10 Best Gaming Motherboards Under $200 in 2023 – Reviewed

Best Gaming Motherboards Under $200

10 Best Gaming Motherboards Under $200 in 2023 – Reviewed

The motherboard is a central mode of communication between your computer devices; This is where all of your devices are plugged in together and communicate with each other.

The motherboard you are picking up for your gaming plays an essential role in your PC build’s performance and quality.

Choosing a good and rich featuring motherboard will not benefit you now, but also it prepares your PC for future gaming and eliminates the need for future updates.

Best Gaming Motherboard Under $200

In this article, we are going to list the best gaming motherboard under $200 in 2023. There are multiple options you have for gaming motherboard under $200.

1.ASRock Z170 Pro4ASRock Z170 Pro4ASRock Z170 Pro4ASRock Z170 Pro4ASRock Z170 Pro4

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: Pentium, Celeron, Core i5, Core i3, Core i7 (supports 6th Generation Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Pentium / Celeron)
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 1 x CPU, 4 x DIMM 288-pin, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1.
  • Storage Interface: SATA-600 -connectors: 6 x 7pin SATA, 2 x SATA Express port, 1 x Ultra M.2 – 6 devices – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5
  • Internal ports: 1 x USB 3.0 – header, 2 x USB 2.0 – header, 1 x audio – header, 1 x serial – header     
  • Connector type: Mini jack

Starting our list with one of the best gaming motherboards in town, ASRock brings a whole new range of scattering motherboards with 1151 pockets and a Z170 chipset.

The new ASRock Z170 Pro4 comes with an inscription of Pro4 that features the support of the DDR4 RAM (latest memory). At the same time, the other variants of the series support DDR3 memory.

If you are building up a new PC o thinking of upgrading the memory, it’s better to take the DDR4 memory. The DDR4 is more efficient in many ways, has higher frequencies, and has improved and enhanced performance, and there are many more advantages.  

This motherboard’s main highlight is the 2x large radiators placed on the power supply circuit and one large radiator of the same color on the server bridge.

There is also a decorative plastic cover with the peripheral’s connectors that ticks the needs of minimalistic aesthetics and adds the motherboard’s beauty. The card also comes with a dedicated audio card line.

If you want to connect a video card, you can connect them via 2x PCI-E Slots, a slot of M.2 drive, and the textolite of the motherboard is painted black, it could be thicker, but still, it looks nice.

Moreover, for the connectivity option, there are enough ports so you can easily connect your peripherals.

It’s undoubtedly a good option for those who are looking for the best motherboard under $200.

2.Gigabyte ATX DDR4 GAZ170Gigabyte ATX DDR4 GAZ170Gigabyte ATX DDR4 GAZ170Gigabyte ATX DDR4 GAZ170Gigabyte ATX DDR4 GAZ170

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: Pentium, Celeron, Core i5, Core i3, Core i7
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 1 x CPU, 4 x DIMM 288-pin, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode (x8 mode if next slot is in use)), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 4 x PCIe 3.0 x1
  • Storage Interface: SATA-600 -connectors: 6 x 7pin SATA, 2 x M.2, 3 x SATA Express port, – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5
  • Internal ports:
  • Connector type: Mini jack

The next one we have is Gigabyte ATX DDR4 GAZ170 that also comes with an LGA 1151 processor socket. It belongs to the Gigabyte 100 series and supports the latest 6th generation Intel core processor, 14 nm desktop CPU that features improved performance when gaming.

It brings advanced functions and features and can be a significant part of your ultimate PC.

The motherboard comes with fast onboard storage M.2 slot of 32GB. The M.2 slot offers faster storage and can support both the SATA interface and PCIe for M.2 SSD drives.

The motherboard uses a high-quality onboard Audio design. It delivers high-quality sound resolution and expansion of sound to produce the realistic sound effects that help you get the most of gaming.

The higher bandwidth rate benefits you the SATA and PCI express and the fast data transfer speed of 16GB/s.

You are also getting the HD display ports capability that uses the most common integrated digital output on TV and the latest HD display.

