Building a new PC is a complex process, full of choices and trade-offs. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is which motherboard to choose. With so many different options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a motherboard:
- Processor compatibility: Make sure the motherboard you choose is compatible with your processor.
- Features: Consider the features that are important to you, such as number of USB ports, PCIe slots, and audio quality.
- Price: Motherboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping.
Best Overall Intel B660
If you decide to spend a lot of money on an Intel B660 motherboard, MSI, Gigabyte, and Asus are all willing to sell you one. However, we recommend that if you are spending over $200, you switch to a Z690 motherboard instead. This is because quality Z690 motherboards, such as the MSI Pro Z690-A, start at $190.
Best All-Round AMD X570 Motherboard
There are many motherboards available for those of you who are spending around $300. None of them are bad choices, which is not surprising given that this is a relatively high price to pay for a motherboard that supports a mainstream socket. However, you should know that the MSI X570 Tomahawk has VRM performance that can surpass many other motherboards at a lower price point. Just make sure it has the features you want, as it is still a mainstream product.
Best Intel Z490 Motherboard
If you have a budget of around $200, you can get a great quality motherboard like the MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk. It is priced around $190 and can handle even the most demanding processors, such as the Core i9-10900K, without overheating.
Best All-Round AMD B450 Motherboard
If you can afford to spend an extra $40, we recommend skipping the cheaper entry-level motherboards. While it may seem like a big jump in price, you will get a significantly higher quality motherboard that can easily handle any Ryzen CPU.
