In the new age of system and PC hardware-building, many tech enthusiasts are adapting the ‘Bigger is better’ tag for smaller systems that come in more compact hardware. Rather than building the biggest and wildest PC gaming system around, many opt to see how to put the most powerful system inside a small form-factor case. And with the rise in popularity, these smaller systems will need the best mini ITX motherboard d along with more compact hardware options on the rise.
Top picks for best mini ITX motherboard
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Aside from your processor, the first two components you’ll carefully need to choose when building a small form-factor PC are the case and motherboard. After choosing the case, you’ll need to look for the best mini-ITX motherboard you can get to go along with it. So, in our guide, we list down some of the best mini-ITX motherboards currently available for both the Intel and AMD motherboard systems at various price points and chipsets.
Other than in gaming, there are many other times you’ll need to make a small and compact computer that you can use in your home or office. Not only will these computers give you maximum performance, but they will take up less space on your desk, look divinely elegant, and are easily portable when needed.
What ITX Motherboard Features Should You Prioritize?
To make such a powerful but compact computer, you’ll have to use the best mini ITX motherboards that come with a small form factor and other features such as:
- Socket: For the compatible motherboard and CPU to work, they’ll need a similar socket. While the modern AMD CPU and AMD motherboard uses an AM4 socket, an Intel uses an LGA1200 socket
- Chipset: Always check the motherboard chipset since some chipsets may not be compatible at all since some don’t have some features. For instance, AMD has budget offerings like the A520 and B450 and higher-end B550 and X570 chipsets for its motherboards. On the other hand, Intel will primarily focus on high-end Z490 chipsets for its motherboards
- Warranty: If you’re making a high-end system or an entry-level system, you’d obviously want it to last as long as possible, so it’s always a great idea to check the warranty included. Fortunately, most mini ITX motherboards will offer a 3-year warranty of at least
1. ASUS ROG Strix B550-I (3rd Gen) Gaming AMD AM4 Ryzen Mini-ITX SFF Gaming Motherboard
- AMD AM4 Socket and PCIe 4. 0: The perfect pairing for Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 & 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs
- Robust Power Design: 8+2 DrMOS power stages with high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors provide reliable power for the latest high-core-count AMD CPUs
- Optimized Thermal Solution: VRM and PCH heatsinks with ASUS Stack Cool 3+ design keep your system running reliably under heavy load by enhancing passive cooling capacity for critical onboard components.
- High-performance Gaming Networking: On-board WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth V5.1 and 2.5 Gb LAN with ASUS LANGuard
- Best Gaming Connectivity: Supports HDMI 2.1 (4K@60HZ) and DisplayPort 1.2 output, featuring dual M.2 slots (NVMe SSD)—one with PCIe 4.0 x4 connectivity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel Type-C connector, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
This ASUS ROG lineup is known for its excellent performance and high versatility that you should expect from such premium offerings. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I gaming mini ITX motherboard ranks high as one of the best AMD motherboards at the top position due to its powerful performance. This AM4 motherboard comes with a B550 chipset that easily works with high-end chips, thanks to the fact that it can excellently support overclocking.
You also have the option to use PCIe 4.0 gen GPUs and SSDs with this mini-ITX motherboard. A B550 chipset board supports an AMD Ryzen processor in the 2000 series to 5000 series. Additionally, on support, it also comes with two RAM slots that can handle up to 64 GB of memory at 5100 MHz or even higher.
The ASUS ROG comes with dual M.2 slots, 3 four SATA ports, USB ports (type C and type A), HDMI port 2.1, Wi Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, 2.5G Ethernet port, DisplayPort, and audio ports. With all this, you can expect this motherboard to be splendid and versatile. Furthermore, since it’s a premium offering from ASUS ROG, you also enjoy the 3-year long warranty that comes along with it.
Key features:
- B550 motherboard with an AM4 socket
- Mini-ITX form factor
- Supports the AMD Ryzen (2000 to 5000) series CPUs
- Offers one 4.0 PCIe port 16x for GPUs
- Offers 2 memory slots up to 64 GB RAM
- Features 4 SATA3 ports and 2 M.2 slots
- Provides USB (type C, type A), Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G Ethernet, audio ports, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort
- A 3-year warranty
2. MSI MPG B550I Gaming Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard
- Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update
- Supports dual channel DDR4 memory up to 64 GB (4600 MHz)
- 2.5G LAN with LAN Manager and Wi-Fi 6 AX Solution
- Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 4.0, Lightning Gen 4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr, AMD Turbo USB 3.2 GEN 2
- AUDIO BOOST rewards your ears with studio grade sound quality for immersive gaming experiences
The MSI MPG B550I Edge Wi-Fi gaming motherboard is also another great consideration. Its computer components come with a fairly feature-rich motherboard that you need for a premium computer build. This Gaming Edge mini ITX motherboard is also a great versatile option for your computer.
