Greatest small issue motherboards 2023: Picks for Intel and AMD

You’d wish to construct a small form-factor PC, however you need that “big” efficiency? No sweat, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-i Gaming WiFi brings you precisely that. Make no mistake, at $469 MSRP, that is an enthusiast-focused premium providing. 

What do you get in change? From the second you open the tiny field, you’ll respect the included equipment and premium really feel of the expertise. You’ll get your typical fare of SATA cables and stickers, however there’s extra! You’ll additionally get a neat exterior sound system, referred to as the “ROG Hive,” which acts as just a little hub. That is nice for small builds that may’t match sound playing cards or extra growth internally. The “FPS II” card additionally offers you extra SATA ports and headers when linked to the motherboard, a intelligent means of maintaining the necessary parts unaffected whereas including extra utility in a small bundle. 

The equipment are enjoyable, however you’ll be actually impressed with the efficiency. Strong VRMs with 10+1 energy phases ought to simply deal with even the mighty Intel i9 13900K. Take into account that you’ll want some heavy-duty CPU cooling for the i9 CPUs, which can be a problem in a small form-factor construct. (You’ll probably need to pair this with a barely much less power-hungry Intel CPU, such because the i7 13700K, if solely to save lots of house on cooling.) 

Including to its pedigree is the inclusion of next-generation tech. DDR5 RAM is commonplace, however bear in mind you’ll be restricted to only 2 DIMM slots and 64GB of RAM. That’s one downside compared to bigger Micro-ATX or ATX motherboards that sometimes enable for 4 DIMM slots and 128GB. 

The newest PCIe can be right here—with a PCIe Gen 5 16x slot on your GPU. Theoretically you may also get Gen 5 speeds on one of many M.2 slots, with some drawbacks: You’ll need to share these PCIe Gen 5 lanes for that to occur, that means your GPU gained’t have entry to all 16x. The most effective resolution is to maintain the GPU at 16x, and simply run the M.2 slots each at Gen 4, which is then high quality. (Onerous to saturate Gen 5 proper now for the reason that {hardware} is so new.) 

The excellent news continues with the onboard options. Want USB ports? You’ll get a complete of 9 rear ports! That’s an amazing quantity that rivals even some ATX motherboards. If that wasn’t sufficient, they’re mighty quick, too. You’ll even get two of the rarified Thunderbolt 4 ports for 40Gb/s goodness. They’ll even function display-out ports for screens, together with the one HDMI-out out there on the rear. 

For networking, you’ll get 2.5Gb LAN together with Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth can be commonplace, permitting for versatile connectivity. That is akin to many ATX motherboards, so there are nearly no compromises on the networking entrance. With the included Asus “ROG Hive” exterior system, you possibly can have a quantity dial at arm’s size for fast adjustment.

So it’s feature-packed and performs nice—however how concerning the design aesthetics? It’s a pure-breed ROG, or Republic of Players, high-end fanatic design from Asus. With beautiful styling, tasteful RGB implementation, it’s one candy bundle. When you might not see it a lot in a small Mini-ITX PC case, the seen components are certain to impress. 

Are there any drawbacks to pay attention to? First, it’s definitely a dear choice at $429 for some. You’re additionally paying for some options that avid gamers might not at all times want (comparable to Thunderbolt 4). It’s additionally restricted considerably by its measurement, in comparison with a Micro-ATX motherboard or ATX. Fewer RAM slots, PCIe slots, and SATA ports, primarily. In any other case, it’s a incredible motherboard for the fitting consumer.

It’s not low-cost, however if you happen to’re aiming to construct one of many quickest Mini-ITX gaming PCs identified to avid gamers, this can be a key part that may assist accomplish that job. 

In case you’re after a small form-factor construct and need a good steadiness of options for the value, The Asus ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi is a worthy selection. Coming in at $219, it’s considerably cheaper than its Z790 counterpart, however with some notable drawbacks. 

