You can purchase costly GPU and CPU, but the foundation of your PC has to be strong to make them work together rightly. And for that, you need an excellent motherboard that is compatible with your other components.
Here he has listed the top 10 Intel motherboards for your gaming rig which if powered with Intel processors can take your gaming experience to a new level. Top 10 AMD motherboards list is also available on our site.
The top 10 Intel motherboards are categorized into four sections. Below is the list.
Top Intel Z490 Motherboards
1. Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme
Comet Lake support:
This motherboard, as its name says is packed with extreme features and sits on the top of the top 10 Intel motherboards that are simply magnificent. The Maximus XII Extreme is best suited for a Comet Lake core-i9.
High Performance:
It delivers the highest level of performance due to its extraordinary build. Although its price being on the higher side, you won’t regret paying the bucks for this one.
Specs:
- CPU support: Intel 10th Gen
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Form Factor: Extended ATX
- Memory-Support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4700
- Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 (or x8/x8), 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
- Video ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports on an extension card (DP1.4)
- Rear USB: 10x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
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Dual M.2 Slot:
- 2x M.2, 2x M.2 (DIMM.2 board),
- Other Storage: 8x SATA Ports 6Gbps
- Network: 1x 10Gb Marvell ethernet, 1x Intel ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless
Best Price: $1219.99 (Amazon)
2. Asus ROG Maximus XII HERO (Wi-Fi)
The Maximum XII Hero is the best motherboard for the most recent Intel chipsets listed in the top 10 Intel motherboard category, due to its magnificent cooling system. The Latest Intel chipset requires more power, bright cooling, and supportability for quick memories.
Among the top 10 Intel motherboards, the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero stands proud.
Specs:
- Chipset: Intel Z490
- Socket: LGA1200
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory-Support: 4 x DIMM (Max. 128GB)
- Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 3x PCIe x1
- Multi-GPU support: NVIDIA 2-Way SLI Technology, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX Technology, AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology
- Storage : 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
- Rear USB: 8x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
- Video ports: 1x HDMI
- Network: 1x Marvell 5Gb, 1x Intel 1Gb LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless
- Features: Aluminum M.2 heatsink cover, 10K Black Metallic Capacitors, ROG Extreme OC kit
Best Price: $379.99 (Amazon)
3. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike
Our next entry in the list of top 10 Intel motherboards is the MSI MEG Z490 Godlike which is the best high-end Intel motherboard currently available. Upon installing Intel components, you will get the highest-level performance with the MEG Godlike motherboard.
It consists of outstanding overclocking performance, hassle-free installation, and most importantly, a superb thermal solution.
Specs:
- Chipset: Intel Z490
- Socket: LGA1200
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Memory-Support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB), DDR4-5000 (OC)
- Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
- Storage : 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps, 2x M.2 Xpander-Z
- Rear USB: 8x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
- Video ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3
- Network: 1x 10Gb Aquantia, 1x 2.5Gb Realtek LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless
- Multi-GPU support: 2-Way NVIDIA SLI Technology, 3-Way AMD CrossFire Technology
- Features: M.2 Xpander-Z Gen4 S, 10G Super LAN + 2.5G LAN, Frozn Heatsink, Double Side M.2 Shield Frozn
Best Price: $718.99 (Amazon)
4. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi
The MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon motherboards build takes us back to retro days with its uncommon back panel and the left-out OLED displays. Although you will not get the performance level as the aforementioned models, it will surely amaze you.
This motherboard doesn’t provide features like other top 10 Intel motherboards but the MSI MPG Gaming Carbon is still a good choice for those having a Comet-Lake CPU.
Specs:
- CPU socket: Intel 10th Gen
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory-Support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 (OC)
- Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
- Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
- Rear USB: 5x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
- Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
- Network: 1x 2.5Gb LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless
Best Price: $285.99 (Amazon)
5. GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X
The GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X doesn’t have those unique feature others have but if are someone who is devoted to Intel, and doesn’t want to spend a huge amount, this product may be just what you wanted.
This is a base-level motherboard for gamers that produces performance like other high-end motherboards. This a budget-option amongst the top 10 Intel motherboards. The only drawback is that it doesn’t come with USB Type-C connectivity.
