Image: Thiago Trevisan / Foundry
Intel and AMD’s next-generation platforms are each right here, with superior know-how like DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5. That means a plethora of motherboard decisions, from frugal choices, to probably the most princely. It additionally means extra choices for small form-factor PCs.
After we picked the very best gaming ATX motherboards in 2023 in our final roundup, we’ve set our sights on a brand new purpose: discovering the very best small form-factor motherboards in 2023.
Small form-factor will embody two predominant sizes: Mini-ITX, with a diminutive 6.7×6.7-inch (170x170mm) measurement, and Micro-ATX, with a barely bigger measurement at 9.6x 9.6-inch. (244x244mm) footprint.
After fastidiously going over every motherboard and utilizing them in real-world eventualities, we’ll reply the identical questions as we might for normal ATX motherboards:
What are the options and specs? Is it an aesthetically pleasing design with sturdy construct high quality? How is the efficiency, and are there any compromises as a consequence of measurement? We’ll additionally think about how the smaller form-factor means “less space” for options and some tradeoffs versus ATX.
Updated 9/08/23: See our overview of the Gigabyte B650M DS3H. This microATX board makes use of the B650 chipset for AM5 compatibility, whereas being eminently inexpensive. It’s an excellent possibility for thrifty small-PC builders.
Best small form-factor gaming motherboards for Intel
Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi – Best premium Intel SFF board
Pros
- Overall probably the greatest out there Mini-ITX motherboards
- Two onboard M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 16x Gen 5
- Solid networking and nice audio choices with included Strix Hive
- Enthusiast-approved ROG aesthetics and useful design components corresponding to Q-Latch for M.2 drives
Cons
- $469 MSRP will deter some consumers
- Mini-ITX has some inherent limitations as a consequence of its measurement
- Gamers would possibly discover some options pointless, corresponding to Thunderbolt 4
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 trade? From the second you open the tiny field, you’ll respect the included equipment and premium really feel of the expertise. You’ll get your normal 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 just a little hub. This is nice for small builds that may’t match sound playing cards or extra growth internally. The “FPS II” card additionally offers you extra SATA ports and headers when linked to the motherboard, a intelligent means of protecting the necessary 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 possible need to pair this with a barely much less power-hungry Intel CPU, such because the i7 13700K, if solely to save lots of house 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 downside compared to bigger Micro-ATX or ATX motherboards that usually permit for 4 DIMM slots and 128GB.
The newest PCIe can be right here—with a PCIe Gen 5 16x slot for your GPU. Theoretically you can even 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 fantastic. (Hard to saturate Gen 5 proper now because the {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 out there on the rear.
For networking, you’ll get 2.5Gb LAN together with Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth can be normal, permitting for versatile connectivity. This is akin to many ATX motherboards, so there are nearly no compromises on the networking entrance. With the included Asus “ROG Hive” exterior system, you possibly can have a quantity dial at arm’s size for fast adjustment.
So it’s feature-packed and performs nice—however how in regards to the design aesthetics? It’s a pure-breed ROG, or Republic of Gamers, high-end fanatic design from Asus. With beautiful 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 components are certain 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 players could not at all times want (corresponding to Thunderbolt 4). It’s additionally restricted considerably by its measurement, in comparison with a Micro-ATX motherboard or ATX. Fewer RAM slots, PCIe slots, and SATA ports, primarily. Otherwise, it’s a improbable motherboard for the precise person.
It’s not low-cost, however in case you’re aiming to construct one of many quickest Mini-ITX gaming PCs identified to players, this can be a key part that can assist accomplish that process.
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Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi overview
Asus ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi – Best midrange Intel SFF board
Pros
- Great I/O options for Mini-ITX
- Two onboard M.2 slots, 20Gb/s USB, PCIe 16x Gen 5
- Good networking and first rate audio
- Colorful ROG Strix design, built-in I/O protect
Cons
- B760 chipset would not take full benefit of Intel Thirteenth-gen corresponding to having extra PCIe lanes
- Not for CPU tinkerers and overclockers
If you’re after a small form-factor construct and need a good stability of options for the value, 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 a substitute of Z790. That means an absence of actual overclocking assist—we’d keep away from many of the “K” Intel SKUs such because the 13900K. You’re possible to make use of one thing like an Intel i5 13600, which could have much less energy draw and warmth. Both are advantageous in a small form-factor construct!
B760 additionally offers you much less VRM cooling generally, 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 as a consequence of measurement.
