10 Best LGA 1150 Motherboard 2023
For gamers, every part and component of their computer system is highly critical and needs careful consideration.
Editor’s Pick
Good Price
Don’t Miss
Also Consider
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA1150 DDR3 M.2 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Z97 ATX Motherboard
ASUS Micro ATX DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 Motherboard B85M-G
ASRock ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboards FATAL1TY Z97 Killer
SHANGZHAOYUAN H97M PRO Motherboard Micro-ATX LGA 1150 Motherboard with SATA3.0, USB3.0, NVME M.2, PCIE 3.0, 4*DDR3 Non-ECC, Support 4th/5th gen Intel Core i3 i5 i7/Pentium/Xeon Processor
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Editor’s Pick
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO LGA1150 DDR3 M. 2 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Z97 ATX Motherboard
Buy on Amazon
Good Price
ASUS Micro ATX DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 Motherboard B85M-G
Buy on Amazon
Don’t Miss
ASRock ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboards FATAL1TY Z97 Killer
Buy on Amazon
Also Consider
SHANGZHAOYUAN H97M PRO Motherboard Micro-ATX LGA 1150 Motherboard with SATA3.0, USB3.0, NVME M.2, PCIE 3.0, 4*DDR3 Non-ECC, Support 4th/5th gen Intel Core i3 i5 i7/Pentium/Xeon Processor
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This includes the motherboard of the PC. A popular choice these days is the LGA 1150 motherboard, which upgrades the system and enhances its performance tenfold.
However, the performance of your PC will only take a boost if you invest your money in the best LGA 1150 motherboard and not a cheap knock-off version.
To save you from getting scammed, I am sharing detailed reviews of the best LGA 1150 motherboards in this article.
Best LGA 1150 Motherboard – Top Picks
1. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO Motherboard – Best LGA 1150 Motherboard 2015
Asus went out of their way with the Asus ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO Motherboard. They have incorporated every single feature in the nifty design of this mother that will ease the lives of users.
The best part is that all of the handy features are packed in an appealing body. The blend of black and red on the exterior gives this model of motherboard a drool-worthy look.
Furthermore, this model comes with a CPU socket of LGA 1150, along with a multitude of connectivity slots. The long list of slots includes 4 memory slots, M.2 slots, multiple USB ports, audio jacks, HDMI ports, and SATA ports.
Moreover, this model also comes with DDR3 RAM, with a maximum storage of up to 32 GB. The memory of storage capacity of the motherboard is 512 MB, and the memory speed is 1600 MHz.
In addition to that, this model of the motherboard has an ATX form factor which changes the game entirely. The ATX form factor of the motherboard enhances the performance of this model, all the while keeping the power consumption in check.
Another great perk of this model that I absolutely loved is that it is compatible with all types of PC.
So, installing the motherboard and connecting it to the system will not be an issue for you. Furthermore, the manufacturers have added the Supreme FX audio chip to the design of this motherboard.
The presence of this audio chip makes it possible for you to enjoy smooth audio while gaming without the nuisance of any distortion.
Pros
- Supreme FX audio chip
- 1600 MHz memory speed
- Multiple connectivity ports
- ATX form factor
- LGA 1150 socket
Cons
- Costs more than other models
Whether you are a gamer who wants to upgrade his system or someone who does menial tasks on the PC, you need to add the Asus ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO Motherboard to your system.
The addition of this motherboard alone will open the gates to a multitude of benefits that will greatly enhance the performance of your PC.
Also Check
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2. ASUS Micro ATX LGA 1150 Motherboard B85M-G – Good LGA 1150 Motherboard
Asus has made quite a name in the world of technology, and that is because its products always hit the mark. The same is the case with the Asus Micro ATX LGA 1150 Motherboard B85M-G. This model of the motherboard is not something that you want to take lightly. It comes loaded with perks and benefits that will make your system leap.
First of all, this motherboard has quite a sleek design which is appealing to the eye. What else makes it eye-catching is the black and golden combination present in the exterior of this model.