Whereas each boards are Mini-ITX, this motherboard is wrapped within the B760 Intel chipset as an alternative of Z790. Which means an absence of actual overclocking assist—we’d keep away from a lot of the “K” Intel SKUs such because the 13900K. You’re probably to make use of one thing like an Intel i5 13600, which could have much less energy draw and warmth. Each are advantageous in a small form-factor construct! 

B760 additionally offers you much less VRM cooling generally, to go in keeping with the extra environment friendly CPUs. You’re additionally extra restricted with theoretical PCIe lanes, SATA ports, and USB ports. This isn’t as a lot of an element since Mini-ITX already units a cap of a lot of this stuff as a consequence of measurement. 

If a few of these drawbacks are acceptable to you, there are a lot of constructive options to seek out right here. Whereas the included equipment don’t embrace novelties such because the “ROG Hive,” additionally they add to the price. You’re nonetheless getting all of what you want right here, like a Wi-Fi antenna, SATA cables, and many others.—and nothing that you just don’t. 

Most significantly, efficiency with most CPUs will nonetheless be stellar, even with the 8+1 energy stage VRMs. You’re nonetheless gaining access to DDR5 RAM, albeit the identical two-slot restrict as on any Mini-ITX motherboard at 64GB. 

PCIe Gen 5 can be right here however restricted to only the 16x GPU slot. That’s greater than acceptable, as functionally even the dearer Z790 model affords related capabilities. When you can by no means do PCIe Gen 5 on the NVMe slots, Gen 4 is greater than enough for nearly any drive you throw at it. You’ll get the identical two onboard NVMe slots on the dearer Z790 model, too. 

The rear I/O is one other space of comparability: As anticipated, you’re not getting Thunderbolt 4. That’s high quality—many avid gamers gained’t make the most of these speeds. You continue to get 20Gb/s USB 3, nevertheless, which is greater than enough for many customers. 

You’ll get the identical 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth as with all different choices. This makes it nearly an identical to dearer varieties. Audio is okay too. 

This motherboard additionally has one of many neatest designs we’ve seen—it’s very colourful. With high-quality supplies, the premium really feel is carried all through. It additionally incorporates glorious design components which can be very practical, just like the built-in I/O protect. You’ll discover the Asus Q-latch, which helps you to come out your M.2 with a screwless design. 

General, if you happen to’re okay with the constraints of B760—comparable to the shortage of overclocking—you’re getting an amazing set of options right here and saving a big amount of cash. 

If you wish to avoid wasting extra cash whereas going Micro-ATX and nonetheless pack a punch, the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi is simply the ticket. With an MSRP of $199, it would have some tradeoffs—the identical B760 chipset limits famous above, comparable to lack of overclocking, and fewer VRM grunt as nicely. 

You do get 12+1+1 duet rail VRMs, so that you’ll be prepared for nearly any Intel CPU. We advocate avoiding the overclockable Okay SKUs right here to avoid wasting coin—you’ll do nice with even the usual i9 13900. With its decrease wattage, it may be a boon for small form-factor builds that will lack correct CPU cooling. 

The more and more mainstream DDR5 RAM can be supported, with quicker and cheaper kits out there as time goes on. You not have to carry onto DDR4 motherboards to avoid wasting money, DDR5 is the pattern going ahead. You’ll additionally get 4 DIMM slots with a 128GB restrict—higher than Mini-ITX, which affords two slots and 64GB. (A superb purpose why those that run heavier RAM workloads ought to think about Micro-ATX for a workstation-style construct.) 

PCIe Gen 5 is usually a advertising spec, with much less real-world viability at this time limit. You’ll have the GPU 16x lane as PCIe Gen 5, however the whole lot else is PCIe Gen 4. This contains the 2 onboard M.2 slots, that are greater than enough for many customers. 

The remainder of the I/O is okay, with eight rear USB ports. Certain, you’re solely getting as much as 20Gb/s USB 3 speeds, however Thunderbolt 4 efficiency is way pricier than most can be keen to spend on. You do get 4 USB 2.0 ports, which is definitely a bit disappointing for these anticipating USB 3. Rounding off the options are the networking inclusions, with the usual 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth. Audio is okay right here too, no points to report for the value. 