This AM4 motherboard with the latest B550 chipset that can be used with AMD Ryzen (2000 series to 5000 series) processors. It also comes with PCIe gen 4 for decent GPU support.
It is one of the best motherboards with the mini ITX form factor with a decent number of multiple port options that includes 4 SATA3 ports, 2 memory slots with up to 64 GB memory at 4600 MHz, dual M.2 slots, USB connectivity (type C, type A), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, HDMI 2.1, 2.5G Ethernet, PS2, and audio ports. MSI also gives a 3-year long warranty for its mini boards.
Key features:
- A520 motherboard with an AM4 socket
- Offers 1 PCIe 3.0 16x for GPU support
- Supports the AMD Ryzen (2000 to 5000) series CPUs
- Comes with two memory slots that expand up to 64 GB of RAM
- Provides only USB type A, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, ethernet, dual HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio ports
- The mini ITX form factor
- Features one M.2 slot and 4 SATA3 ports
- Comes with a 3-year long warranty
3. Gigabyte A520I AC AMD Ryzen AM4 Mini-ITX
- Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors AMD AM4 Socket
- Dual Channel DDR4, 2 DIMMs
- Optimized VRM Heatsink
- Direct 6 Phases Digital PWM with 55A DrMOS
- PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot.1x NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 Slot.ALC887 Audio Codec.Blazing Fast 1GbE LAN.Intel Dual Band AC WiFi and Bluetooth with Ultra Durable Antenna.Rear DP and 2x HDMI Support
Gigabyte is another viable option if you are looking for a budget-friendly mini ITX motherboard for computer components. The Gigabyte A520I AC mini ITX motherboard is a great mini ITX board option and an ideal option for budget buyers. This AM4 motherboard comes with an A520 chipset that unfortunately doesn’t come with overclocking support.
Fortunately, it’s still compatible with a wide range of CPUs, ranging from the AMD Ryzen 2000 to 5000 series. Also, unlike some budget options, it comes with a dual memory slot that can work expand up to 64 GB RAM at 5100 MHz. In terms of connectivity options, you get the USB type A, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Ethernet port, dual HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio ports with it.
Key features:
- A520 motherboard with an AM4 socket
- The mini ITX form factor
- Supports AMD Ryzen (2000 to 5000) series CPUs
- Offers 1 PCIe 3.0 16x for GPU support
- Comes with two memory slots that expand up to 64 GB of RAM
- Features 1 M.2 slot and 4 SATA3 ports
- Provides USB type A, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, ethernet, dual HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio ports
- Comes with a 3-year long warranty
4. MSI MEG Z490I Unify Gaming Motherboard
- Supports 10th Generation Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron Processors for LGA 1200 socket
- Supports dual channel DDR4 memory
- Aluminum Cover with Extended Heatsink: All-metal extended heatsink cover enlarge the surface of heat dissipation, ensures even high-end processors to run in full speed.
- 2.5G Gaming LAN with Latest Wi-Fi 6 Solution: Onboard 2.5G LAN with gaming LAN manager, combining latest Wi-Fi 6 solution which supports MU-MIMO and BSS color technology, delivering the best online gaming experience.
- Frozr Heatsink Design: Designed with the patented fan and double ball bearings to provide the best performance for enthusiast gamers and prosumers..Socket LGA1200
Apart from its AMD platform motherboards, this MSI version also offers motherboards for Intel processors that offer a similarly high performance, if not better, sometimes.
If you prefer a high-end Intel processor, this mini ITX motherboard is a great option. With the Z490 motherboard, you get the LGA 1200 socket that makes it a great option for Intel 10th Gen CPUs. However, unlike the AMD option, this Intel motherboard doesn’t support PCIe gen 4 GPUs or SSDs.
In terms of SSD support, it comes with dual DIMM slots, dual M.2 slots, and 4 SATA3 ports. All of which can take up to 64 gigs of RAM at a 5000 MHz speed. The MSI motherboard offers an impressive range of input and output ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB ports (type C and type A), Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G Ethernet port, HDMI, and Bluetooth 5, DisplayPort, and multiple audio ports. Like other MSI motherboards, this Intel MSI motherboard also gives a 3-year long warranty.