Specs:
- Chipset: Intel Z490
- Form Factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1200
- Memory-Support: 4 x DIMM sockets (up to 128GB)
-
Expansion Slots (PCIe x16):
- 1x PCIe x16 (x16), 1x PCIe x16 (x4), 3x PCIe x1
- Video Ports: 1 x HDMI port,
- Rear USB: 5x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
- Network: Intel® GbE LAN chip (1000 Mbit/100 Mbit)
- Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
- Multi-GPU support: AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire and 2-Way AMD CrossFire
- Features: Support for APP Center, Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus support, Xpress Install support
Best Price: $154.00 (Amazon)
Top Intel B460 Motherboards
6. MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi
You might be tempted to buy a Z490 series motherboards that have quad-core GPU support, 10GB LAN, and 7x M.2 slots. But do you need all that stuff? If your answer is ‘no’, then you might consider buying a B460 series motherboard which also offers great quality.
The MSI MAG B460M Mortar WiFi is our first entry into the top 10 Intel motherboards. While building your PC, if you are not looking to overclock or you may deal with the lower-memory limit, then this motherboard can give you top-level performance.
It consists of a powerful 2.5 GB LAN, VRM, and Wi-Fi-6. If paired with Intel Corei5-10600 along with an affordable GPU, you are in for a ride.
Specs:
- CPU support: Intel 10th Gen
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Form Factor: Micro ATX
- Memory-Support: 4x DIMM, up to DDR4-2933 (i7,i9) or DDR4-2666 (i5)
- Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
- Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
- Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen (1x Type-C), 2x USB 2.0
- Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
- Network: Realtek 2.5Gb LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless
Best Price: $104.99 (Newegg)
7. ASRock B460 Steel Legend
At a price point of $120-ish, the ASRock B460 Steel Legend is a mid range B460 motherboard. It is loaded with VRM designs which is the need of the hour by 10th Gen CPUs.The ASRock B460 Steel Legend provides good value-for-money to users who aren’t tempted by flashy features and are only dedicated to performance.
This top 10 Intel motherboard, sports a strong ATX board that can power stage the 10th gen CPUs without producing extra heat. It also has an integrated Wi-Fi that may serve as a bonus for some.
Specs:
- CPU support: Intel 10th Gen
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory-Support: 4x DIMM, up to DDR4-2933 (i7,i9) or DDR4-2666 (i5)
- Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
- Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
- Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen (1x Type-C), 2x USB 2.0
- Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
- Network: Realtek 2.5Gb LAN
Best Price: $134.99
Top Intel Z390 Motherboards
8. Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra
The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra has some unique features that will serve your needs, such as M.2 slots for supporting NVMe SSDs, and a complete RGB solution. At this price point, the gaming motherboards compete with high-level MSI Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon AC as well as ASUS ROG Maximum XI Hero (Wi-Fi).
With all its flashy features this entry in the list of top 10 Intel motherboard, the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra doesn’t do justice to restrained gaming PC needs but at the same time produces reasonable performance given the price. You can switch-off the RGB lighting from the BIOS settings if don’t like it.
Specs:
-
CPU support, Coffee Lake:
- Intel 8th and 9th Gen
- Socket: LGA 1151
- Form Factors: ATX
- Memory-Support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4400 (OC)
- Expansion slots: PCIe x16, PCIe x16 (x8), PCIe x16 (x4), 3x PCIe x1
- Video ports: HDMI
- Rear USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 (1x Type-C), 2x USB 3.1 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
- Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA
- Network: Ethernet, 1.73Gbps 802.11ac wireless
Best Price: $249.99 (Amazon)
9. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
With the recent price deduction and disappearance of the earlier Z370 models, the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming provides excellent value and performance in the mini-ITX segment.
The smallest among mini-ITX has many unique features, such as PCIe Gen-3 x4 M.2 slots, an upgraded version of Intel 9560 2×2 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, Intel v219 Ethernet. Despite these salient features, the top 10 Intel motherboard doesn’t take much time to assemble and configure. Although this motherboard is quickly becoming a rare entity, its earlier version can be found vividly.
Specs:
- CPU support: Intel 8th and 9th Gen
- Socket: LGA 1151
- Form Factor: Mini-ITX
- Memory-Support: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-4800 (OC)
- Expansion slots: 1x PCIe x16
- Video ports: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2
- USB ports: 7x rear IO, 1x front IO, 4x internal
- Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
- Network: Ethernet, 866Mbps 802.11ac
- Lighting: Edge RGB, 1x Addressable Aura RGB
Best Price: $322.99
Top Intel X series Motherboards
10. ASRock X299 Taichi
The ASRock X299 Taichi, the last entry in our list of top 10 Intel motherboards is undoubtedly the best Intel Core X-Series motherboard. The spectacular X-series Intel processors have arrived and to make full use of those motherboards you need to have an x-Series supported motherboard, which the ASRock X299 Taichi is.
