The best motherboards for 2022

For individuals who are planning to construct a brand new PC or improve your current one, chances are high you have already got a very good processor in thoughts. The CPU, reminiscence, cooler, storage, and graphics card all depend on the motherboard to such an extent that after you have screwed the motherboard into your case and put in Home windows, it’s unlikely you’ll contemplate an improve for at the least a number of years.

We’ve rounded up a few of the greatest motherboards that cowl the present and former generations of AMD and Intel CPUs to assist information you in selecting one of the best one to your construct. We’ve got a bunch of choices for AMD and Intel, together with some basic steerage about motherboards. That approach, should you determine to not purchase one of many fashions we suggest, you’ll at the least have a good start line for making your shopping for determination.

Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Extremely

Greatest motherboard for Intel Alder Lake CPUs

Why must you purchase this: Excessive-performance motherboard with the most recent tech and dependable energy supply.

Who’s it for: Avid gamers and content material creators constructing a high-end PC.

Why we picked the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Extremely:

Beginning off with the most effective and strongest motherboards suitable with Intel’s new Twelfth-gen Alder CPUs, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Extremely. It options an industrial design with its darkish grey and silver end which is an replace from the earlier Z590 mannequin. The board helps DDR5 6200(O.C.) reminiscence of as much as 128GB and the first PCIe x16 slot provides PCIe gen 5 as normal, making it future-proof. There are additionally a complete of 4 M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports permitting one to have loads of inside storage. As for VRMs, Gigabyte has carried out a 19-phase setup, with 16 phases devoted to Vcore, 105A Renesas SPS MOSFETs in addition to finned heatsinks for the VRM, and two massive devoted heatsinks for the highest and backside M.2 sockets.

The rear I/O is filled with a slew of ports together with a complete of 13 complete USB ports — one USB 3.2 Kind-C port (20Gbps), 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports, and 4 USB 2.0 (480Mbps) ports. There’s additionally a DisplayPort (v1.4) connector, two analog plugs with a SPDIF port for audio, Wi-Fi 6 antenna, and the Intel 2.5 GbE port. For RGB fans, the Aorus emblem close to the rear I/O lights up utilizing LEDs beneath, and moreover, there are many RGB and ARGB headers in case you prefer to bling it up!

MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X Gaming

Greatest Intel Twelfth-gen motherboard for liquid cooling

Why must you purchase this: It’s the greatest Intel Twelfth-gen motherboard with a built-in water block.

Who’s it for: Fans who’re searching for a liquid-cooled motherboard.

Why we picked the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X Gaming:

It’s no secret that the brand new Twelfth-gen Intel Alder Lake CPUs are fairly spectacular in the case of uncooked efficiency. However, with nice energy comes quite a lot of warmth, particularly if you’re going for the highest chips just like the Core i9-12900K or the Core i7-12700K. MSI has partnered with EK Water Blocks, a well-liked identify in the case of water cooling PC elements together with CPUs, GPU, RAM and SSDs. The motherboard comes with a preinstalled monoblock that covers the CPU, VRMs, and the first M.2 part, for superior cooling efficiency.

It additionally comes with a bunch of high-end options. There are 4 DDR5 reminiscence DIMM slots with assist for as much as 6666MHz clock speeds and Intel XMP 3.0. With a complete of three PCIe x16 slots, there’s additionally assist for PCIe 5.0 on the highest two whereas the underside slot assist PCIe 4.0. For storage, there are a complete of 5 M.2 slots out of which 4 assist PCIe 4.0, and two assist the SATA interface. There are additionally six devoted SATA ports for added SSD and HDD storage.

As for the rear I/O there are a ton of choices. You get 4 USB 2.0 ports, 5 USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Kind-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Kind-C port, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, 2.5G LAN Ethernet port, Optical S/PDIF Out, and 5-port audio out connector cluster. There may be additionally built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

MSI MEG Z690I Unify

Greatest Z690 mini-ITX motherboard

Why must you purchase this: It’s the greatest high-performance motherboard for Intel Twelfth-gen within the mini-ITX dimension.

Who’s it for: Avid gamers and fans constructing a high-end small type issue PC.

