Best Motherboard for Gaming 2024: 6 Picks for Top Performance

Gaming has evolved tremendously over the years, and an essential component of a powerful gaming setup is the motherboard. Serving as the backbone of the computer, the motherboard connects all the hardware components, helping them work seamlessly together. By selecting the best gaming motherboard, users can enhance their overall gaming experience and achieve smooth, high-quality gameplay.

In the world of gaming motherboards, options abound, catering to various needs and budgets. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in performance, stability, and longevity of the gaming rig. For gamers, it’s crucial to strike the perfect balance between processing power and compatibility with other components like the CPU, GPU, and RAM.

Several factors need to be considered when selecting a gaming motherboard. The form factor, socket type, RAM and PCIe slots, as well as connectivity options, are all critical considerations that can greatly impact a user’s gaming experience. Moreover, added features such as RGB lighting and built-in Wi-Fi could be a bonus depending on gamers’ preferences.

After evaluating and testing numerous gaming motherboards, we’ve identified the top choices that cater to various needs, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience. Let us guide you through our selection of the best gaming motherboards available on the market.

How to Choose the Best Motherboards to Buy?

As avid gamers ourselves, we understand the importance of choosing the right motherboard for your gaming PC. In this buying guide, we will discuss key factors to consider when purchasing a gaming motherboard, without mentioning specific brands or products.

1. Socket Compatibility

Before making a decision, it’s essential to ensure the motherboard’s socket is compatible with our chosen CPU, enabling them to work together efficiently. There are different socket types available, such as Intel’s LGA and AMD’s AM4. Make sure to research the compatibility before purchase.

2. Form Factor

Motherboards come in various sizes, known as form factors. The most common include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Larger form factors typically offer more expansion slots, connectivity options, and features, while a smaller one may be ideal for building a compact gaming rig. Consider the size of your PC case and the number of components you plan to use when choosing a form factor.

3. RAM Support

The amount of RAM and its speed can impact gaming performance. Look for a gaming motherboard that supports the amount and type of RAM you wish to use. It is also important to check the maximum RAM speed and capacity the motherboard can handle, ensuring it aligns with your desired configuration.

4. PCIe Slots and Expansion

PCIe slots are crucial for connecting components like graphics cards, sound cards, and SSDs. Considering the number and types of PCIe slots is essential when planning the setup. For instance, if we plan on using multiple graphics cards, we should look for a motherboard that supports SLI or CrossFire technology and offers enough PCIe slots.

5. Connectivity and Ports

Modern gaming motherboards should have a variety of connectivity options. Look for boards with USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 ports, and ensure there are enough headers for front panel connections. Other features to look for include HDMI or DisplayPort for integrated graphics, multiple SATA ports for drives, and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if required.

By keeping these factors in mind when researching gaming motherboards, we can make an informed decision and choose the best product for our specific needs.

The 6 Best Motherboards for Gaming

We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best gaming motherboards for your ultimate gaming experience. Browse through our selection to find the perfect fit for your gaming needs.

1. Best For Affordable & Robust Performance: ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi)

For Affordable Robust Performance

ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) AM4 Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 & 3rd Gen Ryzen ATX Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, Dual M.2, 12+2 with Dr. MOS Power Stage

ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi)

• Excellent connectivity
• Military-grade components for extra durability
• Comprehensive cooling system
• Powered by AMD Ryzen 2nd and 3rd AM4 processors

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We highly recommend the ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) for an incredible gaming experience with its robust performance and military-grade durability.

The ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) is a fantastic motherboard that we recently used for a gaming setup. Powered by AMD Ryzen 2nd and 3rd AM4 processors, it offers incredible performance, stability and reliability. Our favourite feature is the comprehensive cooling technology, which not only keeps the motherboard cool during long gaming sessions but also contributes to its exceptional performance.

One of the drawbacks, however, is the limited front USB-C header. While it does come with a Type-C port on the rear I/O, having an extra header could have made it more versatile. Nonetheless, we found the overall connectivity options impressive, including dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C, and even Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.

We also discovered that BIOS updates might be needed to ensure compatibility with Ryzen 5000 series processors, posing a potential challenge for some users. However, once the BIOS update is completed, this motherboard works seamlessly.

