When building a desktop PC, the motherboard is one of the most important components to consider. It serves as the foundation for your entire system, connecting all other components together. A good motherboard ensures reliable performance, upgradeability, and compatibility with the latest processors, memory, and storage technologies. In 2024, motherboards have evolved to support newer standards like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 RAM, and Wi-Fi 6E, offering better performance and future-proofing. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a productivity powerhouse, or a workstation, there’s a motherboard out there for you. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 motherboards for desktops in 2024.
1. ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme: Best for High-End AMD Builds
- Overview: The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme is a flagship motherboard for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. It’s a high-end motherboard that offers incredible performance, premium features, and exceptional overclocking potential.
- Chipset: AMD X670E
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Dual 10Gb Ethernet ports
- Wi-Fi 6E
- DDR5 memory support
- Robust power delivery for extreme overclocking
- High-end cooling solutions
- Best For: Enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who want the best performance from AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
- Pros: Excellent power delivery, tons of connectivity options, cutting-edge technologies.
- Cons: Very expensive, overkill for casual users.
2. MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Wi-Fi: Best for Intel 13th Gen Builds
- Overview: The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Wi-Fi is a premium motherboard designed for Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors (Raptor Lake). It provides a perfect balance of performance, features, and aesthetics, making it ideal for gaming and high-performance computing.
- Chipset: Intel Z790
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Wi-Fi 6E
- DDR5 and DDR4 support
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- Best For: Gamers and enthusiasts building Intel-based systems with top-tier performance.
- Pros: Great performance, good balance of features, supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM.
- Cons: Expensive, only a single PCIe 5.0 slot.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wi-Fi D4: Best for Budget Intel Builds
- Overview: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wi-Fi D4 is an affordable option for Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake CPUs. It offers solid performance, durability, and a range of features without breaking the bank.
- Chipset: Intel Z690
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Wi-Fi 6
- DDR4 memory support
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Durable, military-grade components
- Best For: Budget-conscious gamers and PC builders who want reliable performance at a lower price point.
- Pros: Excellent value for money, strong build quality, solid feature set.
- Cons: Limited to DDR4 memory, lacks some high-end features like DDR5 support.
4. Gigabyte AORUS Z790 Master: Best for Enthusiasts and Overclocking
- Overview: The Gigabyte AORUS Z790 Master is a top-tier motherboard for Intel’s 13th Gen processors, offering fantastic performance and plenty of features designed for enthusiasts and overclockers.
- Chipset: Intel Z790
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- 10Gb Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6E
- DDR5 support
- Advanced thermal design with heatsinks
- Best For: Hardcore gamers, enthusiasts, and content creators looking for extreme performance.
- Pros: Exceptional build quality, excellent cooling, great for overclocking.
- Cons: High price, overkill for average users.
5. ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming Wi-Fi D4: Best for Budget Intel Z690 Builds
- Overview: The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming Wi-Fi D4 is a great option for gamers who want high-end features at a more affordable price. It offers compatibility with Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake processors and support for PCIe 5.0, making it a future-proof motherboard.
- Chipset: Intel Z690
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Wi-Fi 6
- DDR4 memory support
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- Best For: Gamers and enthusiasts on a budget who want the best performance from Intel’s 12th Gen processors.
- Pros: Great value, solid performance, good connectivity options.
- Cons: Limited to DDR4, fewer premium features compared to higher-end boards.
6. MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK WIFI: Best for Mid-Range AMD Builds
- Overview: The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK WIFI is one of the best motherboards for users building with AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series processors. It offers solid performance, Wi-Fi connectivity, and PCIe 4.0 support at an affordable price.
- Chipset: AMD B550
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Wi-Fi 6
- Dual M.2 slots
- Robust power design
- Best For: Gamers and content creators on a mid-range budget who want a reliable, solid motherboard for AMD Ryzen CPUs.
- Pros: Great performance for the price, solid feature set, Wi-Fi support.
- Cons: No PCIe 5.0 support, limited RAM overclocking potential.
7. ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming: Best for AMD Ryzen Builds
- Overview: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming is a feature-packed motherboard with excellent overclocking potential and support for PCIe 4.0. It's perfect for gamers looking to build a powerful Ryzen-based PC.
- Chipset: AMD B550
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Wi-Fi 6
- Dual M.2 slots
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Best For: Gamers and power users looking for an affordable AMD build with top-tier performance.
- Pros: Great overclocking support, solid build quality, excellent value for money.
- Cons: Lacks PCIe 5.0, a bit pricey for B550.
8. ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4: Best for Budget Intel Builds with PCIe 5.0
- Overview: The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 is one of the best value motherboards for Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake processors. It offers PCIe 5.0 support, DDR4 memory, and other essential features at a more affordable price point.
- Chipset: Intel Z690
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 support
- DDR4 support
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- Best For: Budget-conscious users who still want PCIe 5.0 support and solid performance.
- Pros: Good price for PCIe 5.0 support, reliable performance.
- Cons: Limited high-end features, no Wi-Fi support.
9. Gigabyte B550 AORUS Elite V2: Best for AMD Budget Builds
- Overview: The Gigabyte B550 AORUS Elite V2 offers an excellent blend of features and affordability for those using AMD Ryzen processors. It supports PCIe 4.0, has great power delivery, and comes with solid gaming-oriented features.
- Chipset: AMD B550
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Dual M.2 slots
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- RGB support
- Best For: Budget-conscious gamers looking for a reliable AMD Ryzen motherboard with solid performance.
- Pros: Great value for the price, good gaming features, solid build.
- Cons: No PCIe 5.0 support, limited overclocking potential.
10. ASRock Z590 Taichi: Best for Intel 11th Gen Builds
- Overview: The ASRock Z590 Taichi is a premium motherboard designed for Intel's 11th Gen processors. It features top-tier connectivity, strong power delivery, and excellent thermal design, making it ideal for high-performance builds.
- Chipset: Intel Z590
- Form Factor: ATX
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 support
- 10Gb Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6
- High-end power delivery system
- Best For: Users who want a powerful, reliable motherboard for Intel’s 11th Gen CPUs.
- Pros: Great build quality, fantastic performance, excellent power delivery.
- Cons: High price, not PCIe 5.0.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motherboard for your desktop build is crucial as it determines the performance and upgradability of your system. The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Wi-Fi are perfect for users seeking high-end performance, while the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 and Gigabyte B550 AORUS Elite V2 are great options for those on a budget. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a workstation, or a general-purpose PC, there’s a motherboard in 2024 for every need and budget.