3.MSI Enthusiasts gaming motherboardMSI Enthusiasts gaming motherboardMSI Enthusiasts gaming motherboardMSI Enthusiasts gaming motherboardMSI Enthusiasts gaming motherboard

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: 6th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors and Intel Pentium/Celeron Processors for Socket LGA-1151
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 4 x DIMM, Max. 64 GB, up to DDR4-3600(OC)
  • Storage Interface: 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x16, x8/x8, x8/x8/x4 or x8/x8/x2), 1 x PCI slot, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
  • Internal ports: 4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports¸2 x USB 2.0 port, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, 1 x RJ45 LAN connectors, 1 x PS/2 mouse/keyboard port, 5 x Audio jacks, 1 x DVI port, 2 x HDMI port, 1 x Optical S/PDIF OUT port.
  • Connector type: Mini jack

To be the master of gaming, you need a powerful motherboard, and when we say powerful motherboard, we mean MSI Enthusiast gaming motherboard. The motherboard is able to support 6th gen Intel Core/ Pentium/ Celeron processors and comes along with LGA

1151 socket. It supports DDR4 RAM-3600+(OC) memory. The DDR4boost used in the motherboard gives a performance boost to your gaming PC.

The motherboard also features a twin-turbo M.2 64Gb/s + Turbo U.2 Ready and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port coupled with a Type-A combo + SATA 6Gb/s.

The USB 3.1 Gen2 offers you twice efficient performance as the regular 3.0 connection. It also features the gaming LAN with LAN protect that offers you the best online gaming experience with the lowest level.

With Audio Boost 3, you get a studio-grade sound that will reward you with the actual gaming experience. MSI Enthusiast gaming motherboard is designed for overclocking along with essential OC and OC engine 2. The multi GPU with steel armor PCI-E slots supports NVIDIA SLI & AMD crossfire.

4.Asus Z170 Pro4Asus Z170 Pro4Asus Z170 Pro4Asus Z170 Pro4Asus Z170 Pro4

Specifications

  • Chipset type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: Intel Pentium / Intel Celeron
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 4 x DIMM, Max. 64 GB, up to DDR4-3600(OC)
  • Storage Interface: 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x16, x8/x8, x8/x8/x4 or x8/x8/x2), 1 x PCI slot, PCIe 4.0 x 16 slots
  • Internal ports: 1 x Microphone input, 1 x headphones outputs, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x ethernet LAN, 1 x PS/2 ports quantity, 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1, Type-A ports, 1 x DVI-D ports quality. USB 2.0 ports through expansion.
  • Connector type: Mini jack

Asus has been one of the top players when it comes to producing gaming-related products. And Asus Z170 Pro4 continues the legacy with its LGA 1151 socket and Z170 intel chipset. The motherboard comes with the support DDR4 RAM, and also it supports the DDR3 type RAM.

If you are setting up a new gaming PC then, we’d recommend you always go for DDR4 RAM, as with it, you are getting higher frequencies, which means that the rising of the performance.

Moreover, there are many more advantages of DDR4 RAM. Along with that, you are getting 2x large radiators on the power supply circuits coupled with a large radiator of the same color right on the server bridge.

Also, there is a decorative plastic cover over the device connector, which adds a significant amount of beauty to your motherboard. The motherboard also comes with a dedicated audio card line.

You can also connect video cards. The motherboard supports 2x PCIe Slots at once, a slot for M.2 drive. The textolite of the motherboard is black.

The textolite could be thicker, and it bends to a greater extent. Another highlight of the motherboard is to connect devices. There are several connectivity options available. It could be a great option as an entry gaming computer.

5.Asus Z170-kAsus Z170-kAsus Z170-kAsus Z170-kAsus Z170-k

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: Intel Pentium / Intel Celeron, Core i3, Core I, Core i7, Pentium dual-Core
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 1 x CPU, 4 x DIMM 288-pin, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode),  2 x PCIe 3.0 x1, 2 x PCI
  • Storage Interface: SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 6 x 7pin SATA, 1 x M.2, 1 x SATA Express port – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5
  • Internal ports: 4 x USB 2.0 – header, 4 x USB 3.0 – header, 1 x audio – header, 1 x SPDIF out – header, 1 x serial – header
  • Connector type: Mini jack

According to the gaming experts and our editors, this is one of the best gaming motherboards under $200 among LGA 1151 sockets. Asus Z170-k carries an entry class Intel Z170 chipset.