Furthermore, this motherboard is the best LGA 1150 motherboard as it comes with DDR3 RAM with a memory speed of 1600 MHz.
In addition to that, this model also has not one but 4 memory slots. Along with that, Asus has incorporated multiple other connectivity slots in the design of this motherboard. This includes an HDMI port, audio jacks, multiple USB ports, and 4 SATA ports.
Furthermore, the memory storage capacity of this model is 1024 MBs. Moreover, this model comes with the advanced technology of AI Suite 3, which makes overclocking the CPU seem like a piece of cake.
Moreover, a nifty feature of this model of motherboard is that it comes with advanced cooling technology. The addition of Fan Xpert in the design of this motherboard allows you to control and customize the performance of the fan.
The best part is that you can also calibrate the noise level of the fan. Furthermore, this model has a Micro ATX form factor which brings the perks of a larger surface area, more airflow, and a compact design to the table.
Pros
- Reasonable cost
- Micro ATX form factor
- 1600 MHz memory speed
- Sleek design
- AI Suite 3
- LGA 1150 socket
Cons
- No PCI slots
- Low memory storage
If you do not want to spend a large sum of money on a motherboard, yet need great performance, then you need to go for the Asus Micro ATX LGA 1150. This model comes with advanced technology that allows you to easily overclock your CPU.
In addition to that, this motherboard also has Fan Xpert technology along with AI Suite 3 that altogether add a few extra stars to the design.
Also Check
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3. ASRock ATX FATAL1TY Z97 Killer Motherboard – Cheap LGA 1150 Motherboard
The ASRock ATX FATAL1TY Z97 Killer Motherboard is what I call the best LGA 1150 motherboard. This model of the motherboard is loaded with features that will take the performance of your CPU and PC to a whole new level.
However, technical features are not the only good thing about this motherboard. It also has quite an appealing exterior which is a mixture of black and red.
The combination alone makes this model worth the money, and when you take a closer look at the features, then this model easily becomes the best LGA 1150 motherboard.
This motherboard is compatible with Intel Celeron as well as Intel Pentium processors and the 4th, 5th generation Intel cores. Moreover, it is also compatible with all types of PC models available in the market.
It comes with DDR3 RAM that has a maximum memory storage capacity of 32 GB. Moreover, the memory speed of this model is 1333 MHz. The presence of 4 memory slots adds an additional star to the design of this motherboard.
- ※Intel LGA 1150 socket: The H81 M-ATX motherboard is powered by the H81 chipset and supports Intel 4th generation Core i3/i5/i7, Xeon E3/V3 series, Celeron G series and Pentium G series processors. (Eg. Core i7-4790K, Core i5-4690K, Core i3-4160T, Xeon E3-1280 v3, Pentium G3260T, Celeron G1830, etc.)
- ※High-speed PCIE channel: PCIe 2.0 protocol standard, X16 channel bandwidth can reach 8GB/s. Meet the daily work and entertainment needs of players.
- ※Dual-channel DDR3 memory slots: 2 DDR3 Non ECC desktop memory slots, unbuffered, support effective frequencies of 1280/1333/1600/1866MHz, and a maximum capacity of 32GB.
- ※Stable power supply: Intel H81 computer motherboard is designed with three-phase power supply, all-solid capacitors, and 8+24-pin power supply interface to ensure the stable operation of each circuit in the motherboard.
- ※Notice: The SATA 3.0 interface and M.2 interface in this H81 motherboard are incompatible. If you need to use a SATA M.2 hard drive, then the two SATA 3.0 ports will not be available. If you want to use the SATA 3.0 interface, the M.2 interface will not be available. If you need to use the SATA 3.0 interface, you need to pull out the 4 black small parts on the right end of the M. 2 slot and insert them into the right slot. If you need to use the M.2 slots, you don’t need to move them.
