Best Gaming Motherboard 2023

Gamers who take their hobby seriously understand the importance of having the correct equipment for a great gaming experience. One essential element in any gaming computer is its motherboard, which serves as the foundation for all other components. Make sure the motherboard you select can support your processor, graphics card and other essential parts.

This article is dedicated to helping you locate the top gaming motherboards currently on the market. We’ll explain what sets these models apart and provide advice on what qualities to look for when shopping for a gaming motherboard. Whether upgrading an old system or building one from scratch, we have everything covered – no matter your gaming needs!

Our mission is to give you all the information necessary for an informed decision and select the ideal gaming motherboard for your requirements in 2023. So let’s get started and find your dream motherboard today!

6 Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Gaming Motherboard in 2023

Gaming motherboards serve as the bridge and conduit between various parts of your computer, making them essential components in any gaming setup. In this article, we’ll go over some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a gaming motherboard.

1. Compatibility With Your Processor

Before purchasing a processor, be sure to ensure it is compatible with the one you have selected.

When purchasing a gaming motherboard, compatibility between the motherboard and processor must be taken into account. To ensure proper operation of the system, make sure both components are compatible. Before making your purchase, check the manufacturer’s website for a list of compatible processors.

2. Form Factor

A motherboard’s size and shape is known as its form factor. Different cases and builds work best with various form factors, such as ATX, microATX and mini-ITX. Be sure to select a form factor that works with your case while creating the build you desire.

3. Socket Type

A motherboard’s socket type indicates what kind of processor it supports. Choosing a motherboard with the appropriate socket type for your processor is essential, as different socket types are compatible with various models. Popular socket types include LGA1151, AM4, and TR4.

4. Memory and Expansion Slots

RAM and expansion slots provide for high performance computing power in today’s modern desktop computers.

When selecting a motherboard for gaming, the amount and type of RAM supported, as well as its number and type, should all be taken into account. Make sure the motherboard you choose has enough expansion slots to accommodate any future components you may add, can support the RAM you intend to use, and is capable of supporting both amounts and types.

5. BIOS and Firmware

The motherboard’s BIOS and firmware are software programs that control the hardware in your system. To make maintenance and optimization easier, select a motherboard with an intuitive BIOS and updatable firmware.

6. Price and Brand

When searching for a gaming motherboard, price and brand are important factors to consider. While going with an established brand may be wise, you need to balance this with your budget. Don’t be afraid to spend more money on a better motherboard; chances are it will provide better reliability and lasting performance.

When selecting a gaming motherboard, there are many factors to consider. Make an informed decision and select a motherboard which meets your requirements and serves as a reliable foundation for your gaming setup by keeping these suggestions in mind.

List of 10 Best Gaming Motherboards in 2023

Gaming MotherboardsCheck Price
Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus Wi-FiCheck Price
Gigabyte Z590 Aorus TachyonCheck Price
ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590Check Price
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFiCheck Price
Asus ROG Maximus XII ExtremeCheck Price
MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFiCheck Price
ASRock B460 Steel LegendCheck Price
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus UltraCheck Price
Asus ROG Strix Z390-I GamingCheck Price
Asus Prime Z390-ACheck Price

1. Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus Wi-Fi

Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus Wi-Fi Motherboard
Source: Asus

Specifications of Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus Wi-Fi

Memory4x DIMM DDR4 RAM (max- 128GB)
Storage3x M.2, 6x SATA 
SocketLGA 1200
Form-factorATX
Expandability1x PCIe 4.0 x16, [4x] 1x PCIe 3.0 x16,  [4x] 1x PCIe 3.0 x16
NetworkIntel Wi-Fi 6 with Intel 2.5Gb ethernet

This motherboard is designed to be a Basic Tier choice for anyone willing to use Rocket Lake processors. Asus’ TUF products have been reliable choices, with reasonable pricing and a simpler set of features.

Together, it makes this an affordable choice for those looking for a simple solid, sturdy system. Provided the cost of a variety of Z590 motherboards, this will be a nice upgrade.

This Z590 motherboard has some finely basic looks but offers great VRM support and cooling equipment that too a very reasonable price point. 

Asus TUF Z590 has three M.2 slots, with the top one that supports PCIe 4.0. The Remaining two slots at the lower end are present with only one heatsink.

2. Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon

Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon Motherboard
Source: Gigabyte

Specifications of Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon

Memory2x DIMM DDR4 RAM (max- 64GB)
Storage3x M.2, 8x SATA
SocketLGA 1200
Form-factorEATX
Expandability1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 [8x], 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 [4x]
NetworkIntel Wi-Fi 6 with Intel 2.5Gb ethernet

Overclocking-focused Mobos have made an impressive comeback. All the Big brands offer Z590 motherboards that are entirely made to support the most genuine overclocking.

A dual-memory layout, countless switches, and buttons, as well as a huge VRM and an exclusive layout, are all geared towards making life easier for those who overclock.

It also comes with a complete BIOS that has a variety of adjustment options. It is quite generous that this is not any typical board that has a flashy brand sticker that’s been affixed to it.

This Gigabyte Z590 rig has got some amazing tweaking and tuning options that will greatly impact your overclocking experience and the Big VRMs work towards maintaining thermals. 

We would say, it is only meant for Overclockers and one reason that this is more of a con of this motherboard is its High price. 

Dual memory slots, all the controls and switches, an enormous VRM, and the unique layout all aim at helping overclockers.

The real concept hiding below is having just two memory slots instead of four to reduce trace complexity and move these slots close to the processor. This ultimately lessens the amount of latency and offers some extra headroom in terms of performance when compared to a design with four slots.

3. ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590

ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590 Motherboard
Source: Asus

Specifications ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590

Memory4x DIMM DDR4, (max-128GB)
Storage4x M.2, 4x SATA
SocketLGA 1200
Form-factorATX
Expandability1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot [4x], 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, 2 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slot(s)*
NetworkIntel’s Wifi 6, 2 x Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet

The Asus Maximus XIII Hero Z590 has got top of the segment and some high-end features that go with its cost offering builders a top-quality alternative for their Flagship CPU from Intel.

The Hero is thought to be extremely Top-end however, the Asus Hero does not come with additional power stages or 10Gb Ethernet. It doesn’t mean you’re not receiving the top-of-the-line, however, and this model will quickly help your CPU to perform at its best.

The Z590 ROG Maximus XIII Hero showcases a modern, crispy look. The heat spreaders and heat sinks are black with the difference of a few grayer patterns which add some color.

Slanting sections are divided to make them work as head reducers and offer better cooling and also offering greater surface area. This amazing aesthetic works as both- a look enhancer as well as a practical design.

 Another great look-enhancing part is covered by the RGB lights which are present over the chipset between the gaps of VRM heatsinks. 

It’s normal for an updated product to be better than its predecessor in every aspect however, Asus’ Z590 ROG Maximus XIII Hero has a couple of issues. The building experience is slowed by the presence of a few (literal) sharp edges in the VRM heatsinks, while the wired networking capabilities aren’t impressive. However, these aren’t major issues.

4. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi Motherboard
Source: MSI

Specifications of MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

Memory4x DIMM DDR4 RAM, (max-128GB)
Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA
SocketLGA 1200
Form-factorATX
Expandability3x PCIe 3.0 (x8/x8/x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
NetworkIntel Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb LAN

The sluggish back panel and the lack of OLED displays will show we’re back in the regular motherboard area with this MSI product.

The esoteric atmosphere of the uber-enthused ROG board may make you dizzy, however, this Z490 Gaming Carbon takes us back to the basics without much difference.

You’re not getting the same quality of options as you’ll discover on one of the Maximus XII or MSI’s Godlike sort of boards. However, when it is to all the nuts and bolts that make up quality, this board is right there.

When it comes to gaming performance in terms of gaming performance, there’s virtually nothing to differentiate Z490’s boards and it’s never more than a bit in comparison to the actual performance of the CPU in productivity applications.

But if you talk about overclocking, surely you can’t compare this to the big boards, along with the 10900K working altogether at its pace.

The cooling componentry and power can’t stop the CPU from slowing down when it’s driven up to 5.3GHz all-core max

However, even though that could suggest that it’s not the motherboard you pick to run an overclocked Core i9 machine, only a little segment of gaming enthusiasts would go for the i5 or i7 CPUs, Thus the MSI Gaming Carbon is an excellent choice for Comet Lake CPU.

5. Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme Motherboard
Source: Asus

Specifications Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

Memory4x DIMM DDR4 RAM, (max-128GB)
Storage2x M.2, 2x M.2 (DIMM.2 board), 8x SATA
SocketLGA 1200
Form-factorExtended-ATX
Expandability2x PCIe 3.0 x16 (8x), 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
NetworksIntel Wifi 6, 10Gb Marvell Ethernet

For the people searching for the top of the best, that too with the most advanced features and Intel Comet Lake motherboard, then we’re sure you’re going to be freely paying for it. You’ll have to pay the price if Asus’ Z490 Maximus XII Extreme is an indication.

The product is, as its title suggests, extremely packed with a range of luxurious and practical accessories as well as this is one of the top-end Z490 boards that we’ve examined.

However, the only thing going to make sense is if you’re purchasing a K-series Core i9 and earnestly want the speed of it. Maximus XII will allow you to get the most speed of the 10900K, and will not change it into a heap of melted slag while working.

You can go for this hard and rugged motherboard for its durable looks and great level of performance but you are going to pay a good price for it.

It’s only available for the most expensive of PC builds, However, the price of $750 is too high to construct a gaming PC with this one motherboard. No doubt it is a great Z490 motherboard, and probably the top gaming motherboard available for Comet Lake overclocking, but I’ll be honest and say it’s not the most realistic buy for the majority of us.

6. MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi

MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi Motherboard
Source: MSI

Specifications of MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi

Memory4x DIMM DDR4 RAM
Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA
SocketLGA 1200
Form-FactorMicro ATX
Expandability2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
NetworksIntel Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb LAN

Buying this best motherboard for gaming will be the greatest feeling for you, but the price tag is still a problem. We are certain that you would love 10Gb Local-Area-Network support, 6-8 M.2 ports, and multiple GPU support, but who needs those things? 

Many of us will be fine with a B460 motherboard, like this one, the MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi. 

Especially for those who are okay with those Memory Limiters and who have no genuine need for overclocking, then this sort of B460 motherboard will do wonders for them.

It checks all the essential packages and, at USD 125, it’s perfectly valued, although the competition is fierce with several top B460 MOBOs within this value range.

It has a solid VRM design, 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and decent although not exceptional I/O. Combining it with a non-K processor of 65W and trying a shot at fake overclocking is certainly worth the small effort.

You can surely combine a maximum DDR4-2666 RAM with an intel core i5 10600 and a B450 mortar motherboard along with a standard medium-tier GPU. This perfect pocket-friendly combination will be surely fine for you to suffice your basic gaming needs. 

7. ASRock B460 Steel Legend

ASRock B460 Steel Legend Motherboard
Source: Asrock

Specifications of ASRock B460 Steel Legend

Memory4x DIMM DDR4 RAM
Storage2x M.2, 6x SATA
SocketLGA 1200
Form-factorATX
Expandability2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
Networks2.5Gb LAN

It’s the ASRock B460 Steel Legend is an amazingly named B460 mid-tier entry. With a cost tag of 120 dollars, this entry-level B460 board does an amazing job. Thus included in this list of Best Motherboards for Gaming. Examination of the specifications suggests that 120 bucks are spent in crucial areas.

In this, you get a pair of heatsinks that comes covered with M.2 slots and one of the M.2 is an e-key slot given for the secondary usable Wi-Fi card, USB Type-C along with aesthetic RGB.

The greater energy requirements of the latest 10-generation CPUs and motherboards will frequently need to have better VRM designs. And on this front B460 Steel Legend is greatly provided and features a perfectly good choice. 

This is a recommended buy in this list of best motherboards for gaming, comes with quality VRMs, and offers a strong performance-to-power ratio.

It’s the ASRock B460 Steel legend that will draw those who don’t hold interest in flashy items but are looking for a sturdy ATX board that can power every 10th Gen CPU without going into the fire. 

The only drawback or you can say loss that we found in this motherboard is the non-availability of built-in Wi-fi and B460 Memory. 

A Wi-Fi integrated option would have been an excellent addition at a reasonable price and is one of the reasons why we like the MSI B460M Mortar. However, the ASRock Steel legend is an excellent choice and strongly recommended by us.

8. Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra

Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra Motherboard
Source: Gigabyte

Specifications of Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra

Memory4x DIMM DDR4 RAM, (max-128GB)
Storage3x M.2, 6x SATA
SocketLGA 1151
Form-factorATX
ExpandabilityPCIe x16, PCIe x16 [x8], PCIe x16 [x4], 3x PCIe x1
NetworksEthernet with 802.11 ac Wireless

Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra is a clear-cut competitor of MSI’s Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon motherboard but offers better price and durability.

This mother looks very similar to the ones of the previous generations, except for a few, of them, the Z390 has got every feature of the other ones in the list but has got some additional specs that are not present in others, which is why we decided to put it in this listicle of best motherboard for gaming.

If you want to buy a high-end motherboard to overclock your processor, and you’ve got something around or near $180 to $200 then the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro is the best option.

It features 3x M.2 slots to meet your ultra-quick SSD requirements, Intel Wi-Fi Wave2 and Ethernet along with a complete RGB line, with numerous other things including header ports, as well as ALC1220 audio. It’s necessary to go up the stack of products to get the same features from MSI and ASUS which both have a bit more finesse however they also charge a lot for the perquisite

There is the availability of dual channels graphic support from AMD and Nvidia and this is the only motherboard among its competitors that offers steel protection on the PCI as well as the memory slots the most amazing feature is that it supports 128Gb of DDR4 dual-channel unbuffered RAM. 

Buying this Z390 Motherboard will never be a bad choice, as you’re never going to see any point to compromise, and the most amazing part here is that you’ll be getting a triple M.2 Setup. 

One downside that concerns us is that this motherboard may be a bit overly flashy and might not be suitable for more controlled gaming designs. You can, however, disable all RGB flashing in the BIOS If you wish but other components could be a bit off. However, that’s only minor criticism of a top-quality board.

9. Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming Motherboard
Source: Asus

Specifications of Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Memory2x DIMM DDR4 RAM, (max-64GB)
Storage2x M.2, 4x SATA
SocketLGA 1151
Form-factorMini-ITX
Expandability1x PCIe x16
NetworksEthernet with 866Mbps 802.11ac

The price is dropping and the model that was made upon Z370 got disappeared from the market, ASUS’s Strix Z390-I Gaming is now in the dime’s ITX segment leader position. Apart from its small size and lack of upgrades, it is a great choice. ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming offers outstanding performance and is worth the money.

With stable 5GHz overclocking and various capacities of RAM, like 3,600 MHz adjustments, its PCIe x16 slot powered top-of-the-line gaming cards with speeds that were comparable or even beat most Z390 ATX boards in tests.

The main ground basis on which you can buy this is its amazing overclocking capabilities and dual M.2 slots, but the small size is still a concern for many.

The tiniest Strix comes with a long list of features and has no flaws despite the small size, 2x PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slots, Intel’s Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi from Intel, ALC1220A audio codec that comes with combined wiring for Headphone usage. 

Despite its extensive characteristic, the Strix Z390-I’s sleek design makes easy system configuration and assembly essential for ITX building rigs.

10. Asus Prime Z390-A

Asus Prime Z390-A Motherboard
Source: Asus

Specifications of Asus Prime Z390-A

MemoryDual-channel 4 x DDR4 RAM (Max- 64Gb)
Storage2 x M.2, 6 x SATA
Expandability3 x PCIe x 16, 4 x PCIe x 1
SocketLGA 1151
Form-factorATX
NetworksEthernet Only

This power-packed motherboard is for true gamers and people who love to overclock their CPUs. 

If you are getting our point that opting for an overclocking mid-range priced processor is a better option, or if you think that going for the latest graphical unit at the current set prices or else going for a dual set of cards from your old computer’s motherboard.

This Asus Prime Z390-A motherboard is an excellent value-added motherboard that offers a variety of features to its users to aid them in improving their experience of using the motherboard.

In terms of the physical appearance of the motherboard, it’s been given a black-only finish on the PCB board, and the rest is adorned with an all-white theme, including heat sinks for VRM, I/O shield, and the entire intricate design is created in a white, giving the motherboard a premium look.

