There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to choosing the best motherboard for gaming. Not only do you need one that can support all of the features you want, but you also need one that is compatible with your other hardware and that will be able to handle the demands of today’s games.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing a motherboard for gaming and we’ll recommend a few models that we think are best for the job. So, if you’re in the market for a new gaming motherboard, read on!
- What to look for when choosing a motherboard?
- CPU Socket Type
- Chipset
- Memory Type
- Storage Connections
- Other Features
- How to update your motherboard BIOS?
- Update BIOS from within BIOS Setup Utility
- Update BIOS using a bootable USB flash drive
- Motherboard troubleshooting tips:
- The best motherboards for gaming in 2022, Which one should you pick?
- ASUS ROG Maximus XI Extreme
- GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme Waterforce
- MSI MEG Z390 ACE
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What to look for when choosing a motherboard?
When it comes to choosing a motherboard for your gaming PC, there are several things you need to take into account. The most important factor is compatibility with your other components, including the CPU, graphics card, and memory.
You’ll also want to consider other features like support for multiple graphics cards, overclocking, and expandability. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best motherboard for your gaming rig.
CPU Socket Type
The first thing you need to check is the socket type of your chosen CPU. This will determine what kind of motherboard you can get.
For example, an Intel Core i7-7700K processor uses an LGA 1151 socket, while an AMD Ryzen 7 1700X uses an AM4 socket. Make sure you get a motherboard that matches the socket type of your CPU.
Chipset
The chipset is the heart of the motherboard and it determines many of the features and capabilities of the board. For example, Intel’s Z270 chipset supports overclocking and multiple graphics cards, while the B250 chipset is more basic. Choose a chipset that matches your needs and budget.
Memory Type
DDR4 is currently the standard for memory, but some motherboards still support DDR3. If you’re using a high-end processor like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, you’ll want to get a motherboard with DDR4 support. Otherwise, DDR3 will be fine.
Storage Connections
You’ll need to decide how many and what kind of storage connections you need. Most motherboards come with at least four SATAIII ports for standard hard drives and SSDs.
If you want to use a newer M.2 SSD, you’ll need a motherboard with an M.2 slot. And if you’re using multiple graphics cards, you’ll need a board with enough PCIe slots.
Other Features
There are other features to consider as well, like onboard audio and networking. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line audio, look for a motherboard with an integrated sound card.
For networking, most boards come with Gigabit Ethernet, but some also include support for faster 10 Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
How to update your motherboard BIOS?
Your motherboard BIOS is a critical piece of software that enables the communication between your computer’s hardware and operating system.
Keeping this software up to date is important for optimal performance and stability. In this guide, we’ll show you how to update your motherboard BIOS using two different methods.
Method 1:
Update BIOS from within BIOS Setup Utility
The first method is the simplest and most common way to update your BIOS. Most motherboards have a built-in utility that allows you to flash (update) the BIOS from within the BIOS setup utility itself.
To access this utility, simply go into the BIOS setup utility and look for an option called “BIOS Update” or something similar. Once you’ve found it, just follow the on-screen instructions to update your BIOS.
Method 2:
Update BIOS using a bootable USB flash drive
The second method is to use a bootable USB flash drive to update your BIOS. This is often the preferred method, as it doesn’t require you to be in Windows in order to update the BIOS.
To do this, you’ll first need to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard from the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve downloaded the BIOS file, you’ll need to create a bootable USB flash drive and then copy the BIOS file to it.
Once you’ve done that, just boot from the USB flash drive and follow the on-screen instructions to update your BIOS.
After the update is complete, you can boot back into Windows and continue using your computer as normal. That’s all there is to it! Updating your BIOS is a simple process that only takes a few minutes, so make sure to do it regularly in order to keep your system running smoothly.
Motherboard troubleshooting tips:
- Check that all cables are properly attached to the motherboard.
- Ensure that the power supply is plugged in and has enough power.
- If you’re using a graphics card, make sure it’s properly seated in the PCI Express slot.
- Remove any expansion cards and clean the contacts with a soft cloth or pencil eraser.
- Try reseating the CPU and memory modules.
- If you have more than one graphics card, try removing them one at a time to see if that solves the problem.
The best motherboards for gaming in 2022, Which one should you pick?
Choosing the best motherboard for gaming can be a tough task, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. There are so many different models and manufacturers out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
Not to worry though, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best gaming motherboards on the market right now and help you decide which one is right for you.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Extreme
If you’re looking for the best of the best, then the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Extreme is the motherboard for you. It’s packed with features and designed for ultimate performance. It has a 16-power stage design, allowing it to deliver clean and stable power to your CPU.
It also comes with Wi-Fi 6 support, multiple M.2 slots, and a whole host of other features. It’s not cheap though, so be prepared to spend a bit of money if you want this top-of-the-line motherboard.
GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme Waterforce
If you want a high-end motherboard that comes with its own water cooling system, then the GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is the one for you.
It comes with a 240mm radiator and two 120mm fans, giving you everything you need to keep your CPU cool, even when overclocking. It also has a 14+2 power stage design and support for Wi-Fi 6. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s one of the best motherboards on the market.
MSI MEG Z390 ACE
The MSI MEG Z390 ACE is another great option for gamers who want a top-of-the-line motherboard. It has all the features you’d expect from a high-end board, including support for Wi-Fi 6, multiple M.2 slots, and plenty of USB ports.
It also comes with MSI’s gaming boost technology, which gives you the ability to overclock your CPU and memory. If you want the best gaming experience, this is the motherboard for you.
These are just a few of the best gaming motherboards on the market right now. If you’re looking for a great board to give you the best gaming experience, any of these would be a great choice.
Just make sure to do your research and pick the one that has the features you need and fits your budget.
Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
How good of a motherboard do I need for gaming?
Overclocking occurs at different levels on various chipsets. More often than not, B450 motherboards overclock better than B350 motherboards. The X370/470 motherboards were designed for overclocking, so they will naturally outperform the B350 and B450.
What motherboard should I get for gaming cheap?
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 motherboard is a great option for gamers on a budget. With a price tag of around $200 USD, it’s a great deal. The motherboard stands out from its competitors because it supports overclocking.
How much RAM do I need for gaming?
For high-speed, high-performance play, 16GB of RAM is recommended. Your computer will run faster with this amount of RAM installed, and you will not encounter lag or stuttering issues. Most games usually require at least 8GB of RAM to run smoothly.
Does the RAM affect FPS?
The number of frames per second, or FPS, refers to the number of images that are displayed in a second. Having a higher RAM will increase your FPS as it stores short-term information.
Is 16GB RAM enough for gaming?
When playing most games, 16GB of RAM will provide an improvement in performance over 8GB. Besides being able to run applications in the background, the gameplay will remain unaffected.
Final Thoughts
So, what motherboard should you get for gaming in 2022? It depends on your budget and the games that you want to play. If you’re looking for a high-end board that will future-proof your system, we recommend the Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi AC).
If you’re on a tight budget, the Gigabyte B360 Aorus Gaming 3 WiFi is a great option. Whichever board you choose, make sure to invest in some good quality RAM and a powerful graphics card to really take your gaming experience up a notch.
Let us know in the comments section which motherboard you ended up choosing and how it’s working out for you. Thanks for reading!