JGINYUE B85 LGA 1150 Motherboard Micro ATX Gaming Motherboard for Intel i3, i5, i7/Xeon E3 V3 Processor (Intel 4th Gen, NVME M.2, PCIe 2.0, DDR3 16GB, HDMI-Compatible & VGA, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0)
- LGA 1150 CPU socket: B85 motherboard adopts LGA 1150 4th gen Intel socket, which can support intel i3/i5/i7 and Xeon E3 series processors with LGA1150 socket. (Eg Intel Xeon E3-1240 v3, E3-1275 v3, E3-1286 v3, E3-1285L v4, Core i7-4790K, etc.)
- B85 game chip: This micro atx motherboard lga 1150 is equipped with a B85 chipset, 6-layer PCB material, and server-level performance experience.
- High-speed interface: PCIe 2.0 X16 channel standard, the maximum available broadband standard is 8 GB/s. NVME M.2 hard disk interface, the transmission power is up to 32Gbps.
- HDMI-compatible interface: This Lga 1150 DDR3 motherboard comes with HDMI-compatible & VGA high-definition multimedia transmission interface, supports 4K resolution output, and 3D modeling. The transmission rate can reach 48Gbps.
- DDR3 dual-channel memory slot: The gaming intel motherboard intel supports dual-channel, Non-ECC, Unbuffered DDR3 memory. Support 800/1280/1333/1600mhz frequency type, the maximum memory capacity is 16G.
Aorus Ultra Durable Z590 AORUS ULTRA Desktop Motherboard — Intel Chipset — Socket LGA-1200 — Intel Optane Memory Ready — ATX — Pentium Gold, Celeron, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Core i3 Processor Supp
- 128GB Dual Channel Motherboard
- ATX form factor
- Chipset: Intel Z590 Express
- Ports: 4 x USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x WiFi-AP antenna jack, 1 x Digital audio out, 4 x USB3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 4 x USB2.0
- Backed by a 3 years manufacturers warranty
Zunate PC Motherboard, CPU LGA 1150 Socket, B85 Computer Motherboards, DDR3 1600/1333/1066MHz Memory, 100M Network Card, Gaming Mainrboard for Desktop Computers
- 【Material】It is made of high quality materials with high performance and stable performance.
- 【Easy to Use】Support SATA port, small size, easy to install. It is easy to use and has high compatibility.
- 【Durable】The design of all capacitors, the power supply cooling block is more stable and durable than ordinary capacitors.
- 【High Performance】Make your computer run faster. Support more cores and provide better performance.
- 【Applicability】Suitable for smaller computer cases, leaving more space for your desktop.
Msi B85. G41 Pc Mate Desktop Motherboard . Intel B85 Express Chipset . Socket h4 Lga. 1150 . Atx . 1 X Processor Support . 64 Gb Ddr3 Sdram Maximum Ram . Crossfirex Support . Serial Ata/600, Serial Ata/300 Raid Supported Controller . Cpu Dependent Video . 2 X Pcie X16 Slot . 2 X Usb 3.0 Port . Hdmi «Product Type: Electronic Components/Motherboards»
BITEO B250 Mining Motherboard Boot Up Mining Support 30/20/10 Series GPU 12 PCIe X1 to PCIe X16 with CPU mSATA DDR4 VGA DVI-I for BTC/ETH/ZEC/ETC
- ?️12 USB ports ▷ ▶B250 motherboard comes with 11 PCIE X1 to PCIE X16 ports on board,1 PCIE X16 port , you can use PCIE riser to establish connection between the motherboard and GPUs, supporting up to 12 GPUs, maximizing your mining connectivity and speed.
- ?️High Compatibility ▷ ▶Comprehensive support for NVIDIA 30/20/10 series GPUs, such as 3090/3080/3060/2080/1660, etc. Full support for AMD series GPU,such as 580/570/470/5700/6600/6700 etc. How to use 3060 graphics card correctly can refer to our user manual (electronic version).
- ?️LGA 1151 cpu socket ▷ ▶Compatible with Intel 6th/7th Core i3/i5/i7 (Intel Skylake full series), Xeon E3 1230V5, Celeron and Pentium series processors. We recommend the G39XX series CPUs, which are ultra-low power and very cost-effective.
