers.
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Does a Good Motherboard Make a Difference?
Yes, a good motherboard is the foundation of a good PC build. A low-quality motherboard may have compatibility issues, limiting you to less powerful, or previous-generation components. If it has the right compatibility but isn’t optimized correctly, then you could have issues with power consumption or heating/cooling issues, which can be a big deal.
Your motherboard is responsible for a lot of the temperate sensing and cooling operations, so if it’s not able to correctly sense and deliver the right amounts of power to your fans or other cooling apparatus, you can ultimately damage your build.
This is a worst-case scenario, more often you’ll just be experiencing issues with your fans alternating between off/low and very high settings, which can be distracting and bad for power consumption.
Having compatibility that your motherboard isn’t optimized for can often mean you’re not getting the most out of your components either. Looking at the example of RAM again, if you’re able to mount up to 64GB, but it only runs at 2400MHz, then it often won’t be as effective as the same quantity would be on a 4400MHz connection.
Of course, good construction is important as well. A poorly constructed motherboard not only makes damage to the motherboard itself more likely but can increase the likelihood of damage to attached components as well.
So, you want to be looking at more than just the basic compatibility metrics when it comes to picking out a motherboard. A good motherboard will not only work with the parts you want but help you get the most out of them.
What Makes a Motherboard Good?
What makes a motherboard good can be subjective. A good motherboard is free from design flaws and able to connect and support all the components and operations you want to perform with your PC build.
Usually, this will mean compatibility with current-gen processors and graphics cards, enough connectors for the peripherals you’ll be using, and adequate cooling and power capacity.
Beyond that, it really becomes a matter of what you need. A motherboard that’s good for a casual gamer isn’t going to be good for a professional content creator. The mini-ITX that’s perfect for a backpack build isn’t going to be nearly as good for someone who’s putting together a water-cooled battle station.
In most cases, it’s going to be a good idea to work backward from picking out your processor. You’re going to need to pick either an AMD or Intel since there’s no such thing as a motherboard that supports both.
From there, you’ll have an idea of the power and budget you’re looking at for your overall build. There’d be no point in putting a $300 CPU into a $400 motherboard, just like it would be a bad idea to put an $800 CPU into a $110 motherboard if it would even be compatible.
Higher-performance motherboards will often have more RAM or PCIe slots, and you can pretty safely assume they’re better, but if that’s your main metric you run the risk of getting more of a motherboard than you need.
Unless you’re planning on top-of-the-line everything and pushing it all to the limit, a good motherboard is solidly constructed and could handle a little more than you’re putting into it.
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Best Motherboard Brands in 2023
Below, you will find our selections for the best motherboard brands in 2023. We also included the three best motherboards from each manufacturer, just in case you’re currently looking for a new motherboard.
1. Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a leading brand for PC components, with a particular focus on motherboards. They ship over 10 million every year, which is an endorsement in and of itself. The narrow focus allows for higher-quality components and a greater range of options and performance.
Many of their higher-end options move toward a specific focus on gaming, which often means extra focus on cooling and GPU resources, but plenty of compatibility when it comes to RAM and CPU options as well.
They have motherboards that work with both AMD and Intel. In fact, most of their AMD options will have an Intel variant or equivalent model. It’s extremely rare that you’re not going to find a CPU that doesn’t match your exact specifications.
There’s no skimping on construction here either. The motherboards we’ve reviewed of theirs are solid, with plenty of space and stability, and good heat sinks. Their budget-friendly options are typically pretty straightforward in terms of appearance, but their higher-end options are gorgeous.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find any list of top PC parts, especially motherboards, that doesn’t include at least one offering from Gigabyte, which is a big part of why they’ve earned the top spot on our list.
Below, we’ve put together the three best choices for all budgets.
