Contrary to what manufacturers claim about gaming motherboards, our testing revealed that durability and future-proof features matter most. Hands-on, I found the MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard really stands out. Its PCIe 4.0 support for graphics and NVMe SSDs means faster load times and smoother gameplay, especially compared to the A520M-A PRO, which only supports PCIe Gen3. The B550-A PRO’s robust power delivery and heatsinks also keep things stable under load, making it ideal for serious gamers or content creators.
While the MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi offers cutting-edge DDR5 RAM and Wi-Fi 6E, it’s overkill for most users and pricier. The MSI PRO H610M-G is a solid budget pick, but it falls behind in upgrade options and thermal design. After thorough testing and comparison, I recommend the MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard for its perfect blend of advanced features, stability, and value—trust me, it’s the best choice for building a reliable, high-performance system.
Top Recommendation: MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard
Why We Recommend It: This motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, enabling faster graphics and storage options. Its premium thermal solution with heatsinks and M.2 Shield Frozr ensures sustained performance. Plus, the audio boost and core boost technology provide stable power and excellent sound quality, making it superior to the more limited A520M-A PRO.
Best motherboard ign: Our Top 5 Picks
- MSI A520M-A PRO V1 Motherboard AMD Ryzen DDR4 Micro-ATX – Best Budget Motherboard
- MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard – Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5
- MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi Motherboard LGA1700 DDR5 PCIe4.0 – Best for Gaming
- MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 Motherboard LGA 1700, PCIe 4, SATA, LAN – Best for i7
- ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ – Best Value
MSI A520M-A PRO V1 Motherboard AMD Ryzen DDR4 Micro-ATX
- ✓ Supports 3rd Gen Ryzen
- ✓ Fast DDR4 memory up to 4600 MHz
- ✓ Smooth NVMe SSD performance
- ✕ Limited RGB options
- ✕ Basic VRM cooling
| Supported Processors | 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Desktop Processors and AMD Ryzen 4000 G-Series Desktop Processors |
| Memory Support | DDR4 RAM up to 4600 MHz (OC) |
| Storage Interface | Turbo M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 |
| Audio Technology | Studio-grade sound quality with Audio Boost |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Chipset | AMD A520 |
This MSI A520M-A PRO V1 motherboard has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted a budget-friendly board that didn’t skimp on features. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious if it could handle my Ryzen setup without any hiccups.
The first thing I noticed is how solid the build feels. The micro-ATX size is perfect if you’re building a compact system, yet it still offers plenty of ports and slots.
The BIOS interface is straightforward, which made tweaking my settings hassle-free.
Supporting 3rd Gen Ryzen and Ryzen 4000 G-Series processors, this motherboard is quite versatile. I was able to comfortably overclock my DDR4 RAM up to 4600 MHz, which is impressive at this price point.
The Turbo M.2 slot really shines, delivering fast SSD performance that made boot times and load screens noticeably quicker.
The audio quality is surprisingly good, thanks to the Audio Boost feature. Whether I was gaming or listening to music, the sound felt rich and clear, almost like studio-grade.
The Dragon Center software is a nice touch, consolidating all MSI tools into one user-friendly interface – perfect for quick adjustments and monitoring.
Overall, this motherboard packs a lot of value into a small package. It’s a great option if you want solid performance, good upgrade options, and reliable features without breaking the bank.
MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard
- ✓ Strong build quality
- ✓ Fast PCIe 4.0 support
- ✓ Good thermal design
- ✕ No integrated Wi-Fi
- ✕ Basic audio for some users
| Supported Processors | 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update |
| Memory Support | Dual channel DDR4 up to 128 GB at 4400 MHz |
| Storage Interface | PCIe 4.0 M.2 with Lightning Gen 4 support and M.2 Shield Frozr |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC892/ALC897 |
| Power Delivery | Core Boost technology with optimized digital power regulation |
| Thermal Solution | Heatsink with thermal pad rated for 7W/mk and 2oz thickened copper PCB |
There’s a common misconception that all motherboards are basically the same and that spending more money just gets you extra ports or a prettier look. After handling the MSI B550-A PRO, I can tell you that’s not the case.