- ?️ Rich configuration ▷ ▶ Support DDR4 2133/2400/2666/2800/3000 MHZ dual-channel memory slots, can be overclocked, support up to 32GB memory. Onboard HDMI and VGA HD integrated graphics interfaces effectively reduce interface interference. 2 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports to maximize your mining connectivity and speed.
- ?️ High quality materials ▷ ▶ The use of high quality PCB board can effectively resist interference while ensuring a silent motherboard with low power consumption and improved lifespan. The motherboard is equipped with multiple sets of voltage regulator capacitors to ensure the safety of your mining machine.
X99 LGA2011-3 DDR4 Computer Motherboard Mainboard, Intel LGA2011 V3 Gaming Motherboard with NVME M.2, Four Channels DDR4 ECC/REG RAM i7 Processor
- Note: If you use for i7 series processors, please do not use REG ECC at the same time because they are not compatible with each other.
- And: This platform requires a powerful power supply. Make sure your power supply is sufficient to support this platform.(At least 500w brand power supply)
- Advisors: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through Amazon, we will provide you with detailed and easy to understand answers
- Test: All products are tested before shipment to ensure good performance.
- DDR4/NVME M.2 SSD: Support 4 DDR4 2133/2400/2800 memory, support 32GB maximum. Support Full Speed M. 2 Ssd Slot, Theoretical bandwidth up to 4GB/S ( For more parameters, please see the detailed description)
MACHINIST X79 Computer Motherboard, Intel LGA 2011 Micro ATX Gaming Motherboard with NVME M.2 Support PCIe 3.0, Dual Channel DDR3 ECC RAM, SATA 3.0 6Gb/s, Intel Xeon E5 V1 V2, Core i7 Processor
- ※LGA 2011 socket: This computer motherboard is equipped with X79 server chip, supporting Intel Xeon E5 V1/V2 and Core i7 series CPU. (E.g Xeon E5 4650, Xeon E5-2640 v2, Xeon E5 2670 v2, Core i7 3930K, i7 4960X, etc.)
- ※M.2 hard disk interface: This X79 gaming motherboard is equipped with an interface compatible with NVME M.2 and NGFF M.2 hard drives. Using NGFF M.2 hard disk, the reading speed can reach 550MB/s, and using NVME M.2 hard disk, the theoretical bandwidth can reach 4GB/s.
- ※7+1 phase capacitors: 7+1 phase power supply. High-capacity power supply and 24+8pin power supply ensure that the X79 motherboard can still run programs stably and smoothly even in high-intensity operations.
- ※4 DDR3 memory slots: This LGA 2011 motherboard can support DDR3 ordinary memory and DDR3 ECC server memory, dual-channel design, one-key overclocking, and the maximum memory capacity is 64GB. (Support 800/1280/1333/1600/1866MHz frequency) Note: If you only use two memory, please insert the two memory in the orange slot for use.
- ※High-performance motherboard: This Micro ATX motherboard is made of 8-layer PCB material, which has efficient data transmission and is not easy to break. Onboard PCIe 3.0X16 graphics card slot, two ps/2 dedicated interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet interface, SATA 3.0 slot. It is suitable for many fields such as home, office, design, game and so on.
GOWENIC H55M WiFi Gaming Motherboard for PC Computer VGA HDMI PCIe 8X, DDR3, SATA2.0, USB2.0, USB3.0, 100Mbits Network Card, 5.1 Sound Channel, LGA 1156 Core I7 I5 I3 Processor
- Dual Channel Memory: H55M motherboard uses DDR3 dual channel memory, supports 2xDDR3 desktop 800/1066/1333MHz memory slots, does not support ECC memory.
- Stable Power Supply: M ATX motherboard adopts stable and precise power supply, which is evenly distributed, and the heat load of various power supply chipsets improves the performance of the CPU.
- High Definition: Computer motherboards use VGA+ High Definition Multimedia Interface, support digital high definition video output, bring a better visual experience.
- PCB Material: M ATX gaming motherboards are made of PCB material, strong and durable, all solid state panel, long lasting.
