Best Motherboards for Gaming in 2026: 8 Top AM5 and LGA1851 Picks

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.

Best Motherboards for Gaming in 2026: 8 Top AM5 and LGA1851 Picks

Published May 4, 2026 | Last Updated: May 4, 2026 | By Gaming PC Guru | Category: Components

Choosing the right motherboard is one of the most critical decisions in building a gaming PC—yet it’s often overlooked by newcomers focused on flashy GPUs and processors. Your motherboard determines everything from power delivery to your CPU and GPU, the number of M.2 storage expansion slots, PCIe lane allocation, and future upgrade potential. In 2026, two dominant platforms dominate gaming: AMD’s AM5 socket with Ryzen 9000 series processors and Intel’s LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200 series. This comprehensive guide walks you through 8 of the best gaming motherboards across both platforms, helping you make an informed choice for your next build.

Quick Navigation

Comparison Table

How to Choose

Best AM5 Motherboards

Best Intel LGA1851 Motherboards

Buying Guide

FAQ

⭐ TOP PICK

#1
🎮

Best Motherboards for Gaming 2026
Check Price ↗

In a hurry? See the top-rated Motherboards for Gaming deals available right now:
🛒 Check Motherboards For Gaming Prices on Amazon →

🛒 Best Price Today on Amazon

Prime members get fast, free shipping on everything above, plus member-only deals. New members get a 30-day free trial — cancel anytime.
Start 30-Day Prime Free Trial → See Today’s Amazon Deals

Quick Comparison Table

Motherboard | Chipset | Socket | Form Factor | RAM Speed (Max) | M.2 Slots | USB4/TB4 | Wi-Fi | Est. Price
ASRock B650M PG Lightning | B650 | AM5 | mATX | 7200+ MHz | 2 | No | Wi-Fi 6E | $130
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk Wi-Fi | B650 | AM5 | ATX | 7200+ MHz | 3 | No | Wi-Fi 6E | $200
ASUS ROG Strix X870-E | X870-E | AM5 | ATX | 8000+ MHz | 5 | Yes | Wi-Fi 7 | $430
Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master | X870E | AM5 | ATX | 8200+ MHz | 4 | Yes | Wi-Fi 7 | $500
MSI PRO Z890-A Wi-Fi | Z890 | LGA1851 | ATX | 8600+ MHz | 3 | Yes (TB4) | Wi-Fi 7 | $280
Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Wi-Fi 7 | Z890 | LGA1851 | ATX | 8800+ MHz | 4 | Yes (TB4) | Wi-Fi 7 | $330
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-F Gaming Wi-Fi | Z890 | LGA1851 | ATX | 9000+ MHz | 5 | Yes (TB4) | Wi-Fi 7 | $420
ASRock Z890 Taichi | Z890 | LGA1851 | ATX | 9600+ MHz | 4 | Yes (TB4) | Wi-Fi 7 | $550

How to Choose the Best Gaming Motherboard: Platform & Chipset Matters

Selecting a motherboard involves three critical decisions: platform choice, chipset tier, and form factor. Your motherboard choice essentially locks you into a 5-7 year platform commitment, so understanding these categories is essential before spending money.

Platform: AM5 vs. LGA1851

AM5 (AMD Ryzen 9000 Series) offers excellent value and proven performance. The ecosystem is mature, with extensive motherboard options from budget to enthusiast-tier. AM5 supports backward compatibility with Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series CPUs, giving you upgrade flexibility within the same socket. Visit our dedicated AM5 motherboards guide for deep dives into specific models.

LGA1851 (Intel Core Ultra 200 Series) is Intel’s cutting-edge platform featuring their latest architectural improvements and integrated efficiency cores. LGA1851 boards support PCIe 5.0 natively and feature robust power delivery for Intel’s higher TDP processors. Learn more about platform differences in our AM5 vs. LGA1851 comparison.

