Greatest small gaming motherboards 2023: Picks for Intel and AMD

You’d prefer to construct a small form-factor PC, however you need that “massive” efficiency? No sweat, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-i Gaming WiFi brings you precisely that. Make no mistake, at $469 MSRP, that is an enthusiast-focused premium providing. 

What do you get in trade? From the second you open the tiny field, you’ll respect the included equipment and premium really feel of the expertise. You’ll get your traditional fare of SATA cables and stickers, however there’s extra! You’ll additionally get a neat exterior sound system, referred to as the “ROG Hive,” which acts as somewhat hub. That is nice for small builds that may’t match sound playing cards or extra growth internally. The “FPS II” card additionally offers you extra SATA ports and headers when related to the motherboard, a intelligent means of conserving the vital parts unaffected whereas including extra utility in a small package deal. 

The equipment are enjoyable, however you’ll be actually impressed with the efficiency. Strong VRMs with 10+1 energy levels ought to simply deal with even the mighty Intel i9 13900K. Take into account that you’ll want some heavy-duty CPU cooling for the i9 CPUs, which can be a problem in a small form-factor construct. (You’ll possible need to pair this with a barely much less power-hungry Intel CPU, such because the i7 13700K, if solely to avoid wasting house on cooling.) 

Including to its pedigree is the inclusion of next-generation tech. DDR5 RAM is customary, however take note you’ll be restricted to only 2 DIMM slots and 64GB of RAM. That’s one disadvantage compared to bigger Micro-ATX or ATX motherboards that usually enable for 4 DIMM slots and 128GB. 

The newest PCIe can be right here—with a PCIe Gen 5 16x slot to your GPU. Theoretically you may also get Gen 5 speeds on one of many M.2 slots, with some drawbacks: You’ll need to share these PCIe Gen 5 lanes for that to occur, which means your GPU gained’t have entry to all 16x. The very best answer is to maintain the GPU at 16x, and simply run the M.2 slots each at Gen 4, which is then tremendous. (Laborious to saturate Gen 5 proper now for the reason that {hardware} is so new.) 

The excellent news continues with the onboard options. Want USB ports? You’ll get a complete of 9 rear ports! That’s an awesome quantity that rivals even some ATX motherboards. If that wasn’t sufficient, they’re mighty quick, too. You’ll even get two of the rarified Thunderbolt 4 ports for 40Gb/s goodness. They will even function display-out ports for screens, together with the only HDMI-out accessible on the rear. 

For networking, you’ll get 2.5Gb LAN together with Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth can be customary, permitting for versatile connectivity. That is akin to many ATX motherboards, so there are nearly no compromises on the networking entrance. With the included Asus “ROG Hive” exterior system, you possibly can have a quantity dial at arm’s size for fast adjustment.

So it’s feature-packed and performs nice—however how in regards to the design aesthetics? It’s a pure-breed ROG, or Republic of Avid gamers, high-end fanatic design from Asus. With beautiful styling, tasteful RGB implementation, it’s one candy package deal. Whilst you could not see it a lot in a small Mini-ITX PC case, the seen elements are positive to impress. 

Are there any drawbacks to pay attention to? First, it’s definitely a dear possibility at $429 for some. You’re additionally paying for some options that players could not at all times want (equivalent to Thunderbolt 4). It’s additionally restricted considerably by its dimension, in comparison with a Micro-ATX motherboard or ATX. Fewer RAM slots, PCIe slots, and SATA ports, primarily. In any other case, it’s a unbelievable motherboard for the appropriate consumer.

It’s not low cost, however when you’re aiming to construct one of many quickest Mini-ITX gaming PCs recognized to players, it is a key part that may assist accomplish that activity. 

Should you’re after a small form-factor construct and need a good stability of options for the worth, The Asus ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi is a worthy selection. Coming in at $219, it’s considerably cheaper than its Z790 counterpart, however with some notable drawbacks. 