- Multi Phase Power Supply: Desktop motherboard can be multi phase power supply, more stable and durable, and supports LGA 1156 core i7/i5/i3 processors.
PUSOKEI CR2032 Desktop Computer Mainboard, DDR4 Desktop Motherboard PCB Material, 8 SATA2.0 Port and 1 SSD M.2 Interface
- Note: If you use for i7 series processors, please do not use REG ECC at the same time because they are not compatible with each other.
- High Performance: This platform requires a powerful power supply. Make sure your power supply is sufficient to support this platform.(At least 500w brand power supply)
- High Quality Material: This product is made of high quality PCB material, strong and durable.
- Exquisite Workmanship: All products are tested before shipment to ensure good performance.
- Support 4 DDR4 2133/2400/2800 Memory: support 32GB maximum.
Best LGA 1150 Motherboard For Gamers: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2021
Picking the right motherboard can be a nightmare because this part defines most of the other components in your custom PC build.
There are many choices to consider just in terms of one CPU generation. In our case, CPUs based on the LGA 1150 socket.
In this guide, you will become more familiar with what aspects to consider when choosing an LGA 1150 motherboard including which CPUs and RAM modules you can use with them. We’ll also cover some of the best LGA 1150 motherboards in our reviews and buyer’s guides.
What To Consider?
LGA 1150 Motherboard CPU Compatibility
LGA 1150 Chipsets
LGA 1150 RAM Compatibility
LGA 1150 Motherboard Reviews
1. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK (Black Edition)
2. ASRock FATAL1TY Z97 KILLER
3. ASUS Z97-E
4. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD7 Thunderbolt 2
5. MSI Intel H81 Micro ATX (H81M-E33)
Final Thoughts
What To Consider?
There are three very important things to consider when using a mobo based on the LGA 1150 socket. CPU and RAM compatibility is essential, and any possible differences between Z97 and H97 chipsets should be considered for getting the most out of your hardware.
LGA 1150 Motherboard CPU Compatibility
The LGA 1150 socket was made available in 2013 for the contemporary, fourth and fifth-generation Intel Core CPUs. Generally, these are Haswell and Broadwell CPUs that have 2 to 4 physical cores, support for dual-channel memory and PCIe 3. 0.
While we cover different types of CPUs, you as a gamer should only consider the i5 and i7 CPUs since all others are typically intended either for servers or low-end office and media PCs.
The i5 CPUs in this generation all have 4 physical cores with 4 threads, and the i7s also features 4 physical cores, but with 8 threads.
LGA 1150 Chipsets
Intel’s most recent chipsets in the Haswell and Broadwell family are the H97 and Z97. The only noticeable addition compared to the previous H87 and Z87 chipsets are PCIe-M.2 support, which isn’t too important for gamers since many motherboards don’t have such slots.
- Do you want to build a PC with SLI / CrossFire support (dual graphics cards)?
- Or do you want to overclock your CPU?
If the answer to either question is yes then, you will have to buy a mobo with Z97. Otherwise, you can stick to the cheaper ones featuring the H97 chipset.
LGA 1150 RAM Compatibility
The two chipsets mentioned above support a maximum of 4 DDR3 DIMM slots, but actual amounts can vary per motherboard.
Dual-channel is available, so you should always pair and install two of the same modules together (e.g., 2x 8 GB DDR3-1600). Buying two sticks of RAM that are the same, at the same time, will help prevent RAM related issues.
The technology supports all available frequencies, but what actually works will depend on the specific motherboard that you choose. Always read reviews and specifications before purchasing DDR3 RAM for your motherboard.
LGA 1150 Motherboard Reviews
1. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK (Black Edition)
Feature | Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H-BK Motherboard |
---|---|
CPU Compatibility | LGA 1150 — Supports 4th and 5th Generation Intel Processors |
Graphics Card | Supports AMD CrossFire 2-way and 3-way graphics or 2-way NVIDIA SLI |
Display Ports | 1 x D-Sub port, 1 x DVI-I port, 1 x HDMI port, supports up to 3 displays |
RAM | 4x DDR3 — Dual-Channel supported, max: 32 GB RAM |
Chipset | Intel Z97 Express |
Audio | Realtek ALC1150 115dB SNR HD Audio with built-in rear audio amplifier |
PCI Ports | 2x PCI-Express 3. 0 x16 Slots (one runs at x8), 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 Slot (runs at x4), 3x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots, 1x PCI Slot |
LAN | Built-in Intel Gigabit LAN chip |
I think the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK is one of the best 1150 motherboards on the market thanks to its extensive feature list. However, it might be considered expensive for those on a budget and can be difficult to find locally.
