A gaming motherboard is a device that is no less important for a PC than a processor, memory module or video card, which are believed to have a decisive effect on computer performance. Which of the models of the corresponding type of devices can be classified as the most functional, and at the same time affordable?
What are the latest solutions supporting Intel and AMD chips?
The best gaming motherboards for modern PCs are more likely to be found by looking at solutions that are equipped with chips from leading world manufacturers of the corresponding type of electronic components - Intel and AMD brands. If we talk about the latest chipsets from Intel - such chipsets as, for example, H97 / Z97, as well as X99 deserve attention. Regarding competing products from AMD, you can consider the A85 / A88X line of chips.
In turn, solutions from both brands can be installed in the products of the widest range of global manufacturers. Gaming motherboards are released by such major companies as ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, as well as ASRock. Consider the features of the use of chips from AMD in the most popular modifications of motherboards, which are issued by marked brands - in those price ranges that are acceptable for most users, as well as the key features of the corresponding solutions.
ASUS gaming solutions based on AMD chipset
Among the most famous products from ASUS in the segment of gaming motherboards is the Crossblade Ranger device.
This device:
- Designed in ATX format;
- compatible with CrossFire technology.
The device is equipped with a modern network controller, as well as a high-performance sound module. The motherboard in question is characterized as well overclockable.
Motherboards from MSI based on AMD chipsets
The next largest brand that produces motherboards for gaming computers is MSI. Among her most notable products is the A88XM Gaming device. This device refers to those that are thus based on the chipset from AMD.
The motherboard in question is designed, in turn, based on the microATX format. With it, you can assemble a computer of smaller dimensions than in the case with the involvement of the previous solution from ASUS. The solution in question is notable for its support of the CrossFire standard, as well as the equipment with a high-performance sound module. This motherboard also has an excellent quality network controller. Among the other distinctive features of the device is the presence of 8 SATA ports in version 3.0. Like the solution from ASUS, it lends itself well to overclocking.
Another interesting product from MSI is the MSI 970 motherboard. It is equipped with PCI Express x16 type slots and supports the CrossFire standard. It can also accelerate well, thanks to the modern power subsystem of the main chip, which operates with the involvement of 8 phases. The device is equipped with a high-performance sound module, which is complemented by capacitors and amplifiers. The motherboard also has a high-tech network controller.
AMD Chipset Solutions from ASRock
Another well-known brand that produces gaming motherboards is ASRock. If we consider modern models of devices produced by him, then we can pay attention to the product FM2A88X. It is also based on a chipset from AMD. Made, in turn, in miniATX format. Among the most notable features of this motherboard are its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
The next famous product from ASRock is the 990FX. Also based on the chipset from AMD. Equipped with a PCI Express 2.0 bus . It has 8 SATA ports in version 3.0, as well as a high-performance network controller. Having examined gaming motherboards based on AMD chipsets, let us now examine the specifics of products in which Intel chips are installed.
ASUS solutions based on Intel chips
ASUS is one of those brands that successfully produce devices that operate both on the basis of chips from Intel, and when using those that are released by the main competitor of this brand - AMD. An example of such a product is the H97-PRO motherboard. It is based on the ATX format. It is noteworthy that this motherboard, despite being equipped with an Intel chip, can support the CrossFire standard, which is considered typical for AMD products.
Among the main competitive advantages that characterize this solution is the support of standards such as SATA Express, as well as M2. The device is also equipped with a high-tech network controller and a sound processing system, in which there are capacitors, implemented modules of operational amplification, as well as noise shielding.
There are ASUS gaming motherboards on the market, which are also based on another modern Intel chipset - Z97. Among them is the product MAXIMUS VII FORMULA. It is based on the ATX format. Equipped with 3 slots such as PCI Express x16 and x1. Supports CrossFire and SLI standards. The motherboard in question is characterized as one of the most optimal in terms of overclocking.
The most powerful Intel chip today is the X99. It is designed for use with 8-core microcircuits made on the basis of Haswell-E microarchitecture, as well as using DDR4 RAM modules. ASUS also launches motherboards that support X99 chips.
Among these products is the RAMPAGE V EXTREME device. This motherboard has large dimensions, as it is based on the E-ATX format. The device is equipped with 5 PCI Express x16 slots, a high-tech network controller. The device supports wireless standards Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The motherboard is equipped with a high-performance audio subsystem.
ASRock Solutions with Intel Chips
MSI motherboards for gaming computers with support for modern chipsets are also released by MSI. Among the most notable solutions produced by this brand in the corresponding segment is the Z97M product. It is made in the framework of microATX format. This motherboard has 4 expansion slots, there are connectors such as SATA Express, as well as high-speed M2. There is a high-tech sound module, as well as a productive controller.
GIGABYTE Solutions with Intel Chipset Support
Gaming motherboards with support for chips manufactured by Intel are produced by another well-known brand - GIGABYTE. Among his most notable solutions is the GA-H97M product.
It is equipped with a high-performance network processor and a sound codec optimized through the use of operational amplifiers. It can be noted that the device comes with a disc with a special program for working with sound. The product is based on the microATX format.