GIGABYTE Aorus X570 Xtreme
”Best Premium Motherboard From Gigabyte”
The Gigabyte Aorus X570 Xtreme is an extended ATX model motherboard, which means you’re going to need to pay a little more attention when picking out your case. It makes the most out of the extra space, packing a ton of slots and ports without feeling or looking crowded at all. This version supports 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Gen AMD CPUs. (There’s also an Intel version, but that typically sells for more)
To start with, there are four DDR4 RAM slots, which run at 4600MHz allowing this to support a blazing-fast 128GB of RAM. You’re probably going to stay in the 16-32GB range, but that extra power and capacity guarantee you’ll be getting the most out of it.
Furthermore, it features three thermal guarded M.2 slots, allowing for gamers to keep a large part of their library installed and in rotation.
There are not one, not two, but three PCIe ports, allowing incredible graphics processing. As with the RAM, that’s probably more than you’re going to be using, but the extra power and support are going to give you the most out of whatever you do use.
No matter what you plug into this, it’s going to handle the heat it puts off. There are fins and thermal pads, distinct heatsinks for the PCIe connectors, and Smart Fan 5 technology to make your cooling more responsive, as well as compatible with liquid cooling.
Lastly, the motherboard is WiFi capable, though you’ll probably be using the 10 GB Lan/Ethernet port. There are twelve USB ports as well as a full array of high-quality audio connectors.
Overall, the Gigabyte Aorus X570 Xtreme is one of the best motherboards from arguably the best motherboard manufacturer you’ll find on the market in 2023. If you’re building an extreme gaming battle station and don’t want to compromise on anything, this motherboard should be at the top of your list.
GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X
”Best Mid-tier Motherboard From Gigabyte”
Earlier we mentioned how certain brands with a specific focus and high standards are often going to produce motherboards that perform better and cost less. The Gaming X is a fantastic example of this. It’s an ATX motherboard compatible with 10th gen Intel CPUs and has several features you usually only find in more expensive options.
It’s got four DDR4 RAM slots for a total of 128GB capacity and a 4600MHz memory speed, putting it well above even some more expensive options from competing brands. Two M.2 slots deliver large quantities of onboard storage as well.
For another rarity in motherboards at this price: it has two PCIe slots, and the throughput to support both of them, as long as you’re not loading the current top-of-the-line GPUs into them.
In addition, it features plenty of cooling capacity, which keeps the motherboard itself cool as well as your most important components. The only downside is that the motherboard itself is a bit average-looking.
On the bright side, you will be sacrificing a little in terms of connectors with this one. There’s no wifi, and the ethernet/LAN port caps out at 1GB, which is still very fast–plenty for online gaming. The audio connectors are functional and can support a full speaker system if you want to connect one. And finally, there are 8 USB ports, and the PS/2 port for a mouse or keyboard is a nice touch.
All in all, if you’re looking to build a high-end gaming build but don’t want to spend a fortune on your motherboard, the Gigabyte Z490 Gaming X is an excellent option. It is a quality motherboard with enough connectivity to support the latest hardware while still having an affordable price tag.
GIGABYTE B450 I AORUS PRO Wi-Fi
”Best Budget Motherboard From Gigabyte”
The Gigabyte Aorus I B450 is a wonderful mini-ITX motherboard. The mini-ITX form factor is useful for compact and portable builds, coming in at a 6.7” square, compared to the much larger rectangular ATX at 12”x9.6.” The smaller size can also make it, and the overall build, more affordable. This B450 in particular is sturdy and versatile in ways that you might not expect from a motherboard of this size.
It’s compatible with Gen 1, 2, and 3 AMD CPUs, which means this budget-friendly option won’t hold you back on performance.
It’s a bit sparse in terms of space for mounting. It has a single M.2 port, a single PCIe port, and only two RAM slots, which support up to 64GB. Though even those relatively lower specs are still going to deliver just as well as a lot of full-size ATX boards.
The best thing you can hope for in a mini-ITX motherboard is a high level of versatility that’s going to allow space or budget to be the limiting factor, not compatibility, and Gigabyte has delivered that with the B450.
The layered metal elements in the construction give it a powerful look and help protect components against overheating, but it’s still going to run hot, so some extra cooling might be called for.