Chipset Tiers

AMD Chipsets: B650 boards are for mainstream gaming, offering solid VRM and PCIe 4.0 for M.2 drives. X870 and X870-E boards are for enthusiasts, with superior power delivery, more M.2 slots, USB4 support, and higher overclocking headroom.

Intel Chipsets: B890 boards (if available) target value gamers, while Z890 boards serve mainstream to high-end users with PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4, and superior VRM compared to earlier Z-series generations. Most 2026 gaming builds favor Z890 for its feature set.

Form Factor: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX

ATX (305mm × 244mm): Standard full-size boards with the most slots and I/O. Ideal for spacious cases and enthusiasts planning extensive upgrades. Most high-end gaming motherboards use ATX.

Micro-ATX (244mm × 244mm): Smaller board fitting mid-tower cases while still offering good expansion. Perfect for balanced gaming builds where size matters but not flexibility.

Mini-ITX (170mm × 170mm): Compact boards for small-form-factor builds. Limited expansion but increasingly popular for portable gaming PCs. Check our gaming cases guide to ensure compatibility.

Best AM5 Motherboards for Gaming 2026

1. ASRock B650M PG Lightning — Best Budget AM5 Gaming Motherboard ~$130

The ASRock B650M PG Lightning represents exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers. Despite its $130 price tag, this Micro-ATX motherboard delivers solid performance with a 6+2+1 phase power delivery system, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and support for DDR5 memory up to 7200+ MHz (OC). The board includes two M.2 slots—one PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0—providing ample storage expansion without premium pricing.

Chipset: B650

Form Factor: Micro-ATX

VRM Phases: 6+2+1

M.2 Slots: 2 (1x PCIe 5.0, 1x PCIe 4.0)

USB4: No

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz

BIOS Flashback: Yes

Best for: Budget builders, micro-ATX case enthusiasts, entry-level Ryzen 9000 gaming builds. The compact form factor makes it ideal for mid-tower gaming cases while the B650 chipset handles any non-overclocking gaming workload. BIOS flashback support ensures easy BIOS updates without a compatible CPU.

9

ASRock B650M PG Lightning AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen9000/8000/7000 Series Processors DDR5 7200+ MHz (OC) HDMI DisplayPort B650 Micro ATX Motherboard BIOS Flashback SATA3 6.0 Gb/s M.2 Key-E for WiFi

Motherboards

ASRock

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.1 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$161.98

View on Amazon.com

Updated: 6 days ago
Price as of Aug 19, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 9

1 / 9

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

2. MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk Wi-Fi — Best Mainstream AM5 Gaming Motherboard ~$200

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is the sweet spot for mainstream AM5 gaming builds. At $200, you get a full-size ATX board with excellent power delivery (14+2+1 phases), three M.2 slots, and comprehensive I/O including 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E. The Tomahawk line carries MSI’s reputation for reliability, with solid thermal management and an intuitive BIOS interface. This board handles Ryzen 9000 series processors with room to spare, making it suitable for both stock and mild overclocking.

Chipset: B650

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 14+2+1

M.2 Slots: 3

USB4: No

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz

BIOS Flashback: Yes

Best for: Mainstream gamers, streamers, content creators using Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 processors. The three M.2 slots enable easy SSD upgrades for gaming storage optimization. Pair this with a quality CPU cooler for a well-balanced $600-800 gaming PC build.

6

MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, M.2, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI/DP, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5Gbps LAN, ATX)

Motherboards

msi

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.2 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$159.99

View on Amazon.com

Updated: 5 days ago
Price as of Aug 20, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 6

1 / 6

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

3. ASUS ROG Strix X870-E — Best High-End AM5 Gaming Motherboard ~$430

The ASUS ROG Strix X870-E pushes AM5 to its enthusiast limits. With an 18+2+2 phase VRM, this board delivers exceptional power delivery for aggressive overclocking and handles top-tier Ryzen 9 processors without compromise. Five M.2 slots accommodate multiple NVMe drives, while dual USB4 ports provide Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for external storage and displays. Wi-Fi 7 future-proofs your network, and the advanced BIOS offers granular control over voltages, clock speeds, and fan curves. The robust power delivery and thermal design make this a favorite among overclocking communities.

