Best PC motherboards for 2020

Building any computer from scratch begins with finding a motherboard. Particular attention is paid to its choice, because the coherence of the devices depends on it. Newcomers get lost in the variety of choices, because the market is overflowing with a variety of assortments. For this reason, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a review of the best motherboards for 2020.

Why do you need a motherboard?

The technology market is developing at a rapid pace and, if 20 years ago the user was limited in his choice, now there are hundreds of models of motherboards from both the best manufacturers and Chinese. Each differs from each other not only in connectors, but in additional functions, sizes, design, although it performs the same role.

A central processor, RAM, video card, HDD and SSD are installed on the motherboard. In addition, additional power and hardware (for example, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.) are connected to the system board. Thanks to her, devices are transformed into a single system and a person can easily interact with a computer.

The processor constantly monitors communication with other elements and ensures correct operation. The board facilitates the unification of these components.

Thanks to the motherboard, the user is able to connect a monitor through special connectors such as HDMI, DVI, etc. However, in addition to the image, some models have a built-in sound card. The quality is worse than that of the discrete ones, but even this is enough to watch a movie or video on YouTube.

It also has a built-in network adapter that will allow you to connect your PC to a modem or router using a special cable. In addition, some models have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

What to look for when choosing?

There are hundreds of types of motherboards available in stores, all differ in both build quality and additional features. If you need a budget motherboard, there are dozens of options on the market whose cost will not exceed 5,000 rubles, but there are also devices with a price tag of 20 or even 30 thousand rubles. Therefore, it is important to first calculate an approximate budget.

As soon as a person decides on the money, you should move on to the following points:

• Processor type. It is important to consider Socket here, because having bought a flagship processor from Intel of the 9th generation, you should buy a motherboard with LGA 1151v2, other options simply will not work. AMD is simpler, they use AM4, which will fit most CPUs from Athlon to Ryzen 7;
• Dimensions. A Standart-ATX motherboard (305 × 244) is purchased for standard system blocks. There are enough slots to connect both important equipment and additional ones. Micro-ATX (244 × 244) is smaller by a few centimeters, so there are not very many connectors. Mini-ITX (170 × 170) has only one slot for a video card or other equipment, there are just as few memory ports, however, such a solution will allow you to assemble a small portable computer;
• Availability of USB 3 or 3.1 Genl ports, HDMI, USB 2, audio ports, etc. They are important, because, thanks to them, a person will be able to connect all the necessary peripheral equipment and enjoy spending time at the computer;
• At least 4 RAM slots.Yes, two may be enough for some, but if you purchase such devices in order to save money, then it will not turn out to be good, on the contrary, you can later spend more money;
• Availability of PCI-E x1 and PCI-E x The first is used for USB ports, the other is for SSD, RAID cards and video cards;
• Choose the right chipset depending on the processor;
• Cooling system. The larger the radiator, the better. So it is also better to pay attention to this and not save;
• Additional features: the presence of a Wi-Fi adapter, switches on the board or diagnostic LEDs, but this is more a pleasant bonus than a must have.

What is not recommended to pay attention to

Dozens of the best manufacturers are engaged in the release of motherboards. But more often, such giants as ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI are presented on the shelves of offline stores. It is from these products that the suitable option is often chosen. However, there are little-known companies: Zotac (suitable for people who prefer motherboards with a mini-ITX form factor) or Biostar. Of course, no one disputes the leaders in this segment, it is just that sometimes it is worth knowing other representatives of this field, so that there is plenty to choose from.

Therefore, the first thing that is better not to pay attention to is the manufacturer's reputation. After all, every company has ups and downs, top models are produced and those that everyone would like to forget about. Moreover, almost every motherboard has its own set of characteristics that can suit some and push others away.

The next thing you don't need to focus on is the division of the motherboard into "gaming" and "non-gaming". Because the performance of almost all devices is, plus or minus, the same (if you exclude overclocking the processor, but not all models support this function). Thus, the processor, video card and RAM installed earlier in the top-end motherboard will give almost the same results on modest devices. After all, it is these elements that affect the speed of work, and not the motherboard.

If a person nevertheless buys a device for further overclocking the central processor, then you should pay attention to: the number of phases in the power supply system, BIOS capabilities, cooling, etc. And only in accordance with the criteria to buy the board.

Whoever does not need overclocking and the purchase is associated with simpler reasons, then it is better to choose an option based on important characteristics: the number of USB, HDMI, PS / 2, Ethernet, DVI, form factor compliance, RAM slots, fan connectors, etc. .P.

TOP-8 motherboards in various price segments

MSI H110M PRO-VD

This model will allow you to assemble a personal computer with average characteristics and low costs. The main advantage of this option is the presence of 6 USB 3.1, which will delight more than one user.

There are 4 ports for installing DDR4 memory (the frequency of which ranges from 2130 to 3600 MHz). Socket - LGA1151, so a person can install Intel processors up to i7. The device is powered by Intel H110 chipset.

There is one PCI-E x16 slot and two PCI-E x1 slots. The cooling system is passive. Form factor - microATX.

In general, this is a good option for its cost (from 3000 rubles). However, it has a significant drawback: two slots for RAM. But for those who are sure that this will be enough, this is a good option.