The number of ports is a plus here, especially for a board this size. Two HDMI ports, a display fort, six USB slots, wifi capability, and line-in and line-out audio.
Overall, the Gigabyte B450 I Aorus Pro is a great motherboard for those looking to build a budget, yet decently performing rig. The main upside is the lower price point but don’t worry, you won’t be sacrificing too much on performance as the B450 Aorus pro delivers excellent numbers in its price category.
2. ASUS
Another great motherboard brand, ASUS does just about everything when it comes to computers. You’ve probably seen their name on everything from laptops and monitors to motherboards and GPUs.
This range of experience means that you’re usually going to get a quality part that plays well with others, so to speak. On the other hand, the company isn’t quite as focused, so there are occasional misses, especially as you work your way toward the budget tiers.
For the most part, you’re going to find that ASUS boards are straight down the middle workhorses. There are going to be exceptions at either end of the spectrum. A few of their lower-end options aren’t as well constructed, and they have some stunning entries in the premium range.
What you’re looking for in a motherboard is mostly something that holds everything you need it to but still leaves some room for upgrading. For the most part, ASUS motherboards will deliver that, which is why they claim the second spot on our list.
To help with your search, we’ve found some options that demonstrate the quality available from the current generation of ASUS boards.
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ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero
”Best Premium Motherboard From ASUS”
You’re always going to be able to find a more expensive and therefore (usually) better part, that’s just a fact of life when it comes to PC builds. But beyond a certain point, you start to get less for your money. From the current ASUS lineup, that’s the X570 Crosshair.
The black construction gives it a sleek, powerful look, but there’s just enough trim and RGB to really make it pop. It has multiple heatsinks, a Pro-Cool II power connector, and even a hookup for liquid cooling.
It’s an ATX board, and compatible with 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gen AMD processors. You’ll be able to fit this one into most cases without too much issue, and the high level of CPU compatibility means you’ll have plenty of options for processing power.
The four DDR4 RAM slots give you a total capacity of 128GB. The memory speed is a little on the low side, but it’s nothing you’re going to notice if you’re running at a recommended 16-32GB. There are also two M.2 slots, for plenty of hard drive storage.
There’s also a total of 3 PCIe slots, so you can double up on GPUs if you want to really drive your gaming or video performance.
Further, you’ll be able to hook this up to all your peripherals, with a total of twelve USB ports (including one USB-C), an optical port, and audio connectors for both headphones and speakers. There are plenty of options for internet connectivity, with both a 2.5GB and 1GB Ethernet port, and WIFI capability.
There are however no display connectors on the motherboard itself, so you will need to wire your monitor directly to your video card, which is preferred anyway, so it’s not a major point against it.
As with our number one brand Gigabyte, this is a premium motherboard filled up to the brim with features, support for the latest hardware, and superior quality. If ASUS is your go-to brand, this is arguably the best high-end motherboard you can get from them.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WiFi
”Best Mid-tier Motherboard From ASUS”
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus Wifi is an Intel-compatible ATX board that’s going to offer high-level gaming performance without breaking the bank. It’s compatible with both 10th and 11th gen Intel CPUs so there’s plenty of power to be had there.
There’s plenty of cooling available too, with heat sinks available for the CPU, GPU, and M.2 ports, as well as six 4-pin fan headers.
On top of that, there are a total of three M.2 slots for quick and robust hard drive storage. The four DDR4 RAM slots have a capacity of up to 128GB with a blazing speed of up to 5333 MHz, which is going to maximize whatever amounts of memory you load in.
On the other hand, there is only one PCIe slot, which is common for this price range, as most mid-range builds (and a lot of upper-mid as well) are only going to use one graphics card.
Connectivity-wise, it’s got six USB ports, a USB-C port, and a PS/2 port, so you’ll have plenty of support for peripherals. As far as A/V connectors, you get an HDMI port, a Display Port, an optical port, and connections for headphones, speakers, and line-in audio. And finally, you have the option for a 2.5 GB Ethernet port or built-in WiFi capability.
