Rating of the TOP 16 gaming motherboards: an overview and characteristics of the best models

Do gamers need a special gaming board? And how to choose it? Let's find out more.

In a computer, not only the central processor, video card and RAM are important, but also motherboard.

First of all the functionality depends on this unsightly-looking detail.

After all, it is into it that all the components selected by the owner of the PC will be inserted, and its size will determine the allowable size of the system unit and the number of peripheral devices.

We bring to your attention a list of worthy models.

What to look for when choosing a gaming motherboard?

Note! When choosing a motherboard for a gaming computer, pay attention to the following nuances:
  • The size: The smaller the board, the more compact it is.
    But she also has fewer opportunities, since it is impossible to make many slots on a small surface.
    3 main sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
  • Price 5-7 thousand rubles per element is not such a rarity.
    However, models that can be "overclocked" are much more expensive: from 10 thousand.
    For processors from the top category, motherboards cheaper than 20 thousand will not work.
  • If your system unit is transparent or has large inserts on the sides, through which you can look inside, you can look for a board with RGB lighting or an original design.
    Such elements are more expensive than others, but if you want to please your eyes - why not?
  • Two Ethernet ports are overkill.
    One port per gigabyte is enough to connect to the Internet.
  • As for sound: a regular built-in sound card will suit your needs.
    But if sound is especially important to you: specify whether the codec installed on the board belongs to a premium or mid-range model.
  • Not all gamers are involved in overclocking.
    But here's a hint: chipset must be Z390 or Z370, processor marked "K".
Keep in mind! Super-fast ports and built-in Wi-Fi are a whim, not a necessity, for some.

If you have a cable connection, don't waste your money on wireless. Yes, and Thunderbolt 3 ports are still the future, not the present.

The best models in terms of price and quality

Review of the best models of gaming motherboards in terms of price and quality.

MSI B450 GAMING PLUS MAX

Spectacular in appearance and affordable: the MSI B450 GAMING PLUS MAX model.

This is a full-sized, small-sized board powered by an AMD AM4 processor that allows you to assemble a fairly powerful gaming system.

Support for CrossFire X technology is its main advantage.

The cooling system is passive, you can use two video cards at the same time.

The board will last at least two years (although the guarantee is given for only 1 year).

Specifications:

  • chipset: AMD B450;
  • SLI/CrossFire support: CrossFire;
  • memory: DDR4 DIMM, 1866-4133 MHz;
  • number of PCI-E x1 memory slots: 4;
  • maximum memory: 64 GB;
  • form factor: ATX.

Advantages

  • good "acceleration";
  • there are sockets for sata;
  • weakly heated;
  • convenient size;
  • connectors for coolers 4 pin;
  • good sound;
  • price.

Flaws

  • total 1 m.2 slot;
  • there are problems with the BIOS;
  • The metal plug for the motherboard outputs is inconvenient.

ASUS TUF Z270 MARK 1

A solid board built for overclocking.

This item is compatible with all current high performance workstation graphics cards.

It has maximum personalization: it is allowed to use elements printed on a 3D printer, a reinforcing plate is installed to damage the printed circuit board.

The fans are controlled by Thermal Radar 2+ technology.

Sound scheme - 7.1. The kit includes an SLI 2-WAY-M connector and a Q connector.

Specifications:

  • form factor: ATX;
  • main power connector: 24-pin;
  • processor power connector: 8-pin;
  • memory: DDR4 DIMM, 2133-3866 MHz;
  • memory slots: 4;
  • memory: 64 GB.

Advantages

  • ASUS Aura Sync full color LED lighting;
  • TUF Detective 2;
  • intelligent cooling system Thermal Armor;
  • the guarantee is given for 5 years;
  • reinforced pci-e connectors;
  • backplate.

Flaws

  • the sound is weak;
  • a small margin of power for a good headset;
  • too much plastic around the socket.

MSI MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS

The products of a well-known brand and this time "did not let us down."

The original design in black and red colors is not the main advantage.

There are also enlarged Gaming Passion Red radiators, an improved audio system, and many other features.

Supports DDR4 memory up to 4400 MHz. The design of the board is thought out so that enthusiasts can easily assemble a gaming system with their own hands.

Year of release - 2018. Interacts with a smartphone through the MSI App Player application.