In conclusion, the ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) is a great investment for those seeking a top-notch gaming experience. It provides excellent connectivity options, robust performance and military-grade durability, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned and new gamers alike.

2. Best For Gaming Performance: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E Motherboard

Best For Gaming Performance

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th,13th&12th Gen) ATX gaming motherboard(PCIe 5.0, DDR5,18+1 power stages,2.5 Gb LAN,Thunderbolt 4,5xM.2, 1xPCIe 5.0 M.2,Front panel USB 3.2 port)

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi

• Future-proof compatibility
• Effective cooling system and reliable power delivery
• Enjoy fast and uninterrupted gaming experiences

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We highly recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E for gamers seeking top-tier performance, future-ready features, and a distinct visual appeal.

After using the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E Motherboard, we were thoroughly impressed by its performance capabilities. Designed to handle the powerful 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, this motherboard offers PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and out-of-box Windows 11 readiness for a well-rounded gaming experience.

The cooling solutions on the ASUS Strix Z790-E are exceptional, with VRM heatsinks, double-sided M.2 heatsinks, and fanless PCH heatsinks ensuring temperature stability even during intense gaming sessions. The 18+1 90A power stages, ProCool II power connector, and high-quality components contribute to the motherboard’s reliability and durability.

Networking and connectivity options include onboard WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, ensuring the fastest possible connections for online gaming. Furthermore, the ASUS LANGuard technology offers additional network protection.

However, there were a few drawbacks to consider. Some customers mentioned memory slot issues, where certain slots were non-functional upon unboxing. Additionally, certain RAM configurations might not be compatible out-of-the-box, though working with the QVL can mitigate this flaw. Lastly, a few users encountered WiFi-6E performance problems, which could be resolved by using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E Motherboard offers gamers an excellent platform for top-tier performance, superb cooling solutions, and fast connectivity. Though there are a few drawbacks, we believe the numerous benefits outweigh the negatives, making this motherboard an excellent choice for gamers seeking the best experience possible.

3. Best for Multitasking: GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX

Best for Multi Tasking

GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX (AM5/ LGA 1718/ AMD/ B650/ ATX/ 5-Year Warranty/ DDR5/ PCIe 4.0 M.2/ PCIe 4.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C/AMD Wi-Fi 6E/ Realtek 2.5GbE LAN/Motherboard)

Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX

• Exceptional performance and responsiveness
• Enjoy faster and more efficient multitasking
• Maintains cool temperature under heavy load

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The GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX is an excellent choice for gamers looking to upgrade their motherboard with powerful performance and versatile features.

The GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX is a high-performance motherboard designed to support the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processors. With its DDR5 compatibility and EXPO & Intel XMP memory module support, we experienced smooth gaming and lightning-fast multitasking capabilities.

The advanced thermal design and M.2 thermal guard ensure that the VRM power remains stable, and M.2 SSD performance is maximised. Additionally, the motherboard has stable connectivity, including three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, offering fast transfer speeds.

However, we encountered some challenges when installing the motherboard and updating the BIOS. Gigabyte’s Q-Flash utility proved to be somewhat unreliable, requiring multiple attempts to successfully update the BIOS. Once that issue was resolved, though, the board worked brilliantly.

One drawback we found was the onboard Wi-Fi module being loose, requiring some soldering to secure it properly. Additionally, while the motherboard does feature PCIe 4.0, it is limited to the M.2 slots, which may not be ideal for gamers looking to use PCIe 4.0 for other components.

In conclusion, the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX is a strong contender for those in search of a motherboard with powerful performance, excellent connectivity options and compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen processors. Though it has some minor drawbacks, the benefits of this motherboard make it well worth considering for gaming enthusiasts.

4. Best for Overall Performance: ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II

Best for Overall Performance

ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming AMD AM4 Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 & 3rd Gen Ryzen ATX Motherboard (PCIe 4.0, 2.5Gb LAN, BIOS Flashback, HDMI 2.1, Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header and Aura Sync)

ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming

• Blazing-fast performance and seamless connectivity
• Intense gaming sessions feel like a breeze
• User-friendly design that makes assembling easy

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The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is a highly recommended choice for gamers seeking next-level performance, connectivity, and aesthetics in a motherboard.

We recently had the chance to use the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II, and we were impressed by its top-notch performance and connectivity options. With support for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors, it truly brings out the best in our gaming rig.