The Asus Prime Z390-A has got PCIe 3.0 x 4 M.2 slots, which can bear a single SATA drive. There are dual USB 3.1 gen 1 ports, triple setup of  USB 3.1 gen 2 port, single USB 3.1 gen 2 Type-C port, and 2 x USB 2.0 ports.

In terms of the physical appearance of the motherboard, it’s been given a black-only finish on the PCB board. The rest is adorned with an elegant white color scheme, which includes VRM heat sinks, and an I/O shield, and the entire intricate design is created in white, giving this motherboard an elegant appearance.

Conclusion

Though selecting the ideal gaming motherboard can be daunting, it is essential for your gaming setup. Factors like compatibility with your CPU, memory and graphics card as well as features like RGB lighting, network connectivity and overclocking support should all be taken into consideration when making your decision.

Finding the ideal motherboard for your gaming needs requires careful consideration of factors and extensive research. A superior motherboard makes all the difference, whether you’re a competitive gamer or simply seeking an immersive and smooth gaming experience.

FAQs

What are the key features to consider when choosing a gaming motherboard?

A gaming motherboard should have a number of important features. These include the compatibility of the CPU socket and chipset, the RAM type and speed support, the quantity and type of expansion slots (such as PCI-Express, M.2), connectivity options (such as USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi), the BIOS/UEFI firmware, and the overall durability and build quality.

How do I choose the right motherboard for my specific gaming setup (e.g., CPU, graphics card, RAM)?

You must take your CPU, graphics card, and RAM into account when selecting the ideal motherboard for your particular gaming setup. Make sure the motherboard can support your high-end CPU and graphics card, for instance, both in terms of the socket and the power delivery system. Similar to this, you should confirm that the motherboard supports the type and speed of RAM you intend to use, and that it has an adequate number of RAM slots.

Are certain brands known for producing better gaming motherboards?

A few well-known manufacturers of top-notch gaming motherboards are ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock. To find out which brand and model will best suit your needs and budget, it’s crucial to conduct your own research and read reviews.

How much should I budget for a high-quality gaming motherboard?

A gaming motherboard can be purchased for anywhere between $100 for a basic model and several hundred dollars for a high-end model. The motherboard is a crucial component that can affect the performance and stability of your entire system, so it’s generally a good idea to allocate a sizeable portion of your overall budget for it.

Can I overclock my CPU and RAM on any gaming motherboard, or are certain models more suitable for overclocking?

Overclocking is the process of operating your CPU and/or RAM faster than their factory default speeds to improve performance. While any motherboard can generally be overclocked, some models are better suited for it because of their superior power delivery systems and BIOS/UEFI firmware options. Make sure the motherboard you choose can support overclocking if that’s what you intend to do.

Is it worth investing in a motherboard with Wi-Fi capabilities for gaming?

Because Wi-Fi enables wireless internet connections, it can be a useful feature for gaming. You should keep in mind, though, that wired Ethernet connections are typically faster and more reliable for gaming, so you might still want to think about using a physical cable if you can.

How do I know if a motherboard is compatible with my case?

You must compare the motherboard’s size and form factor to the case’s dimensions, as well as the availability of mounting holes and other connectors, to ensure compatibility with your case. It’s a good idea to double-check to make sure everything will fit even though the majority of contemporary cases and motherboards use the ATX form factor.

Can I upgrade or replace components on my gaming motherboard in the future?

Certain components, like the CPU, RAM, and graphics card, can be upgraded or replaced on some gaming motherboards. If you anticipate needing to modify your system in the future, it’s important to keep in mind that not all motherboards are created to be easily upgradeable.

How do I properly install and set up a new gaming motherboard?

Installing a new gaming motherboard can be difficult, especially if you don’t know much about how computers are built. To prevent causing harm to the components, it’s crucial to carefully read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions as well as to take the necessary safety measures (such as wearing an anti-static wrist strap).

Are there any potential downsides or trade-offs to consider when choosing a gaming motherboard?

When selecting a gaming motherboard, potential drawbacks or trade-offs to take into account include price, component compatibility, and the level of technical know-how needed for setup and installation. It’s also important to keep in mind that, depending on your particular setup and requirements, more expensive motherboards may not always offer a significant performance boost over cheaper options.

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