You’d wish to construct a small form-factor PC, however you need that “big” efficiency? No sweat, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-i Gaming WiFi brings you precisely that. Make no mistake, at $469 MSRP, that is an enthusiast-focused premium providing. 

What do you get in change? From the second you open the tiny field, you’ll admire the included equipment and premium really feel of the expertise. You’ll get your traditional fare of SATA cables and stickers, however there’s extra! You’ll additionally get a neat exterior sound system, known as the “ROG Hive,” which acts as slightly hub. This is nice for small builds that may’t match sound playing cards or extra enlargement internally. The “FPS II” card additionally offers you extra SATA ports and headers when related to the motherboard, a intelligent approach of maintaining the vital parts unaffected whereas including extra utility in a small package deal. 

The equipment are enjoyable, however you’ll be actually impressed with the efficiency. Robust VRMs with 10+1 energy levels ought to simply deal with even the mighty Intel i9 13900K. Keep in thoughts that you simply’ll want some heavy-duty CPU cooling for the i9 CPUs, which can be a problem in a small form-factor construct. (You’ll probably need to pair this with a barely much less power-hungry Intel CPU, such because the i7 13700K, if solely to save lots of area on cooling.) 

Adding to its pedigree is the inclusion of next-generation tech. DDR5 RAM is normal, however take into account you’ll be restricted to only 2 DIMM slots and 64GB of RAM. That’s one disadvantage compared to bigger Micro-ATX or ATX motherboards that sometimes enable for 4 DIMM slots and 128GB. 

The newest PCIe can also be right here—with a PCIe Gen 5 16x slot to your GPU. Theoretically you may also get Gen 5 speeds on one of many M.2 slots, with some drawbacks: You’ll must share these PCIe Gen 5 lanes for that to occur, which means your GPU gained’t have entry to all 16x. The finest answer is to maintain the GPU at 16x, and simply run the M.2 slots each at Gen 4, which is then nice. (Hard to saturate Gen 5 proper now for the reason that {hardware} is so new.) 

The excellent news continues with the onboard options. Need USB ports? You’ll get a complete of 9 rear ports! That’s an excellent quantity that rivals even some ATX motherboards. If that wasn’t sufficient, they’re mighty quick, too. You’ll even get two of the rarified Thunderbolt 4 ports for 40Gb/s goodness. They may even function display-out ports for displays, together with the one HDMI-out accessible on the rear. 

For networking, you’ll get 2.5Gb LAN together with Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth can also be normal, permitting for versatile connectivity. This is akin to many ATX motherboards, so there are just about no compromises on the networking entrance. With the included Asus “ROG Hive” exterior system, you may have a quantity dial at arm’s size for fast adjustment.

So it’s feature-packed and performs nice—however how concerning the design aesthetics? It’s a pure-breed ROG, or Republic of Gamers, high-end fanatic design from Asus. With attractive styling, tasteful RGB implementation, it’s one candy package deal. While you might not see it a lot in a small Mini-ITX PC case, the seen elements are positive to impress. 

Are there any drawbacks to pay attention to? First, it’s definitely a dear possibility at $429 for some. You’re additionally paying for some options that avid gamers might not at all times want (comparable to Thunderbolt 4). It’s additionally restricted considerably by its dimension, in comparison with a Micro-ATX motherboard or ATX. Fewer RAM slots, PCIe slots, and SATA ports, primarily. Otherwise, it’s a unbelievable motherboard for the suitable person.

It’s not low-cost, however should you’re aiming to construct one of many quickest Mini-ITX gaming PCs recognized to avid gamers, this can be a key part that can assist accomplish that activity. 

If you’re after a small form-factor construct and need a good stability of options for the worth, The Asus ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi is a worthy alternative. Coming in at $219, it’s considerably cheaper than its Z790 counterpart, however with some notable drawbacks. 

