Best Motherboards in 2023 – When putting up a computer, one of the most essential things to think about is the motherboard. This is because the motherboard serves as the core hub that links all of the other components of the system. Its form factor will decide the size of the computer case you need to utilise, and its socket and chipset will indicate which processors are compatible with it. The size of the component (its form factor) will determine which processors are compatible. When selecting a motherboard for gaming or any other reason, it is essential to think about the kind of central processing unit (CPU) you want to use as well as the particular characteristics you need. Both Intel and AMD provide a variety of alternatives when it comes to motherboards, with Intel’s newest 13th Generation “Alder Lake” and 12th Generation “Raptor Lake” CPUs being supported by some of the top gaming motherboards available from both manufacturers. The Ryzen 7000 and 5000 central processing units (CPUs) from AMD may also be utilised with gaming motherboards, but the cost of doing so may be higher than it was with previous-generation alternatives from both AMD and Intel. If you decide to go with an AMD AM4 motherboard, bear in mind that it is a platform from the previous generation and will not be able to handle more recent CPUs or DDR5 memory. Instead, they will be made available on the brand-new AM5 socket and platform when they are introduced. The previous generation of AMD Ryzen 5000 CPUs with AM4 motherboards are still strong performers and maybe a more economical choice; however, these systems are limited to supporting just DDR4 memory.
Quick Shopping Tips to Get the Best Motherboards in 2023
When looking for a new motherboard, it is essential to keep many critical considerations in mind to guarantee that you choose the model that is most suited to your specific requirements. The following are some pointers that can help you make an educated choice in a hurry:
Determine your budget: There is a significant price range for motherboards, ranging from around $50 to several hundred dollars. Determine the maximum amount that you are willing to pay, then search for solutions that fall within that price range.
Take into account the form factor Motherboards are available in a variety of sizes, which are referred to as form factors. ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX are the three form factors that are used the most often. You should choose a form factor that will work with the dimensions of the computer case you have.
Be sure to check both the socket and the chipset: The central processing unit (CPU) attaches to the motherboard via the socket, which is a connection on the board. Be certain that the central processing unit (CPU) you want to purchase has a socket that is compatible with the motherboard you intend to purchase. The chipset is an electrical component that is responsible for controlling communication between the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and other peripherals. When looking for a new motherboard, you should keep in mind both the features and the performance of the chipset.
Examine the following extra features: Some motherboards are packaged with extra features, such as high-quality audio, RGB lighting, or built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Determine which of these qualities is most essential to you, and then search for a motherboard that has all of the features you want.
Read the reviews: Before making a purchase, be sure to read reviews written by other customers to have a better idea of the performance of the motherboard as well as any possible faults.
You’ll be able to choose the ideal motherboard for your custom-built computer if you keep these suggestions in mind.
The List for Best Motherboards in 2023
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro – Best ATX Z690 Motherboard – Gaming Motherboard – Gigabyte Motherboards
A mid-range Alder Lake motherboard that comes in at roughly $330. It does a great job covering all the areas while making just a few minor concessions. There is a large amount of storage space available, as well as four M.2 ports, modernised audio, and a redesigned aesthetic. During our in-depth testing, the performance, thermals, and overclocking were all found to be well within the range of other Z690 boards that we examined.
There is a lot to admire about the Z690 Aorus Pro, including the fact that it has 13 USB ports on the back IO, four M.2 connections, and a competent power supply at a price that is far lower than that of flagship alternatives. If you don’t need integrated RGB lighting or Wi-Fi 6E out of the box (you still get Wi-Fi 6), the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is an excellent Alder Lake motherboard to construct your Z690 system around. As long as you don’t need those features, it’s a great choice.
REASONS TO BUY
+Lower price than competition
+Wi-Fi 6E and dual Ethernet ports
+Eight SATA ports
+Bright RGBs
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only five USB Type-A ports on rear IO
-Sub-par out-of-the-box performance on some tests
ASRock Z690 Extreme WiFi 6E – Best Budget Z690 Motherboard
An excellent choice for those on a tight budget who want to construct a computer employing Alder Lake CPUs. It is possible that its performance in multi-threaded programmes is not as good as that of certain other possibilities; nonetheless, its performance in lightly threaded jobs and gaming is excellent. There are three M.2 sockets, eight SATA ports, twin Ethernet connections, and built-in Wi-Fi 6E on the motherboard, making it a very well-equipped piece of hardware for the price. In addition to that, it features a stylish appearance that is characterised by its mostly black colouring, accents of dark blue, RGB lighting, and beautiful notches on the PCB. The Z690 Extreme stands out among its rivals in the price range of $200 since it is the only one with RGB lighting and integrated Wi-Fi 6E; it also has eight SATA ports. Additionally, it is the only one of its competitors to provide these features. Additionally, if you do not want more than five USB-A ports on the back IO, this is an excellent option for you.