This motherboard’s build quality is fantastic, and the motherboard’s thickness is what made us happy. The thickness of PCB, power circuits, and the fasteners of all of the motherboard components.

On the top, we get to see a stylish radiator for cooling purposes; on the northbridge, a radiator holds the company logo.

It supports the DDR4 memory and features higher frequencies up to 3466, while the maximum voltage it can go up to is 64 GB. the motherboard carries two connectors to connect the video card. Still, they’ll only work in SLI mode and only (AMD Video cards) Crossfire X.

Thanks to its excellent and powerful complete supply system with the high build quality. The board has excellent capabilities in overclocking the Intel Core i5 6600K and Intel Core i7 6700k processors.

A dedicated audio cord is worth the appreciation from which the LEDs glows when the computer is running.

6.GIGABYTE GA-Z170 Gaming K3GIGABYTE GA-Z170 Gaming K3GIGABYTE GA-Z170 Gaming K3GIGABYTE GA-Z170 Gaming K3GIGABYTE GA-Z170 Gaming K3

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: Intel Pentium / Intel Celeron, Core i3, Core I, Core i7
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 1 x CPU ,4 x DIMM 288-pin, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode (x8 mode if next slot is filled)), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 4 x PCIe 3.0 x1
  • Storage Interface: SATA-600 -connectors: 6 x 7pin SATA, 2 x M.2, 3 x SATA Express port – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5, AS Media ASM1061: SATA-600 -connectors: 2 x 7pin Serial ATA – 2 devices
  • Internal ports: 4 x USB 2.0 – header, 4 x USB 3.0 – header, 1 x audio – header, 1 x serial – header
  • Connector type: Mini jack.

The first thing that needs to be highlighted about GIGABYTE GA-Z170 is its appearance. The color combination used in this motherboard is aesthetic, but some people might not like such various colors.

Speaking about the quality, everything is good, the ATX form-factor, the motherboard also sports 4x DDR4 RAM slots up to 64GB, the motherboard also supports the high-frequency of memory.

You will get to see 2x large radiators on the up-front power circuit for dissipating heat, and there is also a large plate with the company logo on the server bridge.

Thanks to the high-quality components and excellent build of the motherboard. The motherboard is suitable for overclocking Skylake processors that have K-index.

You can easily range exactly from 3.5 to 4.0 GHz. The BIOS was good, along with an option of emergency recovery. Moreover, the motherboard comes with quite a good number of ports to connect devices.

7.Asus SABERTOOTH Z170 MARK 1Asus SABERTOOTH Z170 MARK 1Asus SABERTOOTH Z170 MARK 1Asus SABERTOOTH Z170 MARK 1Asus SABERTOOTH Z170 MARK 1

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: Intel® Socket 1151 for 7th/6th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 2400/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
  • Dual Channel Memory Architecture
  • Storage Interface: 2 x SATA Express port, Compatible with 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports, 1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode) *2, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray, Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
  • Internal ports: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 2 x LAN (RJ45) port(s), 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (teal blue) Type-A,1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-CTM, 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue) (one port can be switched to USB BIOS Flashback®), 1 x Optical S/PDIF out, 5 x Audio jack(s), 1 x USB BIOS Flashback® Button(s), 1 x 8-channel Audio I/O, 1 x TUF Detective USB port
  • Connector type: Mini jack.

If you are looking for an excellent motherboard that supports a good gaming level, you are at the right place. Asus SABERTOOTH Z170 MARK 1 is an excellent motherboard for you as it offers incredible features at low prices.

The main advantage you are getting in this motherboard is the stiffening plate, which prevents your graphics card from tearing out the PCI-E slots, you might be surprised, but yes, it happens sometimes.

If the motherboard is weak and the video card is heavy, then the slots might break down from the roots. But it won’t happen here.

Moreover, this plate looks cool on board, as the heat will be distributed to the metal plate. You are also getting a huge plastic casing over the connector to connect the peripherals device, an inscription on the plate, decorative bolts, and logos. So yes, you are getting pretty many features at reasonable prices.