The kit includes a SATA x2 cable and a CD with software. The country of origin is China. The guarantee is given for 3 years.

Specifications:

  • form factor: Standard-ATX;
  • height: 305 mm;
  • width: 244 mm;
  • BIOS: AMI
  • memory frequency (max.\min.): 2133\4400 MHz.

Advantages

  • there is a UEFI BIOS;
  • MSI Dragon Center application;
  • support for the Intel CNVi wireless module;
  • improved performance;
  • Audio Boost with amplifier;
  • reinforced PCI-E slots with Steel Armor.

Flaws

  • sata cables are not the best quality;
  • fan connectors too close together;
  • overpriced.

ASUS TUF B450M-PRO GAMING

One of the most popular board models.

Judging by the reviews, its effectiveness has been proven more than once.

CrossFire X is present, you can turn on a couple of video adapters at once. High-speed memory for a gamer will be a real gift!

Compatible with AMD AM4 processor. M.2 drives can also be installed immediately 2.

The kit includes a software disk, a pair of M.2 screws, a plug (put on the back panel), a pair of cables, and even a sticker with a company logo. Year of release - 2019.

Specifications:

  • highest memory frequency: 3533 MHz;
  • dimensions: 244x244 mm;
  • socket: AM4;
  • power phases: 10.

Advantages

  • backlight;
  • compatibility;
  • compactness;
  • affordable price.

Flaws

  • LPT is missing;
  • There are no 3-pin connectors;
  • fragile.

The best inexpensive models

Rating of the best inexpensive gaming models.

GIGABYTE B450M GAMING (rev. 1.0)

Board stylish red - beauty and power.

Under the radiator there is a small but noticeable backlight (on the power circuit). It can be adjusted in the bios.

There is pci-exp for the video card of the third version.

Silent operation is easily set with SmartFun.Built-in sound is good, very convenient m2 nvme.

Specifications:

  • parameters: 244x205mm;
  • chipset: AMD B450;
  • main power connector: 24-pin;
  • network adapter speed: 1000 Mbps.

Advantages

  • many different exits;
  • handsome in appearance;
  • support for all generations;
  • slot for wi-if adapter;
  • GIGABYTE RGB Fusion.

Flaws

  • overlapped 2 SATA;
  • price;
  • not enough slots.

GIGABYTE GA-B250M-DS3H (rev. 1.0)

Model based on the Intel B250 chipset: ideal for building entry-level gaming hardware.

GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS technology is used, there are 2 PCI-E x1 slots and 1 PCI-E x16 slot, and an overall Ethernet slot is also provided.

High-quality sound is provided by the built-in Realtek HD Audio adapter for 8 channels. 3 video interfaces: DVI-D, VGA (D-Sub) and HDMI.

The fan adjustment is flexible (you can adjust the rotation of both fans with the possibility of completely turning them off), there are presets “for silence”.

Specifications:

  • form factor: Micro-ATX;
  • dimensions: 226x193 mm;
  • supported memory type: DDR4.

Advantages

  • 4 RAM slots;
  • power phases 5;
  • support for M.2 SSD with Optane;
  • affordable price;
  • cloud station utility.

Flaws

  • inconvenient location of M.2;
  • bios "raw";
  • Dual-slot video card loads a lot.

ASUS TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS

Budget gaming board without the tricks.

Conducted in particularly difficult testing conditions proved that this element will provide the owner with stable operation of the computer during the longest gaming sessions.

The board is made in China and boasts a quality assembly, good materials and a long warranty period.

It was presented to the public in 2020 and at the moment has risen quite high in the list of popular models. Socket connector - AM4.

The board is compatible with RAM modules that support error correction technology.

Specifications:

  • dimensions: 244x244 mm;
  • chipset: AMD A520;
  • PCI Express: 3.0;
  • SATA RAID: 0, 10, 1.

Advantages

  • there is a graphic bios;
  • NVMe supported;
  • PS/2 combo ports;
  • price;
  • fast network adapter.

Flaws

  • SLI and CrossFire are not supported;
  • Wi-Fi is not;
  • Bluetooth is missing.

ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS

Reliable and high-quality link of your computer.

Gives the system speed, power and speed of signal transmission.

Having small dimensions, it is successfully placed in a small system unit.

There are six SATA ports, so you can connect the required number of optical drives, drives and SSD drives.

The system is cooled efficiently by system fans.

