What’s a Good Motherboard for Gaming?
When building a gaming PC, the motherboard is an essential component that connects all your parts, from the CPU to RAM, SSD, and graphics card. It can indirectly lead to bottleneck if it doesn’t support the required components that can be checked by using Bottleneck calculator. Finding the best motherboards for a gaming pc can be complicated, as it will depend on the CPU you select, to begin with.
AMD chipsets will only work with AMD processors, the same is true for Intel boards and processors. It is even more complicated when looking for new processors, like Ryzen 7000 and Intel Core Ultra, as these newer processors will not work in older motherboards.
They did test computer components together with the answer of limited compatibility. So most people will need to contemplate a motherboard for a gaming desktop, to match not only the CPU model but also what you want to do in gaming applications.
So, what is a good motherboard for gaming? Besides compatibility, the are many variables to consider when selecting the best motherboard for gaming. In this guide, we took the time to research the best motherboard for both Intel and AMD CPUs, we included some of the most compact mini-ITX boards to the largest full-size ATX. The motherboard choice of parts will depend on your gaming system and budget.
Are Gaming Motherboards Worth It?
The answer to whether a gaming motherboard is worth the extra money is completely subjective, depending on your needs, tastes, and budget. Gaming motherboards typically tend to more expensive overall compared to standard motherboards, but they have extra features, more options for expansion, better designed audio, and aesthetic designs geared towards gamers.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Motherboard?
You must follow the given factors while choosing a good motherboard for a gaming pc or desktop.
- Make sure the motherboard supports your CPU.
- Choose the correct size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) for your case.
- Look at RAM capacity and supported speed.
- Make sure you have enough motherboard slots for whatever you need (video card, etc.)
- Check SATA and M.2 slots for drives.
- USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.
- Good power delivery and quality VRMs,
- Fan header, heat sinks, liquid cooling support.
- Get the best value you can for your budget.
What’s a Good Motherboard for Gaming 2025?
The motherboard is one of the more critical components to consider when building your ideal gaming PC. There are so many choices to choose from in 2025 that making a choice on the best gaming motherboard could take some time. To help you make the best decision, we have identified 11 of the best new motherboards for gaming for this year.
1. MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi – Best for AMD
The MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi is a high-quality motherboard designed for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. It has PCIe 5.0 support, confidently ensuring your performance is future-proofed by giving you the ability to properly use the latest technologies for GPUS and SSDS.
Its great build quality and power delivery make it suitable for heavy workloads and overclocking. The connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6e, 10Gb Ethernet, and DDR5 RAM all make the X670E Carbon WiFi shockingly fast on top of being stable to use. When paired with AMD hardware, you should optimally experience the best performance possible from this motherboard.
Key Features
- Supports AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for good performance
- Wi-Fi 6E and 10Gb Ethernet for ultra-fast connectivity
- Robust power delivery for stable overclocking
- Sleek carbon fiber design for an attractive, durable build
2. Gigabyte Aorus Elite X670 WiFi7 Ice – Best White
The Gigabyte Aorus Elite X670 WiFi7 Ice is made for the best gaming experience, particularly with gamers looking for a white-themed build. The motherboard has PCIe 5.0, so it can offer a lot of bandwidth to high-end graphics cards and storage drives.
With Wi-Fi 7 capability, this motherboard offers faster wireless speeds than ever, with gamers needing low-latency connectivity. With cooling that is more than capable of dealing with heavy loads, this motherboard is a great option for gamers and creators.
Key Features
- Supports AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for superior speed and performance
- Wi-Fi 7 support for lightning-fast wireless speeds
- Excellent cooling solutions for sustained performance
- White-themed design for a stylish aesthetic
3. Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero – Best Premium AMD
The Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero is a fancy motherboard aimed at gamers who want their best AMD machine. It has full support for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors, which means fantastic power delivery, stability, and performance while you push your CPU to its limits while gaming.
This board has PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and 10Gb Ethernet, which give you the best speed and connectivity available. Furthermore, it’s highly aesthetic and displays RGB, which will make your build as a whole look amazing, too.