While each boards are Mini-ITX, this motherboard is wrapped within the B760 Intel chipset as an alternative of Z790. That means a scarcity of actual overclocking assist—we’d keep away from many of the “K” Intel SKUs such because the 13900K. You’re probably to make use of one thing like an Intel i5 13600, which can have much less energy draw and warmth. Both are advantageous in a small form-factor construct! 

B760 additionally offers you much less VRM cooling basically, to go in step with the extra environment friendly CPUs. You’re additionally extra restricted with theoretical PCIe lanes, SATA ports, and USB ports. This isn’t as a lot of an element since Mini-ITX already units a cap of lots of these things attributable to dimension. 

If a few of these drawbacks are acceptable to you, there are a lot of optimistic options to seek out right here. While the included equipment don’t embrace novelties such because the “ROG Hive,” additionally they add to the fee. You’re nonetheless getting all of what you want right here, like a Wi-Fi antenna, SATA cables, and so on.—and nothing that you simply don’t. 

Most importantly, efficiency with most CPUs will nonetheless be stellar, even with the 8+1 energy stage VRMs. You’re nonetheless gaining access to DDR5 RAM, albeit the identical two-slot restrict as on any Mini-ITX motherboard at 64GB. 

PCIe Gen 5 can also be right here however restricted to only the 16x GPU slot. That’s greater than acceptable, as functionally even the costlier Z790 model presents related capabilities. While you may by no means do PCIe Gen 5 on the NVMe slots, Gen 4 is greater than ample for nearly any drive you throw at it. You’ll get the identical two onboard NVMe slots on the costlier Z790 model, too. 

The rear I/O is one other space of comparability: As anticipated, you’re not getting Thunderbolt 4. That’s nice—many avid gamers gained’t benefit from these speeds. You nonetheless get 20Gb/s USB 3, nevertheless, which is greater than ample for many customers. 

You’ll get the identical 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth as with all different choices. This makes it just about equivalent to costlier varieties. Audio is ok too. 

This motherboard additionally has one of many neatest designs we’ve seen—it’s very colourful. With high-quality supplies, the premium really feel is carried all through. It additionally incorporates glorious design parts which might be very practical, just like the built-in I/O protect. You’ll discover the Asus Q-latch, which helps you to come out your M.2 with a screwless design. 

Overall, should you’re okay with the constraints of B760—comparable to the shortage of overclocking—you’re getting an excellent set of options right here and saving a big sum of money. 

If you need to avoid wasting more money whereas going Micro-ATX and nonetheless pack a punch, the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi is simply the ticket. With an MSRP of $199, it can have some tradeoffs—the identical B760 chipset limits famous above, comparable to lack of overclocking, and fewer VRM grunt as effectively. 

You do get 12+1+1 duet rail VRMs, so that you’ll be prepared for nearly any Intel CPU. We suggest avoiding the overclockable Ok SKUs right here to avoid wasting coin—you’ll do nice with even the usual i9 13900. With its decrease wattage, it may be a boon for small form-factor builds which will lack correct CPU cooling. 

The more and more mainstream DDR5 RAM can also be supported, with quicker and cheaper kits accessible as time goes on. You not have to carry onto DDR4 motherboards to avoid wasting money, DDR5 is the development going ahead. You’ll additionally get 4 DIMM slots with a 128GB restrict—higher than Mini-ITX, which presents two slots and 64GB. ( purpose why those that run heavier RAM workloads ought to take into account Micro-ATX for a workstation-style construct.) 

PCIe Gen 5 is usually a advertising and marketing spec, with much less real-world viability at this cut-off date. You’ll have the GPU 16x lane as PCIe Gen 5, however every little thing else is PCIe Gen 4. This consists of the 2 onboard M.2 slots, that are greater than satisfactory for many customers. 

The remainder of the I/O is ok, with eight rear USB ports. Sure, you’re solely getting as much as 20Gb/s USB 3 speeds, however Thunderbolt 4 efficiency is way pricier than most can be prepared to spend on. You do get 4 USB 2.0 ports, which is definitely a bit disappointing for these anticipating USB 3. Rounding off the options are the networking inclusions, with the usual 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth. Audio is ok right here too, no points to report for the worth. 