Why we picked the MSI MEG Z690I Unify:

ITX motherboards for the most recent Intel Twelfth-gen CPU are a uncommon sight, not to mention one thing with high-end options and specs. The MSI MEG Z690I Unify is essentially the most premium motherboard available on the market if you’re planning to seize a brand new Intel Alder Lake CPU for a compact construct. It options 12-phase VRMs with 105A SPS MOSFETs which ensures glorious energy supply, and a sturdy VRM cooling system that features a number of heatsinks, a warmth pipe, and a tiny cooling fan. There may be assist for as much as 64GB of DDR5 reminiscence working at 6800Mhz (overclocked), alongside three M.2 slots, which is spectacular for a mini-ITX board. Aside from the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two of the M.2 slots assist PCIe 4.0, whereas one in all them helps PCIe 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s. You additionally get a complete of 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports for added storage.

Wi-fi connectivity choices embody Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, which suggests quick and steady connections. As for the rear I/O, you get a pre-installed plate and a wholesome set of ports together with two Thunderbolt 4 Kind-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-A ports, and 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 connector, HDMI 2.1 port, two mini DisplayPort connections, an Intel 2.5 GbE port, the Wi-Fi 6E antenna connections, three-plug analog audio ports, and a transparent CMOS button.

MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk Wi-Fi

Greatest B660 motherboard for Intel Alder Lake

Why must you purchase this: Greatest performing B660 board for the most recent Intel Alder Lake processors at an affordable worth.

Who’s it for: PC builders and avid gamers searching for good worth with out shedding on essential options.

Why we picked the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk Wi-Fi:

The B660 chipset is an inexpensive resolution for anybody planning to go for Intel’s newest Twelfth-gen Alder Lake platform. When you can not overclock the CPU, the board does permit overclocking the reminiscence, which is a fairly whole lot, particularly underneath $200. That includes a full-black end this ATX motherboard packs a extremely good set of options regardless of shedding out on some. Firstly, it doesn’t assist DDR5 reminiscence, which is a small compromise as DDR4 isn’t any slouch. Additionally, there isn’t any PCIe 5.0 assist however you do get three M.2 sockets providing PCIe Gen 4.0 speeds alongside the first PCIe x16 slot. The secondary PCIex16 slot is proscribed to PCIe Gen 3.0.

As for energy supply, the board comes with 12+2 section VRM powered by twin 8-pin energy connectors and there’s ample quantity of cooling for the VRMs, chipset, and each the M.2 slots as properly. The rear I/O may be very beneficiant packing Realtek 2.5G LAN and Intel WiFi 6 for networking, a complete of 9 USB ports which incorporates 4 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Kind-C port. There’s additionally a full set of audio ports with S/PDIF that’s backed up by a Realtek ALC1220 chip and eventually, HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 ports in case it’s worthwhile to use the built-in graphics.

Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus Wi-Fi

Worth for cash Z590 motherboard for Intel Rocket Lake

Why must you purchase this: Excessive-end options at a very good worth level.

Who’s it for: Avid gamers going for Intel’s Rocket Lake platform.

Why we picked the Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus Wi-Fi:

Intel’s earlier era of CPUs underneath the Rocket Lake collection continues to be a viable possibility, particularly if you’re planning to save lots of on a number of {dollars}. The Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus Wi-Fi is a superb possibility for Eleventh-generation CPUs because it delivers a large set of options at a really cheap worth. You get a complete of three M.2 sockets, the place the highest M.2 socket helps PCIe 4.0 whereas the opposite two assist PCIe 3.0. The entire M.2 slots include a heatsink and these sockets additionally characteristic a novel locking mechanism so that you needn’t mess with these tiny screws. As for energy supply, the TUF Gaming Z590-Plus makes use of a 19-phase configuration (14+2+1+2 for Vcore/GT/SA/IO) which ought to be sufficient to deal with the highest of the road 11900K with minor overclocking tweaks.

Asus lists that this board can assist reminiscence of as much as DDR4 5133(OC) utilizing the 4 DIMM slots. Shifting to the rear I/O, the board features a pre-installed I/O protect which is a superb begin. There’s a PS/2 legacy port sitting above two USB 2.0 ports, adopted by an HDMI (v2.0) port and a Displayport (v1.4) output for video. There are additionally two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Kind-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, an Intel 2.5 GbE port, Wi-Fi 6 antenna ports, and the five-plug plus SPDIF audio stack. The board additionally comes with some RGB lighting together with two RGB and ARGB headers respectively.