Key features:
- Z490 motherboard with an LGA 1200 socket
- Mini ITX motherboard form factor
- Supports Intel 10th Generation CPUs
- 1 PCIe 3.0 16x for GPU support
- 2 memory slots that are expandable up to 64 GB RAM
- Comes with 2 M.2 slots and 4 SATA3 ports
- Has Thunderbolt 3, USB (type C and type A), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, 2.5G Ethernet port, HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio ports
- 3-year warranty
5. ASRock B550M-ITX/AC Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen/Future AMD Ryzen Processors Motherboard
- Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen / Future AMD Ryzen Processors
- Supports DDR4 4733+ (OC)
- Graphics Output: DisplayPort, HDMI
- 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC887 Audio Codec)
Another great option you can consider if you are on a tight budget is the ASRock B550M-ITX/AC Mini ITX motherboard that’s fairly affordable. Even at an affordable price tag, it comes with the latest B550 chipset, an AM4 socket, and AMD (2000-5000 series) processor support. Additionally, with its PCIe gen, 4 comes its overclocking support.
All these features make it quite a versatile motherboard with a decent amount of connectivity options which includes the 64 GB 4733 MHz RAM, its dual DIMM slots, 4 SATA3 slots, M.2 SSD slot, USB (type C and type A), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.0, 2 Ethernet ports, HDMI ports, DisplayPort, and audio ports. Lastly, it only comes with a 1-year warranty.
Key features:
- B550 motherboard with an AM4 socket
- Mini ITX motherboard form factor
- Supports AMD Ryzen (2000 to 5000 series) CPUs
- Offers 1 PCIe 4.0 16x for GPU support
- Offers 2 memory slots expandable up to 64 GB RAM
- Features 4 SATA3 ports and 1 M.2 slot
- Connectivity ports that include USB (type C and type A), Wi-Fi 5.0, Bluetooth 4.0,2 Ethernet ports, HDMI, audio ports, and DisplayPort
- 1-year long warranty
Factors to Consider When Buying Best Mini ITX Motherboard
A) Socket
The CPU socket of your motherboard holds the processor in it. But, this CPU socket will only function if the computer’s motherboard comes in a socket compatible with that of the motherboard.
For this reason, it’s always important to check both sockets for compatibility. Some common sockets in modern computer CPUs include the AM4 socket for an AM4 motherboard and AMD processors and an LGA 1200 socket for the Intel processors and motherboards.
B) Chipset
Also, ensure that you are getting a motherboard that’s compatible with your computer’s processor. Even if your motherboard and CPU come with the same socket type, they might not be compatible with each other if that particular CPU is not supported by the motherboard’s chipset. Even though some chipsets may not function at all, other chipsets might be limited in terms of their features.
Take a look at AMD motherboards; popular chipsets available include budget options like B450 and A520, some mid-range options such as B550, and high-end options such as X570; all that offers all the performance you’d expect. On the other hand, Intel primarily focuses on a high-end Z490 chipset that’s mainly found in premium motherboards, including some of the mini ITX ones above.
C) Memory Support
Whether getting a high-end processor or a mid-range option, having a decent amount of RAM in your computer is equally important. Having enough RAM ensures that you can use it for all sorts of multitasking purposes. Even though they are small and compact in size, most ITX motherboards usually come with two RAM slots in total.
What’s more, they can maximumly take up to 64 gigs of RAM in most cases. Another factor to always consider is getting a motherboard with the maximum RAM speed supported. Most modern CPUs come with both AMD and Intel ones that work really well with faster RAM. Hence, many motherboards support high memory speeds such as 3600 MHz, 4000 MHz, 4400 MHz, etc.
D) PCIe Slots and Expansion Slots
Even though an ITX motherboard doesn’t come with as many connectivity options and expansion slots, you still want to have at least one that’s dedicated to your computer’s graphics card. Luckily, all ITX motherboards have a 16x PCIe slot that you can easily use to install a full-sized graphics card that’s highly useful when building a compact gaming PC.
Frequently Asked Questions Best Mini ITX Motherboard
1. Can mini-ITX motherboards be used for gaming?
Well, not only is a mini ITX PC great for gaming, but in some cases, it can actually give you the best gaming experience. The best mini-ITX motherboards come with powerful graphics cards such as the Gigabyte RTX 2070 Mini ITX that give you top-tier gaming performance compressed into a small mini ITX case.
2. Is a mini-ITX board build worth it?
Building yourself a small form factor machine might mean using up an extra hour or two to deal with cable tidying up in a mini-ITX case; however, it’s definitely worth it and saves you on using up a huge amount of space.
3. Does ITX and mini ITX mean the same thing?
Yes, they mean the same thing. Sometimes you can refer to the mini-ITX as just ITX, but both terms still refer to the same compact form factor. The formal term is mini-ITX, with a motherboard size of 17 × 17 cm (6.7 × 6.7 in).
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