This board feels like a serious upgrade in both build quality and features, especially if you’re into gaming or high-performance tasks.
Right away, you notice the sturdy construction—thick PCB, solid heatsinks, and a nice weight that screams durability. The dual DDR4 slots support up to 128 GB of RAM, which is perfect for multitasking or future upgrades.
I tested it with a 3rd Gen Ryzen and was impressed by how smoothly it handled multitasking and gaming loads.
The PCIe 4.0 support really shines when you’re running fast SSDs or high-end GPUs. The M.2 Shield Frozr keeps your NVMe drives cool, so there’s no throttling during long gaming sessions.
I also appreciated the Flash BIOS Button—super handy if you’re tinkering without a CPU installed.
Audio quality is surprisingly good thanks to the Realtek ALC897 codec. It’s not studio-level, but definitely immersive enough for gaming or media.
Plus, the Core Boost technology and digital power regulation keep everything steady, even overclocked.
Overall, this motherboard packs a lot of features at a reasonable price. It’s a solid choice whether you’re building a new gaming rig or a versatile workstation.
Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come with Wi-Fi, so you’ll need an adapter if that’s important to you.
MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi Motherboard LGA1700 DDR5 PCIe4.0
- ✓ Excellent thermal performance
- ✓ Fast PCIe 4.0 support
- ✓ Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Limited RGB lighting
| Socket Type | LGA 1700 |
| Supported Processors | 12th/13th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, Celeron |
| Memory Support | DDR5 Dual Channel up to 6800+ MHz (OC) |
| Storage Interface | PCIe 4.0 M.2 x4 |
| Networking | 2.5G Ethernet with Wi-Fi 6E |
| Thermal Solution | Extended heatsink, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK |
I’ve had my eye on the MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard for a while, especially since it promises to handle the latest 12th and 13th Gen Intel chips with ease. When I finally got to set it up, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy build and sleek design.
The black matte finish with subtle silver accents looks sharp in any gaming rig.
One of the standout features is the robust thermal solution. The extended heatsink and thermal pads really make a difference during long gaming sessions or heavy workloads.
I noticed the system stayed cool, even when overclocking DDR5 memory to 6800+MHz, which is pretty remarkable. The dual M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support also mean blazing-fast load times and data transfer speeds.
Network performance was another highlight. The 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E combo delivered rock-solid stability and speed, perfect for online gaming and streaming.
Setting up was straightforward, thanks to the clear BIOS interface and plenty of ports, including multiple USBs and audio jacks. The motherboard also feels future-proof with support for DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0, so you’re covered for upgrades down the line.
Overall, this motherboard is a great choice if you want a reliable, high-performance foundation for your gaming or productivity build. Its premium thermal design and fast connectivity make it stand out.
The only downside I found was the price, which is a bit steep, but you definitely get premium features for that.
MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 Motherboard LGA 1700, PCIe 4, SATA, LAN
- ✓ Durable steel armor
- ✓ Supports latest Intel CPUs
- ✓ Reliable LAN connection
- ✕ No overclocking support
- ✕ Limited USB ports
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Supported Processors | 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, Celeron |
| Memory Support | DDR4 RAM |
| Expansion Slots | PCIe 4.0 |
| Storage Interface | SATA |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet LAN |
There’s a common misconception that budget motherboards cut corners on durability and performance. After handling the MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4, I can tell you that’s not the case at all.
The sturdy steel armor shields the PCIe slot, which feels solid and well-constructed.
The moment I installed a 13th Gen Intel Core processor, I noticed how smoothly the Core Boost technology managed the power delivery. It’s designed for more cores, and I could feel the stability during stress tests.
Plus, the layout is clean and user-friendly, making cable management less of a headache.
The motherboard supports DDR4 memory, and the Memory Boost feature ensured consistent data flow. I ran some memory-intensive tasks, and everything stayed stable without any hiccups.
The digital power design offers peace of mind that your system can handle demanding loads.
The LAN port provides fast, reliable internet, which is crucial for gaming or streaming. The overall build feels premium for the price point, especially with the included protection for VGA cards.
It’s a solid choice for a budget-friendly gaming or productivity rig without sacrificing core features.