If a few of these drawbacks are acceptable to you, there are numerous optimistic options to seek out right here. While the included equipment don’t embrace novelties such because the “ROG Hive,” in addition they add to the fee. You’re nonetheless getting all of what you want right here, like a Wi-Fi antenna, SATA cables, and many others.—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 having access to DDR5 RAM, albeit the identical two-slot restrict as on any Mini-ITX motherboard at 64GB.
PCIe Gen 5 can be right here however restricted to only the 16x GPU slot. That’s greater than acceptable, as functionally even the costlier Z790 model affords comparable capabilities. While you possibly can by no means do PCIe Gen 5 on the NVMe slots, Gen 4 is greater than enough for virtually 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 fantastic—many players gained’t make the most of these speeds. You nonetheless get 20Gb/s USB 3, nonetheless, which is greater than enough for most customers.
You’ll get the identical 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth as with all different choices. This makes it nearly equivalent to costlier varieties. Audio is okay 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 wonderful design components which are very useful, 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, in case you’re okay with the constraints of B760—corresponding to the shortage of overclocking—you’re getting an excellent set of options right here and saving a big amount of cash.
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Asus ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi overview
MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi – Best Intel SFF board underneath $200
Pros
- Good stability of options for a $199 Micro-ATX motherboard
- Two onboard M.2 slots, eight USB ports
- Nice networking and first rate audio
- Clean design, built-in I/O protect
Cons
- B760 means no CPU overclocking
- The 4 USB 2.0 slots ought to be at the least USB 3.0
- No warmth sink on the second NVME slot
If you need to avoid wasting extra cash 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’s going to have some tradeoffs—the identical B760 chipset limits famous above, corresponding to lack of overclocking, and much less VRM grunt as nicely.
You do get 12+1+1 duet rail VRMs, so that you’ll be prepared for virtually any Intel CPU. We advocate avoiding the overclockable Okay 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 that will lack correct CPU cooling.
The more and more mainstream DDR5 RAM can be supported, with quicker and cheaper kits out there as time goes on. You now 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 affords two slots and 64GB. (A great cause why those that run heavier RAM workloads ought to think about 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 time limit. You’ll have the GPU 16x lane as PCIe Gen 5, however every thing else is PCIe Gen 4. This consists of the 2 onboard M.2 slots, that are greater than satisfactory for most customers.
The remainder of the I/O is okay, with eight rear USB ports. Sure, you’re solely getting as much as 20Gb/s USB 3 speeds, however Thunderbolt 4 efficiency is far 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 okay right here too, no points to report for the value.
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 everyday value.
Where you do avoid wasting cash is within the sensible design. No, it’s not low-cost feeling—fairly the opposite. The construct high quality is nice, and type follows perform with an aesthetically pleasing method. 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 dangerous for $199. Our solely minor design quibble is that the second M.2 slot isn’t coated 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 underneath $200 and nonetheless have a very good set of options. Overclockers gained’t be impressed, however most customers will nonetheless get usable efficiency out of this unit.
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MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi overview
Best small form-factor gaming motherboards for AMD
Asus ROG X670E Gene – Best premium AMD SFF board
Pros
- Stunning design and excessive construct high quality
- Included ROG Gen-Z.2 NVMe card
- Next gen options, DDR5, PCIe Gen 5
- mATX will slot in smaller PC instances
Cons
- Only two DIMM slots and some could discover 64GB RAM limiting
- mATX limits corresponding to one 16x slot, and one onboard NVMe
- $599 MSRP is bit excessive contemplating the precise use-case enchantment
Have you ever wished to purchase an enormous, beefy motherboard, like from the Asus “Extreme” lineup, however they have been far too large? Fret no extra, the Asus ROG X670E Gene brings a variety 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 some of the costly small form-factor motherboards we’ve encountered.
If you recover from the sticker shock, you’ll be impressed with each aspect of this motherboard. Performance is on par with every other high-end providing, with a 16+2 section 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 affords. (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 a substitute of the same old 4 on Micro-ATX motherboards. Technically, in case you’re overclocking RAM or pushing the boundaries, it’s higher to have fewer DIMM slots for most efficiency. That’s precisely what sort of person will get pleasure from this motherboard probably the most! You’ll be capable of preserve every 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 will provide you with PCIe Gen 5, plus an onboard M.2 Gen 5 slot. Don’t fear, you’re going to 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 units, a function 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 comparable. You’re not getting 10Gb LAN, nonetheless, 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 most customers, save demanding audiophiles.
Aesthetically, the very first thing you’ll discover when unboxing this beautiful motherboard is the heft and elegant construct high quality. All components of this motherboard really feel terribly premium, from supplies to design aesthetics.
