Top Motherboards

The Greatest Mini-ITX Motherboards for 2023


Looking out via the huge assortment of the most effective motherboards from every vendor might be irritating and time-consuming. Dozens of chipsets, compatibility with parts, cooling, and connectivity are a handful of things customers have to remember when deciding on a motherboard. Nonetheless, when the checklist is filtered down by deciding on just one kind issue, the duty turns into much less tiresome.


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Mini-ITX motherboards are small, however they nonetheless pack a punch with unbelievable options that weren’t doable a decade in the past. Not solely do mini-ITX motherboards purchase much less house contained in the chassis and might simply slot in mini-ITX instances, however additionally they make a unbelievable transportable gaming and productiveness machine that may execute nearly each operation doable on a relatively greater ATX construct.

For customers who’re searching for the most recent and greatest mini-ITX motherboards, their search ends right here. The Sport Rant crew has compiled an inventory of prime feature-packed ITX motherboards from every vendor that assist the most recent Intel and AMD CPUs together with providing unparalleled specs, aesthetics, and performance.


Issues to Bear in mind When Shopping for a Mini-ITX Motherboard

  • Reminiscence Help: Being compact, mini-ITX motherboards function solely two DIMM slots, however a very good ITX motherboard ought to assist at the least 64GB of RAM with excessive clock pace.
  • Energy Supply: The facility supply or VRM part is accountable for offering sufficient voltages to the CPU and RAM. An honest ITX motherboard ought to be capable of present stability at larger clock speeds for an extended time.
  • Storage: The absence of sufficient house would not enable the inclusion of a number of SATA ports, which suggests a very good ITX motherboard ought to compensate by offering at the least 2x M.2 connectors.
  • I/O: Despite the fact that every kind issue comes with totally different motherboard dimensions, the I/O would not essentially must lack the fundamental ports for connectivity. A number of USB ports, LAN, Wi-Fi, and show retailers are important for any respectable mini-ITX motherboard.

Sport Rant’s picks for the most effective Mini-ITX Motherboards

Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi

Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi

Greatest Total Asus Intel Mini-ITX Motherboard

$420 $470 Save $50

The a number of award winner Asus ITX motherboard for Intel’s newest Raptor Lake/Refresh CPUs leaves no room for criticism. The wonderful design helps higher-end CPUs and permits overclocking via a easy press of a button. With native PCI-E 5.0 assist for NVME SSDs, a Thunderbolt port and the Sort C Gen 2×2 port on the I/O permits connecting sooner storage and peripherals. 

Model
Asus

Reminiscence Slots
2

Reminiscence Sort
DDR5

Kind Issue
Mini-ITX

Wi-Fi
Intel WiFi 6E

USB Ports
6x Sort A, 2x Sort C

M.2 NVMe Connector
2

Chipset
Z790

Socket
LGA 1700

Energy Phases
10+1

PCI Slots
1x PCI-E x16

Storage
2x SATA

Audio
ROG Excessive Definition Audio Codec ALC4050

Networking
Intel 2.5Gb

Professionals

  • 10+1 energy levels with 105A present assist per part
  • Intel WiFi 6E for quick wi-fi connectivity
  • PCI-E 5.0 x4 mode for main M.2 and x16 for PCI-E x16 slot
  • Clear CMOS, Sort-C and Thunderbolt on the I/O
  • Devoted ROG Strix Hive controller for varied capabilities

Asus ROG Strix motherboards are sometimes costly, however additionally they boast premium development and high-end options. For Intel CPU customers, the ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming is a no-compromise board for all sorts of builds with attractive aesthetics that includes RGB lighting-equipped heatsinks over the I/O and M.2 connector. Whether or not customers need gaming-focused builds or builds that excel in productiveness, it might probably deal with all of it. With assist of as much as 96GB of DDR5 reminiscence as much as 7600MHz via Intel XMP, no workload shall be bottlenecked on account of low system reminiscence.

