The best motherboard 2021: the top Intel and AMD motherboards we've seen

Date:
Wed, 23 Jun 2021 15:32:25 +0000

Description:
Whether your CPU is Intel or AMD, the best motherboards will make the most of it.

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Buying one of the best motherboards might just be one of the best PC investments you can make. If youre building a PC or upgrading your aging one, choosing a reliable, high-quality board is a necessity. After all, an excellent motherboard is the best way you can make sure that your PC and all its components are running at their best at all times.

A motherboard is the backbone of your PC, which means that your choice of one will either make or break your PC. So, youll be wise to invest in the best motherboard, especially if youre getting a brand new graphics card or processor . It will ensure that your new fancy component is not just working optimally but also overclocking better.

Save your PC components from failing and yourself from the headache of rebuilding your PC from scratch. We rounded up the best motherboards on the market for you. Whether youre setting out to build a PC to rival the best PCs or simply upgrading your existing one, well find you a quality board. Coming to terms

If youre unfamiliar with the best motherboards out there, use this list as a primer for your next build. Motherboards are available in a broad range of different form factors, the most common of which are ATX and Micro ATX. However, there are plenty of less common form factors including mini ITX and E-ATX. Dont worry though, most of the best PC cases will support more than
one form factor.

Moreover, in our rundown of the best motherboards, we detailed the socket
type that each mobo adheres to. The socket, for those not in the know, is the part on the motherboard that the CPU locks into. Typically, newer Intel processors use either LGA 1151 or 2066 while the latest AMD Ryzen
architecture is designed for the AM4 chipset. Best motherboards of 2021 at a glance Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero - best Intel motherboard MSI MEG Z490 Godlike - best high-end Intel motherboard GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X - best
budget Intel motherboard MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC - best Intel micro-ATX motherboard Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming - best Intel mini-ITX motherboard ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming X - best AMD motherboard Aorus X570 Master - best high performance AMD motherboard Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming - best budget AMD motherboard Asus TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS - best AMD micro-ATX motherboard NZXT N7 B550 - best for the AMD B550 chipset with Wi-Fi 6E ASRock X299 Taichi - best Intel Core X-series motherboard MSI Creator TRX40 - best AMD Ryzen Threadripper motherboard (Image credit: Asus) 1. Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero

Best Intel Motherboard Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA1200 | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Memory support: Dual Channel DDR4 | Multi-GPU support: NVIDIA 2-Way
SLI Technology | Features: ASUS-exclusive software and firmware utilities, enlarged VRM heatsink, onboard WiFi 6E, ROG SupremeFX ALC4082 gaming audio Several USB ports with two Thunderbolt 4 Excellent quality Expensive

It might not be cheap, but the Rog Maximus XIII Hero is worth its price tag. Its list of features, which includes Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 4.0, tons of ports (including two thunderbolt), and four M.2 SSD sockets, will satisfy just
about anyone looking for a premium Z590 board to build a PC around. Its not only a great performing board, but its easy to overclock as well. And, like any good ASUS motherboard, it comes with plenty of RGB lighting. (Image credit: MSI) 2. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

Best high-end Intel motherboard Form Factor: E-ATX | Socket: LGA1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Memory support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB) | Multi-GPU support: 2-Way NVIDIA SLI Technology, 3-Way AMD CrossFire
Technology | Features: M.2 Xpander-Z Gen4 S, 10G Super LAN + 2.5G LAN, Frozn Heatsink, Double Side M.2 Shield Frozn Superb build quality Onboard thunderbolt video output Easy overclocking in BIOS Pricey Uses two 8-pin cpu power connectors

High-end motherboards may cost a fortune, but if youve got something like the MSI MEG Z490 Godlike under the hood, youre pretty much guaranteed top-notch performance, especially if youve got Intel components. As long as youre willing to pay the price. In fact, wed go as far as to say that this is the best z490 board out there right now, with an excellent thermal solution, staggering overclocking performance, easy installation and diagnostic solutions for do-it-yourself-ers, and a solid build. (Image credit: GIGABYTE) 3. GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X

Best budget Intel motherboard Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Memory support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB) | Multi-GPU support: AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire and 2-Way AMD CrossFire | Features: Support for APP Center, Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus support, Xpress Install support Pre-installed I/O shield Additional optional 4-pin connector No USB Type-C connectivity

The GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X may not have any flashy new features to bring to the table, but if youre an Intel fan who needs a new motherboard in the
budget sphere, its certainly a great choice. This entry-level motherboard for gamers has a decent feature set for its price tag, including three PCIe 3.0
x4 M.2 slots, six SATA ports and four memory slots with support for DDR4-4600 and up to 128GB, to start. Most importantly, it performs like the best of
them without burning a hole in your pocket. 4. MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC

Best Intel micro-ATX motherboard Form Factor: Micro-ATX | Socket: LGA-1151 (8th and 9th-gen only) | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Memory support: 2 x DIMM sockets (up to 32GB) | Multi-GPU support: SLI/CrossFire | Features: 2 x PCIe M.2 (Key M), DDR4 boost, PCI-E Steel Armor, Audio Boost 4 with amplifier Stylish Feature-packed Pricey

If youre looking to get an edge on the competition, but you dont have a lot
of extra space on your desk, youre going to need a Micro-ATX motherboard
more specifically, the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC. What youre getting here is a Micro-ATX motherboard with all the features a full-sized ATX one offers, but at a fraction of the price. Despite its smaller size, you still get dual M.2 slots, SLI and Crossfire support, and all the fiery performance that
Intel Coffee Lake Refresh has to offer. If youre looking for a smaller motherboard, you cant afford to pass on the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge MC. 5. Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Best Intel mini-ITX motherboard Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Socket: LGA-1151 (8th and 9th-gen only) | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Memory support: 2 x DIMM sockets
(up to 64GB) | Multi-GPU support: N/A | Features: 2 x PCIe M.2 (Key M),
Double capacity memory, USB 3.1 Gen 2 front connector, Asus Aura Sync All
the RGB Tons of memory capacity Expensive

If you need the smallest possible motherboard available without compromising on key features of your CPU, you should look into the Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming. With this motherboard, you dont need to compromise on features or power. You dont even need to settle for a measly 32GB of RAM. Thanks to Asus double capacity memory compatibility you can have up to 64GB of memory in
the most miniscule motherboard youve ever seen. Unfortunately, like most Z390 boards, its price tag is not for the faint of heart, so prepare yourself to shell out some serious dough if you want the smallest of the best motherboards. (Image credit: ASRock) 6. ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming X

Best AMD motherboard Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD
Premium X570 | Memory Support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB) | Multi-GPU support: NVIDIA NVLink, Quad SLI, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX | Features: ASRock Polychrome SYNC, ASRock Super Alloy, ASRock Phantom Gaming 2.5G LAN Easy to install Beautiful design Excellent cooling Upgrading storage might be physically tricky

If youre considering an AMD setup for that PC youre building, then you cannot go wrong with the ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming X. This is the best motherboard for AMD fans right now, with a top-notch feature set, great design and a highly-effective cooling solution. Its certainly a favorite among
overclockers out there, and with Wi-Fi 6 support to boot. If you have a penchant for tweak and upgrade your internals, there might be some
limitations as to what you can do physically. But, other than that, its hard to find fault in this board. (Image credit: Gigabyte) 7. Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master

Best high performance AMD motherboard Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AMD Socket AM4 | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB) | Multi-GPU support: NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI and 2-Way NVIDIA SLI technologies, AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire and 2-Way AMD CrossFire | Features: Support for APP
Center, Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus support, Xpress Install support Excellent price for performance Pre-installed I/O Shield Well thought out design
Awkward USB3 header placement

The Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master is not only an aesthetically pleasing motherboard, with splashes of silver on a black board meant to complement its RGB lighting. It is also capable of being the centerpiece of a very powerful computer. It can handle up to 128GB of DDR4400 RAM, the latest 3rd gen AMD processors and multiple GPUs for anyone wanting to future proof their gaming needs. The X570 Master is also very astutely designed, with shielding on its I/O ports, WiFi 6 and a number of other placement choices that make this a quality board. Best of all, its price is significantly less than the high end Intel motherboards. (Image credit: Asus) 8. Asus ROG Strix B550-E Gaming

Best budget AMD motherboard Form Factor: ATX | Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD B550 | Memory Support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB) | Multi-GPU support: Nvidia 2-way GPU SLI, AMD 3-way CrossFire | Features: Aura Sync, ASUS Thermal Solution with M.2 heatsink, ASUS EZ DIY, Rear audio USB Type-C connector Easy setup Price is right Only one PCIe 4.0 Limited CPU support