Whereas each boards are Mini-ITX, this motherboard is wrapped within the B760 Intel chipset as a substitute of Z790. Meaning a scarcity of actual overclocking help—we’d keep away from a lot of the “Ok” Intel SKUs such because the 13900K. You’re possible to make use of one thing like an Intel i5 13600, which may have much less energy draw and warmth. Each are advantageous in a small form-factor construct! 

B760 additionally offers you much less VRM cooling on the whole, to go in step with the extra environment friendly CPUs. You’re additionally extra restricted with theoretical PCIe lanes, SATA ports, and USB ports. This isn’t as a lot of an element since Mini-ITX already units a cap of a lot of these things attributable to dimension. 

If a few of these drawbacks are acceptable to you, there are lots of constructive options to seek out right here. Whereas the included equipment don’t embody novelties such because the “ROG Hive,” in addition they add to the fee. You’re nonetheless getting all of what you want right here, like a Wi-Fi antenna, SATA cables, and many others.—and nothing that you simply don’t. 

Most significantly, efficiency with most CPUs will nonetheless be stellar, even with the 8+1 energy stage VRMs. You’re nonetheless gaining access to DDR5 RAM, albeit the identical two-slot restrict as on any Mini-ITX motherboard at 64GB. 

PCIe Gen 5 can be right here however restricted to only the 16x GPU slot. That’s greater than acceptable, as functionally even the costlier Z790 model presents comparable capabilities. Whilst you can by no means do PCIe Gen 5 on the NVMe slots, Gen 4 is greater than enough for nearly any drive you throw at it. You’ll get the identical two onboard NVMe slots on the costlier Z790 model, too. 

The rear I/O is one other space of comparability: As anticipated, you’re not getting Thunderbolt 4. That’s tremendous—many players gained’t reap the benefits of these speeds. You continue to get 20Gb/s USB 3, nonetheless, which is greater than enough for many customers. 

You’ll get the identical 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth as with all different choices. This makes it nearly an identical to costlier varieties. Audio is ok too. 

This motherboard additionally has one of many neatest designs we’ve seen—it’s very colourful. With high-quality supplies, the premium really feel is carried all through. It additionally incorporates glorious design components which are very purposeful, just like the built-in I/O protect. You’ll discover the Asus Q-latch, which helps you to come out your M.2 with a screwless design. 

General, when you’re okay with the restrictions of B760—equivalent to the dearth of overclocking—you’re getting an awesome set of options right here and saving a big sum of money. 

If you wish to avoid wasting extra cash whereas going Micro-ATX and nonetheless pack a punch, the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi is simply the ticket. With an MSRP of $199, it can have some tradeoffs—the identical B760 chipset limits famous above, equivalent to lack of overclocking, and fewer VRM grunt as properly. 

You do get 12+1+1 duet rail VRMs, so that you’ll be prepared for nearly any Intel CPU. We advocate avoiding the overclockable Ok SKUs right here to avoid wasting coin—you’ll do nice with even the usual i9 13900. With its decrease wattage, it may be a boon for small form-factor builds that will lack correct CPU cooling. 

The more and more mainstream DDR5 RAM can be supported, with sooner and cheaper kits accessible as time goes on. You now not have to carry onto DDR4 motherboards to avoid wasting money, DDR5 is the pattern going ahead. You’ll additionally get 4 DIMM slots with a 128GB restrict—higher than Mini-ITX, which presents two slots and 64GB. (A superb purpose why those that run heavier RAM workloads ought to take into account Micro-ATX for a workstation-style construct.) 

PCIe Gen 5 is generally a advertising spec, with much less real-world viability at this time limit. You’ll have the GPU 16x lane as PCIe Gen 5, however every little thing else is PCIe Gen 4. This consists of the 2 onboard M.2 slots, that are greater than enough for many customers. 

The remainder of the I/O is ok, with eight rear USB ports. Certain, you’re solely getting as much as 20Gb/s USB 3 speeds, however Thunderbolt 4 efficiency is way pricier than most could be prepared to spend on. You do get 4 USB 2.0 ports, which is definitely a bit disappointing for these anticipating USB 3. Rounding off the options are the networking inclusions, with the usual 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth. Audio is ok right here too, no points to report for the worth. 