Specifications:

  • parameters: 244x224 mm;
  • chipset: Intel B250;
  • memory slots: 4;
  • processor power connector: 4-pin;
  • network adapter speed: 1000 Mbps.

Advantages

  • attractive in appearance;
  • ASUS LANGuard;
  • the bios is nicely designed;
  • well keeps drops of a household network;
  • convenient control of coolers;
  • two PCIEx16.

Flaws

  • textolite is thin;
  • cooling of the power circuit;
  • no support for Fan Xpert utilities.

Best Models for AMD Processors

ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS

A gaming board with convenient dimensions and a well-thought-out layout.

Works on the basis of the AMD B550 chipset, which is very popular among fans of the AMD brand.

Thanks to the latest development, namely CrossFireX technology, it allows you to use not one, but a pair of adapters at the same time.

The maximum you can upgrade RAM to is 128 GB. The NVMe standard is supported.

The integrated Realtek HD Audio adapter is installed - proven and powerful. Large warranty (3 years).

Specifications:

  • dimensions (h/w): 305x244 mm;
  • socket: AM4;
  • BIOS: AMI
  • power phases: 10;
  • network adapter speed: 2500 Mbps;
  • audio chipset: Realtek ALC S1200A.

Advantages

  • multi-color backlight;
  • compactness;
  • dense textolite;
  • Ryzen 9 3900x;
  • massive radiators;
  • sufficient supply phases.

Flaws

  • no LPT;
  • inconvenient mount mount ram;
  • poor lighting.

MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK

Even a novice gamer will find it easy to assemble a gaming computer.

This board has a surprisingly large heatsink that allows for more efficient cooling of the system during operation.

There are enough USB ports to connect other devices.

The LAN Manager utility detects network connection applications and automatically gives the highest priority to the most important of all.

A modern lighting system has been installed: 16.8 million colors, 29 visual effects, and with flexible adjustment and support for LED strips.

Specifications:

  • warranty period: 36 months;
  • form factor: Standard-ATX;
  • height: 305 mm;
  • width: 244 mm;
  • chipset: AMD B550;
  • memory frequency (min. \ max.): 1866 \ 5100 MHz.

Advantages

  • improved performance;
  • the latest network standards;
  • Mystic Light;
  • protection against electromagnetic interference;
  • audio boost;
  • built-in controllers.

Flaws

  • expensive;
  • it is inconvenient to connect the lower "front panel" ports;
  • sometimes there are sloppy processed models.

ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING

Want to build the perfect computer? This card is just right for you!

Diodes built into the board turn the transparent system unit into an original decor element with their pleasant light.

State-of-the-art SupremeFX sound adapters make the sound as clear and rich as possible.

The board is compatible with AMD Ryzen processors.

As many as 4 slots are allocated for the modules, thanks to which (and 128 GB of RAM) the PC owner will have a "backlog" in terms of volume for the future.

Specifications:

  • power phases: 8;
  • chipset: Intel I211-AT;
  • adapter speed: 1000 Mbps;
  • RJ-45: 1;
  • form factor: Standard-ATX;
  • height: 305 mm;
  • width: 244 mm.

Advantages

  • ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 function;
  • SafeSlot technology;
  • ASUS EZ Flash 3;
  • shielding;
  • double amplifier.

Flaws

  • missing bluetooth;
  • no Wi-Fi;
  • price.

ASUS ROG STRIX B550-E GAMING

One of the best models of the flagship line.

Stable power supply, original appearance, intuitive software and perfect cooling make ASUS motherboard very popular among gamers.

Digital control, power supply system - 16-phase.

USB ports - 14, which is rare for rulers, 6 connectors for connecting fans. Firmware installed.

The set and assembly are of good quality. There is a UEFI BIOS, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi adapter, ECC mode is supported.

Specifications:

  • form factor: Standard-ATX
  • h\w: 305x244 mm;
  • power phases: 16;
  • CPU power connector: 8-pin + 4-pin;
  • network adapter speed: 2500 Mbps;
  • analog audio connectors: 5.

Advantages

  • excellent BIOS;
  • advanced interfaces;
  • powerful vrm;
  • barely warm;
  • The backlight can be adjusted to your liking.

Flaws

  • missing 4pin cable;
  • there is no combined tube on the VRM cooling radiators;
  • no PS/2 connector.