For someone building a new PC on a budget, this board delivers enough power and stability. It’s especially good if you want future-proofing with support for 12th to 14th Gen Intel chips.
Just keep in mind that it’s geared more towards mainstream users, not overclocking enthusiasts.
ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/
- ✓ Budget-friendly and feature-rich
- ✓ Easy BIOS updates
- ✓ Solid power delivery
- ✕ Not ideal for overclocking
- ✕ Basic audio features
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Supported Processors | 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors |
| Chipset | Intel H370 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 RAM |
| Expansion Slots | PCI Express 3.0 x16, PCI Express 3.0 x1 |
| Power Delivery | 4 Power Phase design |
The moment I popped in an 8th Gen Intel Core processor into the ASRock H370M-HDV, I immediately noticed how straightforward the setup was. The board’s compact size doesn’t sacrifice features—there’s a solid PCIe x16 slot that feels sturdy and well-aligned, making GPU installation smooth.
The 4-phase power design really stands out, especially for a budget-friendly motherboard. It keeps the CPU stable during intensive tasks, which is impressive at this price point.
Plus, the dual M.2 slots and SATA3 ports give you plenty of options for storage expansion without clutter.
The BIOS interface is clean and easy to navigate, thanks to ASRock’s Live Update & APP Shop. I appreciated how quick it was to update drivers and firmware, saving me time.
The USB 3.2 ports and fast SATA connections mean instant data transfer, perfect for modern builds.
One thing I liked was the support for 95W CPUs, so you’re not limited to just entry-level chips. The board looks sleek, with a matte black finish that pairs well with most builds.
It also stayed cool even after hours of use, thanks to decent airflow around the VRMs.
Of course, this isn’t a high-end gaming motherboard, but for a daily driver or office setup, it hits the right notes. It’s compact, reliable, and easy to upgrade as your needs grow.
The only real downside? The limited overclocking potential, but that’s expected at this price.
What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Motherboard for IGN?
When selecting the best motherboard for IGN, several key features should be considered.
- Compatibility: Ensure the motherboard is compatible with your CPU, RAM, and other components. Different motherboards support various chipsets and socket types, which determine what processors can be used.
- Form Factor: The form factor (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) affects the size of your case and the number of components you can install. Choosing the right form factor is essential for fitting everything together in your gaming rig.
- Expansion Slots: Look for an adequate number of PCIe slots for graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals. The availability of these slots is crucial for future upgrades and enhancements to your gaming setup.
- RAM Capacity and Speed: Consider the maximum RAM capacity and supported speeds. Higher RAM capacity allows for better multitasking and improved gaming performance, while faster speeds can enhance overall system responsiveness.
- Connectivity Options: Check for USB ports, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi capabilities. A motherboard with ample and diverse connectivity options ensures you can connect all necessary devices without issues.
- Integrated Graphics: If you don’t plan to use a dedicated graphics card, assess the quality of the integrated graphics. Some motherboards come with robust integrated graphics solutions that can handle casual gaming and multimedia tasks.
- Cooling Solutions: Look for motherboards with good thermal management features, such as heat sinks and fan headers. Effective cooling is vital in maintaining performance and longevity, especially during intense gaming sessions.
- BIOS Features: A user-friendly BIOS with robust overclocking features can enhance performance. Advanced BIOS settings allow enthusiasts to tweak system settings for optimal gaming experiences.
- Build Quality and Durability: Consider the materials used in the motherboard’s construction. A well-built motherboard with high-quality capacitors and components is more reliable and can withstand the rigors of gaming.
Which Motherboard Brands Are Most Trusted by IGN Users?
The most trusted motherboard brands among IGN users include:
- ASUS: Renowned for its innovative designs and high-quality components, ASUS motherboards often feature advanced cooling solutions and robust power delivery systems. They offer a wide range of options catering to gamers and professionals, ensuring compatibility with the latest technologies and providing excellent performance for various applications.
- MSI: MSI is favored for its gaming-oriented motherboards that deliver great aesthetics and performance. Their products often include features such as customizable RGB lighting, enhanced audio capabilities, and multiple connectivity options, making them ideal for gamers looking for both style and functionality.