It has a good foundation for future upgrades including 4 RAM slots, lots of PCI-E slots and a good amount of supported CPUs makes it easier build a high-end gaming PC over time.
This board can also pack a lot of storage. With one M.2 PCIe connector, it can utilize a super-fast SSD. Unfortunately, that will disable the SATA 3 4/5 connectors, but you can still use the first two to install HDDs.
Game simulator players with various USB-based input devices, and VR users have ample space to plug in their devices. There are 6 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports are available, so using a good PC case with 2 USB 3. 0 / 4 USB 2.0 in the front should be used with this motherboard.
The built-in Realtek audio chipset supports 7.1 surround sound by utilizing 10 DAC channels. To be honest, there is no reason to buy a sound card with today’s boards.
The LAN chip can handle 1 gigabit/sec Ethernet connections so that it can handle residential Internet connections with ease.
I recommend updating to the latest BIOS version when you purchase any board using official software and updates. While not perfect, Gigabyte’s DualBIOS technology can reduce motherboard bricking issues caused by failed UEFI updates.
All in all, high-end gamers and VR enthusiasts might consider the Gigabyte Black Edition 1150 motherboard for its upgradeability and available connectors and ports.
2. ASRock FATAL1TY Z97 KILLER
Feature | ASRock FATAL1TY Z97 KILLER Motherboard |
---|---|
CPU Compatibility | 5th, New 4th & 4th Generation Intel Core i7 & i5 |
Graphics Ports | 1x VGA Port, 1x DVI-D Port, 1x HDMI Port |
SATA | 6x SATA3 Ports, Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10; 1x SATA Express Port |
RAM | 4 Slots — Up to 32 GB of RAM total, Dual-channel supported. DDR3-3000+(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 |
Chipset | Intel Z97 chipset |
Audio | Yes, I/O |
PCI Ports | 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slot, 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 Slot (runs at x4), 2x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots, 2x PCI Slots |
LAN | RJ45 LAN Port |
If you are a fan of AMD graphics cards and want to utilize CrossFire, then the high-end ASRock FATAL1TY Z97 KILLER motherboard might be a good choice.
Again, this board is not for small budgets and is ideal for unlocking the full potential of “k” CPUs. For those two reasons alone, I would recommend this board for higher-end gamers.
If you only have a single NVIDIA graphics card, contrary to rumors, it works fine. The issue is that dual-card SLI is not supported.
The board’s shape and layout are a bit different because it is narrower than most others. The SATA ports are placed parallel with the PCIe slots. This is unlike most other motherboards where the SATA connectors are rotated 90 degrees.
The 2x 6 USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports are enough to take on VR or any simulator related peripheral, and the LAN slot can handle an Internet connection up to 1 Gbit.
While the board supports almost any kind of DDR3 RAM, you should be very careful if you want to use 32 GB RAM. This board is very picky about latency timings. Tighter ones tend not to work properly.
If you only plan on using 16 GB of RAM then this is a non-issue, but something you might consider if you are looking to upgrade in the future.
And the final selling point for the ASRock z97 motherboard is that it supports RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 so you can build a reliable and durable storage setup for your data using multiple HDDs.
3. ASUS Z97-E
Top Features:
- 4x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 3200(O.C.)/3100(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333 MHz
- 1 x SATA Express port, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIe mode)
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
- 6x USB 3.1, 6x USB 2.0 ports
- Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
- Realtek ALC892 with Crystal Sound 2
- Gigabit LAN
Because the ASUS z97-E supports USB 3.1 and both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire, it makes it a good choice for fans of either.