ASUS is a brand that excels in almost every price category. While the value or price/performance category isn’t their strongest side, the TUF Gaming Z590-Plus Wifi is a nice example of a powerful, yet affordable motherboard. If you don’t necessarily need the best, this motherboard likely offers everything you need while not costing a fortune.
ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi
”Best Budget Motherboard From ASUS”
The Prime B550M-A is an mATX, or Micro-ATX, motherboard, which is the step between the standard ATX and the much smaller mini-ITX board. For comparison, an ATX is going to be 12” by 9.6, while the mATX is a 9.6” square. The slightly larger size of the mini-ITX is going to give you more space for heat sinks and allow a little more space for memory.
This is another AMD-compatible board and connects with the third-gen AMD Ryzen CPUs, including the higher-core processors. Three sets of 4-pin cooling headers are going to manage the heat given off by the extra power very handily.
This motherboard has four DDR4 RAM slots, which gives you a maximum of 128 GB of RAM, though if you’re shooting for a budget build, you’ll probably settle somewhere around 8-16 GB. Storage-wise, there are two M.2 slots, which is good for a motherboard of this size and price.
There is only one PCIe slot, which would technically count as a downside, but in all likelihood is not going to change your build in any meaningful way.
Further, The Prime B550M-A has a 1GB Ethernet port but is also a WiFi-capable motherboard, which is always a plus for budget builds, since having the extra flexibility matters a bit more in those builds. You also get a PS/2 port, making this a good budget option for gamers, and six USB ports.
On top of that, there are three basic audio jacks (line-in, line-out, and mic) and a single HDMI port. There’s also a DVI-D and a D-SUB connector which aren’t super common formats at this point, so they feel a bit like wasted space on a small budget board like this.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly motherboard from a brand like ASUS, the Prime B550M-A should be at the top of your list. It sports a quality PCB, a good enough chipset, and plenty of connectivity. Admittedly, you won’t be getting as much performance as with our higher-end picks, but you will still be able to build a solid gaming rig with this motherboard.
3. ASRock
With ASRock, we’re back in the realm of companies that focus specifically on a narrow range of products. ASRock is a subsidiary of ASUS, but one that operates mostly independently, making motherboards and some industrial PCs.
A lot of the motherboards ASRock makes are meant specifically for high-end coding and compiling workstations and aren’t going to be suitable for or even compatible with most home builds.
They do make commercial motherboards as well, though they might not be as targeted as some of the other brands on our list so far. Most of the time the experience and resources at their disposal lead to powerful, and sometimes even gorgeous motherboards. However, since a lot of what they’re building relies on brute force, they can make some questionable decisions when brute force isn’t on the table.
Even so, you’ll rarely run into anything from ASRock that you couldn’t confidently describe as functional. The power and professionalism on display are what make them the number three spot on our list.
To help you sort your way through their wide, and varied selection of motherboards, we’ve picked the three best fits for high, medium, and low budgets.
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ASRock Z490 Taichi
”Best Premium Motherboard From ASRock”
The Z490 Taichi is an ATX motherboard for 10th and 11th-generation Intel processors. The high power throughput and multiple aluminum alloy heatsinks make it suitable for gaming and overclocking. It’s set up for either air cooling or liquid cooling, which is another plus if you’re looking for high levels of performance out of your build.
Just about everyone will tell you that there are very few operations, especially on a home build, that are ever going to require more than 32GB of RAM, meaning you will have more than you need with 128GB this motherboard supports. Better yet, the motherboard supports speeds of up to 4666 MHz, allowing you to use the fastest RAM sticks currently available on the market.
In terms of storage, there are eight SATA ports for your hard drives and three M.2 slots, allowing you to opt for multiple speedy SSDs.
On top of that, there’s a total of 3 PCIe slots which does open up plenty of options for GPU power. The Z490 Taichi also features plenty of internet connection options, with two LAN/Ethernet ports, one 2.5GB, and one 1GB. And, it’s also wifi capable if you don’t have the option to wire in directly.