With loads of PWM fan headers, RGB headers, and SATA ports. You’re in good firm with costlier ATX motherboards right here at a lot much less the everyday value. 

The place you do avoid wasting cash is within the good design. No, it’s not low cost feeling—fairly the opposite. The construct high quality is nice, and type follows perform with an aesthetically pleasing method. You’re simply not paying for fancy RGB results or costly OLED shows—which is welcomed to maintain prices down.

The I/O protect is built-in, too! Not dangerous for $199. Our solely minor design quibble is that the second M.2 slot isn’t coated by a thermal cowl, one thing we’ve seen in earlier generations of the Mortar. 

General, the MSI B760M Mortar is a reliable motherboard for these trying to keep underneath $200 and nonetheless have a very good set of options. Overclockers gained’t be impressed, however most customers will nonetheless get usable efficiency out of this unit. 

Have you ever ever needed to purchase a giant, beefy motherboard, like from the Asus “Excessive” lineup, however they have been far too massive? Fret no extra, the Asus ROG X670E Gene brings numerous that “over-the-top” goodness to a smaller Micro-ATX type issue. It’s additionally priced for the premium market—at $599, it’s one of the crucial costly small form-factor motherboards we’ve encountered. 

Should you recover from the sticker shock, you’ll be impressed with each aspect of this motherboard. Efficiency is on par with another high-end providing, with a 16+2 part design for the VRMs. Certainly, the Ryzen 9 7950X or any of the X3D CPUs have met their match on this overachiever! 

Efficiency perks proceed with help for the quickest DDR5 RAM kits that AM5 presents. (Not as quick as Intel, however blazing speeds regardless.) One factor to remember is that you simply’ll be restricted to 2 DIMM slots, as a substitute of the standard 4 on Micro-ATX motherboards. Technically, when you’re overclocking RAM or pushing the boundaries, it’s higher to have fewer DIMM slots for optimum efficiency. That’s precisely what sort of consumer will get pleasure from this motherboard probably the most! You’ll have the ability to hold every little thing cool with seven PWM fan headers, too. 

PCIe Gen 5 is right here too—and since that is the X670E chipset, it gained’t skimp on PCIe lanes. The GPU 16x slot offers you PCIe Gen 5, plus an onboard M.2 Gen 5 slot. Don’t fear, you’ll get two extra M.2 slots on the included accent, the ROG Gen-Z.2 card. One is PCIe Gen 5, and the second Gen 4—however that’s greater than sufficient efficiency. 

Efficiency metrics are seen in every single place, even within the I/O, the place there’s USB4, with speeds as much as 40Gb/s. That completes the ten USB ports on the rear, a powerful quantity in each amount and high quality of ports. You even get a PS2 port for legacy units, a characteristic aimed toward overclockers. 

Networking choices are customary, with 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth. That is simply as anticipated, with cheaper motherboards providing comparable. You’re not getting 10Gb LAN, nonetheless, an possibility we’d prefer to see on a motherboard of this caliber. 

Audio is powerful with a SupremeFX 7.1 ALC 4080 codec, sufficient for many customers, save demanding audiophiles. 

Aesthetically, the very first thing you’ll discover when unboxing this beautiful motherboard is the heft and elegant construct high quality. All elements of this motherboard really feel terribly premium, from supplies to design aesthetics. 

The design reveals “ROG” DNA (Gene…) by way of and thru, with lovely RGB in varied areas. Should you worth excessive construct high quality and enthusiast-grade aesthetics, you’ll fall in love with the Gene. 

If the $599 value is suitable to you, and Micro-ATX is your PC construct/case goal, it is a mighty tremendous selection.

If premium AM5 choices are too spendy for you, we don’t blame you. With higher-than-ever platform prices, it’s vital to avoid wasting money when you possibly can whereas getting top-notch efficiency. That’s the place the Asrock B650E PG-ITX is available in. With an MSRP of $289, it’s on no account low cost—however you get a well-rounded performer. 