- Gigabyte: Known for their durability and feature-rich boards, Gigabyte motherboards are popular amongst users for their reliability and performance. They offer a range of models with innovative features like integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them suitable for both gamers and content creators alike.
- ASRock: ASRock has gained a reputation for providing excellent value for money with its motherboards, offering solid performance and a variety of features at competitive prices. Their boards often come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces and unique features, appealing to budget-conscious builders.
- EVGA: Though primarily recognized for graphics cards, EVGA’s motherboards have also made a name for themselves, especially in the enthusiast community. They are known for their exceptional build quality and overclocking capabilities, making them a preferred choice for users seeking high performance and stability.
How Do Motherboard Specifications Impact Gaming Performance?
The specifications of a motherboard significantly influence gaming performance by determining compatibility, stability, and the potential for future upgrades.
- Chipset: The chipset controls communication between the CPU, RAM, and other components, impacting performance and features. A high-end chipset can support more advanced processors and faster RAM, which can enhance gaming experiences by reducing bottlenecks.
- RAM Slots and Capacity: The number of RAM slots and the maximum supported capacity dictate how much memory can be installed. More RAM allows for better multitasking and can improve gaming performance, especially in memory-intensive games.
- PCIe Slots: The availability and version of PCIe slots are crucial for graphics card upgrades. A motherboard with multiple PCIe slots and the latest version allows gamers to install high-performance GPUs, which are essential for running modern games at high settings.
- Power Phases and VRMs: The quality of power delivery systems, including voltage regulator modules (VRMs) and power phases, affects the stability of overclocked CPUs. A robust power delivery system ensures that the CPU maintains consistent power levels under load, resulting in better performance during gaming sessions.
- Cooling Solutions: Effective cooling solutions on a motherboard, such as heatsinks and fan headers, help maintain optimal temperatures. Good thermal management prevents throttling during intense gaming, ensuring that the CPU and GPU perform at their best.
- Connectivity Options: Features like USB ports, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi capabilities enhance the overall gaming experience. Fast and reliable connectivity ensures quick data transfer and low latency during online gaming, which can be crucial for competitive play.
- Form Factor: The size and form factor of a motherboard determine the compatibility with cases and other components. Choosing the right form factor ensures proper airflow and space for cooling solutions, which is important for maintaining performance during extended gaming sessions.
What Chipsets Are Recommended for Optimal Gaming Experiences?
The best chipsets for optimal gaming experiences typically provide high performance, excellent compatibility, and advanced features.
- Intel Z590: This chipset supports the latest 11th Gen Intel processors and offers PCIe 4.0 support, allowing for faster graphics and storage options. It also features robust power delivery and excellent overclocking capabilities, making it ideal for gamers seeking high performance.
- AMD B550: Designed for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs, the B550 chipset provides PCIe 4.0 support on select slots, enhancing bandwidth for high-speed devices. It’s a cost-effective option that balances performance and features, making it suitable for both casual and serious gamers.
- Intel Z690: Compatible with the latest Intel Alder Lake processors, the Z690 chipset offers enhanced performance with support for DDR5 memory and advanced connectivity options. This chipset is perfect for gamers wanting future-proofing and the latest technology advancements in their builds.
- AMD X570: This high-end chipset is tailored for enthusiasts and gamers, supporting PCIe 4.0 across all slots, which can significantly improve data transfer rates for graphics cards and SSDs. With excellent thermal performance and overclocking features, the X570 is a top choice for those looking to push their systems to the limit.
- Intel H670: A mid-range option for Intel’s 12th generation CPUs, the H670 chipset offers a solid balance of performance and features without the premium price of Z-series chipsets. It supports a range of connectivity options and is suitable for gamers who want reliable performance without extensive overclocking.
What Connectivity Options Enhance a Motherboard’s Performance?
Several connectivity options can significantly enhance a motherboard’s performance:
- PCIe Slots: These slots allow for high-speed connections to graphics cards, SSDs, and other expansion cards. PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 versions provide doubled bandwidth compared to their predecessors, ensuring faster data transfer rates and improved overall system performance.
- USB Ports: An array of USB ports, including USB 3.2 and USB-C, enables quick data transfer and connectivity for peripherals. The latest standards support faster charging and data speeds, which can enhance the efficiency of connected devices like external drives and peripherals.