Chipset: X870-E

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 18+2+2

M.2 Slots: 5

USB4: Yes (Dual USB4)

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 8000+ MHz

BIOS Flashback: Yes

Best for: Overclocking enthusiasts, high-performance gaming builds, top-tier CPU users. If you’re building a $2000+ gaming PC with premium components, this board justifies its cost through superior power delivery and expansive M.2 capacity. Check compatibility with your gaming case due to its size and USB4 port positioning.

9

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 18+2+2 Power Stages, Dynamic OC Switcher, Core Flex, DDR5 AEMP, WiFi 7, 5X M.2, PCIe® 5.0, Q-Release Slim, USB4®, AI OCing & Networking

Motherboards

ASUS

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.0 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$389.13

View on Amazon.com

Updated: August 7, 2026
Price as of Aug 7, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 9

1 / 9

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

4. Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master — Best Enthusiast AM5 Gaming Motherboard ~$500

Gigabyte’s X870E Aorus Master represents peak AM5 performance. The 18+2+2 phase VRM delivers clean, stable power even under extreme overclocking loads. Four M.2 slots (supporting up to PCIe 5.0) with integrated heatsinks prevent thermal throttling during sustained performance. USB4 connectivity, 5GbE LAN, and Wi-Fi 7 provide cutting-edge connectivity. The Aorus brand signals Gigabyte’s commitment to gaming-first design, with aggressive styling and comprehensive RGB lighting integration through their Fusion software. Superior BIOS with Overclocking Stack Optimizer simplifies tweaking for users new to overclocking.

Chipset: X870E

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 18+2+2

M.2 Slots: 4

USB4: Yes

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 8200+ MHz

LAN Speed: 5GbE

Best for: Extreme overclockers, high-performance streamers, content creators demanding maximum stability. The integrated M.2 heatsinks and generous phase count minimize thermal and electrical variance. Pair with premium cooling solutions like high-performance CPU coolers for the complete platform experience. Visit our 2026 gaming PC build guide for complete high-end configuration recommendations.

-10%

11

GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Master AMD AM5 LGA 1718 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB4, WIFI7, 5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty

Motherboards

GIGABYTE

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.4 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$496.99 $549.99 Save $53.00

View on Amazon.com

Updated: 6 days ago
Price as of Aug 19, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 11

1 / 11

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

Best Intel LGA1851 Motherboards for Gaming 2026

5. MSI PRO Z890-A Wi-Fi — Best Value Intel Gaming Motherboard ~$280

MSI’s PRO Z890-A Wi-Fi provides exceptional value for Intel platform builders. At $280, this Z890 board delivers features typically found at $350+: Thunderbolt 4 support, Wi-Fi 7, 5Gbps LAN, and solid 16+2+1 phase VRM suitable for Core Ultra 200 series processors. The three M.2 slots accommodate high-speed NVMe drives, while the clean black aesthetic appeals to builders seeking understated elegance over RGB bling. The Pro series targets professionals and serious gamers who prioritize stability over flashy RGB lighting.

Chipset: Z890

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 16+2+1

M.2 Slots: 3

Thunderbolt 4: Yes

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 8600+ MHz

LAN Speed: 5Gbps

Best for: Budget-conscious Intel gamers, Thunderbolt 4 users (creative professionals with external drives), stable mainstream builds. The Pro branding ensures conservative power delivery appropriate for non-overclocking scenarios. Excellent pairing with high-performance DDR5 RAM and mid-range Core Ultra processors for 1440p gaming builds.

