A good gaming motherboard plays a key role in building a strong foundation for setting up your own gaming PC. If your motherboard is of top-notch quality, you are guaranteed to have the best gaming experience of your life. On the other hand, if you are not careful enough while buying a gaming motherboard, then I am afraid you might end up buying the wrong motherboard. If that happens, it will be a total waste of money and resources available at your disposal.
You being here is enough evidence that you are ready and willing to learn more about this. So, to reward that commitment I am about to disclose some of my own personally tested best motherboards for gaming. I faced the same problem you are facing now, so I set out to hunt down the best gaming motherboards that I could possibly get my hands on. Of course, I had some really awful experiences along the road as well.
At A Glance:
Best Overall Motherboard For Gaming
ASRock B550 Taichi
✓ Highly durable
✓ Premium quality
✓ Comes with a BIOS flashback controller
View on AmazonBest High-End Motherboard For Gaming
ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII
✓ Highly efficient heat dissipation system
✓ High bandwidth
✓ User-friendly interface
View on AmazonBest Budget Motherboard For Gaming
MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard
✓ Fast transfer of large data files
✓ Powerful core
✓ Large bandwidth
View on AmazonOur Recommendations for Best Motherboard for Gaming
Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Budget Motherboard For Gaming | GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Master | View on amazon | |
Best Overall Motherboard For Gaming | ASRock B550 Taichi | View on amazon | |
Best High-End Motherboard For Gaming | ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII | View on amazon |
Our Recommendations for Intel
Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall Motherboard For Gaming | Gigabyte H470 AORUS PRO AX | View on amazon | |
Best High-End Motherboard For Gaming | MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard | View on amazon | |
Best Budget Motherboard For Gaming | MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard | View on amazon |
GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Master
View on amazonBrand: Gigabyte | CPU Socket: Socket AM4 | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer | RAM Memory Technology: DDR4 | Compatible Processors: AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | Chipset Type: AMD B550 | Memory Speed: 5200 MHz | Platform: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 10 | Memory Storage Capacity: 1000 TB | Graphics Card Interface: PCI Express
The GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Master is a very powerful gaming motherboard that is going to accompany you for a very long time. It has a net weight of 4.74 pounds and measures 13.58 x 11.57 x 3.14 inches in L x W x H. It has 2 2.0 USB ports, DDR4 RAM, 5200 MHz Memory speed, 5200 MHz chipset, PCI Express graphics card, and 1000 TB memory storage. So, yes, it can be said that this motherboard is a dream come true for all gamers.
In any case, the best and most distinguishing feature of this particular motherboard is that it is compatible with and supports BIOS updates. In fact, it is super easy to install these updates on this motherboard. All you have to do is download and install the update file, unzip the folder, and save it in a flash drive. Then, simply insert the drive directly into the motherboard and connect all the power cables. Finally, press the Q-flash plus button and let the upgrades begin!
Another fantastic feature of this motherboard that sets it apart from the rest of the motherboards in this list is that it has advanced thermal components including the Fins-Array Heatsink, Direct Touch Heatpipe, Thermal Guards, and Thermal Baseplate. All these components couple up to efficiently and effectively dissipate all the internally generated heat into the outer surrounding. Hence, keeping the internal temperature cool and steady throughout.
Apart from that, this advanced heat system is so unique and ingeniously designed that it gives ninety percent greater efficiency than the rest of the heat sinks. This is because the rest of the heatsinks let the temperature of the internal system rise to a certain threshold before dissipating the heat. However, this one does not do that. It actively dissipates heat the instant it is generated.
So, it is safe to conclude that the GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Master is the best motherboard for gaming. It has all the necessary features required for a smooth and flawless gaming experience and more. It is small, compact, and has an array of RGB lights that give off super gamy vibes. Besides, it supports Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors without slowing down or cracking up. You are guaranteed to be highly satisfied with this motherboard as I was!
The Pros
✓ Smart backups
✓ Has five RGB headers
✓ Premium quality
The Cons
✗ Uncontrollable booting
ASRock B550 Taichi
Staff Pick View on amazonBrand: ASRock | CPU Socket: Socket AM4 | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Personal Computer | RAM Memory Technology: DDR4 | Compatible Processors: AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation | Chipset Type: AMD B550 | Memory Speed: 2400 MHz | Platform: Windows 10 | Series: B550 TAICHI | Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB
The ASRock B550 Taichi is the second last item on my list of the best motherboards for gaming. This motherboard has a net weight of 2.64 pounds and measures 12.2 x 15 x 5 inches in L x W x H. It has DDR4 SDRAM memory type, DDR4 RAM, 2400 MHz memory speed, and features 2 2.0 USB C ports. Besides, it has an AMD B550 chipset and 8 GB memory storage capacity.
