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01Best AMD motherboard for gamingASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme
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02Best Intel motherboard for gamingASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
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03Budget best gaming motherboardGigabyte X570 Aorus Master
What is the best gaming motherboard in 2024? This a question many prospective PC builders ask. We aim to bring you a comprehensive list of the best motherboards for your gaming rig, we will analyze specifications, performance, affordability, and use case to determine the best for you.
Motherboards are possibly the most important component in your PC, as it’s the piece of hardware that literally allows all your components to communicate. Without a motherboard, your PC would be nothing but an expensive paperweight.
Without further delay, let’s get into the best motherboard or gaming in 2024.
Best motherboard for gaming
Here are our top 3 recommendations for the best motherboard for gaming in 2024. And for those looking for a wider selection, WePC have also covered the best motherboards for gaming too.
Best AMD motherboard for gaming – ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme
Form factor
EATX
Power stages
20 + 2
PCIe Gen 5
M.2 & PCIe x16 slot
DDR5
Yes
- Efficient power delivery system
- build quality
- PCIe gen 5 support
- Very pricy
Introducing the impressive Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme, one of the highest-end AM5 motherboards available alongside GIGABYTE and MSI options.
The Crosshair X670E features a powerful VRM setup with Infineon ASP2205 PMIC and Vishay SIC850 110A smart power stages, ensuring reliable and efficient performance with its 20 + 2-stage power delivery system.
Embracing the future of memory technology, the Crosshair Extreme supports the latest DDR5 RAM standard, offering improved performance and enhanced capabilities compared to outdated DDR4 modules.
Experience lightning-fast data transfers with PCIe Gen 5 support on the 16x slot, enabling seamless GPU communication, and enjoy the speed of PCI Gen 5 M.2 drives for rapid storage solutions.
Designed to be future-proof, the Crosshair Extreme provides cutting-edge connectivity options. Enjoy the convenience of two USB4 ports with exceptional data transfer rates. Benefit from swift and stable networking with 10GbE Ethernet. Immerse yourself in high-fidelity audio with enhanced audio technology. And stay connected with seamless wireless connections through Wi-Fi 6E adapters.
With its exceptional features and forward-thinking design, the Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is an exciting choice for those seeking a top-of-the-line motherboard that pushes the boundaries of performance and connectivity.
Best Intel motherboard for gaming – ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
CPU socket
LGA 1700
RAM technology
DDR5
Chipset type
Intel Z790
Memory clock speed
7000MHz
- 24+1 phase VRM design
- 10 GbE LAN port
- 5 M.2 slots
- DDR5
- PCIe Gen 5
- Expensive
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO stands out as an exceptional motherboard within the popular Maximus series, catering to the preferences of enthusiasts. Packed with impressive features and a robust power delivery system, this top-tier motherboard offers a high-performance experience.
The Z790 HERO boasts a sturdy VRM design, featuring a 24+1 phase VRM and 105A power stages, complemented by large heatsinks for efficient heat dissipation. This ensures excellent compatibility and reliability, even when pushing the limits with overclocking, making it capable of handling demanding 13th Gen Intel Raptor Lake CPUs.
In addition to its solid construction, the Maximus Z790 HERO is packed with premium features. It offers a 10 GbE LAN port and WiFi 6E support to cater to your networking needs. Storage options are abundant, with five M.2 slots and numerous SATA ports available. The inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the rear I/O further enhances its versatility.
Designed with gamers in mind, the board exhibits the distinctive ROG design language. The pixelated ROG script on the I/O cover adds a visually appealing touch, especially when installed in a chassis.
Overall, the ROG Maximus Z790 HERO stands as an impressive motherboard with minimal weaknesses. However, it’s worth noting that its price is relatively higher compared to other alternatives in the market. Despite this, if you seek top-notch performance and a rich set of features, this motherboard remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts.
Best of Intel’s last generation – ASUS ROG Maximus Hero Z690 WiFi
ASUS ROG Maximus Hero Z690 WiFi
Form Factor
ATX
Power stages
20+1
Socket
LGA 1700
Chipset
Z690
DDR5?
Yes
- Five M.2 slots
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 capable (via add-in-card)
- Push-button GPU release
- Expensive
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 is an exceptional premium motherboard and the ultimate choice for Z690 enthusiasts. This latest iteration is specifically designed to unleash the full potential of your Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake CPU.