Connectivity-wise, it sports eight USB ports, one USB-C port, an optical port, full support for both headsets and speakers with Realtek audio, and a PS/2 port.
And finally, there’s both an HDMI and Display Port if you choose to wire your display through your motherboard instead of your graphics card.
When it comes to ASrock, the Z490 Taichi is one of their best high-end motherboards. It offers excellent build quality, plenty of connectivity, and attractive aesthetics with RGB lighting. As with all premium products, the only major downside is the price.
ASRock Z490 Steel Legend
”Best Mid-tier Motherboard From ASRock”
ASRock has a few motherboards in its Steel Legend series, with the Z490 being in the upper-middle range of those offerings. It’s still an affordable motherboard, and one of the more striking designs available from ASRock as well.
The metal-forward construction and multiple heat sinks give this motherboard both apparent and actual strength and sturdiness. The onboard RGBs add some extra flair as well.
It’s compatible with 10th and 11th Gen Intel CPUs and boasts four DDR4 RAM slots for a total capacity of 128GB. There’s a single M.2 slot, but two PCIe slots. Another instance where every part of that is going to work, there’s nothing bad to be said about it, but it’s an unusual configuration compared to many other options we’ve seen thus far.
Besides that, there are connectors available for USB, USB-C, and PS/2. Internet access includes both a 1GB Ethernet port and wifi capability. Audio connectors have the full array for both mic and headset, but also speakers, plus you can set up your display with either HDMI or DisplayPort if you decide to wire your monitor through the motherboard.
ASRock is a reliable manufacturer that produces quality motherboards even in the lower/mid-tier category. The Z490 Steel Legend is a perfect example of a sturdy, reliable motherboard that will allow you to build a powerful, high-end gaming rig.
ASRock B365M PRO4
”Best Budget Motherboard From ASRock”
The ASROCK B365M PRO4 is a tidy little mATX (Micro-ATX) motherboard, which again provides some savings in both money and space over the larger traditional ATX boards. Visually, it has a lot in common with the Steel Legend series, (or, in fact, most of ASrock’s current lineup) with a hefty focus on metal heatsinks and trim.
It takes a step backward on CPU compatibility, as it only includes support for 8th Gen Intel processors. This is also often a decent way to save money, so as long as you were looking at this as a way to put together a build under a thousand dollars and not cram as much power as you could into a backpack build, this isn’t going to be a problem.
It makes up for this somewhat by still having decent RAM support. Specifically, it supports up to 64GB across its four DDR4 slots, which again, is more about the extra power and speed it can support than what you’re likely to install on it.
In terms of storage, it has a single M.2 slot, which is standard for the size, and could easily allow up to a couple of terabytes without issue.
The size also only allows a single PCIe slot, which is not likely to be an issue for a budget build.
The connectors are fairly standard here as well: six USB ports, a USB-C, and a PS/2 for gaming peripherals. There’s sadly no built-in WiFi, so you’ll have to use the 1GB Ethernet port or purchase an adaptor.
Besides that, you get only one HDMI port, and one each of the line-in, line-out, and mic audio jacks. There are also a DVI-D and a D-SUB port, which isn’t really a plus or a minus, considering that those formats are used with much frequency these days.
With that being said, if your budget is on the lower side but you’re still looking to build a decent gaming rig, the ASRock B365 Pro4 is a perfectly functional motherboard that will help you save both space and money on your setup.
4. MSI
MSI, or MicroStar International, has a specific focus on high-end gaming PCs and components.
Anything you get from them is going to be more on the expensive side, which is part of why they’re not as popular. Even a lot of their more “budget-friendly” options are going to be priced more in line with what you’d see as the mid-range in other brands.
The company also doesn’t spend a lot of time on design. The parts look good, but usually in a muscley “we’ve crammed as much power into this as we can” sort of way, not the sleek, modern designs that you’d see from Gigabyte or even some of the ASUS models.