8

MSI PRO Z890-P WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (Supports Core Ultra Series 2 Intel Processors, LGA 1851, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2, SATA, 5Gbps LAN, USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Thunderbolt 4, ATX)

Motherboards

msi

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.9 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$120.28

View on Amazon.com

Updated: August 7, 2026
Price as of Aug 7, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 8

1 / 8

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

6. Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Wi-Fi 7 — Best Balanced Intel Gaming Motherboard ~$330

Gigabyte’s Z890 Aorus Elite Wi-Fi 7 hits the sweet spot between performance and price in the Intel ecosystem. The 16+1+2 phase VRM comfortably handles Core Ultra 200 processors with room for light overclocking. Four M.2 slots with integrated heatsinks keep NVMe drives cool during sustained gaming sessions. Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, Thunderbolt 4, and 2.5GbE LAN provide modern I/O standards without premium pricing. The Aorus design language is less aggressive than ROG, making this board suitable for various build aesthetics from minimalist to gaming-focused.

Chipset: Z890

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 16+1+2

M.2 Slots: 4

Thunderbolt 4: Yes

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 8800+ MHz

LAN Speed: 2.5Gbps

Best for: Mainstream Intel gamers, streaming builds, users wanting four M.2 slots without premium pricing. The integrated M.2 heatsinks are especially valuable for high-speed Gen5 drives that can thermal throttle. Perfect complement to a mid-to-high-end GPU for balanced 4K gaming systems. Explore our complete 2026 build guide for specific Core Ultra pairings.

9

GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Elite WIFI7 Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) LGA 1851 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch

Motherboards

GIGABYTE

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.7 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$178.44

View on Amazon.com

Updated: August 7, 2026
Price as of Aug 7, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 9

1 / 9

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

7. ASUS ROG Strix Z890-F Gaming Wi-Fi — Best High-Performance Intel Gaming Motherboard ~$420

ASUS ROG Strix Z890-F Gaming Wi-Fi targets competitive gamers and high-performance streamers. The 16+2+1+2 stage power delivery (higher phase count than Gigabyte despite similar VRM specs) integrates advanced dPhase technology for lower ripple and cleaner power. Five M.2 slots—unprecedented for Z890 boards at this price—give content creators and prosumers incredible storage flexibility. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports enable daisy-chaining external monitors and storage, while Wi-Fi 7 ensures lag-free wireless gaming. The ROG BIOS is arguably the most feature-rich in the industry, offering granular overclocking controls alongside AI-assisted optimization for beginners.

Chipset: Z890

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 16+2+1+2

M.2 Slots: 5

Thunderbolt 4: Yes (Dual)

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 9000+ MHz

Signature Feature: AI Overclocking

Best for: Enthusiast gamers, Twitch/YouTube streamers, professional content creators. Five M.2 slots are incredible for multi-drive setups (OS on Gen5, games on fast Gen4, content storage on another drive). The AI Overclocking feature simplifies tweaking for users nervous about BIOS adjustments. Top recommendation in our $1500+ gaming build guide.

8. ASRock Z890 Taichi — Best Overclocker’s Intel Gaming Motherboard ~$550

ASRock’s Z890 Taichi stands at the pinnacle of Intel LGA1851 board design. The Phantom Spirit 20+2 phase power delivery is binned specifically for extreme overclocking, with superior component selection and circuit topology. The O.C. firmware includes experimental features and enhanced monitoring—essential for pushing silicon to its limits safely. Four M.2 slots with independent controls, Thunderbolt 4 for maximum I/O flexibility, and 10GbE networking (in select regions) position this as the flagship Intel platform. The Taichi design language is distinctly gamery—angular styling and comprehensive RGB integration attract the overclocking crowd. Premium BIOS with dedicated O.C. sections makes this board a favorite in global overclocking competitions.

Chipset: Z890

Form Factor: ATX

VRM Phases: 20+2 Phantom Spirit

M.2 Slots: 4

Thunderbolt 4: Yes

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7

RAM Support: DDR5 up to 9600+ MHz

Specialized Feature: O.C. Firmware Mode

Best for: Professional overclockers, extreme cooling enthusiasts (LN2, phase change), competition circuit participants. The binned VRM components and O.C. firmware justify the premium. Pair with extreme cooling solutions and binned silicon (cherry-picked processors) for record-breaking benchmarks. Explore advanced overclocking techniques in our advanced PC building guide.

