Motherboards For Gaming
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A motherboard is among the most important component in any functioning computer. It can be the difference that determines how good a computer system is, alongside CPU, graphics card and RAM. This article is meant mainly to assist you in choosing the best Motherboards For Gaming.
You need to consider lots of factors when choosing Motherboards For Gaming in order for you to get one that will satisfy all your needs and be compatible with the other components of your computer. A motherboard is basically the core of a PC and plays the function of relaying info between the other internal computer components. It is, in other words, the computer hub where every other component in the computer connects to. That shows how crucial it is to your system, a good reason as to why you should only buy the best that you can afford. The guidelines below will help you choose the best Motherboards For Gaming;
CPU Compatibility
The compatibility of a motherboard with the CPU that you intend to use should be the first factor that you consider. Generally, motherboards will only support specific models of AMD or Intel CPUs. Confirming the compatibility of a motherboard and CPU is actually quite easy. You only need to check the processor interface of both. Compatible ones will always have the same interface.
Ram Compatibility
The motherboard used usually determines the RAM type and amount that you can have. For great gaming performances, you need to have DDR3 RAM and a minimum of 4GB, especially if you are to play most of the latest games. You should therefore, ensure that your motherboard can support such memory.
Slots, Ports and Other Features
Check if your motherboard has extra PCI ports if you think you are going to need them. How many USB ports you need and availability of a Firewire Ports should also be considered.
The number of PCI express slots should suffice your needs. You need a slot for the video card or two if you plan to install 2 video cards. Another extra slot might be required if you are going to get a dedicated sound card.
On-board Audio compared to dedicated sound card
Most of the motherboards in the current market have in-built audio as a feature, rendering the need for a dedicated sound card as optional. Investing in a good sound card is however, still a strong recommendation if you want only the best gaming experience as it allows you to maximize on the high quality of your headphones or speakers. For producers of music and video/audio editors, getting a dedicated sound card is inevitable. The on-board sound from the typical mother boards cannot perform such tasks within the required standards.
Extra tips
Durability of a motherboard should always be at the back of your mind while choosing a motherboard. Go for a board that is of decent quality and was released very recently.
Don’t hesitate to reach deeper into your pockets. It is better to add a little extra cash and get something of top quality than opt for a compromise.
Also ensure that the motherboard is from a manufacturer that is well established and proven over time to be trustworthy and provide quick reasonable support.
First Time Gaming PC Builder Tips
Look for Instructional Videos on Specific Motherboards. This way you’ll know that if you run into trouble the info needed to help you is there.
How to Install A Motherboard for Gaming Video
Top 10 Motherboards for Gaming
Top 5 Intel Motherboards
1. ASUS ATX DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 Motherboard MAXIMUS VII FORMULA
- Intel Ethernet, LAN Guard, Game First III
- SupremeFX Formula 2014, Sonic Radar II
- Chipset: Intel Z97, Memory: 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 3300(O.C.)/ 3200(O.C.)/ 3100(O.C.)/ 3000(O.C.)/ 2933(O.C.)/ 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 2000(O.C.)/ 1866(O.C.)/ 1600/ 1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture
- Free keyboard upgrade and mPCIe Combo III compact card
- Luxuriate in the smart design, premium components, durable materials and tough double-sided armor
2. MSI ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboards Z97-G45 GAMING
- Socket LGA 1150
- Intel Z97 chipset
- ATX
- 3 PCI-E x16 3.0 and 4 PCI-E x1
- VGA, DVI and HDMI
- 3-way CrossFireX and 2-way SLI ready
- Sound Blast Cinema 2
3. Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
- Extreme Engine Digi+ III — Hardcore power delivery with premium components
- SupremeFX — Precision-engineered audio
- M.2 onboard — Up to 10Gb/s data-transfer speeds
- GameFirst III — Network-optimization software for no-delay gameplay!
- KeyBot — Your keyboard, instantly upgraded!