Apart from that, the most distinguishing feature of this particular motherboard is that it has an Aluminum alloy heat sink top cover. This alloy is the most efficient conductor of heat that I have ever seen through my own eyes. It literally dissipates all the heat the instant it is generated.
I tested this further by running the heaviest softwares that I own. These softwares were guaranteed to get the internal temperature of the system off the charts. However, to my pleasant surprise, the ASRock B550 Taichi passed this test with flying colors.
Apart from that, this motherboard has the fastest connectivity and huge bandwidth. It means that you can get any task performed if you are using the ASRock B550 Taichi motherboard. There is nothing you can do using this motherboard. Besides, the fact that this motherboard Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen / Future AMD Ryzen Processors further adds to its glory.
So, it is safe to conclude that the ASRock B550 Taichi is hands down one of the best and most extraordinary gaming motherboards you will ever come across. It has all the features of a top-notch high-end gaming motherboard. It is fast, reliable, and includes a BIOS flashback controller. However, it comes with only meager accessories in the box. Plus, the 20 GP USB ports are also not included. So, that is just a minor drawback to this motherboard.
The Pros
✓ Highly durable
✓ Premium quality
✓ Comes with a BIOS flashback controller
The Cons
✗ Insufficient accessories
ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII
Best pick View on amazonBrand: ASUS | CPU Socket: Socket AM4 | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer | RAM Memory Technology: DIMM | Compatible Processors: AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | Chipset Type: AMD 570X | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz | Platform: Windows 10 | Series: ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA | Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
The ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII is the final item on my list of the best motherboards for gaming. This motherboard is the true definition of absolute perfection. It has a net weight of 7.35 pounds and measures 14.57 x 12.28 x 4.25 inches in L x W x H. It features a 2133 MHz processor, DIMM RAM, and a 2133 MHz memory speed.
Apart from that, this motherboard gives you enhanced performance through a unique dashboard-style control panel. You can handle all your tasks and the entire system using this control panel very easily and conveniently. In fact, this interface is so simple and user-friendly that you can get all your work done even if you are a highly non-technical person and don’t know a thing about the specifications of a motherboard or any other component of a computer.
Furthermore, it supports the 3rd Generation AMD Ryzen platform. This platform requires top speed to cater in order to transfer all your data efficiently and effectively. So, for that purpose, this motherboard features a RAID configuration with up to two PCIe 4.0 storage devices.
Besides, this motherboard has a highly efficient heat dissipation system that helps get rid of all the internally generated heat as soon as it is generated. I really loved every aspect of this motherboard and I am sure that you will too if you give it a try.
So, it is safe to conclude that the ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII is hands down one of the best motherboards you will ever come across. It has all the features that you may have ever wished for in your ideal gaming motherboard. Besides, it is super easy to control via the dashboard control panel. You can literally control all the complex functions through a single click. So, when I say that this motherboard is amazing, you have got to believe me!
The Pros
✓ Highly efficient heat dissipation system
✓ High bandwidth
✓ User-friendly interface
The Cons
✗ A little overpriced
Gigabyte H470 AORUS PRO AX
View on amazonBrand: Gigabyte | CPU Socket: LGA 1200 | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer | RAM Memory Technology: DDR4 | Compatible Processors: 10th Generation Intel Core | Chipset Type: Intel H470 | Memory Speed 2933: MHz | CPU Model: Core i5 | Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB | Graphics Card Interface: Integrated
The Gigabyte H470 AORUS PRO AX is yet another very powerful and hands down one of the best motherboards for gaming. It has a net weight of 2.43 pounds and measures 13.18 x 10.62 x 3.14 inches in L x W x H. This motherboard has an 802.11ax wireless type, 2933 MHz memory type, DDR4 RAM, and a core i5 processor.
Moving on to the advanced features of this particular motherboard. In fact, the most distinguishing feature of this motherboard is its smart fan. This smart fan has multiple temperature sensors. What these sensors do is that they detect the internal temperature of the system.
When the internal temperature rises above a certain threshold, it automatically turns on the fans thereby dissipating all the extra heat. Once the temperature falls back below the threshold, it turns off the fans.