High Speed:
It has an enormous overclocked memory speed which goes up to a monumental 4400MHz!
Memory slots:
The ASRock X299 Taichi also has 8 various slots for memory modules. Despite the price being on the higher side, you can’t complain about the performance of this monster.
Specs:
- CPU Support: Intel X299
- Socket: LGA-2066
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory-Support: Quad-Channel 8 x DDR4 4,400MHz (up to 128GB)
- Multi-GPU support: Nvidia 3-Way SLI, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX
- Features: 3 x PCIe M.2 (Key M)
- Network: Dual Intel® Gigabit LAN, Intel® 802.11ac WiFi
- Lighting: ASRock RGB LED
Best Price: $523.99
FAQs On Top 10 Intel Motherboards
- Does gaming depend on a good motherboard?
- Yes. Many people say that only GPU and CPU are responsible for gaming performance but that is not true. You must have a good motherboard to reach the optimal level of gaming performance.
- What is the best integrated graphics card? (2020)?
- The greatest integrated-graphics card of 2020 is undoubtedly is AMD Vega 10. It is integrated with Ryzen 3 3400G and Ryzen 3 2400G.
- Can you add USB-C to older computers?
- Yes. If you want a Type-C port into your motherboard, you can install a Type-C PCIe Adapter.
- Should I get AMD Ryzen 3rd Gen or get Intel 10th Gen?
- It solely depends on your needs. Intel 10th Gen is on the little bit faster side compared to the AMD Ryzen 3rd Gen.
- Is Intel 10th gen. worth it?
- Yes. Definitely. The Intel 10th Gen has a faster single-core performance compared to its contemporaries. It is efficient in terms of performance. So, pairing it with top 10 Intel motherboards can increase the performance.
- What is the best motherboard brand?
- Several lop-quality brands regularly produce motherboards. Also, we have made a list top 10 Intel motherboards here. One brand has a top model which might be topped by another. So, there is no concrete fact. Every model is best if it meets your needs perfectly.
- Which is the best motherboard for the i5 7500?
- It all boils down to your preference. Nothing can be labeled as ‘best’. Although you might consider the entries in the top 10 Intel motherboards here, here are some more choices you may consider- 1. Asus STRIX B250F GAMING ATX LGA1151, 2. MSI B250 PC MATE ATX LGA1151, 3. GIGABYTE GA-B250-HD3 LGA1151, 4. ASUS PRIME B250-PLUS LGA1151
- Should I wait for AMD 4th Gen or get Intel 10th Gen?
- If you need to build a rig instantly, then you might go for the Intel 10th Gen. Else you can opt to wait for AMD’s 4th Gen release.
- 10th generation: Comparing them, we have found AMD to be slightly powerful than Intel, but the latter has a great price-to-performance value.
- Will an Nvidia gpu work on an AMD Motherboard?
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NVIDIA Graphics Cards support:
- Yes. An NVIDIA GPU will work with an AMD motherboard.
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- Is i9 9900k future proof?
- Definitely. It is built for the upcoming motherboards that support PCIe 4.0.
- What is phantom gaming growing?
- It is a gaming motherboard developed by ASRock to provide ultimate gaming performance.
- What is the best Asus Tuf gaming laptop?
- Asus TUF Gaming A17 Ryzen 5 Hexa Core 4600H, is one of the very best in the series.
Key Points To Remember When Choosing A Top 10 Intel Motherboard
Front panel:
A top 10 Intel motherboard will have front panel control for lights, speakers, power on/off, and reset buttons.
Form Factor:
It is also a considerable factor in deciding which top 10 Intel motherboard will meet your needs. A design form of electronics defining prescribed shape, size, and other various specifications.
Full Sized ATX Size:
When choosing a top 10 Intel motherboard, you need to have the right information about the specs. The Standard dimensions of a full-sized ATX are 12 x 9.6 in (305 x 244 mm).
Conclusion:
There you have it, the list of the top 10 Intel motherboards for your gaming rig. Choosing the right one out of the top 10 Intel motherboards will certainly give you an amazing experience.
Sources: Asus, Top 10 Intel Motherboards, 28th December 2020.