With loads of PWM fan headers, RGB headers, and SATA ports. You’re in good firm with dearer ATX motherboards right here at a lot much less the everyday value. 

The place you do avoid wasting cash is within the good design. No, it’s not low-cost feeling—fairly the opposite. The construct high quality is nice, and kind follows perform with an aesthetically pleasing strategy. You’re simply not paying for fancy RGB results or costly OLED shows—which is welcomed to maintain prices down.

The I/O protect is built-in, too! Not unhealthy for $199. Our solely minor design quibble is that the second M.2 slot isn’t coated by a thermal cowl, one thing we’ve seen in earlier generations of the Mortar. 

General, the MSI B760M Mortar is a reliable motherboard for these trying to keep underneath $200 and nonetheless have an excellent set of options. Overclockers gained’t be impressed, however most customers will nonetheless get usable efficiency out of this unit. 

Have you ever ever wished to purchase a giant, beefy motherboard, like from the Asus “Extreme” lineup, however they had been far too huge? Fret no extra, the Asus ROG X670E Gene brings plenty of that “over-the-top” goodness to a smaller Micro-ATX kind issue. It’s additionally priced for the premium market—at $599, it’s one of the vital costly small form-factor motherboards we’ve encountered. 

In case you recover from the sticker shock, you’ll be impressed with each aspect of this motherboard. Efficiency is on par with some other high-end providing, with a 16+2 part design for the VRMs. Certainly, the Ryzen 9 7950X or any of the X3D CPUs have met their match on this overachiever! 

Efficiency perks proceed with assist for the quickest DDR5 RAM kits that AM5 affords. (Not as quick as Intel, however blazing speeds regardless.) One factor to bear in mind is that you just’ll be restricted to 2 DIMM slots, as an alternative of the standard 4 on Micro-ATX motherboards. Technically, if you happen to’re overclocking RAM or pushing the bounds, it’s higher to have fewer DIMM slots for optimum efficiency. That’s precisely what sort of consumer will take pleasure in this motherboard probably the most! You’ll be capable to hold the whole lot cool with seven PWM fan headers, too. 

PCIe Gen 5 is right here too—and since that is the X670E chipset, it gained’t skimp on PCIe lanes. The GPU 16x slot will provide you with PCIe Gen 5, plus an onboard M.2 Gen 5 slot. Don’t fear, you’ll get two further M.2 slots on the included accent, the ROG Gen-Z.2 card. One is PCIe Gen 5, and the second Gen 4—however that’s greater than sufficient efficiency. 

Efficiency metrics are seen in every single place, even within the I/O, the place there’s USB4, with speeds as much as 40Gb/s. That completes the ten USB ports on the rear, a powerful quantity in each amount and high quality of ports. You even get a PS2 port for legacy gadgets, a characteristic aimed toward overclockers. 

Networking choices are commonplace, with 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth. That is simply as anticipated, with cheaper motherboards providing related. You’re not getting 10Gb LAN, nevertheless, an choice we’d wish to see on a motherboard of this caliber. 

Audio is powerful with a SupremeFX 7.1 ALC 4080 codec, sufficient for many customers, save demanding audiophiles. 

Aesthetically, the very first thing you’ll discover when unboxing this beautiful motherboard is the heft and elegant construct high quality. All components of this motherboard really feel terribly premium, from supplies to design aesthetics. 

The design exhibits “ROG” DNA (Gene…) by and thru, with lovely RGB in numerous areas. In case you worth excessive construct high quality and enthusiast-grade aesthetics, you’ll fall in love with the Gene. 

If the $599 worth is suitable to you, and Micro-ATX is your PC construct/case goal, this can be a mighty high quality selection.

If premium AM5 choices are too spendy for you, we don’t blame you. With higher-than-ever platform prices, it’s necessary to avoid wasting money when you possibly can whereas getting top-notch efficiency. That’s the place the Asrock B650E PG-ITX is available in. With an MSRP of $289, it’s on no account low-cost—however you get a well-rounded performer. 