Furthermore, the extended heat sink allows for a much faster and more efficient heat dissipation thus, maintaining the temperature in much less time than it would take if the surface area of the heat sink was any smaller. Apart from that, it also has a super fast Intel 2.5GbE LAN, supports 10th Gen Intel Core Series Processors, and has a Direct 11 Phases Digital VRM Solution. So, rest assured, no compromise is to be made in your gaming performance!
So, it is safe to conclude that the Gigabyte H470 AORUS PRO AX is hands down one of the best gaming motherboards currently available in the market. It has all the features that a gamer would kill for. Besides, the extended heat sink coupled with automatic heat sensors is simply the most ingenious combo that I have ever had the fortune to see with my own eyes!
The Pros
✓ Highly durable
✓ Excellent performance
✓ Premium quality
The Cons
✗ Expensive
MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard
View on amazonBrand: MSI | CPU Socket: LGA 1200 | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | RAM Memory Technology: DDR4 | Compatible Processors: Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold | Chipset Type: Intel Z490 | Memory Speed: 5000 MHz | Platform: Windows 10 | CPU Model: Pentium | Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard is another spectacular motherboard for all my perpetual gamers/readers. This one has a net weight of 6 pounds and measures 12 x 10.7 x 2 inches in L x W x H. It has a Pentium processor, DDR4 RAM, 5000 MHz memory speed, 802.11ax wireless type, and features not one but two USB 2.0 ports. In fact, if you ask me, this motherboard is the best product ever released by the MSI brand!
In any case, the most distinguishing feature of this motherboard is that it supports 10th Generation Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron Processors flawlessly. You won’t experience any system breakdown crashes or anything that might disrupt your gaming experience. However, a large part of the credit for this goes to the advanced thermal system featured by this motherboard. It adds to its ability to withstand large loads without crumbling down.
Speaking about the thermal system, it has an extended heat sink that allows for much faster and more efficient heat dissipation. It is not uncommon for gaming processors that support advanced processors to overheat under high loads. But that effect can be countered using advanced heat sinks that can transfer all that heat out rather than letting it accumulate inside and crashing the whole system, as a result.
So, if you are looking for a high-end gaming motherboard then the MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard should be your go-to. It is everything that a gamer could ever wish for. It is smart, has high-speed connectivity, allows for a faster and more reliable data transfer, has an efficient heat dissipation system, and is super easy to install.
The Pros
✓ Speedy memory
✓ Ten fan headers
✓ Fast connectivity array
The Cons
✗ Highly expensive
MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard
Budget Pick View on amazonBrand: MSI | CPU Socket: LGA 1200 | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer | RAM Memory Technology: DDR4 | Compatible Processors: Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium | Chipset Type: Intel B460 | Memory Speed: 2933 MHz | Platform: Windows 10 | CPU Model: Pentium | Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB | I/O shielding: Pre-installed | Heat sink: Extended
MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard is hands down one of the best motherboards for gaming that I have ever had the fortune to come across. It has a net weight of 3.69 pounds and measures 12 x 9.6 x 1.5 inches in L x W x H. Besides, it has a Pentium processor, DDR4 RAM, and 2933 MHz memory speed. It is guaranteed to give you the top-notch gaming experience of your life.
The best thing about this motherboard that I personally appreciate is that it has an extended heat sink. It means that it has a much larger surface area for heat dissipation. As a result, all the heat gets dissipated the instant it is generated within the system. Hence, it keeps the CPU and its processors running efficiently and at their optimum. It means that you won’t have to worry about your system overheating after a few hours of continuous use.
Apart from that, there are many other features of this motherboard that make it the best choice for all gamers across the globe. These include a maximum M.2 SSD data transfer at top speed without the need to worry about overheating or overloading the system. Furthermore, it has a large bandwidth to support large data transfers. Besides, it also has a core boost and comes with pre-installed I/O shielding.
So, it is safe to conclude that the MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard is an excellent alternative for all people looking for a good gaming motherboard. This particular one will enhance the overall performance of your entire system thereby improving your gaming experience in all aspects.
The Pros
✓ Fast transfer of large data files
✓ Powerful core
✓ Large bandwidth
The Cons
✗ Limited warranty
Buying Guide
You may have a little bit of trouble understanding all the features that a good gaming motherboard must have. This is specifically applicable to people who are new to this field and are not very aware of all the related terminologies and technical jargon. But don’t worry because I have a perfect solution for you.
I would recommend you pay very close attention to each and every piece of information disclosed below so that you would have enough knowledge to make a well-informed buying decision. So, let’s get started!
1. Heat Sink
A good gaming motherboard always has a heat sink. It is because playing heavy games continuously takes a toll on the motherboard and the processors. Things get even worse when this heat gets accumulated inside.