Best Models for Intel Processors

ASUS X99-DELUXE II

Great option for designing a gaming machine.

The dimensions of the form factor allow the motherboard to look harmoniously in bulky cases.

It is allowed to install several drives (to make a single disk space), as well as fans (it is easy to manage them).

The maximum dice frequency of 3333 MHz ensures fast computer operation and instant switching between programs.

There are a couple of Ethernet ports and connectors for Wi-Fi antennas. The warranty period is set at 36 months. Made in China.

Specifications:

  • SATA 3 ports - 8 pieces;
  • PCI-E x16 expansion slots: 5;
  • form factor: Standard-ATX
  • height: 305 mm;
  • width: 244 mm;
  • BIOS: AMI.

Advantages

  • LED-illumination of elements;
  • ASUS 5X Protection;
  • software complex AI Suite 3
  • ASUS Fan Xpert 4;
  • Wi-Fi antenna is included.

Flaws

  • LPT is missing;
  • no 3-pin connectors;
  • PS/2 ports are not installed.

ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS (WI-FI)

This element will reveal the full potential of the PC within the gaming system.

High-speed memory, optimized power system, extensive cooling options, TUF Gaming product ecosystem.

All this makes the assembly process and work at the computer enjoyable not only for professional gamers, but also for beginners.

Aura's full color backlighting syncs seamlessly with other Aura-compatible devices (the LED strips come to your rescue in case you want to expand it).Warranty - 3 years.

Specifications:

  • dimensions (h/w): 305\244 mm;
  • chipset: Intel Z490;
  • memory slots: 4;
  • manufacturer: China;
  • network adapter chipset: Intel I219V;
  • network adapter speed: 1000 Mbps;
  • Sound: Realtek HD Audio;
  • sound scheme: 7.1.

Advantages

  • single application Armory Crate;
  • quality iron;
  • there is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;
  • Thunderbolt support;
  • durable TUF components.

Flaws

  • not the most convenient location of connectors;
  • complicated bios;
  • a hard drive with a PCI slot is not suitable;
  • there is no LPT interface.

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ELITE (rev. 1.0)

A high quality item from a world famous manufacturer of computer components.

Presents you with ample opportunities to create a high-performance and reliable gaming system.

You can connect a monitor to the board via the HDMI port. Bios is clear and simple, the software from the manufacturer also does not cause any complaints.

XMP profiles work correctly (the illuminated "XMP" pointer lights up).

The textolite is thick, does not bend, there are many reinforced slots (they make the motherboard even more rigid). The maximum amount of memory is 64 GB.

Specifications:

  • dimensions: 305 × 244 mm;
  • chipset: Intel Z390;
  • socket supported: LGA 1151-v2;
  • RAM: up to 64 GB;
  • M.2 logical interface: SATA 3, PCI-E 3.0 x4.

Advantages

  • stylish and pleasing to the eye illumination;
  • CrossFire X technology is supported;
  • affordable price;
  • good potential for memory and processors;
  • stylish in appearance.

Flaws

  • long start in Bios when changing settings;
  • memory overclocking is not the best;
  • inconvenient m2 NVME wiring.

ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-F GAMING

A model with a beautiful design and a powerful power subsystem.

The textolite is of high quality and thick, it holds a heavy cooler (1.5 kg). no problem. The forms are futuristic, the materials are textured.

The cooling of the power system is also good. Excellent sound without white noise and interference.

In case of problems with any components, LED indicators are installed, there is an RGB Aura backlight (by the way, it can be expanded with additional elements).

You can use a total of 64 GB of DDR4 type at 4266 MHz.

Specifications:

  • dimensions: 305x244 mm;
  • memory slots: 4;
  • network ports: 1;
  • power phases: 10.

Advantages

  • does not heat up;
  • enough expansion slots;
  • bios is easily updated;
  • reinforced PCI-E slot;
  • built-in Gigabit Ethernet module.
  • Advantage;

Flaws

  • z390 chipset does not support Windows 7;
  • backlight is synchronized only with devices supporting ASUS Aura;
  • raises the voltage.
  • Flaw;

Reviews

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Conclusion

We hope that our article will be as useful as possible to you, the readers.

We tried to cover the most important issues: how to choose a motherboard for games and which models are considered the most reliable and popular today.

Remember: you can save on functionality, but in no case on quality. Happy shopping!

