Building a PC can be a fun and rewarding experience that will help you have a new understanding of your computer, which you will be able to use both to keep it running longer and to make better decisions about any computers you purchase in the future. There are plenty of options, so you can customize it in many ways to fit your budget and personality. It’s also surprisingly easy to build, with one of the hardest steps being choosing all the right components.
Keep reading as we get you started with a discussion about some of the best motherboards available right now.
What is a Motherboard?
The motherboard is the backbone of your computer. You attach all other components to it so they can work together. It provides pathways for data transfer, slots for additional cards (GPU, sound cards, etc.), and ports for external devices, like USB ports, monitors, etc. It also distributes power to the different devices.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Motherboard
Ensure the motherboard is compatible with your chosen central processing unit (CPU), as they won’t all work together. The most common are AMD and Intel Core CPUs, like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, and Intel Core i9-13900K, and they will need a matching board.
If you plan to keep rebuilding your computer to keep it up to date, look for motherboards with ample PCIe slots for future upgrades, including GPUs, storage, and other peripherals. If you are on a tight budget, try to determine how many PCI slots you will need so you don’t waste money on extra.
Consider the type and number of USB ports you want to have. You can also determine whether you need to use an HDMI cable with your computer or if it will also have WiFi. There are also audio options to consider.
Consider how much RAM you will need so you can get a motherboard that supports it.
A good power delivery system and efficient cooling solutions are essential for stability, especially if you plan to overclock.
User-friendly BIOS and comprehensive software support can make a big difference in managing your system.
Top Five Motherboards Right Now
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero
Chipset: AMD X670E
Socket: AM5
Features:
- Supports the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors.
- PCIe 5.0 slots for faster graphics and storage options.
- Robust power delivery system with 18+2 power stages.
- Excellent connectivity with WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
- Comprehensive cooling options, including multiple fan headers and AIO pump headers.
MSI MEG Z790 ACE
Chipset: Intel Z790
Socket: LGA 1700
Features:
- Designed for Intel's 13th Gen Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors.
- Dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for advanced graphics setups.
- High-speed networking with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports and WiFi 6E.
- Advanced cooling with heat-pipe design and Frozr Heatsink.
- Extensive overclocking capabilities for enthusiasts.
Gigabyte AORUS X670 Master
Chipset: AMD X670
Socket: AM5
Features:
- Compatible with the latest AMD Ryzen processors.
- PCIe 5.0 support for the latest GPUs and SSDs.
- Premium audio with ESS Sabre Hi-Fi 9118 DAC.
- Dual-channel DDR5 memory support.
- Advanced thermal design with direct touch heat pipe and multiple temperature sensors.
ASRock Z790 Taichi
Chipset: Intel Z790
Socket: LGA 1700
Features:
- Supports 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
- PCIe 5.0 ready for next-gen graphics cards.
- Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for ultra-fast data transfer.
- Robust power design with 24-phase power delivery.
- Stylish design with customizable RGB lighting.
ASUS TUF Gaming X670-PLUS WiFi
Chipset: AMD X670
Socket: AM5
Features:
- Built for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
- PCIe 5.0 slots for top-tier graphics cards and NVMe SSDs.
- Military-grade components for enhanced durability and performance.
- WiFi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for reliable connectivity.
- User-friendly BIOS and software for easy configuration and monitoring.
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