Key Features
- Supports AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 for next-gen performance
- Wi-Fi 6E and 10Gb Ethernet for fast, reliable networking
- Premium power delivery and advanced cooling solutions
- Stunning RGB lighting and design for an eye-catching build
4. Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 – Best for Durability
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 is a sturdy and trustworthy motherboard for Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake processors. This motherboard is perfect for gamer types who prioritise reliability and durability.
The motherboard has PCIe 5.0 and DDR4, as well as solid cooling options for overclocking, and it features Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet for fast and stable networking settings for online games. The low price and durable build of this motherboard also make it an attractive option for reliability.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 12th Gen processors
- Military-grade durability with TUF components
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR4 support for maximum bandwidth
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast networking
- Excellent cooling solutions for overclocking
5. MSI MPG Z790I Edge WiFi – Best Mini-ITX Intel
The MSI MPG Z790I Edge WiFi is a solid choice for gamers seeking a powerful motherboard for an Intel-based build in the compact mini-ITX form factor. This motherboard supports Intel’s Alder Lake and Raptor Lake 12th and 13th Gen processors, even with its compact form.
With support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, you can expect fast and future-proof speeds, and with Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet connectors, you can expect great connectivity. Because of the mini-ITX form factor, this is a great option for performance-minded gamers looking to optimize space.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for blazing-fast performance
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for top-tier networking
- Compact mini-ITX form factor for smaller builds
- High-end power delivery and cooling for stable overclocking
6. ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 – Best Motherboard Gaming DDR4
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 is consistent and performance oriented and is formatted for Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen processors. Supporting DDR4 memory provides gamers top speeds and stability without upgrading to DDR5. Solid support for PCIe 4.0 enables performance from a GPU.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors
- DDR4 and PCIe 4.0 support for high-speed performance
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast, stable networking
- Stylish white-themed design for an attractive build
7. MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi – Best Motherboard Gaming
DDR5
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi can run the latest Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors. It is best with DDR5 memory. It supports PCIe 5.0 to be compatible with next-generation GPUS and SSDS. Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet provide excellent connectivity. With excellent power delivery, overclocking is also easy.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for extreme speeds
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for ultra-fast connectivity
- Strong VRM design for overclocking stability
8. ASUS H81M-K – Best LGA 1150 Gaming
The ASUS H81M-K is a budget-friendly motherboard that supports Intel’s 4th Gen processors and features DDR3 support and PCIe 2.0. It provides solid gaming performance for older builds. It has a Micro-ATX form factor that allows for compact and efficient builds and is a great fit for entry-level gaming rigs.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 4th Gen processors
- DDR3 and PCIe 2.0 support for high performance
- Compact Micro-ATX form factor
9. Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H – Best LGA 1155 Gaming
The Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H has great performance for Intel’s 2nd and 3rd Gen processors. With support for DDR3 and PCIe 3.0, this motherboard blends speed and efficiency for all the gamers in the house. The advanced cooling options and solid build quality make this a great option for a new motherboard build.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 2nd and 3rd Gen processors
- DDR3 and PCIe 3.0 support for good performance
- Micro-ATX form factor for smaller builds
- Multiple USB 3.0 ports for faster data transfer
10. MSI H97 Gaming 3 – Best H97 Gaming
The MSI H97 Gaming 3 is a flexible motherboard for Intel’s 4th and 5th Gen processors. It offers decent gaming performance with DDR3 memory and PCIe 3.0. Gaming LAN, Audio Boost, and advanced cooling options make it an ideal choice for gamers looking to build with the H97 chipset.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 4th and 5th Gen processors
- DDR3 and PCIe 3.0 support for great performance
- Advanced cooling for stable overclocking
11. ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi – Best for Intel i7
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi is compatible with Intel’s two latest Core i7 chips, the 12th and 13th Gen. As such, it’s the foremost Intel motherboard choice for gamers. PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support mean it will be ready for the newest GPUS and storage devices, and Wi-Fi 6 means fast and stable networking.
Key Features
- Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen i7 processors
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 for high performance
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for networking
- High-end cooling for overclocking
FAQs
Conclusion
Choosing the fastest motherboard for gaming for your 2025 build is a critical decision that can affect everything about performance and durability. There are some great options for Intel and AMD builds that will fit the budget and get the job done for your gaming system. As with all things, consider things like CPU compatibility and RAM, as well as cooling solutions, features to connect things, etc.