Useful video

From this video you will learn how to choose a motherboard and its chipset:


12 Comments
  1. Alexander He speaks

    ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-F GAMING
    Holds up well.
    A fairly convenient BIOS, unlike the same gigabyte.
    There are lotions that are suitable for beginners or guys who are not very versed in overclocking (memok and AI overcloking), but still it is always better to overclock by hand, and faster and more reliable.
    Overclocked i7 900k on it to 4800 at 1.27v
    Bios updated without problems.
    A huge number of connectors for connecting fans, two connectors for a m2 drive, one of them with a radiator, excellent cooling of bridges and a chipset.
    Reinforced (reinforced) ports for video cards.
    And of course, rgb backlighting, you look stylish, it doesn’t affect the functionality.

  2. Zhuldyz He speaks

    About 5 months ago, the motherboard burned out in my PC. I looked everywhere for information about motherboards, and settled on the GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ELITE. I've been using it for like 4 months now. I'm not complaining, everything is fine. I recommend! In general, GIGABYTE models are all very high quality and reasonable prices! Hope my comments help someone!

  3. Kira He speaks

    Motherboard ASUS TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS suits everyone except for its sound. Of course, it is decided by buying a sound card, but still ... I can say that this product from Asus really turned out to be worthy and is clearly designed for future upgrades. As for me, the three main advantages are power, backlight and software support. In general, a good and inexpensive mother

  4. Svetlana He speaks

    ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS motherboard was installed half a year ago. I use my computer for remote work, watching movies, and playing a little. The motherboard copes with the tasks with a bang. Four memory slots and two M.2 slots, a very affordable price is just a plus. The purchase is satisfied.

  5. Vadim He speaks

    I am not an avid gamer, so when choosing a computer, I didn’t get hung up on a highly sophisticated motherboard, but at the same time, we have only one computer in our house, and I perfectly understood that children would also use it, and there toys are in priority. I stopped on the motherboard GIGABYTE GA-B250M-DS3H. It turned out economically and quite tolerably in terms of characteristics: all toys go even at maximum speeds ...

  6. Valya He speaks

    In my processor, AMD installed a motherboard model, MSI B450 GAMING PLUS MAX. Games pulls perfectly, and the usual work. Acceleration and sound are just right. I haven't had any problems getting into the bios yet.Works for two months. The price is normal, not too big and not too small.

  7. Julia He speaks

    If the toys are shooters or a lot of graphics, first of all you need a good video card. With quick changes of pictures on the screen, the video card must have time to process the stream. To do this, first of all, you need a video accelerator on the card and drivers. I do not recommend using motherboards and video cards from Intel! You can use others for the same processor, but not from Intel. The reason is that Intel motherboards do not allow overclocking the processor, and Intel video cards (usually built-in) practically cannot accelerate graphics, whatever Intel says. The most normal video cards, in my opinion, are licensed or simply manufactured by nVidia - they have the best accelerators.

  8. sergey pirogov He speaks

    Hi all! I like to have fun in the evenings in some kind of games to play, let off steam, so to speak, otherwise family, work, you know. I bought myself an inexpensive, very good motherboard ASUS TUF Z270 MARK 1. It works fine. Pulls a lot of toys. I am very pleased with my purchase. I recommend it to everyone, it's great. Thank you!

  9. Aisulu He speaks

    Hey guys! I have five small children, three of them are boys. In a family where there are many boys, including the husband, everyone probably understands what state the computer should be in. Their games are something. I never thought before that my computer would directly need a good motherboard. My husband recently installed ASUS TUF Z270 MARK 1. The sellers advised. performance is very good. The computer does not tupit, do not tear off the children!

  10. Mikabatyr He speaks

    Motherboard ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS (WI-FI) I really liked. But there is one minus, there is not enough power, well, in principle, for the operation of games it is not bad, even excellent.I recommend everyone to buy this motherboard.

  11. mikabatyr He speaks

    I really liked the ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS motherboard. But there is one minus, there is not enough power, well, in principle, for the operation of games it is not bad, even excellent. I recommend everyone to buy this motherboard.

  12. Hope He speaks

    I am a gamer, and I play computer games.. But since I have a weak PC. I bought myself an ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS motherboard.
    I think that the performance of my PC has improved much better. Therefore, I am satisfied with the choice of the motherboard.

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