REASONS TO BUY
+Low price among ITX Z690 peers
+Premium appearance includes RGB LEDs
+Robust 105A SPS MOSFETs
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only two SATA ports
-No SATA M.2 support
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra Plus – Best Z690 Mini-ITX Motherboard
For Mini-ITX motherboards that are equipped with Z690 chipsets, the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is a choice that is both cost-effective and high-performing. A premium audio codec, high-quality MOSFETs, and two M.2 connectors are some of the characteristics that are included in this product, which can be purchased for the price of $329.99. In addition to that, it boasts an aesthetically pleasing design that incorporates RGB LEDs. The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4, which is one of its main rivals, can be purchased for $299.99; the MSI MEG Z690I Unify can be purchased for $399.99; and the Asus ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi 6E can be purchased for $409.99. These additional choices all come equipped with features that are comparable to one another, including connection through Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE, at least two SATA connectors, and two M.2 sockets. On the other hand, the MSI is the only one of the two that has three M.2 sockets, and the ASRock has an audio codec that is of poorer quality. The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus distinguishes out from the competition due to its more affordable pricing and its built-in RGB lights. Additionally, it is the only Mini-ITX board available with a Z690 chipset that has this function. On the other hand, customers that require more than two SATA ports should probably look into other available choices. The Ultra Plus is, all things considered, the greatest option available in the Mini-ITX Z690 category.
REASONS TO BUY
+Low price among ITX Z690 peers
+Premium appearance includes RGB LEDs
+Robust 105A SPS MOSFETs
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only two SATA ports
-No SATA M.2 support
Gigabyte Aorus Z690 Tachyon – Best Z690 Overclocking Motherboard – Aorus Series
A motherboard that was developed specifically for the purpose of supporting sub-ambient overclocking of Alder Lake central processing units. It is equipped with features such as reliable power supply, 105A SPS MOSFETs, a large heatsink, and overclocking tools. It had some of the quickest results in benchmarks such as Blender, Cinebench R23, and Procyon Office, and it had results that were somewhat higher than average in gaming tests. Overall, it did quite well in the tests that were conducted. The E-ATX Aorus Tachyon offers a variety of features that make it simpler to overclock, such as buttons to alter the CPU ratio, capabilities for cooling and limp modes, support for various BIOS, Tantalum capacitors near the socket, and more. The motherboard is designed with an emphasis on overclocking; nevertheless, it also has a large number of other helpful features for a wide range of users. These features include four M.2 sockets, six SATA ports, and a flagship Realtek audio solution from the previous generation. Those that want more than 64 GB of RAM, however, will likely need to investigate other available choices.
REASONS TO BUY
+Overclocking features galore
+Robust 15-phase 105A VRMs
+Four M.2 sockets
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited to 64GB of RAM
-Last-gen audio codec
MSI MAG B660M Mortar WIFI DDR4 – Best B660 Motherboard – Msi Motherboards
An excellent low-cost alternative for anyone who want to utilise Alder Lake processors but don’t want to go bankrupt doing so. It may not have the dazzling aesthetics or the RGB lights of more costly motherboards, but it does have everything you want to get the most out of an Alder Lake CPU that is running at its default clock speed. The Mortar has a premium audio solution from the previous version, two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 sockets, six SATA connections, and voltage regulation modules that are capable of managing a flagship Core i9 CPU. The B660M Mortar performed similarly to other DDR4 boards with Z690 chipsets during testing, and it was able to fully use a Core i9-12900K CPU while costing a third less than the majority of the Z690 alternatives available. The B660M Mortar is an excellent option provided that you do not intend to overclock your CPU or make use of devices that need PCIe 5.0.
REASONS TO BUY
+Affordable
+Good performance
+Six SATA ports
REASONS TO AVOID
-Minor performance loss with DDR4
-Just two M.2 sockets
Asus ROG Strix B660 Gaming WIFI – Best Mini-ITX B660 Motherboard – Asus Motherboards – Motherboards for Pc
A small form factor motherboard that provides solid performance as well as a variety of features at a price that is favourable to the wallet. In addition to a superior audio solution from the previous generation, it is equipped with a PCIe 5.0 slot, two M.2 connections, and integrated Wi-Fi 6. The VRM temperatures reached very high levels during the stress tests; nevertheless, this kind of loading situation is not normal. In every other test, the B660-I Gaming WIFI performed well and was on par with comparable DDR5-based boards in terms of its level of performance. Those who do not want to overclock their Alder Lake CPU may consider purchasing this item since it has a reasonable price point of $219.99 and is a decent option overall. There are Z690 solutions available to you if you do decide that you want to overclock, however the most of them will cost you more than $300.