Asus Prime H610M-A

Entry-level motherboard for Intel Alder Lake CPUs

Why must you purchase this: It’s the greatest sub-$100 motherboard for the most recent Intel Twelfth-gen CPUs.

Who’s it for: Those that are planning to construct an entry-level Intel system.

Why we picked the Asus Prime H610M-A:

Intel’s Twelfth-gen Alder Lake collection is fairly spectacular and if you’re planning for a price range construct, the H610 chipset-based motherboard ought to fit your wants. Priced at about $100, the Asus Prime H610M-A is appropriate for chips just like the Core i3-12100 and i3-12300 and must also have the ability to deal with the Core i5-12600. Keep in mind, in contrast to higher-end motherboards just like the Z690 and B660, the H610 doesn’t provide any overclocking skills. Thus, the Asus Prime H610M-A motherboard is really useful for entry-level methods. As for the options, the motherboard comes with onboard heatsinks and thermal pads for the VRMs and chipset, together with some fan headers and temperature sensors to make sure your system stays cool and steady. There are two DIMM slots that assist as much as 64GB DDR4 3200 reminiscence and XMP for improved reminiscence efficiency.

For storage, there are two M.2 slots and 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports, whereas the PCIe 4.0 x16 slot ought to assist all fashionable graphics playing cards in addition to different add-on playing cards. Rear I/O consists of two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, D-Sub port, Intel 1Gb Ethernet port, triple audio jacks, and two PS/2 ports to attach legacy peripherals. For entrance I/O there’s a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header that helps extra 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two USB 2.0 headers that assist an extra three USB 2.0 ports. The board additionally comes with addressable RGB headers should you like so as to add some bling to your rig.

Asus Prime B560-Plus

Greatest motherboard for Eleventh-gen Intel CPU on a price range

Why must you purchase this: Funds motherboard possibility for Intel Rocket Lake.

Who’s it for: Appropriate for price range PC builds particularly dwelling workplace setup.

Why we picked the Asus Prime B560-Plus:

For those who want a motherboard that will get all of the fundamentals proper, Asus has the Prime B560-Plus. It is a nice possibility for somebody who does not essentially wish to overclock their CPU or reminiscence on Intel’s previous-generation platform. It’s fairly a succesful board with Digi+ VRMs with devoted heatsinks and thermal pads to enhance warmth switch from the MOSFETs. It additionally comes with two M.2 storage slots with the first slot having assist for PCIe Gen 4.0 drives. Notably, the board contains a versatile heatsink that can be utilized on both of the M.2 slots by simply turning it round. There are additionally a complete of six SATA ports for added storage. Asus hasn’t talked about the full quantity of reminiscence you could set up, but it surely does assist as much as 4600MHz OC and naturally, XMP profiles.

Rear I/O features a complete of seven USB ports — 4 USB 2.0 Kind-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-A, and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Kind-C. There are additionally VGA, Show Port, and HDMI ports for video, gigabit Ethernet port, triple jack audio, and even a PS/2 port. There’s a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header for the entrance I/O and even a Thunderbolt 4 header.

Asus ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi

Greatest high-end X570 motherboard for AMD processors

Why must you purchase this: Excessive-end motherboard for AMD chipsets with strong overclocking capabilities.

Who’s it for: Fans and avid gamers planning to construct a high-end AMD system.

Why we picked the Asus ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi:

For those planning on shopping for the high-end AMD Ryzen 5900x and even the 5950x, that is the motherboard you need to be going for. It’s costly, however it’s undoubtedly value spending the additional cash should you care about one of the best efficiency and a steady platform. The ROG X570 Crosshair VIII Hero Wi-Fi is an higher mid-range X570 board that manages to excel in nearly each parameter. Aside from its premium design with a jet-black end and RGB lighting, this board comes with 14+2 IR3555 PowIR phases which are rated to deal with 60amps every together with two massive heatsinks linked by a metallic warmth pipe for the VRMs. The chipset heatsink is actively cooled by a fan that is rated to final for as much as 60,000 hours, though it’s blocked as soon as you put in a big GPU. There are 4 DIMM slots supporting as much as 128GB of DDR4 4600MHz reminiscence.