The board is wrapped within the B650E chipset—the “E” offers us some PCIe Gen 5 lanes that the usual B650 gained’t have. Because of this one of many two onboard NVMe slots will be Gen 5—an amazing choice for individuals who wish to be on the bleeding edge. You’ll even have the PCIe 16x slot at Gen 5, although GPUs at present can’t saturate that. 

PCIe Gen 5 means you get to make the most of the whole lot AM5 has to supply, and it will get higher: The beefy 10+2+1 phase-design VRMs have a whopping 10-layer PCB, greater than regular. Translation: This little motherboard will deal with any Ryzen CPU you throw at it, even the mighty Ryzen 9 7950X. We’re certain many avid gamers will need to pair this with the brand new 7800X3D, a high quality selection for optimum gaming efficiency. You’ll simply need to ensure your CPU cooler is as much as job, as this chips can get spicy-hot. Fortunately, the intelligent design of this motherboard leaves some good room for many CPU coolers to suit. 

Efficiency perks proceed with DDR5, and the standard restrict of two DIMM slots on Mini-ITX at 64GB. One space that the specs falter barely is within the rear I/O. When you do get eight USB ports, 4 of them are solely USB 2.0, which is a bit historical at this level. You additionally don’t get USB4 like on the pricier Mini-ITX motherboards, so speeds can be nearer to 20Gb/s USB 3 as an alternative. That must be high quality for many avid gamers, however at $289, we really feel the USB implementation must be a bit higher.

The design aesthetics of this motherboard are fascinating, beginning with the weird M.2 fan. Whereas it could look extra like a VRM heatsink, that is definitely a larger-than-expected fan design, which can be hit-or-miss for some. Apart from that, it appears sharp. Purposeful design such because the built-in I/O protect and easy-to-use M.2 slots are nice to see.

Regardless of the compromises inherent to a Mini-ITX motherboard, you’re nonetheless getting an amazing companion for quick Ryzen CPUs whereas saving some money in comparison with dearer choices. 

Whereas the $239 worth is much from finances—we’ll have to attend for the A620 motherboards for that—the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi nonetheless delivers nice worth. With a Micro-ATX kind issue, it’s an excellent mixture of efficiency and options with out leaving out something important. 

It’s the usual B650 chipset, that means you gained’t have PCIe Gen 5, however Gen 4 greater than suffices right here. Each onboard M.2 slots can be greater than snappy, and GPUs can’t at present make the most of greater than PCIe Gen 4. Efficiency is nice, with VRMs packing a 12+2+1 duet rail system. This can make an ideal pairing for one of many commonplace Ryzen CPUs such because the 7700, and even works nicely with the zippy 7800X3D. When you’re not getting the top-tier efficiency of X670E VRMs, you ought to be inside a couple of share factors. DDR5 completes the bundle, with quick speeds and an out there 4 DIMM slots. This can be a bonus over Mini-ITX, plus you’ll get a better 128GB restrict. 

You additionally get a number of PCIe slots, one other clear benefit over Mini-ITX. That is helpful for these needing so as to add some additional “add-in” playing cards, with an out there 4x and 1x slot together with the GPU 16x slot. 

Showcasing the well-rounded nature of this motherboard, you’ll have loads of USB ports on the rear, together with 20Gb/s USB 3.2. Networking affords the entire 2.5Gb LAN with Wi-Fi 6E. Audio can be good, with a 7.1 ALC 4080 codec and loads of inputs. 

The aesthetics and design are easy, however efficient. You’re not getting RGB or loopy shows, however the motherboard appears and feels nicely constructed. With a traditional, easy design indicative of different MSI “MAG” motherboards, it would match into nearly any construct theme. Plus, the built-in I/O protect is a superb characteristic that provides to the construct expertise right here. 

Whereas its $239 worth is much from finances, the worth remains to be right here for what you’re getting. Mix that with a smaller Micro-ATX bundle, and it has a lot of the options and efficiency of ATX motherboards whereas staying inside an inexpensive worth class.