REASONS TO BUY
+Two M.2 sockets
+Premium audio
+PCIe 5.0 slot
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only six USB Type-A ports on Rear IO
-Hot VRMs during stress testing
Asus Prime H610M – Best Budget Alder Lake Motherboard (H610 Chipset) – Intel Motherboards
A motherboard that won’t break the bank and works well for those who don’t want to overclock their computers but still want to utilise Alder Lake CPUs. It is the only motherboard in the sub-$120 price range that utilises the H610 chipset and offers not one, but two M.2 storage ports, as well as a key-E M.2 socket that is designed to accommodate CNVi-based network interface controllers for efficient and dependable wireless networking. On the other hand, in comparison to more costly choices, it has a reduced number of USB ports, which are also slower, and it has a restricted capacity for extension. When tested with a Core i9 CPU, the performance of the H610M-A D4 was significantly worse compared to that of other H610 motherboards under intense multi-threaded loads. The H610M-A D4 is an excellent method to receive the newest technology from Intel at a reasonable cost if you are not searching for the maximum possible level of performance from the Alder Lake architecture.
EASONS TO BUY
+Cheap onramp to Alder Lake
+Two M.2 slots
REASONS TO AVOID
-i9-12900K throttles with multi-threaded loads
-Only six USB ports
-No-frills style
Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero – Best ATX Z590 Motherboard
A WIFI Motherboard is a space-saving piece of hardware that provides solid overall performance in addition to a comprehensive set of features at an affordable price. In addition to a superior audio solution from the previous generation, it is equipped with a PCIe 5.0 slot, two M.2 connections, and integrated Wi-Fi 6. The VRM temperatures reached very high levels during the stress tests; nevertheless, this kind of loading situation is not normal. In every other test, the B660-I Gaming WIFI performed well and was on par with comparable DDR5-based boards in terms of its level of performance. Those who do not want to overclock their Alder Lake CPU may consider purchasing this item since it has a reasonable price point of $219.99 and is a decent option overall. There are Z690 solutions available to you if you do decide that you want to overclock, however the most of them will cost you more than $300.
REASONS TO BUY
+High-quality 14-phase 90A VRM
+10 USB ports, incl. 2x Thunderbolt 4
+Dual 2.5 GbE plus Wi-Fi 6E
+Four M.2 sockets
+Premium audio
REASONS TO AVOID
– Expensive
A high-end Z590 motherboard with a range of features, including robust power delivery, premium audio with a DAC, five M.2 sockets, 10 GbE, integrated Wi-Fi 6E, and a custom waterblock. It is priced at $1499, making it one of the more expensive options available. In testing, the Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial did not show any issues in terms of performance, delivering average or above average results in 3DMark tests and actual game tests. It is a good choice for those looking for a full-featured motherboard at the top end of the market.
REASONS TO BUY
+Includes waterblock
+High-quality 18-phase
+100A VRM 10 USB ports, including Thunderbolt 4
+10 GbE plus Wi-Fi 6E
+Five M.2 slots
+Premium audio w/DAC
REASONS TO AVOID
-Very expensive
Gigabyte X299X Designare 10G – Best ATX X299 Motherboard
Is a motherboard that has all the necessary components to handle the 48 lanes that the 10th generation Core Extreme CPUs from Intel need. It comes with a variety of features, such as a four-drive M.2 expander card, 2.4Gb/s Wi-Fi 6, Intel X550 dual 10Gb/s Ethernet, two Thunderbolt 3 connections with dual DisplayPort passthrough on an Intel 40Gb/s controller, and more. When compared to its most direct rival, this motherboard’s enhanced component value substantially overcomes the price differential that exists between the two.
- REASONS TO BUY
+Dual 10GbE, plus 2.4Gbps Wi-Fi 6
+Thunderbolt 3 with dual Type-C outputs and dual DisplayPort inputs
+Price premium is lower than the value of its premium components - REASONS TO AVOID
-Expensive
-Excessive PCIe, M.2 and SATA sharing
-10.8-inch depth requires extra case considerations
Conclusion: Best Motherboards in 2023 – Best Buy motherboards
The performance and functionality of your computer ultimately hinge on the motherboard you install, so it’s crucial that you make an informed selection when shopping for one. The socket type, chipset, expansion slots, and connection choices are all crucial when choosing a motherboard. You should do your homework and give some thought to your individual requirements and budget before settling on a motherboard for your PC. There is a wide selection of motherboards available to meet your requirements, whether you are constructing a low-cost system for general purpose usage or a powerful gaming rig.