-9%

11

ASRock Z890 Taichi Intel Core Ultra LGA1851 RL-ILM DDR5 9600 MHz 256 GB ATX Motherboard Thunderbolt Wi-Fi 7 PCIe 5.0 M.2

Motherboards

ASRock

amazon.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.9 (0 reviews)

In Stock

$195.49 $215.99 Save $20.50

View on Amazon.com

Updated: 1 hour ago
Price as of Aug 25, 2026. We earn from qualifying purchases.

About this item

Expand

1 / 11

1 / 11

View on Amazon.com

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.

Advanced Buying Guide: Features That Matter for Gaming

VRM Quality and Power Delivery

VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is the single most important specification overlooked by casual builders. High phase-count VRMs (14+, 16+, 18+ phases) deliver stable, clean power with lower ripple, enabling higher clock speeds with better stability and efficiency. Gaming workloads benefit from this through:

Voltage Stability: Cleaner power reduces crashes in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra settings

Thermal Efficiency: Better power delivery means less heat dissipation, reducing fan noise

Lifespan: Lower electrical stress extends motherboard lifespan under 24/7 gaming

Overclocking Headroom: Superior VRM is prerequisite for any overclocking beyond +100 MHz

Mainstream boards (B650, Z890) with 14-16 phases handle gaming beautifully. High-end boards (X870-E, Z890 Taichi) with 18+ phases target overclocking or extreme workloads. Budget boards with 6-8 phases handle gaming at stock clocks—avoid them if overclocking interests you.

PCIe 5.0 and M.2 Expansion

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, enabling NVMe drives to reach 10+ GB/s read speeds. For gaming specifically, PCIe 4.0 is sufficient (most drives top out at 7 GB/s anyway), but PCIe 5.0 future-proofs your storage investment. Prioritize total M.2 slot count (3+ slots) over PCIe generation—most gamers never saturate bandwidth, but multiple drives for OS, games, and content storage are increasingly common.

USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity

USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 provide 40 Gbps bandwidth for external displays, storage, and peripherals. For purely gaming-focused builds, these are optional. For content creators, streamers, or professionals also using gaming PCs, USB4 connectivity justifies board selection—it enables external M.2 enclosures for backing up massive game libraries without slowing down internal storage.

Wi-Fi Capability: 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 6E reaches ~1.3 Gbps in real-world conditions; Wi-Fi 7 reaches ~3+ Gbps. For gaming specifically, both are overkill (gaming uses 5-50 Mbps bandwidth). Wi-Fi 7 becomes valuable if you:

Stream 4K gaming to other devices simultaneously

Download 100+ GB games frequently

Have a Wi-Fi 7 router already (most people don’t)

Cheap onboard Wi-Fi (even Wi-Fi 7) can underperform dedicated wireless cards due to antenna placement. For serious gaming, ethernet is still king—invest in Cat6A cabling instead of relying on wireless.

RAM Compatibility and QVL Lists

Before purchasing, consult the motherboard’s QVL (Qualified Vendor List) to confirm your specific RAM model works reliably. Mismatches between board and RAM can cause mysterious crashes, especially at overclocked speeds. DDR5 adoption is still stabilizing—recommended configurations vary by chipset and BIOS revision. Check our DDR5 RAM guide for tested pairings.

BIOS Flashback and BIOS Update Support

BIOS flashback (via USB thumb drive) allows CPU-independent BIOS updates—critical when upgrading from a Ryzen 5000 CPU to Ryzen 9000 (older BIOS doesn’t recognize new CPUs). All modern boards support this, but verify before purchasing. Boards with older BIOS revisions may require pre-update procedures from retailers before shipping.

Warranty and Support

Reputable manufacturers offer 5-year warranties on X-series boards and 3-year on B-series. This is crucial for long-term stability assurance. ASRock and ASUS historically offer best-in-class support; MSI and Gigabyte are solid but historically slower on BIOS updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaming Motherboards

Q: Is AM5 worth the premium over AM4 in 2026?

