When it comes to building a high-performance gaming PC, the motherboard is the unsung hero. While many gamers focus on the GPU and CPU, choosing the right motherboard is critical for overall system stability, expansion options, and future-proofing your setup. In 2024, gaming motherboards have come a long way, offering support for the latest technologies, faster memory speeds, and robust overclocking potential Best Motherboard for Gaming in 2024.
Best Motherboard for Gaming in 2024
In this guide, we will discuss some of the best gaming motherboards on the market today, along with key features to look for when selecting the right one for your needs. From budget options to high-end motherboards, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choosing the Right Gaming Motherboard Matters
Before diving into the list of top gaming motherboards, it’s important to understand why this component is essential to your gaming experience. A motherboard connects all the parts of your PC, including the processor, memory, storage, and peripheral devices. Here are a few reasons why selecting the right one is so important:
- Compatibility: Your motherboard must be compatible with your CPU, RAM, GPU, and other components. For instance, an Intel CPU requires a different motherboard socket than an AMD CPU.
- Expansion Options: If you plan to upgrade your system in the future, you’ll need a motherboard with sufficient PCIe slots, RAM slots, and storage connectors.
- Overclocking Support: For gamers who want to push their hardware to the limit, a motherboard with overclocking capabilities can unlock extra performance.
- Connectivity: Modern gaming PCs need fast storage (like M.2 SSDs), USB 3.2/USB-C ports, and Wi-Fi 6E support for seamless online gaming.
With those factors in mind, let’s explore the best gaming motherboards in 2024, categorized by different needs and budgets.
Best Gaming Motherboards for 2024
1. ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme (Best High-End AMD Motherboard)
If you’re looking for the ultimate motherboard to pair with an AMD Ryzen 7000-series processor, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is one of the best choices available. This motherboard is loaded with top-tier features and designed to offer peak performance in gaming, overclocking, and content creation.
Key Features:
- Chipset: AMD X670E chipset
- Socket: AM5
- RAM: Supports DDR5 with speeds up to 6400MHz and beyond
- PCIe Slots: PCIe 5.0 for both GPU and storage for maximum bandwidth
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 10Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2
- Storage: 2x M.2 slots (with PCIe 5.0) and 6x SATA ports
- Overclocking: Advanced VRM design for extreme overclocking
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme delivers outstanding performance, particularly for gamers who want the best of everything. The motherboard’s PCIe 5.0 support ensures that you’ll be ready for next-generation GPUs and SSDs, making it an ideal choice for future-proofing.
2. MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK WIFI (Best Budget AMD Motherboard)
For gamers who want solid performance without breaking the bank, the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK WIFI is a fantastic option. It provides great value by combining essential features for gaming with a budget-friendly price tag.
Key Features:
- Chipset: AMD B550 chipset
- Socket: AM4 (supports Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors)
- RAM: Supports DDR4 memory up to 4400MHz (OC)
- PCIe Slots: PCIe 4.0 for the GPU and SSDs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Storage: 1x M.2 slot (PCIe 4.0), 6x SATA ports
The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK WIFI offers excellent Wi-Fi connectivity, making it ideal for gamers who prefer wireless setups. It also provides PCIe 4.0 support, ensuring you can take full advantage of the latest GPUs and ultra-fast storage devices.
3. Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master (Best High-End Intel Motherboard)
For Intel enthusiasts, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master is one of the best motherboards available for gaming. It’s designed to fully leverage the capabilities of Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs, offering excellent overclocking performance and cutting-edge features.
Key Features:
- Chipset: Intel Z790 chipset
- Socket: LGA 1700 (supports Intel Core i9/i7/i5 CPUs)
- RAM: Supports DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz and DDR4 memory up to 5333MHz
- PCIe Slots: PCIe 5.0 support for both GPU and storage
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 10Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2
- Storage: 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0/5.0 slots, 6x SATA ports
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master is equipped with PCIe 5.0 for next-gen graphics and storage, while Wi-Fi 6E and 10Gb Ethernet offer ultra-fast online connectivity. The board’s robust power delivery system ensures stable performance, even when overclocking the most powerful Intel chips.
4. ASRock Z690 Taichi (Best Value Intel Motherboard)
If you’re looking for a more affordable yet feature-packed Intel motherboard, the ASRock Z690 Taichi delivers excellent value for gamers who don’t need the premium frills but still want top-notch performance.
Key Features:
- Chipset: Intel Z690 chipset
- Socket: LGA 1700 (supports Intel Core i9/i7/i5 CPUs)
- RAM: Supports DDR5 up to 6400MHz and DDR4 up to 5333MHz
- PCIe Slots: PCIe 5.0 support
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Storage: 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, 6x SATA ports
The ASRock Z690 Taichi offers a balanced mix of performance and features at a more accessible price than the top-tier Intel motherboards. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving users flexibility depending on their budget.
5. ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WiFi (Best Intel Motherboard for Mid-Range Builds)
For a solid mid-range Intel build, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WiFi is a reliable motherboard offering excellent durability and gaming-oriented features at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Chipset: Intel Z590 chipset
- Socket: LGA 1200 (supports Intel 10th and 11th-gen processors)
- RAM: Supports DDR4 up to 5000MHz (OC)
- PCIe Slots: PCIe 4.0 for high-speed GPUs and SSDs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Storage: 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, 6x SATA ports
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus offers solid durability, military-grade components, and a great selection of ports. It’s a great choice for mid-tier gamers who want reliability and great performance without the extra cost of premium features.
6. MSI MEG Z690 ACE (Best for Overclocking)
If overclocking is a priority for you, the MSI MEG Z690 ACE should be on your radar. With a strong VRM design and advanced cooling solutions, it’s designed to handle high power demands and maintain system stability under heavy loads.
Key Features:
- Chipset: Intel Z690 chipset
- Socket: LGA 1700 (supports Intel Core i9/i7/i5 CPUs)
- RAM: Supports DDR5 up to 6400MHz and DDR4 up to 5333MHz
- PCIe Slots: PCIe 5.0 for next-gen GPUs and storage
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 10Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2
- Storage: 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0/5.0 slots, 6x SATA ports
The MSI MEG Z690 ACE offers extensive overclocking features, including a robust VRM cooling solution and premium capacitors for stability during heavy overclocking sessions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best motherboard for gaming in 2024 depends largely on your budget, the specific features you need, and the components you plan to pair it with. Whether you’re building a high-end system with AMD or Intel, or you’re working within a more modest budget, there are plenty of options that will deliver exceptional performance for gaming.
To recap:
- For high-end AMD systems, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme offers top-tier features and future-proofing.
- For a more affordable AMD option, consider the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK WIFI.
- For Intel enthusiasts, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master and ASRock Z690 Taichi are both excellent choices.
- If you prioritize overclocking, the MSI MEG Z690 ACE offers extreme performance.
With the right motherboard, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy smooth, high-quality gaming for years to come.