8.Asus ROG Maximus VII geneAsus ROG Maximus VII geneAsus ROG Maximus VII geneAsus ROG Maximus VII geneAsus ROG Maximus VII gene

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  Intel Z170
  • Compatible processors: 5th/New 4th/4th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
  • Processor socket: LGA 1151 Socket   
  • Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8), 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4, 1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Storage Interface: 6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red, Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
    Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology, 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2260/2280 storage devices support (PCI-E mode.)
  • Internal ports: 4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board), 7 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black, 3 at mid-board), 2 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue.)
  • Connector type: Mini jack.

An excellent addition of this incredible device named Asus ROG Maximus VII gene contributes a lot to the best gaming motherboard under $200 list.

This excellent ranger is fully featured goes beyond the diminutive size brings the best ROG who want to enjoy the best gaming. It’s the right choice for any gamer who needs a good motherboard but is stuck on a tight budget.

The motherboard sports extreme engine DGI+ along with the SupremeFX Audio. The good thing about the motherboard is that it’s not machine-specific, which means that it is compatible with multiple platforms.

It supports DDR4 memory that carries the capacity of 64GB.

Moreover, the motherboard comes with advanced UEFI BIOS management that supports novices and experts alike. You are almost getting everything with this card, except for the ability to run 3 graphics cards at a time, and that’s not a thing that people do nowadays.

9.GIGABYTE X470 AORUSGIGABYTE X470 AORUSGIGABYTE X470 AORUSGIGABYTE X470 AORUSGIGABYTE X470 AORUS

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  AMD X470
  • Compatible processors: Athlon, A series, Ryzen (supports 1st and 2nd Generation Ryzen / Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics / 7th Generation A-series / Athlon X4)
  • Processor socket: socket AM4
  • Expansion slots: 1 x CPU, 4 x DIMM 288-pin, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode (x8 mode if PCI Express 3.0 x8 slot is occupied)), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode), 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode), 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Storage Interface: SATA-600 -connectors: 6 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10
    SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x M.2, PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x M.2
  • Internal ports: 4 x USB 2.0 – header, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 – header, 1 x audio – header, 1 x SPDIF out – header ,1 x USB-C Gen2 – header
  • Connector type: Mini jack.

Another one of the best motherboards that come with Dual-channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 with the capacity of 64GB. The motherboard supports up-to 2nd gen AMD Ryzen processors and will be a solid ally for your gaming PC.

Thanks to the GIGABYTE FAN 5 technology, which ensures that your PC will be cooled down intelligently. The motherboard also supports the RGB lighting that brings out the most aesthetics and makes your system a show-stealer with its enhanced performance with its synchronization of light. The design concept of this motherboard is inspired by the eagle.

This series fits the latest performance along with the features and more control over the device. The motherboard uses 8+3 phase PMW + lower RDS (on) MOSFET’s design to support the 2nd gen Ryzen processor and enhances your gaming PC performances.

10.MSI X470MSI X470MSI X470MSI X470MSI X470

Specifications

  • Chipset Type:  AMD X470
  • Compatible processors: Supports AMD Ryzen 1st & 2nd Gen/ Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/ 7th Generation A-Series/ Athlon X4 Processors
  • Processor socket: socket AM4
  • Expansion slots: 1 x CPU, 4 x DIMM 288-pin, 1 x PCIe x 3 , 1 x PCIe X1, 1 Gen 3 (16,0)(8,8)
  • Storage Interface: SATA-600 -connectors: 6 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10
    SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x M.2, PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x M.2
  • Internal ports: DVI -D – 1 item, HDMI – 1 item, RJ45 (LAN) – 1 item, USB 3.1 Gen. 1 (USB 3.0) – 4 items, USB 3.1 Gen.2 – 2 items, USB 2.0 – 2 pcs., PS / 2 keyboard / mouse – 1 pcs, Audio jack – 5 pcs, S / PDIF – 1 pcs.
  • Connector type: Mini jack.

Coming in the list of best gaming Motherboard under $200, MSI X470 is worth appreciation. If you are looking for anything that would do the job of gaming easily with costing much, then MSI X470 is a good option.

You are getting many features of eight-channel audio along with an optical output, decent-size VRM heatsinks, RGB LED headers and carries enough fans to power up the 6 fans with 1 x dedicated for AIO liquid cooler pumps.