You can not avoid heat so the best way to solve this problem is by managing it. For that, the manufacturers install heat sinks inside the motherboards so that all the heat can get dissipated into the surrounding the instant it is generated.
2. RAM Capacity
A good gaming motherboard also has a large RAM capacity. You may get a RAM capacity starting at 64 GB. However, that is only sufficient for people who play video games for only a short period of time.
If you are a perpetual gamer and like to play professional-level games or better yet, are a professional gamer, then 64 GB RAM would simply not suffice. The threshold for such gamers is at least 128 GBs. You may get a higher RAM but that would cost you extra.
3. Extra Ports
A gaming motherboard must also have extra ports to accommodate all the necessary devices you may want to add to the motherboard. This includes at least two USB C ports, one HDMI, a mouse port, a keyboard port, and a monitor port to connect all the basic gaming devices to the motherboard.
However, the more the merrier. If you get a motherboard that accommodates a higher number of ports, you will have much more gaming options. You may even be able to add fancier gaming devices and controllers to it as well. The possibilities are endless when you are using a motherboard that has a higher count of ports.
So, I would definitely recommend you get such a motherboard rather than settling for an average motherboard with an insufficient port count. That would only result in a meager gaming experience. If you want to play at your optimum, spend this additional amount. I promise you won’t regret it!
Summary for Best Motherboard for Gaming
Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Budget Motherboard For Gaming | GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Master | View on amazon | |
Best Overall Motherboard For Gaming | ASRock B550 Taichi | View on amazon | |
Best High-End Motherboard For Gaming | ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII | View on amazon |
Summary for Intel
Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall Motherboard For Gaming | Gigabyte H470 AORUS PRO AX | View on amazon | |
Best High-End Motherboard For Gaming | MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard | View on amazon | |
Best Budget Motherboard For Gaming | MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard | View on amazon |
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
So, this was all from my side. I hope you all enjoyed reading through this highly comprehensive article. I tried my best to explain everything in simple and non-technical words. Furthermore, all the products included in the above article were personally tested by myself so rest assured they are all of excellent quality and are worth mentioning.
However, it is possible that I may have missed some other high performance gaming motherboards not my knowledge so feel free to experiment if your budget allows you to do that.
If not, then you can choose one of the motherboards I mentioned above. It is also possible that you don’t like the performance of any product that I mentioned earlier. So, this is all based on what you prefer and how you like your motherboard to dish out its features to you.
So, make a choice at your own discretion. In any case, if you are finding it hard to make a selection, let me provide you with a list of the top three motherboards that I still use alternatively for gaming. So, let’s get started!
● MSI MAG B460 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard is hands down one of the best and my favorite gaming motherboards. It features a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, has a reserved zone for optimized circuits, comes with pre-installed I/O shielding, and an extended and highly efficient heat sink.
● ASUS ROG X570 Crosshair VIII gives you excellent performance, has a highly efficient heat dissipation system, features a super easy user interface, and has the most accurate voltage monitoring that I have ever seen in a motherboard in my entire life!
● GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Master supports advanced processors, has an ultra Durable PCIe 4.0 Ready x16 Slot, features a blazing Fast 2.5GbE LAN, and offers the easiest and quickest installation of your life. I am sure if you give it a try, you will end up loving it the most!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a good motherboard needed for gaming?
Yes, a good motherboard is a key to a good gaming experience. I agree, it does not directly influence or enhance your gaming performance but., it enhances the overall performance of a system thereby making it steadier and more receptive to heavy games. As a result, you will notice fewer or absolutely no buffering or game crashes. So, I would highly recommend you get your hands on the best gaming motherboard you can find.
What is the best motherboard for gaming in 2022?
There is no such thing as the best motherboard for gaming. This is because not all motherboards are built the same way and hence, may lack one feature or the other. Besides, you will rarely ever find a motherboard that has all the necessary gaming features. So, it all depends upon you and your own preferences. However, let me provide you with a list of some of the most important features that you should definitely look for in a gaming motherboard. These include an ultra chipset, efficient cooling system, overclocking fans, heat sink organization, memory speed, and USB slotting.
Does the motherboard really affect your gaming performance?
Let me enlighten you on a little secret. It is not the motherboard that affects your gaming performance but rather the system itself that does the job. However, the system is directly related to the performance of the motherboard. So, it can be said that the performance of your game is indirectly related to the performance of your motherboard. I know it all sounds very confusing but trust me on that and make sure that you get your hands on the best motherboard you can find. For further details, refer to the above article.