4. MSI Computer ATX DDR4 3000 LGA 2011-3 Computer Motherboards X99A GAMING 7
- LGA 2011-v3
- Chipset: Intel X99 Express
- Memory: 8x DDR4-3333(OC)/ 3110/ 3000/ 2750/ 2666/ 2600/ 2400/ 2200/ 2133 DIMM Slots, Quad-Channel, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, Max Capacity up to 128GB
- Slots: 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots, 2x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots
- SATA: 10x SATA3 Ports, 1x SATA Express Port; M.2: 1x M.2 Port
- Ports: 2x USB 3.1 Ports (rear), 10x USB 3.0 Ports (6 rear, 4 via headers), 6x USB 2.0 Ports (2 rear, 4 via headers), 1x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo Port, 1x Optical S/PDIF Out, 1x RJ45 LAN Port, Audio I/O Jacks
5. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING GT LGA 1150 Z97 Gaming Audio and Networking 4-Way SLI ATX Motherboard
- LGA1150
- Chipset: Intel Z97 Express
- Memory: 4x DDR3-3200(OC)/ 3100(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2500(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 2000(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1800(OC)/ 1600/ 1333 DIMM Slots, Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Max Capacity of 32GB
- Slots: 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots (two run at x8), 3x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots
- SATA: 10x SATA3 Ports, Six Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, Four Support RAID 0, 1; 1x SATA Express Port
- Power Connector: 1x 24pin ATX Main Power Connector, 1x 8pin ATX 12V Power Connector
- Audio: Realtek ALC1150 codec; TI Burr Brown OPA2134 operational amplifier; Support for Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3
Top 5 AMD Motherboards
1. ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
- Extreme Engine Digi+ II Powerful combination of analog and digital design elements, allowing precise adjustments to create greater efficiency, stability, and performance for total system control!
- Windows 8 Support Ready Upgraded Hardware and Native BIOS Support, with Fast Boot Feature!
- Game First II Prioritize packets with an intuitive interface!
- Intel Gigabit LAN Experience the fast network connectivity!
- SupremeFX III Bring gaming and studio to life with HD!
2. ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
- CeraMiX Premium ceramic-coating technology provides best heat dissipation
- TUF Thermal Radar Real-time thermal detection with professional user mode for customized settings
- TUF Capacitors, Chokes and MOSFETS Certified by military standard to ensure ultimate durability
- Windows 8 Support Ready Upgraded Hardware and Native BIOS Support, with Fast Boot Feature
- DIGI+ Power Control All-New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM
3. Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
- Extreme Engine Digi+ III — Hardcore power delivery with premium components
- SupremeFX — Precision-engineered audio
- M.2 onboard — Up to 10Gb/s data-transfer speeds
- GameFirst III — Network-optimization software for no-delay gameplay!
- KeyBot — Your keyboard, instantly upgraded!
4. MSI Computer ATX DDR4 3000 LGA 2011-3 Computer Motherboards X99A GAMING 7
- LGA 2011-v3
- Chipset: Intel X99 Express
- Memory: 8x DDR4-3333(OC)/ 3110/ 3000/ 2750/ 2666/ 2600/ 2400/ 2200/ 2133 DIMM Slots, Quad-Channel, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, Max Capacity up to 128GB
- Slots: 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots, 2x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots
- SATA: 10x SATA3 Ports, 1x SATA Express Port; M.2: 1x M.2 Port
- Ports: 2x USB 3.1 Ports (rear), 10x USB 3.0 Ports (6 rear, 4 via headers), 6x USB 2.0 Ports (2 rear, 4 via headers), 1x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo Port, 1x Optical S/PDIF Out, 1x RJ45 LAN Port, Audio I/O Jacks
5. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING GT LGA 1150 Z97 Gaming Audio and Networking 4-Way SLI ATX Motherboard
- LGA1150
- Chipset: Intel Z97 Express
- Memory: 4x DDR3-3200(OC)/ 3100(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2500(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 2000(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1800(OC)/ 1600/ 1333 DIMM Slots, Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Max Capacity of 32GB
- Slots: 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots (two run at x8), 3x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots
- SATA: 10x SATA3 Ports, Six Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, Four Support RAID 0, 1; 1x SATA Express Port
- Power Connector: 1x 24pin ATX Main Power Connector, 1x 8pin ATX 12V Power Connector
- Audio: Realtek ALC1150 codec; TI Burr Brown OPA2134 operational amplifier; Support for Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3