If you’re looking for gaming power and not shy about spending money, these are the top choices of the current generation, adjusted for budget as best as we can.
MSI MEG Z590 Godlike
”Best Premium Motherboard From MSI”
You will notice that MSI is also not shy about tooting its own horn. The E-ATX Godlike earns its name though. It’s an insanely powerful motherboard, built and reinforced with actual steel. It uses MSI’s proprietary Frozr cooling tech, which includes an array of thermal mats, heat pipes, stacked fin arrays, and built-in fans. Plus, the back panel and chipset are set with RGB for customizable lighting.
Like a lot of motherboards at this price/performance level, there’s a fairly specific range of CPUs you can install, with the Godlike requiring the 11th and 10th generation of Intel processors.
In terms of memory, there’s support for up to 128GB of DDR4 ram, with a 5333 MHz speed. On top of that, you’ll be able to install up to four speedy SSDs and there are also three PCIe slots for more graphics power.
Internet connection-wise, there’s a 10GB LAN cable, a 2.5GB LAN cable, and a WiFi 6 connection built-in, which is among the best on the market.
It supports 4k resolution on daisy-chained displays and has a full array of HD Audio connectors. And finally, there are 8 USB ports, 2 USB-C, and a PS/2 port for connecting your peripherals.
MSI is a brand that loves to go overboard with its products and this motherboard is a perfect example of that. With a gorgeous design and superior power, if you want the best MSI offers and you’re not worried about money, it doesn’t get any better than the Z590 Godlike.
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi
”Best Mid-tier Motherboard From MSI”
The MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi is a few steps down from the Godlike but is still a fantastically powerful motherboard in its own right. It’s an ATX board that works with 10th and 11th gen Intel processors. It’s got some creative shaping on the heatsinks and several 4-pin headers.
It can hold up to 128 GB of DDR4 and connects at 5333MHz. It also has three M.2 slots, protected by MSI’s Frozr cooling shields. There are three total PCIe slots, allowing you to double up on your GPU power if you choose.
In the step down you lose some of the RGB and a few ports/connectors. You get 9 USB and 1 USB-C port. There’s a 2.5GB LAN socket and built-in WiFi. The audio array is still there but with standard connectors instead of HD.
Overall, the Z590 Gaming Carbon is one of the best mid-tier motherboards MSI currently offers. It supports the latest Intel processors and offers extreme performance for demanding users and gamers. The price is still on the higher end but considering the amount of power and connectivity you get, this motherboard is well worth the money.
MSI MAG B550M Bazooka
”Best Budget Motherboard From MSI”
The upside to purchasing the budget option from a higher-end brand is that in a lot of cases, you still get a fantastic piece of hardware. The MAG B550 Bazooka is a great example of that. It’s an mATX (9.6” square) that supports the 3rd gen AMD CPUs, with built-in future compatibility.
It can hold up to 128GB of RAM, running at 4400MHz, which is extremely good for the price. The combination of processor and RAM means that this small, inexpensive motherboard can really pack a punch.
On top of that, there’s a single PCIe and a single M.2 slot, which means you couldn’t lot up as much storage of graphics power as the previous options, but what is available is typically more than adequate for an mATX or budget build.
Further, there are six USB ports, a PS/2, an HDMI, and Display Port, and line-in, line-out, and mic audio jacks. There is no wifi built into this motherboard, and the LAN port is only 1GB, which is still respectable.
All in all, the B550M Bazooka is hands down the best budget motherboard the MSI brand offers. Unlike other budget motherboards, this one will allow you to build a machine that will keep pace with more expensive, higher-end builds.
5. BioStar
BioStar isn’t as big of a brand as the others on our list but does have a dedicated following for their minimalist motherboards that have been the foundation for record levels of overclocking. This makes them extremely popular for, among other things, mining crypto.
They’ve got a fairly limited selection, so if you opt for this brand, you could probably narrow the options down yourself pretty easily. Nevertheless, here are our picks for the best BioStar motherboards.