The design reveals “ROG” DNA (Gene…) via and via, with lovely 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 value is appropriate to you, and Micro-ATX is your PC construct/case goal, this can be a mighty fantastic alternative.
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Asus ROG X670E Gene overview
Asrock B650E PG-ITX – Best midrange AMD SFF board
Pros
- Good set of options for Mini-ITX
- Two onboard M.2 slots, together with 1x PCIe Gen 5
- Good networking and audio
- Capable VRMs
Cons
- Noisy M.2 fan could intrude with some builds
- USB 2.0 ports ought to be upgraded
- $289 MSRP nonetheless excessive contemplating some limitations
Price When Reviewed:
379 Euro
If premium AM5 choices are too spendy for you, we don’t blame you. With higher-than-ever platform prices, it’s necessary to avoid wasting money when you possibly can 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 implies that one of many two onboard NVMe slots could be Gen 5—an excellent possibility for those that wish to be on the bleeding edge. You’ll even have the PCIe 16x slot at Gen 5, though GPUs presently can’t saturate that.
PCIe Gen 5 means you get to make the most of every 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 certain many players will need to pair this with the brand new 7800X3D, a fantastic alternative for most gaming efficiency. You’ll simply need to ensure that your CPU cooler is as much as process, as this chips can get spicy-hot. Thankfully, the intelligent design of this motherboard leaves some good room for most 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 probably be nearer to 20Gb/s USB 3 as a substitute. That ought to be fantastic for most players, however at $289, we really feel the USB implementation ought 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 seems 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.
Read our full
Asrock B650E PG-ITX overview
MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi – Best bang-for-buck AMD SFF board
Pros
- Great set of options for Micro-ATX at $239
- Two onboard M.2 slots, 20Gb/s USB, PCIe Gen 4
- Solid networking and first rate audio
- Clean design seems nice, consists of built-in I/O protect
Cons
- Users who want extra M.2 NVMe slots will probably be restricted
- No PCIe Gen 5, so AM5 CPUs don’t get full capabilities
- Not as many Micro-ATX instances out there, area of interest market
While the $239 value is way from price range—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 very good 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 probably be greater than snappy, and GPUs can’t presently 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 nicely with the zippy 7800X3D. While you’re not getting the top-tier efficiency of X670E VRMs, you have to be inside a couple of share factors. DDR5 completes the package deal, with quick speeds and an out there 4 DIMM slots. This will probably be a bonus over Mini-ITX, plus you’ll get a better 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 further “add-in” playing cards, with an out there 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 affords the entire 2.5Gb LAN with Wi-Fi 6E. Audio can 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 seems and feels nicely constructed. With a traditional, simple design indicative of different MSI “MAG” motherboards, it’s going to match into virtually any construct theme. Plus, the built-in I/O protect is a good function that provides to the construct expertise right here.
While its $239 value is way from price range, 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 inexpensive value class.
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MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi overview
What to look for in a small form-factor gaming motherboard
Choosing a small form-factor motherboard usually has the identical line of questions because the bigger choices, however with a couple of very particular additions which are important to the expertise. We’re coping with smaller models right here, which means they will slot in a lot smaller PC instances, and usually could have much less options than their bigger counterparts. The purpose is to seek out the very best mix of worth, efficiency, and options for the dimensions you want.
Choose your platform: Intel or AMD
Intel or AMD will probably be an necessary resolution. For small form-factor motherboards, you might need to intention at a CPU possibility that may nonetheless carry out very nicely, however maybe not tax the ability and cooling necessities practically as a lot.
Since you’re usually coping with small enclosures that won’t be capable of deal with 360mm radiators, a few of the overclockable CPUs such because the Intel i9 13900K or the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X could run a bit sizzling for most builds.
Thankfully, each manufacturers provide tamer CPUs which have much less energy output and warmth, corresponding to Intel’s Core i7-13700 or AMD’s Ryzen 7700.
Plan the dimensions and {hardware} you need to use upfront
Small type issue requires a bit of additional planning, so that you’ll need to select the dimensions very early on. Mini-ITX motherboards can match actually anyplace, as most instances could have the standoff screw alignments for them. Small instances generally is a tight match, so you might even need to think about shorter customized energy provide cables to ensure it neatly matches with out obstruction.
Hardware alternative can be necessary to contemplate: Intel will provide you with a alternative of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, relying on the motherboard you select, so pay attention to this. AMD AM5 is DDR5 solely, so that you’ll want to choose up a brand new RAM equipment.