With loads of PWM fan headers, RGB headers, and SATA ports. You’re in good firm with costlier ATX motherboards right here at a lot much less the standard value. 

Where you do avoid wasting cash is within the good design. No, it’s not low-cost feeling—fairly the opposite. The construct high quality is nice, and type follows operate with an aesthetically pleasing strategy. You’re simply not paying for fancy RGB results or costly OLED shows—which is welcomed to maintain prices down.

The I/O protect is built-in, too! Not unhealthy for $199. Our solely minor design quibble is that the second M.2 slot isn’t lined by a thermal cowl, one thing we’ve seen in earlier generations of the Mortar. 

Overall, the MSI B760M Mortar is a reliable motherboard for these trying to keep below $200 and nonetheless have a superb set of options. Overclockers gained’t be impressed, however most customers will nonetheless get usable efficiency out of this unit. 

Have you ever needed to purchase a giant, beefy motherboard, like from the Asus “Extreme” lineup, however they have been far too huge? Fret no extra, the Asus ROG X670E Gene brings lots of that “over-the-top” goodness to a smaller Micro-ATX type issue. It’s additionally priced for the premium market—at $599, it’s one of the costly small form-factor motherboards we’ve encountered. 

If you recover from the sticker shock, you’ll be impressed with each side of this motherboard. Performance is on par with every other high-end providing, with a 16+2 part design for the VRMs. Indeed, the Ryzen 9 7950X or any of the X3D CPUs have met their match on this overachiever! 

Performance perks proceed with assist for the quickest DDR5 RAM kits that AM5 presents. (Not as quick as Intel, however blazing speeds regardless.) One factor to remember is that you simply’ll be restricted to 2 DIMM slots, as an alternative of the same old 4 on Micro-ATX motherboards. Technically, should you’re overclocking RAM or pushing the bounds, it’s higher to have fewer DIMM slots for max efficiency. That’s precisely what sort of person will get pleasure from this motherboard essentially the most! You’ll have the ability to hold every little thing cool with seven PWM fan headers, too. 

PCIe Gen 5 is right here too—and since that is the X670E chipset, it gained’t skimp on PCIe lanes. The GPU 16x slot gives you PCIe Gen 5, plus an onboard M.2 Gen 5 slot. Don’t fear, you’ll get two further M.2 slots on the included accent, the ROG Gen-Z.2 card. One is PCIe Gen 5, and the second Gen 4—however that’s greater than sufficient efficiency. 

Performance metrics are seen in all places, even within the I/O, the place there’s USB4, with speeds as much as 40Gb/s. That completes the ten USB ports on the rear, a formidable quantity in each amount and high quality of ports. You even get a PS2 port for legacy gadgets, a characteristic geared toward overclockers. 

Networking choices are normal, with 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth. This is simply as anticipated, with cheaper motherboards providing related. You’re not getting 10Gb LAN, nevertheless, an possibility we’d wish to see on a motherboard of this caliber. 

Audio is powerful with a SupremeFX 7.1 ALC 4080 codec, sufficient for many customers, save demanding audiophiles. 

Aesthetically, the very first thing you’ll discover when unboxing this attractive motherboard is the heft and stylish construct high quality. All elements of this motherboard really feel terribly premium, from supplies to design aesthetics. 

The design reveals “ROG” DNA (Gene…) by means of and thru, with stunning RGB in numerous areas. If you worth excessive construct high quality and enthusiast-grade aesthetics, you’ll fall in love with the Gene. 

If the $599 worth is suitable to you, and Micro-ATX is your PC construct/case goal, this can be a mighty nice alternative.

If premium AM5 choices are too spendy for you, we don’t blame you. With higher-than-ever platform prices, it’s vital to avoid wasting money when you may whereas getting top-notch efficiency. That’s the place the Asrock B650E PG-ITX is available in. With an MSRP of $289, it’s certainly not low-cost—however you get a well-rounded performer. 

