8 best gaming motherboards for Intel 12th and 13th generation CPUs

With the release of Intel's latest 13th generation processors comes a slew of new 700 series motherboard chipsets. Based on the same LGA 1700 socket as the 12th Gen CPUs, these new processors are backward compatible with 600 series motherboards. Today's article will list the best gaming motherboards available for the processor today. Intel 12th and 13th generation.

1. Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

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Z790 is Intel's current highest configuration chipset and Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the best choice to experience high-end features. This premium board carries on Asus' ROG Maximus legacy, delivering top-notch build quality and unmatched power and thermal solutions. Overclockers can push their systems to the limit thanks to the visually impressive 8-layer PC. Packed full of up-to-date, high-speed connectivity and storage features, the ROG Maximus 790 Hero does almost everything you see in other flagship boards at half the price.

2. ASRock Z790 Steel Legend Wi-Fi

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You don't need to spend too much money to enjoy the Z790's modern feature set. Choosing the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend Wi-Fi will allow you to save some money on the processor and GPU for a powerful and comprehensive build. ASRock is known for its "value for money" products and applies the same philosophy to its mid-range Z790 board. With distinctive but essential features, like a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Z790 Steel Legend delivers a healthy mix of next-gen features at a price reasonable. You'll be hard-pressed to find another board under $300 that offers more features.

3. Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi

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The desire to squeeze every possible next-gen feature into a mini-ITX form factor will cost you quite a bit of money, but it's definitely worth it. The Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi represents a small form factor motherboard that doesn't sacrifice features. Sure, you can go with cheaper options from other brands, but you'll miss out on extras like PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, Thunderbolt ports, and space-saving methods' available ' allows components to perform better on the board.

4. MSI MPG Z690 Edge Wi-Fi DDR5

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The Z690 chipset is Intel's flagship platform for 12th generation processors, but with a simple BIOS update it also supports the latest 13th generation processors. And the MSI MPG Z690 Edge Wi-Fi DDR5 might convince you to go this route. As the only chipset that supports overclocking on the 600-series, the Z690 shines the brightest among MSI's mid-range products. MPG Z690 Edge WiFi DDR5 includes all the next-gen gaming features you need, from DDR5 support and powerful power and thermal solutions to premium styling and design. This motherboard can be considered an enthusiast board with a reasonable price cut.

5. Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wi-Fi

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The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wi-Fi is Asus's attempt to offer the most features of the Z690 at a low price. It may not have the powerful heatsink or premium quality of some top boards, but it offers enough gaming features to make up for that. In addition to outstanding specifications, the built-in RGB can sync with other RGB components on your PC. Asus has also integrated AI noise cancellation to improve online gaming sessions. Honestly, the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wi-Fi packs a lot of features into an affordable device.

6. Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite DDR5

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Another benefit of using the Z690 instead of the Z790 is that there are much more affordable SFF motherboards available. Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite DDR5 is a good example of this. With a premium PCB design and enough connectivity options to complete the package, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite DDR5 is a great product. The lack of PCIe 5.0 graphics and WiFi 6E is the downside of this motherboard. However, these negatives are not too important as their effect is negligible on the motherboard's PC gaming performance.

7. MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wi-Fi DDR5

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If overclocking isn't your thing, the MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wi-Fi DDR5 might be all you need for your budget gaming PC. To run Intel 12th Gen or 13th Gen CPUs at standard speeds, this micro-ATX board offers impressive gaming performance for under $300. The MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wi-Fi DDR5 may not have the fancy RGB and quality of some more expensive boards, but it excels at the essentials, giving you more money to invest in components. another part of your system.

8. Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WiFi

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There aren't many options for SFF builders looking for a well-balanced mini-ITX B660 motherboard. The Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming Wi-Fi is easily the clear winner in this category. As the only real option with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, this Asus board also has outstanding gaming features. There are minor drawbacks, like the lack of WiFi 6E and fewer USB ports, but they don't take away from the overall great value of the ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WiFi.

Kareem Winters

Update 28 December 2023