If you are not planning to upgrade to a 12th Gen CPU, opting for a Z590 motherboard might be more suitable. However, the Z690 offers maximum future-proofing, ensuring compatibility with upcoming technologies.
Similarly, if you are considering a lower-end Intel CPU, investing in the ROG Maximus Z690 may not provide the best value for your money. This motherboard is tailored for high-performance users, offering advanced features and a corresponding price point.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 boasts an LGA 1700 socket, perfectly suited for Alder Lake-compatible motherboards. Visually, it stands out with its integrated aluminum I/O cover and customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting system, enhancing its aesthetics.
When it comes to features, this board has everything you need for top-notch performance. It incorporates a robust power solution with 20+1 power stages rated for 90 Amps, ensuring stable power delivery. The sizable VRM heatsink and ASUS’ Intelligent Control technology, which includes AI overclocking, contribute to enhanced performance. Additionally, the ROG water cooling zone adds to the cooling capabilities of the motherboard.
In terms of connectivity, the Maximus Z690 offers a wide range of ports, including PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0, ensuring high-speed data transfer. It also includes Dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports for versatile connectivity options. Moreover, the motherboard features a ROG Hyper M.2 card with Gen 5 M.2 support, enabling ultra-fast storage capabilities.
While it would have been desirable to have 10GB Ethernet support in a motherboard of this caliber, the 2.5GB Ethernet port still provides satisfactory networking capabilities for most users.
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 sets a new standard for premium motherboards. Its exceptional power delivery, striking design, and comprehensive feature set make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking top-level performance and future-proofing.
Best of AMDs last generation – GIGABYTE X570 Aorus Master
Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master
Form Factor
ATX
Power stages
14 direct phases (12+2)
Overclock Support
Yes
Socket
AM4
Chipset
X570
- High-end performance
- Dual ethernet with 1 x 2.5GbE
- Triple PCI-Express 4.0 M.2 slots with heatsinks
- Plethora of features including Wi-Fi
- Expensive
- Steel back plate adds quite a bit of weight
The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master is an exceptional high-end motherboard designed for Ryzen 5000 processors. It is particularly well-suited for those planning to use a Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X, although it works seamlessly with other Ryzen processors as well. Keep in mind that this motherboard is targeted toward enthusiasts and may exceed the budget of the average gamer.
Despite its high-end nature, the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master offers excellent value with its premium features and overclocking capabilities. It introduces PCIe 4.0 support, enabling lightning-fast data transfer speeds, and incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet controller for speedy network connectivity.
The motherboard also includes convenient features such as CMOS clearing and BIOS flashing buttons, ensuring a hassle-free user experience. Additionally, it provides reliable cooling solutions and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Aorus Master showcases top-notch power delivery with its 14 direct-phase (12+2) configuration. Equipped with 50A Infineon IR3556 MOSFETs, the power delivery system is complemented by a traditional fin heatsink for efficient cooling. Furthermore, the motherboard utilizes a true 16-phase PWM controller manufactured by Infineon, guaranteeing exceptional quality.
To offer an extra layer of protection, the board features DualBIOS functionality, providing users with added peace of mind.
If you fall into the high-end spectrum of PC building and possess a passion for overclocking, the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master is the perfect match for your new Ryzen 5000 CPU. Its outstanding performance, extensive feature set, and robust power delivery make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking the utmost performance and reliability.
Best budget motherboard – MSI B550M PRO-VHD WiFi
MSI B550M PRO-VHD WiFi
Form Factor
mATX
Power phases
14 direct phases (12+2)
Overclock Support
Yes
Socket
AM4
Chipset
X570
- Good performance for the price
- Comes with Wi-Fi
- Supports up to 128GB of RAM running at 4400MHz
- Entry-level for Ryzen 5000
Best motherboard for gaming in 2024 – Things to consider
Selecting the right motherboard is a crucial decision when building a gaming PC. It serves as the foundation for your system, connecting all the key components together. With numerous options available on the market, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose the best motherboard for your gaming needs. In this article, we’ll explore some key aspects to keep in mind when opting for the best motherboards for gaming in 2024.
