Intel has taken a leaf out of AMD’s book regarding its more recent CPU launches with LGA 1700 being one of its most long-lived CPU sockets to date. Whether a gamer owns a12th, 13th, or 14th-generation Intel CPU, the longevity of this platform has resulted in an increasingly diverse array of motherboards to accommodate these processors across its three years of service.
Buying a motherboard is essentially nearly always about making an informed compromise, unlessone leans towards the very high end. This means that finding a motherboard on a budget entails researching what it offers in terms of features, compatibility, and longevity, depending on one’s needs from the platform.
Updated on Sept 5th, 2024, By Rahim Amir:Most Intel-based motherboards have recently seen large discounts in play due to a mix of news surrounding stability issues on Intel`s unlocked 13th and 14th generation CPUs and the end of a cycle for the LGA 1700 socket that is expected to be replaced down the line with a newer Intel-based offering in the near future. The how-to guide at the end of the article that focuses on selecting a motherboard for one’s needs has also been overhauled.
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The All-Rounder
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi is designed to take the CPU’s potential to the next level without breaking the bank. With its 16+1+1 phase VRM design that is complemented by large heatsinks to control thermals, it can offer decent overclocking potential without pushing its price out of control.With Wi-Fi 7 support and plenty of I/O on offer, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi is a great motherboard to pair with both the latest 14th-generation CPUs that it supports out of the box as well as older last-generation contenders.
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi is a refreshed take on the popular Z790 Tomahawk, which bundles Wi-Fi 7 support, better memory overclocking, and a BIOS that supports Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs out of the box. It shares PCI-E 5.0 bandwidth between the primary M2 SSD slot and the x16 GPU slot, making it suited for users looking to leverage the additional bandwidth on either.
With Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 2.5-gigabit ethernet under the hood, the MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi comes stacked when it comes to connectivity. It also comes with a versatile 16+1+1 phase VRM configuration that can hold its own with the most demanding of Intel’s current generation CPUs, allowing users leeway with overclocking if they seek it. This also extends to RAM overclocking, where the motherboard can do speeds of up to 7800MHz in certain configurations for users intending to push speeds for benchmarks or enthusiast overclocking needs.
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi does suffer from somewhat unruly behavior of its Wi-Fi 7 module as many users report, but newer BIOS and driver updates do rectify it considerably, making it a solid option to recommend to gamers, power users, and enthusiasts on a budget currently.
NZXT N7 Z790 Gaming Motherboard
When Less Is More
The NZXT N7 Z790 gaming motherboard is the epitome of less-is-more when it comes to design, offering a clean design, plenty of I/O options, and capable internals that the brand is known for.The N7 houses a top-of-the-line Z790 chipset, excellent power delivery, triple M2 slots, and PCI-E 5.0 support for future GPUs in an aesthetically pleasing design.For those needing networking, it also offers 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and BT 5.3, rounding off a design that comes in both, black and white themes.
The NZXT N7 Z790 Gaming Motherboard is arguably one of the best-looking motherboards in the business, going for a minimalistic design philosophy that allows users to focus on the underlying components as it blends into most, if not all, PC builds easily as a core component. It syncs well with existing NZXT peripherals even as its CAM software allows for more seamless interactions than most of its bloated competitors.
The motherboard packs Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, excellent power delivery, and decent overclocking potential but does, as a result, trade at a premium for what it offers. The emergence of similar ‘clean’ design motherboards,such as MSI’s Z790 Project Zero(that trades at $50 less), offering does bring NZXT’s asking price into question. For now though, NZXT seems to be a superior option, since one would also need a case that supports the Project Zero platform to take full advantage of said motherboards.
The NZXT N7 Z790 Gaming Motherboard comes in both black and white trims, each going for $300; and they rarely go on sale based on price tracker activity on Amazon, making it wishful thinking to hold off for a price cut in the near future.
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX ICE
Staying Frosty
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX Ice comes with plenty of connectivity options and a clean aesthetic. The white PCB and grey accents make it compete in style with higher-end motherboards, even as the well-placed heatsinks and the built-in I/O plates make for a polished, yet functional look. The motherboard provides great value for money for gamers and professionals alike thanks to its pricing, feature set and excellent VRMs on offer.
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX ICE is a white-themed take on the well-received Z790 Aorus Elite AX that builds around a capable Z790 chipset with plenty of expansion slots, a future-proof PCI-E 5.0 GPU slot, and a capable power delivery system that can handle all but the most demanding of overclocking needs, even as it clocks in under $250 regularly.
On the connectivity front, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX ICE offers Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.3, holding its own with most of its higher-end peers, though some of its competition has already moved to Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Many white-themed motherboards tend to be positioned at a higher price than their competitors and are often perceived as more premium options as a result. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX ICE does not partake, offering a capable option that feels considerably more premium, but refuses to come with a matching price tag.
While some might not be thrilled about having to update their BIOS before plugging in a 14th generation CPU, or the lack of PCI-E 5.0 support for SSDs and only Wi-Fi 6E on offer, most users would be more than happy to get an excellent, budget-friendly all-round motherboard with a Z790 chipset that comes in white.
Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
LGA 1700 on a budget
The B760M DS3H AX is adequate for budget-centric who are looking for a feature-packed board for their Intel CPUs. Without compromising on functionality, the board offers multiple ports and slots for expansion while providing an appealing look with minimal accents on the PCB and heatsinks. Moreover, the built-in WiFi allows users to access wireless networks without investing in an adapter.
The Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX is a capable motherboard that caters to entry-level users looking to get a motherboard that fits their needs for low-end to mid-range Intel CPUs on the LGA 1700 socket. It comes with an entry-level 8+2+1 power phase configuration on the VRM end, with its networking offering consisting of 2.5G Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 6E.
Despite its compact mATX configuration, it offers plenty of I/O, including 4 DDR5 RAM slots, 2 M2 NVMe slots, and a full x16 PCI-E 4.0 slot for modern GPUs. While some might not like the fact that the Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX skips on PCI-E 5.0 support across the board and the VRM design seems limited for higher-end CPUs, users get what they pay for: a solid, feature-rich option that delivers on what it promises for its price tag, making it a great entry-level B760-based motherboard option for users on a stricter budget than most.
Asrock Z790I Lightning Wifi
Good Things Come In Small Packages
Asrock Z790I Lightning Wi-Fi is a powerhouse in a small form factor. Compatible with the latest Intel CPUs, including the 14th-generation Raptor Lake series, it offers an excellent, compact choice for gamers and overclockers alike.It also brings all the latest connectivity features and impressive passive cooling for its VRM. While it is considerably smaller than the competition, it strives hard to not make any sacrifices in terms of performance and connectivity wherever possible.
Users wanting a budget-friendly Intel motherboard that is compact but uncompromising on performance and functionality can turn to the Asrock Z790I Lightning Wi-Fi, which delivers high overclocking potential, a surprisingly capable VRM config for its form factor, and PCI-E 5.0 support for GPUs. All of this makes it future-proof, versatile, and ideal for building a powerful, yet compact gaming PC in 2024, especially for users who want to house their next PC in a smaller case or who prefer minimalistic designs in general.
The Asrock Z790I Lightning Wi-Fi does skip on some features, including diagnostic LEDs, which are now considered standard for motherboards for its price range. The decision probably factored in the limited area available on board and the complexity of adding them versus cost-cutting, but they are extremely convenient for users and system builders looking to diagnose issues without having to test with other equipment in general, making some power users less enthused to see them go in what is otherwise a very capable mITX motherboard.
GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard
Value-Centric Overclocker
The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard is an entry-level Z790 Motherboard that offers DDR5, Wi-Fi AC bundled with 3 M2 slots. Priced around the same range as most B760 motherboards, it promises exceptional value from a price-to-performance perspective.
Users needing a budget all-rounder when it comes to overclocking can easily champion the versatile GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard that offers Intel’s latest chipset for its LGA 1700 CPU owners along with a capable 16+1+1 phase power delivery mechanism even as it touts speeds of up to 7600 MHz out of the box for RAM overclocking.
It offers Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, and 2.5G ethernet for users seeking a capable networking stack. While the former is slightly dated with Wi-Fi 7 already in play,adapters are relatively cheap, and the Z790 UD AC has plenty of USB ports on offer. With three M2 NVMe slots on offer and features normally reserved for higher-end motherboards such as Gigabyte’s EZ-Latch to secure the SSDs in place, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard delivers on its promise to be a great entry-level Z790 motherboard that has it all.
It does require a BIOS update to detect newer 14th generation Intel CPUs, but does support updating the motherboard without adding the CPU thanks to Gigabyte’s Q-Flash Plus tech, which should make it a smooth install for most intermediate PC builders, making it a great overclocking-friendly motherboard choice on a budget.
How to Choose a Budget Intel Motherboard
To hone in on a capable budget-centric model, it can help prospective buyers focus on some or all of the factors when getting a motherboard for their PC:
FAQ
Q: Do Intel’s 12th-generation and 13th-generation motherboards support Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs?
Yes, they do. However, they might need a BIOS update to do so. All motherboard manufacturers have posted updates and instructions on how to update a BIOS and the minimum BIOS version needed to run 14th-generation Intel Core Processors on older LGA 1700 motherboards.
Q: Is PCI-E 5.0 compatibility necessary for motherboards In 2023?
PCI-E 5.0 is a relatively newer standard that is backward compatible with PCI-E 4.0; it offers double the bandwidth of its predecessor but has yet to see widespread adoption in 2023 with plenty of PCI-E 5.0 motherboards available, yet peripherals being much harder to find currently.
If users must have the fastest SSD storage possible, it might be a necessary consideration for them; fast PCI-E 5.0 SSDs that exceed PCI-E 4.0 speeds already exist and are sold commercially.
There are currently no mainstream GPUs that use PCI-E 5.0-tier bandwidth effectively, making it more of a future-proofing mechanism than an actual requirement for users.
Q: Which motherboard brand is best for Intel?
Brands like Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI make some of the most highly-rated Intel boards. ASRock is another company whose products warrant consideration, especially since they make many budget-friendly LGA 1700 motherboards. Most companies make motherboards for the same Intel platforms that range from $150-1000, so the best motherboard for a buyer will depend on budget and desired features.