If youre looking to build from scratch, the Asus ROG B550-E Gaming
Motherboard is a cost-effective and feature-rich motherboard to pair with
that AMD 3rd gen Ryzen chip you just bought. Its I/O ports are shielded, it comes with a PCIe 4.0 slot (and a second PCIe 3.0 one), and it has just about all the ports and port headers you could desire. With this motherboard, youre getting excellent power delivery, a great feature set and an incredibly effective cooling solution, as well as a cool aesthetic to boot. (Image credit: Asus) 9. Asus TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS

Best AMD Micro ATX motherboard Form Factor: Micro ITX | Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD B550 | Memory Support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB) |
Multi-GPU support: AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology | Features: ASUS TUF Protection, ASUS Thermal solution with aluminum M.2 heatsink, ASUS EZ DIY, AURA Sync PCIe 4.0 support AI noise-cancelling technology works great No heatsink in upper NVMe slot Still pricey for what it offers

An upgrade from its predecessor, the B450, the Asus TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS boasts not only a much better power solution and a great cooling solution,
but also game-ready features and military-grade components. Among those features are the AI Noise-Canceling Microphone software, which supports 3.5 mm, USB or Bluetooth headsets, and full RGB lighting control. All, of course, while still touting that TUF Gaming Alliance promise for easy compatibility and building, as well as aesthetics that complement its trusted partners. (Image credit: NZXT) 10. NZXT N7 B550

Best for the AMD B550 chipset with Wi-Fi 6E Form Factor: ATX | Socket:
LGA1200 | Chipset: AMD B550 | Memory Support: 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 | Multi-GPU support: AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology | Features: Built-in digital RGB and fan controls, built-in Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Affordable
Native Wi-Fi 6E capabilities No backplate

Looking into an AMD B550 motherboard might be necessary if youre upgrading your AMD Ryzen processor, and the NZXT N7 B550 is an excellent mid-range option. This gaming motherboard is not only designed around the B550 chipset, but it comes with built-in Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, something that youll be hard-pressed to find in rivalling boards. It also comes with more USB ports
at the rear, making it more versatile. And, of course, youll also appreciate the digital RGB and fan controls through CAM. 11. ASRock X299 Taichi

Best Intel Core X-Series motherboard Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA-2066 | Chipset: Intel X299 | Memory Support: Quad-Channel 8 x DDR4 4,400MHz (up to 128GB) | Multi-GPU support: Nvidia 3-Way SLI, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX |
Features: 3 x PCIe M.2 (Key M) Gigantic memory support Slots for 8 RAM
modules High price

The X-series processors are here, and they are spectacular. But if you want
to take advantage of all they have to offer, you need an X-series
motherboard. This ASRock X299 is an incredible choice with support for overclocked memory speeds up to 4400MHz(!!!) and 8 different slots for memory modules. It also supports up to 128GB of RAM. Add in an X-series processor
and a good graphics card or 3, and this thing will absolutely tear apart anything you could possibly throw at it. If youre seeking one of the best motherboards money can buy, this is it. (Image credit: MSI) 12. MSI Creator TRX40

Best AMD Ryzen Threadripper motherboard Form Factor: E-ATX | Socket: sTRX4 | Chipset: AMD TRX40 | Memory Support: 8 x DIMM sockets (up to 256G) |
Multi-GPU support: 3-Way NVIDIA SLI and 3-Way AMDA CrossFire | Features: 10G LAN + Intel Gigabit LAN, 7 x Lightning Gen4 M.2 with M.2 XPANDER-AERO GEN4, Full fan control, Frozr Heatsink Design, Mystic Light Good overclocking Efficient cooling Has 10GbE, 1GbE and 2.4Gbps Wi-Fi Double-slot cooling
limits M.2 adapter card Expensive

When youve got an AMD Threadripper under the hood of your PC, you absolutely need a beast of a motherboard like the MSI Creator TRX40. This is designed
and built specifically for creators with the most demanding computing needs, this motherboard also boasts quite a feature set. Among those features are
the latest PCIe gen4 slots and M.2 connectors, USB3.2 Gen2x2, Wi-Fi 6 and 10G LAN, as well as MSIs Frozr Heatsink design and Mystic Light RGB lighting. Its a little pricey, especially next to the competition, but then again, nothing in the creative sphere isnt these days. If you want the best motherboard for your professional creative endeavors, it doesnt get better than this.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/motherboards/best-motherbo ard-14-reviewed-and-rated-904229/


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