For storage, the board provides a complete of eight SATA 3.0 ports and two M.2 slots that assist PCIe Gen 4.0 and have their very own particular person heatsinks. As for the rear I/O, there are a complete of 12 USB ports, together with eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (seven Kind-A, one Kind-C), a quick 2.5G Realtek LAN, in addition to Intel Wi-Fi 6 integration.

ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3

Greatest mini-ITX board with X570 chipset

Why must you purchase this: It’s the greatest mini-ITX motherboard for AMD Ryzen CPUs.

Who’s it for: For individuals who wish to construct a small type issue AMD PC.

Why we picked the ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3:

Small type issue PCs do not simply look stylish, however they’re additionally a wonderful alternative if in case you have restricted house. The ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 is a feature-packed motherboard that’s priced somewhat over $200, making it a wonderful value-for-money board to your AMD Ryzen CPU. Like most fashionable ITX motherboards, this one comes with a single PCIe x16 slot with Gen 4 assist and two DIMM slots that assist 64GB DDR4 reminiscence clocked as much as 4533MHz (highest in its class). There is just one M.2 slot, which is the largest concern we have now with this motherboard, and since it’s positioned on the again it will possibly get tough to entry on the similar time it’s liable to heating points. There are 4 SATA ports although, so you possibly can connect a bunch of SSDs or HDDs if you want.

The rear IO comes with a Thunderbolt 3 port with assist for 40Gbps bandwidth, which is a uncommon sight on an AMD motherboard. You additionally get two USB 3.2 Gen2 Kind-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports with ESD safety, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, an Intel RJ-45 LAN port, a 5-plug audio stack with a S/PDIF connection, Wi-Fi antenna connections, a transparent CMOS button, and even a legacy PS/2 port for a keyboard or mouse.

Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wi-Fi

Greatest B550 motherboard for AMD providing nice worth

Why must you purchase this: It is one of the best B550 motherboard providing strong worth.

Who’s it for: Avid gamers and content material creators searching for one of the best options at cheap pricing.

Why we picked the Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wi-Fi:

B550 motherboards are alleged to be cheaper than AMD’s X570 platform, and the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming is a advantageous instance. Promoting for underneath $200, you get fairly a number of options together with a premium-looking design with fancy RGB lighting. The board comes with 14-phase energy supply, twin M.2 slots, a 2.5 Gbps ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 with AX and Bluetooth, together with 4 DIMM slots DDR4 reminiscence that may be clocked at 4400MHz. The first PCIe x16 slot assist Gen 4 as does one of many two M.2 slots.

The board additionally comes with six SATA ports whereas the rear I/O features a complete of eight USB ports — two USB 3.2 Gen2 (Kind-A and Kind-C), 4 USB 3.2 Gen1, and two USB 2.0. Aside from the two.5GbE LAN port and twin antenna connections for Wi-Fi, there are additionally HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs and normal 5-plug analog audio outputs plus SPDIF. Moreover, it will possibly deal with overclocking and will stay steady with the best set of cooling {hardware}.

ASRock B450M Metal Legend

Funds motherboard suggestion for AMD chipsets

Why must you purchase this: Greatest sub-$100 motherboard possibility for AMD customers.

Who’s it for: Funds-conscious PC builders and informal avid gamers.

Why we picked the ASRock B450M Metal Legend:

You aren’t getting cutting-edge options with a B450M motherboard, however they’re very inexpensive, making them a very good possibility for somebody who is not planning on doing heavy overclocking and does not want top-of-the-line options. The ASRock B450M Metal Legend is an M-ATX board that contains a black and white camouflage end with three blocks of aluminum heatsinks for the VRMs and likewise the B450. It even incorporates some RGB lighting for added aesthetics. The board contains a six-power section design and assist for as much as 128GB DDR4-3533+ OC reminiscence relying on the CPU used.

The first PCIe 3.0 slot runs at full X16 pace and the slot options metal reinforcement for additional strengthening. There may be additionally a secondary PCIe 2.0 X16 slot working at x4 pace. For storage, there are two M.2 slots and 4 SATA 3 ports, and notably, the second M.2 slot solely helps M.2 SATA drives and shares bandwidth with the third SATA 3 port so if both one is in use the opposite one is disabled. The rear I/O appears strong with two USB 3.1 Gen2 (Kind-A and Kind-C), 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Kind-A ports, HDMI and Show Port, Ethernet, gold-plated audio ports, and even a PS/2 port for legacy peripherals.

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