PCIe slots and lanes additionally range, even with small form-factor motherboards. Mini-ITX will solely provide you with one 16x slot usually, which can be PCIe Gen 5 or Gen 4. PCIe Gen 5 lane distribution can even range, with X670E normally having the very best choices. This will usually have an effect on whether or not the highest NVMe slot could be PCIe Gen 5 or Gen 4, however it’s not an enormous deal in most use instances.
Know the options you want probably the most
Features may also be very completely different on some smaller motherboards as a consequence of measurement, mixed with sure chipset limitations. You could not need to pay further for some options that you simply’ll by no means use, corresponding to Thunderbolt 4.
Most small choices will nonetheless have a very good set of USB and I/O, and Wi-Fi has been principally normal. Keep in thoughts, although, that some cheaper motherboards do omit Wi-Fi, so it’s necessary to go over the specs to ensure.
Price to efficiency issues, even with small motherboards
Prices for motherboards have elevated this era, and small type issue isn’t any exception. You’ll usually pay extra for smaller boards with comparable options in comparison with ATX.
There are many advantages to a small construct, corresponding to saving house. It’s additionally very satisfying becoming highly effective {hardware} in a small enclosure, and having it carry out nicely. Just preserve value in thoughts—generally the costliest CPUs could not run as nicely as a result of cooling limitations of smaller enclosures, so a less expensive possibility could also be extra optimum.
How we consider small form-factor gaming motherboards
As talked about above, there are specific areas it is advisable to be conscious of with a small form-factor gaming motherboard. The following is an outline of our analysis course of.
Specs and options
Are you getting important options, corresponding to networking, M.2 assist, and ample I/O choices for the value? Small motherboards are inclined to have fewer options than their large ATX counterparts, so we have to discover the precise stability.
Design
Sure, your tiny motherboard could also be hidden behind cables in a small enclosure. Does it nonetheless have attention-grabbing design components which are aesthetically interesting, and have some perform? Items corresponding to quick-release GPU PCIe slots, quick access to M.2 slots, and many others. make an enormous distinction to builders.
Performance
Just since you’re going small on measurement, doesn’t imply that it is advisable to quit efficiency. Can this motherboard’s VRMs and next-gen tech, corresponding to DDR5, preserve tempo with ATX motherboards with out a lot compromise?
Value
Are a few of the restrictions on specs well worth the lower in footprint? Do you get the precise options for the value? More importantly, the small measurement has to supply extra worth to you then it takes away in efficiency or options.
FAQ
1.
Are small form-factor gaming motherboards price it?
Small motherboards are distinctive—as a result of they mean you can do any measurement construct that you simply want. Some enclosures could be as small as an ordinary console such because the Sony PS5, however pack an incredible quantity of energy for the dimensions. While you’ll usually pay extra to place a small construct collectively, it has a variety of payoff. Keep in thoughts, {hardware} choices could also be extra restricted, and particular cooling concerns are additionally wanted.
2.
How a lot RAM is required for gaming?
Mini-ITX motherboards assist two DIMM slots and 64GB of RAM, which is normally greater than sufficient for any gaming construct. 16GB is the minimal for a clean expertise, however video games recently are utilizing as much as 32GB, in order that might not be a foul thought going ahead.
Micro-ATX will provide you with 4 RAM slots, one thing to contemplate if you would like as much as 128GB of capability as a substitute.
3.
Is DDR5 price it?
DDR4 continues to be out there on Intel Thirteenth-generation motherboards, so it offers you some cheaper choices and flexibility to make use of your personal equipment. We’d favor DDR5 if attainable, and AMD AM5 offers you DDR5 solely.
DDR5 availability and prices have improved just lately, so choices are a lot better and we’d advocate going for it in case you can.
4.
What is the everyday lifespan of a small form-factor gaming motherboard?
Due to them having fewer options on board, small form-factor motherboards could have a barely shorter life span than a bigger motherboard. You’ll additionally usually get fewer PCIe slots, NVMe slots, and different I/O, so in case you ever must increase, you may be restricted.
You additionally want to pay attention to case sizes and becoming bigger GPUs—graphics playing cards have gotten significantly bigger and could proceed to take action sooner or later. That’s one consideration tied to case measurement, though you may at all times put a small motherboard in a bigger case. (It would possibly simply look aesthetically too small, and it’d lack some options of different ATX.)
Otherwise, in case you get a well-built, high quality motherboard, it ought to bodily final a very good period of time—simply be sure you have correct air flow and cooling, particularly in a small enclosure.
…. to be continued
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