While most gamers choose PC accessories, manufacturers are trying to make the most versatile devices. You will not surprise anyone with a motherboard with an integrated processor. But a gaming platform with an already installed chip can be a godsend for many.
Why use a board with an integrated processor?
Motherboards with an integrated processor used to be very popular. Office computers were all based on such a platform. When assembling or buying, you could save a lot.
But over time, it became clear that such motherboards do not differ much in performance. Usually they have limited performance both in the device as a whole and in the components. Therefore, when collecting gaming PCs, many began to realize that they would have to buy a processor on their own in order to compensate for the performance of the entire system.
But now manufacturers have realized their mistake. Therefore, along with rather mediocre models of motherboards, gaming platforms began to appear on the market that really do not need to buy a separate chip. It is enough to use integrated to work.
Board Options
A review of motherboards with an integrated processor would be worth starting with new products. But this is not entirely true, since among them you can find gaming models, and not every user is looking for a gaming platform.
By the way, it is immediately worth noting that most of these models have special advantages - size. The fact is that now the release of the motherboard is limited to the Mini-ITX and MicroATX options. This should be taken into account when assembling a PC yourself, as there may be problems with installing a video card.
Motherboards with an integrated processor are energy efficient. Firstly, they consume little electricity. Secondly, they do not require a powerful cooler. Although there is one “but” here: usually such models are less productive.
Rating
The rating of motherboards with an integrated processor is a subjective matter. It all depends on what purpose the buyer chooses this or that option. But if you make a more or less balanced five, then it would look exactly like this:
- ASUS ROG Strix Z270I Gaming.
- ASRock Fatal1ty Z270.
- ASUS J1900I-C.
- ASRock D1800M.
- ASUS AT4NM10T-I.
At the top of the list are expensive gaming platforms that were developed specifically for gaming systems. Therefore, they are quite productive and powerful.
Next are the models that belong to the budget segment. They have a minimum set of slots, and the processor itself is designed to work with office programs.
ASUS ROG Strix Z270I Gaming
This is the only mini-ITX platform model based on the Z270. She looks solid and gaming. It immediately shows the radiators on which the model of the device is displayed.
Inside installed Intel LGA1151 processor. The chipset is the Z270 Express. On the motherboard, you can install two RAM slots up to 32 GB DDR4. The form factor allows the device to work with only one video card. Despite the size of the motherboard, the interface panel has all the necessary ports.
ASUS ROG Strix Z270I Gaming reviews
This model was liked by all users. Yes, and this is not surprising. They noted the possibility of overclocking, a good arrangement of elements and compact dimensions. The manufacturer asks for the motherboard 13 thousand rubles. And even such a rather high cost did not become a problem. Negative reviews affected the lack of external USB 3.1.
ASRock Fatal1ty Z270
The layout on the board is pretty tight. But so that the elements do not warm each other, radiators are installed. Passive cooling is enough here.
The model works with LGA1151 processors of the Skylake-S and Kaby Lake-S families. As the name implies, the Z270 Express chipset is installed on the platform. You can install two DDR4 RAM modules with a maximum capacity of 32 GB on the board.
Due to its size, this model can also contain only one video card. There is a slot for SSD format M.2. The interface panel is occupied by 6 USB 3.0 ports, one Thunderbolt. All other connectors are installed as standard.
ASRock Fatal1ty Z270 Reviews
This model is very similar to the previous one. But it costs 500 rubles cheaper. Most likely, this is due to the lack of a second M.2 slot. Some users chose this option only because it looks brighter than the previous platform.
Reviews on the motherboard with an integrated processor are almost all positive. Users noted black textolite and red elements on it that continue the gaming theme. I also liked the possibility of overclocking and excellent functionality, despite the compact form factor.
There were no particular flaws in the model. Someone complained that the components were too tight. But this can not be avoided in the case of Mini-ITX.
ASUS J1900I-C
This is the average model that came out in 2015. Nevertheless, it remains a good solution for a home PC. It is based on the BGA1170 socket, on which the Intel Celeron J1900 processor with four cores and a frequency of 2.4 GHz is installed.
The board is made in the Mini-ITX form factor, therefore it also has a very dense arrangement of elements. In the middle is a huge copper radiator, which is enough for cooling
ASUS J1900I-C Reviews
Such a motherboard with an Intel processor could be liked by anyone, if not for one “but”. Many users complained about the presence of two RAM slots of the outdated DDR3 type with a frequency of 1333 MHz. By 2018, this is really not the best solution. But in the pursuit of savings, this option may turn out to be the most profitable, especially when it comes to assembling a regular home PC.
For many, a surprise may be the lack of PCI Express x16. But the motherboard has many advantages: an energy-efficient processor with integrated graphics, an increased level of component protection, support for USB 3.0, etc.
ASRock D1800M
This is the largest board of the reviewed, microATX form factor. It runs on the J1800 chipset with the Intel Celeron J1800 processor. The board has a built-in video adapter. There are 2 slots for RAM type DDR3, supporting the model 1066-1333 MHz. Such a model costs 5-7 thousand rubles.
ASRock D1800M Reviews
Buyers noted the quality of assembly and the good location of the components. The price was also pleasant. The board has low power consumption and heat dissipation. It has 3 PCI-E slots.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting its poor performance. Like it or not, but the platform does not reach modern options. It has a very simple processor and an even simpler graphics adapter. Yes, and DDR3 has long been outdated.
ASUS AT4NM10T-I
Mini-ITX form factor board with NM10 chipset. This model works with Intel Atom D425. You can install two DDR3 RAM modules. There is also a built-in graphics adapter. This option costs only 3-5 thousand rubles.
This option is the easiest. It should be understood that it is suitable only for a working PC. He may not be able to cope with more demanding tasks.
ASUS AT4NM10T-I Reviews
Users noted many advantages of this model. It is not just a motherboard with an integrated processor. It has 4 SATA connectors, a gigabit network adapter, low power consumption, and, accordingly, low heat. Well, the price in many ways seems ridiculous, especially if you take this form factor.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting a weak graphics adapter and a processor with one core.