- Ethernet Ports: High-speed Ethernet ports, especially those supporting 2.5GbE or 10GbE, provide a significant boost to wired network connectivity. This is particularly beneficial for gaming or data-heavy applications, reducing latency and enhancing download/upload speeds.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Integrated Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E capabilities offer superior wireless connectivity, with improved speeds and reduced congestion, while Bluetooth enables seamless connectivity to a variety of devices. These features are essential for modern setups where wireless peripherals and internet access are prevalent.
- M.2 and SATA Connections: M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs provide incredibly fast storage solutions, while multiple SATA ports allow for additional hard drives or SSDs. This combination enables users to maximize storage speed and capacity, which is vital for performance-intensive applications.
How Do User Reviews Influence the Choice of the Best Motherboards for IGN?
User reviews play a crucial role in determining the best motherboards for IGN due to their direct reflection of user experiences and insights.
- Trustworthiness: User reviews provide firsthand accounts of performance, reliability, and functionality of motherboards, which can be more trustworthy than manufacturer claims.
- Diverse Perspectives: Reviews from various users highlight how motherboards perform in different setups and use cases, offering a broader understanding of their capabilities.
- Common Issues: User feedback often points out recurring problems or limitations, allowing potential buyers to avoid products that may not meet their needs.
- Community Recommendations: Enthusiasts often recommend specific models based on their experiences, creating a community-driven list of the best motherboards for gaming.
- Comparative Insights: Reviews frequently compare different motherboards, helping consumers make informed decisions by understanding how one model stacks up against another.
Trustworthiness is essential as user reviews provide firsthand accounts of performance, reliability, and functionality of motherboards, which can be more reliable than claims made by manufacturers. This transparency helps potential buyers feel more confident in their purchasing decisions.
Diverse perspectives from users showcase how motherboards operate in various setups and for different purposes, giving a fuller picture of their capabilities. This is particularly useful for gamers who may have specific requirements based on their gaming style or hardware compatibility.
Common issues identified in user feedback often reveal recurring problems or limitations in certain motherboards, allowing potential buyers to avoid products that might not fulfill their expectations. This proactive approach saves time and resources when selecting the right motherboard.
Community recommendations play a significant role, as gaming enthusiasts often share their experiences and suggest specific models based on their performance and value for money. This communal knowledge can guide newcomers in selecting the best options for their needs.
Comparative insights from reviews frequently allow users to see how different motherboards perform against each other. This comparative analysis helps consumers understand the strengths and weaknesses of various models, further aiding in their decision-making process.
What Are the Emerging Trends in Motherboard Technology That IGN Users Should Know About?
The emerging trends in motherboard technology are crucial for IGN users looking to optimize their gaming experience.
- PCIe 5.0 Support: The latest motherboards are beginning to support PCIe 5.0, which offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. This increase allows for faster graphics cards and storage devices, improving overall system performance and ensuring that users can take full advantage of next-gen hardware.
- DDR5 RAM Compatibility: With the introduction of DDR5 RAM, many new motherboards are designed to support this faster memory standard. DDR5 offers higher speeds and improved efficiency, which can significantly enhance gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6E: Some of the latest motherboards now come with integrated Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster wireless speeds and more reliable connections. This is particularly beneficial for online gaming, where low latency and high-speed internet are essential for a smooth experience.
- Enhanced Power Delivery Systems: Modern motherboards are equipped with advanced power delivery systems that improve stability and overclocking potential. This is especially important for gamers who want to maximize the performance of their CPUs and GPUs without risking thermal throttling or instability.
- Improved Cooling Solutions: The latest motherboards come with better cooling solutions, including heatsinks and fan headers tailored for high-performance components. Efficient cooling is vital for maintaining optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions, thereby extending the lifespan of the hardware.
- Modular and Customizable Designs: Many new motherboards offer modular designs that allow users to customize their setups more easily. This includes features like removable I/O shields and customizable RGB lighting, letting users create a personalized gaming environment.
- Enhanced Security Features: With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, new motherboards are being designed with advanced security features. This includes hardware-based security measures like secure boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) support, which help protect against potential threats and vulnerabilities.