This board has similar features to its competitors including M2. 0 and SATA Express connectors, Gigabit LAN, RAID support and a fairly standard audio chip. Only the USB 3.1 support makes it stands out from the crowd.
ASUS provides an auto-overclock feature to make it easier for new users. However, it is a bit aggressive and can sometimes cause stability issues. Of course, it could be simply a matter of manually adjusting a few notches back from the current settings. Because of that, I would say that this function isn’t too useful and is more of a gimmick.
Just like many other motherboards, this one is also sensitive to RAM timings. I would recommend buying RAM at a local shop for faster turnaround in case it does not work.
Overall, this board is ideal for both AMD and NVIDIA fans, but unless USB 3.1 is a must-have for you, I would recommend the next board in our list (Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD7) over this one.
4. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD7 Thunderbolt 2
Top Features:
- Intel Z97 Express
- Memory: 4x DDR3-3200(OC)/ 3100(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2500(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 2000(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1800(OC)/ 1600/ 1333
- Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Max Capacity: 32GB
- 3x PCI-Express 3. 0 x16 Slots (one runs at x8, one runs at x4), 3x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots
- 8x SATA3 Ports, Six Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, Two Support RAID 0, 1; 1x SATA Express Port
- 2x Thunderbolt2 ports
The Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD7 motherboard might be a great choice if you are on a tight budget. Its unique feature is having two Thunderbolt2 ports, which are often found in Mac computers and in some industry-level storage devices.
However, this function isn’t important for PC gamers. The board also has 7.1 audio support, and the LAN input supports gigabit connections.
Thankfully, it is also a bit less sensitive to RAM timings than many others, making it easier to put in the appropriate RAM modules.
That being said, there are two minor issues with this board that are worth mentioning.
- First, the CPU cooler’s power plug is a bit hard to reach when using certain aftermarket coolers.
- There isn’t an M.2 socket, so only SSDs using SATA can be used. To compensate for that, there is a SATA Express slot. However, using it disables SATA3 4/5.
While this isn’t as important, there aren’t any additional plugs for LED lights. So if you have a case with a cool light or LED display, unfortunately, you can’t power it on this motherboard and will need a power supply that can support those.
If you are willing to compromise on the above features and in turn, get a cheaper, but still fairly high mid-range motherboard, the Gigabyte Thunderbolt 2 is a good choice to consider.
5. MSI Intel H81 Micro ATX (H81M-E33)
Top Features:
- Intel H81 Express chipset
- 2x DDR3-1600/1333/1066
- Dual Channel RAM, Max Capacity of 16GB
- 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 Slot, 1x PCI-Express x1 Slot
- 2x SATA3 Ports, 2x SATA2 Ports
- 2x USB 3.0 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports (4 rear, 4 via headers)
The MSI Intel H81 is a cheaper board, but it has a mATXa form factor and a bit older than the others. It also only features the H81 Express chipset which does not support dual graphics cards or CPU overclocking.
Keep in mind that this motherboard has a micro ATX form factor.
The board only has 1 PCIe 2.0 slot for the GPU. It also lacks in many other features when compared to the previous four by offering 2x 2 SATA3/2 slots, 2 RAM slots with a max capacity of 16 GB.
It doesn’t have USB 3.0 slots for the front panel, which might be an annoyance if you plan to use external HDDs or USB sticks to store games on.
The UEFI support is nice to have, and a newer firmware enables some overclocking capabilities, but the board will still not be able to utilize the “k” CPUs fully. These all mean that PCs built on this board aren’t too future-proof as you will most likely have to change this board to another in the longer term.
Why is the MSI Intel H81 motherboard on my list? I would only recommend this board if you are building a small unit and are a light gamer who is not expecting too much from your PC prefer older games.
Final Thoughts
As the 1150 socket is slowly becoming a thing of the past, if you want to take gaming more seriously, I would not recommend going for cheaper boards with fewer features.