The board is wrapped within the B650E chipset—the “E” offers us some PCIe Gen 5 lanes that the usual B650 gained’t have. Which means that one of many two onboard NVMe slots might be Gen 5—an awesome possibility for many who prefer to be on the bleeding edge. You’ll even have the PCIe 16x slot at Gen 5, though GPUs at the moment can’t saturate that. 

PCIe Gen 5 means you get to reap the benefits of every little thing AM5 has to supply, and it will get higher: The beefy 10+2+1 phase-design VRMs have a whopping 10-layer PCB, greater than regular. Translation: This little motherboard will deal with any Ryzen CPU you throw at it, even the mighty Ryzen 9 7950X. We’re positive many players will need to pair this with the brand new 7800X3D, a tremendous selection for optimum gaming efficiency. You’ll simply need to make certain your CPU cooler is as much as activity, as this chips can get spicy-hot. Fortunately, the intelligent design of this motherboard leaves some good room for many CPU coolers to suit. 

Efficiency perks proceed with DDR5, and the standard restrict of two DIMM slots on Mini-ITX at 64GB. One space that the specs falter barely is within the rear I/O. Whilst you do get eight USB ports, 4 of them are solely USB 2.0, which is a bit historic at this level. You additionally don’t get USB4 like on the pricier Mini-ITX motherboards, so speeds can be nearer to 20Gb/s USB 3 as a substitute. That needs to be tremendous for many players, however at $289, we really feel the USB implementation needs to be a bit higher.

The design aesthetics of this motherboard are attention-grabbing, beginning with the bizarre M.2 fan. Whereas it could look extra like a VRM heatsink, that is definitely a larger-than-expected fan design, which can be hit-or-miss for some. Other than that, it seems to be sharp. Useful design such because the built-in I/O protect and easy-to-use M.2 slots are nice to see.

Regardless of the compromises inherent to a Mini-ITX motherboard, you’re nonetheless getting an awesome companion for quick Ryzen CPUs whereas saving some money in comparison with costlier choices. 

Whereas the $239 value is much from price range—we’ll have to attend for the A620 motherboards for that—the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi nonetheless delivers nice worth. With a Micro-ATX type issue, it’s a very good mixture of efficiency and options with out leaving out something important. 

It’s the usual B650 chipset, which means you gained’t have PCIe Gen 5, however Gen 4 greater than suffices right here. Each onboard M.2 slots can be greater than snappy, and GPUs can’t at the moment make the most of greater than PCIe Gen 4. Efficiency is nice, with VRMs packing a 12+2+1 duet rail system. It will make an ideal pairing for one of many customary Ryzen CPUs such because the 7700, and even works properly with the zippy 7800X3D. Whilst you’re not getting the top-tier efficiency of X670E VRMs, try to be inside a couple of proportion factors. DDR5 completes the package deal, with quick speeds and an accessible 4 DIMM slots. This can be a bonus over Mini-ITX, plus you’ll get the next 128GB restrict. 

You additionally get a number of PCIe slots, one other clear benefit over Mini-ITX. That is helpful for these needing so as to add some further “add-in” playing cards, with an accessible 4x and 1x slot together with the GPU 16x slot. 

Showcasing the well-rounded nature of this motherboard, you’ll have loads of USB ports on the rear, together with 20Gb/s USB 3.2. Networking presents the whole 2.5Gb LAN with Wi-Fi 6E. Audio can be good, with a 7.1 ALC 4080 codec and loads of inputs. 

The aesthetics and design are easy, however efficient. You’re not getting RGB or loopy shows, however the motherboard seems to be and feels properly constructed. With a traditional, easy design indicative of different MSI “MAG” motherboards, it can match into nearly any construct theme. Plus, the built-in I/O protect is a good characteristic that provides to the construct expertise right here. 

Whereas its $239 value is much from price range, the worth continues to be right here for what you’re getting. Mix that with a smaller Micro-ATX package deal, and it has a lot of the options and efficiency of ATX motherboards whereas staying inside an inexpensive value class.