The motherboard boasts a robust power solution, including 12+2 teamed power stages, ProCool power connector, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors, providing stability even during high-performance gaming sessions. We appreciated its effective cooling system, ensuring our rig runs smoothly without overheating.

As for personalisation, we enjoyed experimenting with the ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting and found the user-friendly design—such as the pre-mounted I/O shield and BIOS FlashBack—a breeze to work with during our build. However, it might be worth noting that the fan-less VRM could limit the overclocking potential for some users.

Few aspects to be cautious about include potential audio issues with the front panel and the cost of ASUS ROG Strix B550-F, which is slightly higher in comparison to its competitors. However, considering the overall package, we believe this motherboard is an excellent investment for any serious gaming enthusiast.

5. Best for Customizable Aesthetics: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard

Best for Customizable Aesthetics

MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard (AMD AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI/DP, ATX, AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processors)

MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard

• Smooth and powerful gaming experiences
• Easily handle multiple tasks
• Seamless gameplay with large memory capacity
• Easily personalize your gaming setup

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We recommend the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK for gamers seeking a reliable and high-performance motherboard with great features at an affordable price.

We recently tried the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard and were impressed with its performance. This motherboard is powered by AMD Ryzen AM4 processors, making it perfect for gaming enthusiasts. We loved the extended heatsink design and 2.5G LAN support, ensuring sustained high-performance during long gaming sessions.

Additionally, the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK supports dual channel DDR4 memory up to 128 GB, offering ample capacity for even the most demanding games. The Mystic Light RGB LED feature allows for 16.8 million colours and 29 effects, which adds a touch of personalisation to your gaming setup.

While the overall performance was great, we did notice that RAM overclocking was not the best in this model. This could be a drawback for gamers looking to push their systems even further. However, we found that the double Ethernet ports and the USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility were handy features, despite the limited number of USB Type-A ports.

Updating the BIOS via M-FLASH can be a bit tricky, but once everything was set up, we found the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK to be a solid choice for gaming enthusiasts. Overall, we enjoyed using the product and believe it offers fantastic value for money.

6. Best for Future Proofing: ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming Motherboard

Best for Future Proofing

ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming AMD AM4 Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 & 3rd Gen Ryzen ATX Motherboard (PCIe 4.0, 2.5Gb LAN, BIOS Flashback, Dual M.2 with heatsinks, Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header and Aura Sync

ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming Motherboard

• Smooth running setup with strong & reliable power delivery
• Enjoy fast & stable connections with high performance networking capabilities
• Future proofed with faster data transfer and easy storage expansion options

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The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming is a top choice for gamers, offering powerful performance, next-gen connectivity, and robust components.

We recently put the ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming motherboard to the test, and it delivered outstanding results, especially when paired with 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs. The robust power design, including 12+2 DrMOS power stages, ensures reliable power delivery for high-core count CPUs. Moreover, the high-performance networking capabilities, with 2.5 Gb LAN and ASUS LANGuard, guarantee lag-free gaming experiences.

The motherboard’s connectivity options are impressive, featuring HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.2 outputs, dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and a Thunderbolt 3 header. With PCIe 4.0 support and high-quality components, the ROG Strix B550-A is set to handle future upgrades, ensuring your gaming rig’s longevity.

However, we found a few issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Out of the box, the motherboard may require a BIOS update for compatibility with certain CPUs, like AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. Keep in mind that some users have also reported initial issues with Ethernet, which can be resolved by installing the appropriate drivers from the ASUS website.

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming motherboard is an excellent choice for any gamer seeking powerful performance and future-proof connectivity options. If you’re building a new gaming rig or looking to upgrade your current setup, this board should be at the top of your list.

In conclusion, selecting the right gaming motherboard is essential for enhancing your gaming experience. It serves as the backbone of your gaming setup, connecting all the hardware components and ensuring smooth gameplay. Factors such as socket compatibility, form factor, RAM support, PCIe slots, and connectivity options should be considered when choosing a motherboard.

Among our top picks, the ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) stands out for its excellent connectivity options and durability, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E Motherboard excels in performance and fast connectivity, the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX offers powerful performance and versatile features, and the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard provides reliable performance at an affordable price.

Each motherboard has its unique features and benefits, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience for gamers of all levels.