Thanks to MSI, we are still getting the usual six Audio output and good-looking aesthetics with enough connectivity options.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best gaming motherboard when you are building up a gaming PC is quite a confusing process. Choosing the best gaming motherboard under $200 requires more attention.

The motherboard that you will be picking up will supply the power to every port that is connected. So, keeping a keen eye on minor details like computer size, the number of ports you want to plug in, the CPU socket or the chipset defines what kind of processor you can install in it.

Here is the buying guide that you should consider while buying the best gaming motherboard under $200

Basics

Chipsets, Size of Board & Connector and ports

Suppose you are looking for a basic motherboard that includes the differences between motherboard sizes, connector, ports features, chipsets, and RAM slots that you find on the motherboard basics. Here you can deeply look for the complexities of board details, features, and motherboard designs so that you’ll exactly get to know what you are going after.

How much to spend on the motherboard?

The prices may range up from $50 to $1000 for top-notch premium boards that support high-end desktops chips. Here is a rough idea of the features of motherboards according to their price range.

  • Up-to $100

You can get boards with overclocking features for AMD chips in this range, even with the premium, last-generation X370. But if you are looking for intel chips, then you’ll get stock speeds. It depends on the prices; you can get a host of features, including onboard Wi-Fi.

  • Up-to $150

Boards with chipset and Intel Z490, you need to overclock starts from this range. You will need to see some AMD boards. You can also get AMD motherboard with a higher-end chipset in this range that also premium features like RGB lighting and Wi-Fi support.

  • Up-to $200

Coming up to a higher range, you can get to see a more higher-end motherboard that offers heatsinks, RGB lightings, and a better power phase with Voltage regulation modules (VRMs). You can also find a better port selection in this range.

CPU to use with the motherboard

The CPU that you are going to use with this motherboard directly affects the performance of your system.

For example, if you are using an Intel 10th gen core processor, then the best motherboard you can pair it up with is LGA 1200 socket. The older gen processors need boards with an LGA 1151 socket.

While using AMD makes a process a bit easier and less confusing, the company still uses the AM4 pockets all of its current gen-chips, from Athlons to the 16-core Ryzen 9 parts.

The size of the motherboard

The modern motherboard comes in three sizes   

  • ATX: it’s the standard and offers the most place and space for slots and plugs.
  • Micro-ATX: It’s2.4 inchesshorter motherboardwhich results in less performance
  • Mini-ATX: Madefor a small PC, it has only one slot for an add-in card and fewer cards for RAM and storage.

Ports that you might need

Here are some ports that you should have on your motherboard

  • USB 3/ 3.1 Gen1

There are fewer chances to have more than one USB 3.1 port, as they are fast and work with most of the peripherals.

  • USB 2 port

Slower, but these ports are adequate for keyboards, mouse and other devices.

  • USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2

This port can deliver 10Gbps of bandwidth that is double the USB 3.1 USB port.

  • USB Type-C

Another modern port could be either USB 3.1 gen or USB Gen 2 that is compatible with newer devices and supports new phones.

  • HDMI port

You will need these ports if you want to use integrated graphics.

  • Audio ports

If you want to connect analog speakers or headphones, then these ports in helpful.

  • Thunderbolt port

These ports are rare to find in motherboards, but some top-notch motherboards carry them through dedicated add-on cards. This type of motherboard provides the fastest speed, up to 40Gbps.

FAQs

Which brand has the most reliable motherboards?

It isn’t easy to choose just one, as all of them have their advantages and features. Asus, ASRock, MSI are popular brand.

What does a good motherboard do?

Every function of your computer depends on motherboards, so you need a good motherboard for better performance.

What the main difference between a gaming motherboard and a standard motherboard?

The gaming motherboard is more efficient and offers you higher performance capacity and overclocking capability. You don’t get to see these in a standard motherboard.

Wrapping up

So, here are the best gaming motherboards under $200. As you know, that motherboard is going to have a direct impact on the performance gaming experience. Moreover, it also plays a vital role in choosing what components you can use in your computer build. Remember that if you choose a cheaper model, you’ll get limited features.

Now you know it’s an important part of your computer, so make sure you invest your money in the correct motherboard. And don’t forget to read our buying guide to get a good idea of what features you want on your motherboard.