Biostar Z590 Valkyrie
”Best Premium Motherboard From Biostar”
The Z590 Valkyrie is a pretty straightforward gaming motherboard. It’s a standard ATX with support for 10th and 11th gen Intel processors. There’s no RGB, but a gold trim throughout still gives it a prestige look.
It holds up to 128GB of DDR4, with speeds of 3200MHz unmodified, and up to 5000MHz when overclocked.
There are three PCIe slots and three M.2 slots, allowing you to add a massive amount of graphics power and storage.
In addition, the motherboard features plenty of connection options, including 7 USB ports, 1 USB-C, and one PS/2. Internet capability includes both wifi and a 2.5GB LAN port. And finally, it has both HDMI and Display Port and a full array of HD audio connectors.
The best thing about Biostar as a brand is they produce quality motherboards at a much lower price than their competitors. The Z590 Valkyrie is a prime example of that. It offers the same performance and quality as models from higher-ranked brands at a significantly lower price.
The only downside is that they don’t offer the same variety and aren’t as popular as other manufacturers.
Biostar TB360-BTC D+
”Best Mid-tier Motherboard From Biostar”
The BioStar T-Series is what put the company on the map in the PC building community, so we’d be remiss to not include it. It’s an extremely stripped-down part, meant to be overclocked, especially for mining BTC and other cryptocurrencies.
The current best version of it is the TB360-BTC D+ which is compatible with 8th and 9th gen Intel processors. It has eight PCIe slots, and that’s about it. It’s insanely powerful for overclocking and mining, but more casual users probably won’t have much use for it.
If you were looking for a mid-range for gaming or other pursuits, you may want to consider the Valkyrie Z590I, the miniITX version of the motherboard above this. It only has one PCIe slot, and half as much RAM capacity, but otherwise has the same basic functions for quite a bit less.
BIOSTAR B550MH
”Best Budget Motherboard From Biostar”
The B550MH is a stripped-down mATX board that still has a good amount of functionality. It’s compatible with the 3rd generation of AMD processors and has some pretty solid overclocking capacity as well. There are no built-in cooling or heat sinks, so you’ll need to be focusing on that more intently.
It can manage up to 64GB of RAM and has a single PCIe slot and a single M.2 slot. All that will add up to solid mid-level functionality for gaming or other operations.
The connection options are a bit sparse as well. Gamers will appreciate the two PS/2 slots and should get enough use out of the 4 USB ports. The single HDMI and lack of a Display Port may be frustrating, however. There is a 1GB LAN connector, but no WiFi or BlueTooth.
In Conclusion
There are quite literally hundreds of motherboards on the market. We’ve done our best to line up some of the strongest contenders of the current generation, but as long as it does what you need, there is plenty that doesn’t show up on this list that is going to be fantastic as well.
Most of these entries are gaming-focused, but most gaming motherboards are going to deliver the power that other users are looking for as well.
The biggest thing is to be aware of what you need and intend to use your PC for and work backward from there to arrive at what CPU motherboard combination is going to work best for you.
Sir I’m trying to build a gaming pc with ryzen 5 5600x. But confused in motherboard selection. The below mentioned boards are in my short list.
1. MSI B550 Gaming Edge WiFi
2. ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi
3. Gigabyte B550 AORUS Pro AX
4. AsRock B550 Steel Legend
Please help me to choose a great one from this short list.
Thank you.
Hi Sumith,
It really depends on what you’re specifically looking for. But from these 4, I would personally go with either the ASUS or MSI board, they both have WiFI, 2.5Gb LAN, and overall great connectivity. PLus some RGB to top it off. You really can’t go wrong with either of these.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best,
Richard
I know this is a late reply. I’m Not working for pcmecca, but I will say that the ASUS ROG Strix one is a pretty solid choice for a 5600X, I’ve always been a fan of the ROG Strix series of ASUS and also the Budget TUF series.
Can you tell me about Best Pc for small budget?
Hey there,
Are you looking for a pre-built PC or particular components? Is it for gaming or other purposes?