MSI Solutions with Intel Chips
MSI gaming motherboards also come on the market in versions that support Intel chipsets. Among them is the H97I AC device. Using this motherboard, you can assemble a computer in a particularly compact format. The device is equipped with a wireless module, as well as a high-performance PCI Express x16 type connector.
As for devices supporting the Z97 chipset, MSI also successfully releases them. An example of such a solution is the Z97 XPOWER motherboard. First of all, it is worth noting the size of the corresponding model - it corresponds to the E-ATX format. Therefore, its placement is assumed in a sufficiently large PC case. The device is equipped with a high-tech cooling system. The motherboard has 5 PCI Express x16 slots, as well as 2 PCI Express x1. Each of them can operate within those speeds that are guaranteed by the 3rd version of the corresponding data transfer standard. The device also supports CrossFire technology.
The MSI brand also releases devices compatible with the X99 chip. Among them - the product X99S MPOWER. This device is also considered as one of those that are best optimized for overclocking. As some experts note, in the appropriate mode of operation, the device operates stably, without significant malfunctions. The device is equipped with a powerful controller and high-tech audio codec.
Choosing a motherboard for games: the main criteria
How to choose a motherboard for a computer designed for gaming? The main criteria that experts recommend focusing on when purchasing the appropriate type of device are as follows.
First, it’s worth deciding for which specific games it is supposed to build a PC. The fact is that even the most inexpensive computers are able to run games with average requirements at almost the same speed as devices assembled from premium-level components. Therefore, it may not make sense to purchase a motherboard that supports the latest standards - for example, DDR 4 memory modules. It may well be quite compatible with traditional technologies for the gaming solutions segment. Such as, for example, support for DDR3 memory, the ability to connect devices via the SATA interface in version 3.0. Similarly, the user does not always use all the ports available on the device - to connect RAM modules or video cards. It may be best to purchase a motherboard with fewer connectors. It is desirable that the device be equipped with a high-performance network controller, as well as a high-tech sound module. Optionally, device support for wireless modules may be preferable.
Secondly, you need to look at the form factor of the motherboard, which determines, in fact, its size. It is undesirable for it to exceed the dimensions of the used case of the PC system unit. Best of all, if its form factor and the corresponding standard of performance of the motherboard will completely match.
Thirdly, the user needs to decide whether he needs additional options on the motherboard - such as, for example, support for wireless modules. Even the best gaming motherboards - if we consider their performance and functionality in terms of supporting various connectors, may not be compatible with the corresponding technologies.
The device, of course, should be fully compatible with other electronic components that are supposed to be placed on it. There are 2 main brands that produce chipsets for devices such as gaming motherboards - Intel and AMD. If the device is designed to work with a chip from Intel, then the possibility of installing AMD processors in it is practically excluded . You should also check whether other devices are compatible with the connectors of the purchased motherboard. Such as, for example, a video card and an audio card.
So, a modern motherboard for games:
- supports the desired chipset;
- has a sufficient number of ports;
- supports traditional or advanced RAM modules - respectively, DDR3 and DDR4;
- equipped with a modern network controller, sound module, optionally - support for wireless standards;
- balanced in terms of technology support and price.
The specifics of the last paragraph can be considered in more detail.
How much do modern motherboards for gaming PCs cost?
Thus, we study the price aspect of the choice of devices such as gaming motherboards. Their prices are determined by the degree of novelty, compatibility with the chip from a particular brand, as well as supported standards. Regarding solutions that are based on microchips from AMD in the A88X modification, their price is in the range between 4,500 - 12,000 rubles. The cost of motherboards in which the latest chips from Intel - X99 are installed is much higher - up to 20,000 rubles or more.
Moreover, among the brands examined by us, there are none that can be unambiguously characterized as budget or premium. A good gaming motherboard, in principle, cannot be cheap. However, from the whole range of devices on the market, it is quite possible to find one that will have an optimal price in terms of user needs and performance.
Reviews about devices
How to choose a motherboard for a computer, we now know. It will also be useful to study what users themselves say about their experience in operating PCs, in which devices based on a particular chip are installed.
Enthusiasts of gaming devices admit that the motherboards that we reviewed, supporting the latest chips from AMD and Intel, are really great for overclocking - even if they are installed on inexpensive computers, in terms of their equipment with a processor type, RAM modules and a video card. This property is considered by many users to be one of the main in terms of consumer qualities of gaming motherboards. The game may require overclocking of any hardware component.
Increasing the performance of the motherboard in an appropriate way can significantly speed up and improve the launch of certain games. The devices reviewed by us, the users characterize as sufficiently stable and functional. From the point of view of technology support, among them, of course, there are devices that can be called clear leaders, and there are those devices that are somewhat behind in terms of compatibility with modern solutions.
However, the acquisition of the latter, as a rule, allows you to significantly save money, and at the same time be able to run games with high-quality graphics - if they are supposed to use not the most advanced standards. As for the related functions of the motherboard that are not directly related to game performance, in particular, sound processing or providing Wi-Fi communication, the models considered by us do not cause any particular complaints from users. The corresponding modules, as noted by electronics enthusiasts, work stably and are installed very easily due to the availability of drivers.