If I had to choose just one of the boards in this review, the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD7 would be my top pick. This motherboard is an all-around good board for features and reliability, with a good price-to-value ratio. It’s quite future-proof with support for 32 GB RAM, Gigabit LAN, and PCIe 3.0 slots.
Is there an LGA 1150 motherboard that we missed that you think should be in this guide? Let us know in the comments below with your top pick and what hardware combo you would use with it.
Difference between socket 1150 and 1155
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The numbers 1150 or 1155 next to the name of the models of Intel processors and motherboards for them indicate the type of socket — a pad that allows the two main nodes of the system to interact with each other. The development of these interfaces is inextricably linked with the development of CPU lines, so they become obsolete and are replaced at the same time. In the characteristics, an indication of the socket is the most important information that determines the configuration of the system, because a mismatch is fraught with incompatibility between the processor and the motherboard. Let’s evaluate the difference between 1150 and 1155, and get ready for the choice of components.
LGA 1155 (or Socket h3) is a socket for Intel processors with 1155 pins released in 2011.
LGA 1150 (or Socket h4) is a socket for Intel processors with 1150 pins released in 2013.
As you can see, the numbers in the names of the sockets are by no means random — they coincide with the number of processor contacts intended for installation on the motherboard platform. These are physical indicators, and the practical difference between 1150 and 1155 lies in which CPU models can be used with them. In a word, it is not the connector that colors the system, but what is in the connector.
Socket comparison
The physical dimensions of both LGA types under consideration are identical: 37. 5 x 37.5 mm. The number of contacts, respectively, is 1150 and 1155. Both their placement and the location of the key slots differ, so you won’t be able to accidentally install the processor in someone else’s socket. Manufacturers of cooling systems sometimes confuse the issue of compatibility by releasing coolers with mounts for 1150/1155. In this case, it seems to some users that the interfaces are identical, but in fact, the latches of the cooling systems are not related to the processor pads.
As mentioned, the LGA 1155 socket appeared in 2011 with and for SandyBridge processors. In 2012, the successor IvyBridge fit into the same connector, which received a performance boost and support for PCI-E 3.0. In 2013, the world saw Haswell with an interface already 1150, in 2014 DevilsCanyon joined the family, in 2015 — Broadwell, and they very successfully replaced the previous lines. It’s easy to see the difference between 1150 and 1155: two calendar years and four generations of Intel CPUs. One could say that the processors on these sockets are already outdated and out of date, but they are still on sale, moving from the top segment to the mass market.
Starting with the Haswell line, Intel processors received graphics cores from HD Graphics 4600 and higher, so we can assume that configurations based on LGA 1150 are in any case more powerful than 1155 in terms of the integrated video subsystem. However, it is the CPU that determines this gain, and not the socket.
Socket comparison table
LGA 1155 | LGA 1150 |
Released in 2011 | Released in 2013 |
Has 1155 pins | Has 1150 contacts |
Designed for Intel processors of SandyBridge and IvyBridge microarchitecture | Designed for Intel Haswell and Broadwell microarchitecture processors |
How to choose socket — 1150 or 1155? Which one will be better?|Components
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Author tim Reading 2 min. Views 2.4k. Posted by
Socket, that is, the processor socket determines the type of processor that can be installed on the motherboard. Most often, changing the processor to a new generation unit also involves changing the motherboard, although, of course, this should not always be accompanied by such an expensive step.
Contents
- LGA 1155
- LGA 1150
- Which is better 1155 or 1150?
LGA 1155
This is an old stand designed for 2nd gen processors. (Sandy Bridge) and third generation processors (Ivy Bridge). She replaced the spent LGA1156 socket, with which she is not compatible. In the ratio of the older one, the new stand has one less pin. The motherboard chipsets have also changed and have been labeled P67 and H67, with only the second version allowing for integrated graphics.
Read also:
- Rating top 10 best motherboards 2015
- How to choose a motherboard for your computer?
- Which Intel chipset should I choose — B85, H81, H97 or Z97?
The differences between the two main systems are as follows:
Intel P67
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| 108 LGA 1150This latest stand is aimed at future owners of fourth generation Intel Haswell processors. |