The board is wrapped within the B650E chipset—the “E” offers us some PCIe Gen 5 lanes that the usual B650 gained’t have. This signifies that one of many two onboard NVMe slots will be Gen 5—an excellent possibility for many who wish to be on the bleeding edge. You’ll even have the PCIe 16x slot at Gen 5, although GPUs at the moment can’t saturate that. 

PCIe Gen 5 means you get to benefit from every little thing AM5 has to supply, and it will get higher: The beefy 10+2+1 phase-design VRMs have a whopping 10-layer PCB, greater than regular. Translation: This little motherboard will deal with any Ryzen CPU you throw at it, even the mighty Ryzen 9 7950X. We’re positive many avid gamers will need to pair this with the brand new 7800X3D, a nice alternative for max gaming efficiency. You’ll simply need to be certain your CPU cooler is as much as activity, as this chips can get spicy-hot. Thankfully, the intelligent design of this motherboard leaves some good room for many CPU coolers to suit. 

Performance perks proceed with DDR5, and the same old restrict of two DIMM slots on Mini-ITX at 64GB. One space that the specs falter barely is within the rear I/O. While you do get eight USB ports, 4 of them are solely USB 2.0, which is a bit historic at this level. You additionally don’t get USB4 like on the pricier Mini-ITX motherboards, so speeds will likely be nearer to 20Gb/s USB 3 as an alternative. That needs to be nice for many avid gamers, however at $289, we really feel the USB implementation needs to be a bit higher.

The design aesthetics of this motherboard are attention-grabbing, beginning with the weird M.2 fan. While it might look extra like a VRM heatsink, that is definitely a larger-than-expected fan design, which can be hit-or-miss for some. Aside from that, it appears to be like sharp. Functional design such because the built-in I/O protect and easy-to-use M.2 slots are nice to see.

Despite the compromises inherent to a Mini-ITX motherboard, you’re nonetheless getting an excellent companion for quick Ryzen CPUs whereas saving some money in comparison with costlier choices. 

While the $239 worth is much from funds—we’ll have to attend for the A620 motherboards for that—the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi nonetheless delivers nice worth. With a Micro-ATX type issue, it’s a superb mixture of efficiency and options with out leaving out something important. 

It’s the usual B650 chipset, which means you gained’t have PCIe Gen 5, however Gen 4 greater than suffices right here. Both onboard M.2 slots will likely be greater than snappy, and GPUs can’t at the moment make the most of greater than PCIe Gen 4. Performance is nice, with VRMs packing a 12+2+1 duet rail system. This will make an ideal pairing for one of many normal Ryzen CPUs such because the 7700, and even works effectively with the zippy 7800X3D. While you’re not getting the top-tier efficiency of X670E VRMs, you have to be inside a number of share factors. DDR5 completes the package deal, with quick speeds and an accessible 4 DIMM slots. This will likely be a bonus over Mini-ITX, plus you’ll get the next 128GB restrict. 

You additionally get a number of PCIe slots, one other clear benefit over Mini-ITX. This is beneficial for these needing so as to add some additional “add-in” playing cards, with an accessible 4x and 1x slot together with the GPU 16x slot. 

Showcasing the well-rounded nature of this motherboard, you’ll have loads of USB ports on the rear, together with 20Gb/s USB 3.2. Networking presents the whole 2.5Gb LAN with Wi-Fi 6E. Audio can also be good, with a 7.1 ALC 4080 codec and loads of inputs. 

The aesthetics and design are easy, however efficient. You’re not getting RGB or loopy shows, however the motherboard appears to be like and feels effectively constructed. With a basic, simple design indicative of different MSI “MAG” motherboards, it can match into nearly any construct theme. Plus, the built-in I/O protect is a good characteristic that provides to the construct expertise right here. 

While its $239 worth is much from funds, the worth continues to be right here for what you’re getting. Combine that with a smaller Micro-ATX package deal, and it has many of the options and efficiency of ATX motherboards whereas staying inside an affordable worth class.