A: AM4 is dead for new gaming builds. Ryzen 9000 series CPUs require AM5, and AM4 is stuck on older Ryzen architectures. If building a new gaming PC in 2026, AM5 is mandatory—there’s no premium, just the realistic cost of modern components. Pair with a budget B650 board to keep costs reasonable. However, if you have an existing AM4 CPU, upgrading to AM5 requires both CPU and motherboard investment; explore budget gaming build alternatives that maximize existing hardware.

Q: What’s the cheapest motherboard suitable for gaming in 2026?

A: ASRock B650M PG Lightning at ~$130 offers the best value. The micro-ATX form factor limits upgradability, but the 6+2+1 VRM, Wi-Fi 6E, and PCIe 5.0 support are solid for gaming at stock CPU clocks. Only avoid if planning aggressive overclocking; the board caps out around +200 MHz gains. For Intel budget gaming, skip sub-$250 Z890 boards and jump to MSI PRO Z890-A at $280 for Thunderbolt 4 support.

Q: Should I choose Micro-ATX or ATX for a gaming PC?

A: ATX is universally recommended for gaming unless physical space is critical. ATX boards offer more M.2 slots (typically 3-5 vs. 2-3), better thermal management around power delivery, and simpler cable routing. Micro-ATX works for gaming but limits future upgrades. Mini-ITX is the extreme compromise—stunning aesthetics but tight thermals. Check our gaming cases guide before committing; not all mid-tower cases accommodate ATX boards with large coolers.

Q: Do I really need Wi-Fi 7 on a gaming motherboard?

A: No. Wi-Fi 7 offers no gaming advantage; it’s a checkbox for future-proofing and non-gaming use cases (streaming, content creation). For pure gaming, ethernet cable provides lower latency and consistent bandwidth. If buying in 2026, Wi-Fi 7 boards are becoming standard even at $200 price points, so choosing Wi-Fi 6E to save money rarely makes sense anymore.

Q: How important is USB4/Thunderbolt 4 for gaming?

A: Not critical for gaming alone, but valuable if you use external storage (eGPU enclosures, external M.2 drives). Casual gamers: skip USB4 and save $50-100. Content creators, streamers, or professionals: USB4 justifies board selection. Our Z890-F and X870-E recommendations include USB4 explicitly for flexibility.

Q: How do I ensure my RAM will be compatible with my motherboard?

A: Before purchase, find the motherboard’s QVL (Qualified Vendor List) from the manufacturer’s website. Search for your exact RAM model (including capacity and speed). QVL updates frequently with BIOS revisions, so check both current and planned BIOS versions. Most recent DDR5 RAM works with recent boards, but edge cases exist (especially AMD’s early X870 boards). When in doubt, contact the manufacturer’s support team with exact part numbers.

Best Motherboards for Gaming 2026 — Final Roundup

Choosing the right motherboard balances platform commitment (AM5 vs. LGA1851), features (VRM, M.2 slots, USB4), form factor (ATX vs. mATX), and budget. Here’s our final recommendation summary:

1

Best Seller

ASRock B650M PG Lightning AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen9000/8000/7000 Series Processors DDR5 7200+ MHz (OC) HDMI DisplayPort B650 Micro ATX Motherboard BIOS Flashback SATA3 6.0 Gb/s M.2 Key-E for WiFi

ASRock

9.5 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Last update on Aug 19, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$161.98

View on Amazon.com

2

Editor's Pick

MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, M.2, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI/DP, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5Gbps LAN, ATX)

msi

9.5 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Last update on Aug 20, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$159.99

View on Amazon.com

3

Limited Time

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 18+2+2 Power Stages, Dynamic OC Switcher, Core Flex, DDR5 AEMP, WiFi 7, 5X M.2, PCIe® 5.0, Q-Release Slim, USB4®, AI OCing & Networking