Compatibility with Your CPU
One of the most critical factors to consider is the motherboard’s compatibility with your chosen CPU. Different processors require specific socket types to function properly. For instance, Intel CPUs typically use LGA sockets, while AMD CPUs utilize PGA or LGA sockets. Ensure that the motherboard you select supports your CPU’s socket type to avoid any compatibility issues.
Form Factor
Motherboards come in different form factors, such as ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. The form factor determines the physical size of the motherboard and affects its compatibility with PC cases.
ATX motherboards are larger and offer more expansion slots, while Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards are more compact and suitable for smaller PC builds. Consider your case size and the level of expandability you desire when choosing the form factor.
RAM Support and Expansion Slots
RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a vital role in gaming performance. Check the motherboard’s specifications to ensure it supports the type and speed of RAM you plan to use.
Additionally, consider the number of RAM slots available and their maximum capacity. Having more RAM slots provides flexibility for future upgrades.
Expansion slots are also crucial, as they allow you to add additional components like graphics cards, sound cards, or high-speed storage devices. Look for motherboards with PCIe slots that support the latest standards, such as PCIe 4.0 or 5.0, for optimal performance and compatibility with modern devices.
Connectivity Options
Consider the connectivity options offered by the motherboard. USB ports, both Type-A and Type-C, are essential for connecting peripherals and storage devices. Look for motherboards that offer a sufficient number of USB ports and ensure they support the desired USB standard, such as USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB 4.
Ethernet ports are crucial for stable online gaming, so consider motherboards with Gigabit or even 10 Gigabit Ethernet options. Integrated Wi-Fi support can also be beneficial for wireless connectivity, especially if you don’t have a wired network connection readily available.
Audio Quality and Features
Immersive audio enhances the gaming experience. Look for motherboards with high-quality onboard audio solutions that offer features like surround sound support, dedicated audio capacitors, and noise cancellation. This ensures crystal-clear audio and helps you fully enjoy the sound effects in your favorite games.
Overclocking Capabilities
If you’re interested in pushing your hardware to its limits, consider motherboards with robust overclocking capabilities. Look for models with reliable power delivery systems, sufficient cooling solutions, and BIOS features that allow easy and safe overclocking.
This is especially important if you plan to overclock your CPU or RAM for increased performance.
Brand Reputation and Support
Finally, consider the reputation and support offered by the motherboard manufacturer. Opt for well-known brands with a history of producing reliable and high-quality products.
Check customer reviews and forums to gauge user experiences and the level of support provided by the manufacturer.
Is AMD or Intel better?
The choice between AMD and Intel largely depends on your specific needs and use case. Both AMD and Intel offer competitive processors that cater to different requirements.
AMD processors, particularly those from the Ryzen series, have gained popularity in recent years due to their strong performance in multi-threaded tasks, such as content creation, video editing, and streaming. AMD processors typically offer more cores and threads at a given price point, making them a compelling choice for tasks that benefit from parallel processing.
Intel processors, on the other hand, have traditionally excelled in single-threaded performance, making them well-suited for tasks that prioritize single-threaded performance, such as gaming. Intel CPUs often have higher clock speeds and better gaming performance in certain scenarios.
Ultimately, the “better” option between AMD and Intel depends on your specific requirements. If you prioritize multi-threaded performance and value for money, AMD processors may be the better choice. If you prioritize single-threaded performance and have specific gaming needs, Intel processors may be more suitable.
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Best motherboard for gaming – Final word
In conclusion, choosing the best motherboard for gaming in 2024 requires careful consideration of compatibility, form factor, RAM support, expansion slots, connectivity options, audio quality, overclocking capabilities, and brand reputation. By evaluating these factors and comparing different models, you can find the motherboard that best suits your gaming needs.
Remember to choose a motherboard that is compatible with your chosen CPU socket type. Consider the form factor that fits your case, ensure sufficient RAM support and expansion slots, check the connectivity options including USB ports and Ethernet/Wi-Fi support, prioritize high-quality audio features, and consider overclocking capabilities if you’re interested in pushing your hardware’s performance limits.
Lastly, choose a motherboard from reputable manufacturers known for producing reliable and high-quality products, and consider the level of customer support they offer.
With these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and build a gaming PC with a motherboard that meets your requirements and enhances your gaming experience in 2024.