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GIGABYTE GA-AB350M-DS3H V2

A compact micro-ATX motherboard from a popular Taiwanese manufacturer. The main advantage is low cost with good functionality. This card is perfect for people who are building a budget gaming PC from scratch.

Powered by AMD B350 chipset, BIOS and EFI support. AM4 processor socket supports Ryzen 2nd Generation, Athlon Radeon Vega Graphics, Athlon X4, and more.

There are 4 DIMM slots for DDR4 RAM, the maximum possible size is 64 GB. There is support for two-channel mode.

There are two PCI-E x16 expansion slots as well as one PCI-E x1. Integrated sound card based on Realtek ALC887.

The board itself has 4 connectors for USB 2.0 and 4 for USB 3.1, it is also possible to connect an old-style mouse or keyboard via PS / 2. Video Output - HDMI, DVI. The cooling system is passive.

Main power connector - 24 pin, for the central processor - 8 pin. The manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty for the device.

According to users, this is one of the best budget applications that fully meets the declared characteristics and allows you to enjoy work or games without interference. They also highlight the possibility of overclocking the processor, which is rarely found on budget motherboards. However, there is no SLI / Crossfire support. The device has a rating of 4.5 on Ya.Market. You can buy both in the online store and offline at a price: from 4000 rubles.

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ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO

A good motherboard from ASUS, a standard size that will fit every system unit. It has an LGA1151 socket, supports Intel processors from Celeron to i7.

Powered by Intel Z170 chipset. There is support for SLI / Crossfire. 4 slots for RAM with support for dual channel mode.

The board has 3 PCI-E x16 and 3 PCI-E x1 slots. Sound card based on SupremeFX 2015 will provide comfortable watching movies and listening to audio files. There are 8 USBs on the motherboard, two of which are USB 3.0. There is also an HDMI, PS / 2 and DisplayPort connector. The main power connector is a standard 24 pin.

The device is equipped with an active cooling system. Included are 6 SATA cables, a dedicated CPU mounting tool, and a rear port cover. The manufacturer gives a 36 month warranty for the device.

Average cost: from 5500 rubles.

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ASRock B450 Steel Legend

This option is suitable for those who build a mid-budget PC for games. The work is carried out on the AMD B450 chipset. Socket - AM4. Unlike the previous model, the board only supports CrossFire X.

4 slots for DDR4 RAM (max 64 GB). There are 6 SATA 6Gb connectors per second. Two PCI-E x16, 4 PCI-E x1. Sound card based on Realtek ALC892. There are 8 USB inputs and one USB Type C. The cooling system is passive. There is a connector for connecting RGB tape. The warranty period is 3 years.

Sold in many stores at a price of 6,000 rubles.

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ASUS ROG STRIX B350-F GAMING

Stylish motherboard from a top manufacturer with a passive cooling system. It is powered by the same chipset as the GIGABYTE GA-AB350M-DS3H V2, however, CrossFire X is present here, which is positively appreciated by most users.

Socket - AM4, the board flawlessly supports 7th Gen AMD Ryzen processors. The number of slots for RAM is standard. There are 3 PCI-E x16 and 3 PCI-E x1 slots. USB inputs - 8.

As a bonus, there are 4 ROG stickers and a pack of cable ties in the box.

Average cost: from 6500 rubles.

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MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX

The best model among the budget segment. This option will allow you to build a great computer and enjoy the graphics in games like Metro Exodus, The Witcher 3, or immerse yourself in the world of RDR2.

The device operates on the AMD B450 chipset, which gives the user an excellent opportunity for overclocking. The standard number of UDIMM slots for RAM. Two slots for PCI-E x16, 1 for PCI-E x1. The sound card is based on ALC892. There are 6 USBs on the back panel. The cooling system is passive.

Average cost: from 9,000 rubles.

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Above we have considered budget models of motherboards up to 10,000 rubles. Thanks to them, even a beginner can build his first computer and fully enjoy the graphics and gameplay. And for those who are ready to spend more than 10,000 rubles on a motherboard, the following models are worth a look.

ASUS PRIME X470-PRO

This model is perfect for building a powerful gaming computer. The board uses the AMD X470 chipset, which has dozens of positive reviews from users. The device supports SLI and CrossFire.

8 USB connectors allow the user to connect various peripheral devices without interference. There are 3 PCI-E x16 slots, which will allow a person to install a powerful video card. The cooling system is passive. Form - ATX standart.

Cost: from 12 thousand rubles.

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MSI MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS

Many users describe this model as: "the most affordable and productive among ATX-based gaming boards." After all, it supports work not only with Intel 8th generation processors, but also thanks to the LGA1151v2 chipset, Intel Core 9000 Series is open to users. The cooling system consists of a pair of aluminum heatsinks on a chipset. Their effectiveness has been tested by dozens of experts and hundreds of gamers, so you won't have to worry about overheating. Power is supplied according to a nine-phase scheme.

There are 4 slots for RAM, maximum - 64 GB. There are also two slots for PCI-E x16 and 4 PCI-E x1. It is possible to connect RGB tape.

Average cost: from 13 thousand rubles.

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Output

The article presents popular models of motherboards in different price segments that are in high demand. The main selection criteria were also considered, thanks to which a person will be able to independently choose the desired option and not spend a lot of money. If you have experience using the devices described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.