ASUS

9.4 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Last update on Aug 7, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$389.13

View on Amazon.com

4

-10%

Top Rated

GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Master AMD AM5 LGA 1718 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB4, WIFI7, 5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty

GIGABYTE

9.6 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Last update on Aug 19, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$549.99 Save $53.00

$496.99

View on Amazon.com

5

MSI PRO Z890-P WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (Supports Core Ultra Series 2 Intel Processors, LGA 1851, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2, SATA, 5Gbps LAN, USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Thunderbolt 4, ATX)

msi

9.9 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Last update on Aug 7, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$120.28

View on Amazon.com

6

GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Elite WIFI7 Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) LGA 1851 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch

GIGABYTE

9.8 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Last update on Aug 7, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$178.44

View on Amazon.com

7

-9%

ASRock Z890 Taichi Intel Core Ultra LGA1851 RL-ILM DDR5 9600 MHz 256 GB ATX Motherboard Thunderbolt Wi-Fi 7 PCIe 5.0 M.2

ASRock

9.9 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Last update on Aug 25, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$215.99 Save $20.50

$195.49

View on Amazon.com

Make Your Choice

Budget gamers ($130-200): ASRock B650M PG Lightning or MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk Wi-Fi deliver unbeatable gaming performance per dollar. AM5 ecosystem is mature, proven, and excellent for gaming.

Mainstream enthusiasts ($280-330): MSI PRO Z890-A or Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite offer Intel platform value with modern connectivity. Choose AM5 X870 boards if already committed to Ryzen ecosystem.

ASRock B650M PG Lightning AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen9000/8000/7000

High-performance gamers ($420-550): ASUS ROG Strix boards (Z890-F or X870-E) provide overclocking headroom, expansive M.2 support, and premium BIOS features. Budget justifies itself through 5+ year platform longevity and superior stability.

MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 900

Professional overclockers ($550+): ASRock Z890 Taichi and Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master are binned for extreme performance. Only recommended if overclocking/benchmarking is your primary use case.

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherbo

Whichever board you choose, prioritize stable power delivery over RGB lighting. A $200 board with solid VRM and good BIOS beats a $300 board with flashy lights and weak power delivery every time. Your motherboard choice locks you into a 5-7 year platform; spend wisely and enjoy decades of gaming performance.

References and Further Reading

Best CPUs for Gaming 2026: Complete Guide to Ryzen 9000 and Core Ultra 200

AM5 vs LGA1851: Platform Comparison for Gaming PCs

Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming: Speeds, Latency, and Compatibility Guide

Best Gaming PC Build 2026: Complete Budget Breakdown

How to Build a Gaming PC: Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Best Gaming Cases 2026: Airflow, Aesthetics, and Cable Management

Best CPU Coolers for Gaming: Air vs. Liquid Comparison

Best Budget Gaming PC 2026: High FPS Under $800

Related Gaming Guides

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 7 270K — Best Gaming CPU 2026

Best Gaming CPU 2026 — Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs 9600X vs Intel Options

Best Budget Processor for Gaming in 2026: 8 Affordable CPUs Tested

Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming in 2026: 8 Top Kits Tested

Best PSU for Gaming in 2026: 8 Top ATX 3.1 Power Supplies Tested

Related Articles

Looking for more on this topic? Browse the hand-picked guides below — each one applies the same scoring rubric used in this review.

Best Gaming CPU 2026 — Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs 9600X vs Intel Options

Best Budget Processor for Gaming in 2026: 8 Affordable CPUs Tested

Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming in 2026: 8 Top Kits Tested

Best PSU for Gaming in 2026: 8 Top ATX 3.1 Power Supplies Tested

Best NVMe SSDs for Gaming in 2026: PCIe 4.0 & 5.0 Tested

Linux vs Windows 11 for Gaming in 2026 — Has Linux Finally Caught Up?

RTX 5070 vs RX 9070: Which GPU Should You Buy in 2026?

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 7 270K — Best Gaming CPU 2026