Nonetheless, its extra notable options embody the ability supply with 10+1 energy phases every rated at 105A of present. It should be sure the processors are fed sufficient voltage for stability and the dense heatsinks over the VRM parts will passively dissipate warmth. One other main benefit of this board over the others is the pre-included ROG Strix Hive Controller for including further peripherals and controlling miscellaneous capabilities like BIOS Flashback, Quantity Management, and Overclocking button.

On the I/O reside a number of USB ports together with totally different generations of Sort A and Sort C ports for peripherals and sooner USB units. Furthermore, there’s a Clear CMOS button on the backside for resetting the BIOS if something goes improper with overclocking or BIOS improve. That is particularly useful as clearing CMOS requires opening the case panel to entry the CMOS pins or battery. Lastly, for storage, there are 2x SATA ports and 2x M.2 connectors for quick storage with the first M.2 connector that includes a local PCI-E 5.0 x4 mode. An costly however compelling alternative for fans.

Asus Rog Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi

ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WIFI

Greatest Total Asus AMD Mini-ITX Motherboard

$425 $470 Save $45

AMD CPU customers can go for the ROG Strix X670-I which is the choice to the Z790-I, boasting related specs and pricing. With just a few noticeable adjustments right here and there, this motherboard is without doubt one of the most interesting decisions for high-end gaming/productiveness builds for compact techniques. Customers will get a strong VRM and extra USB ports on the I/O for higher connectivity.

Model
Asus

Reminiscence Slots
2

Reminiscence Sort
DDR5

Kind Issue
Mini-ITX

Wi-Fi
Intel WiFi 6E

USB Ports
8x Sort A, 2x Sort C

M.2 NVMe Connector
2

Chipset
X670

Socket
AM5

Energy Phases
10+1+2

PCI Slots
1x PCI-E x16

Storage
2x SATA

Audio
ROG Excessive Definition Audio CODEC ALC4050

Networking
Intel 2.5Gb

Professionals

  • 10+1+2 energy phases with every part rated at 105A
  • Devoted ROG Strix Hive Controller for a number of helpful capabilities
  • 8x USB Sort A and 2x Sort C ports on the I/O
  • Native PCI-E 5.0 assist for PCI-E x16 and first M.2
Cons

  • Prices $400 Plus
  • No built-in RGB lighting

The ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi is nothing however the AMD model of the earlier motherboard aside from the absence of RGB lighting. Nonetheless, there are some extra noticeable variations between the 2 that make it advantageous or restricted over the Z790-I in some conditions. Other than an identical energy supply system and the pre-included ROG Strix Hive Controller, this board has a special I/O format with extra USB Sort-A ports for supporting a number of peripherals on the similar time. The drawback is the absence of a Thunderbolt port which is quicker than USB-C and the Clear CMOS button, which may generally be a life savior.

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Additionally, the RAM frequency assist is larger on this one, however that will or could not profit customers as each Intel and AMD processors react a little bit otherwise to extremely clocked recollections, even when the frequencies are an identical. Aside from these, most specs are an identical to the Z790-I and also you get to benefit from the newest M.2 connectors, PCI-E 5.0 x16 slot, WiFi 6E, and a few overclockability, due to the ten Vcore energy phases with an insanely excessive present assist.

Gigabyte Z790I Aorus Ultra

Gigabyte Z790I AORUS Extremely

Greatest Worth Gigabyte Intel Mini-ITX Motherboard

$300 $360 Save $60

Gigabyte Z790I Aorus Extremely brings nearly related options to the ROG Strix Z790-I however for a a lot lower cost. The superior thermal design for energy supply is its notable benefit over most mini-ITX motherboards. The I/O can be wealthy with a number of ports for varied units and the onboard assist for parts can be sufficient for the most recent SSDs and graphics playing cards.

Model
Gigabyte

Reminiscence Slots
2

Reminiscence Sort
DDR5

Kind Issue
Mini-ITX

Wi-Fi
Intel Killer WiFi 6E AX1690

USB Ports
6x Sort A, 1x Sort C

M.2 NVMe Connector
2

Chipset
Z790

Socket
AM5

Energy Phases
10+1+2

PCI Slots
1x PCI-E x16

Storage
2x SATA

Audio
Realtek ALC4080 Codec

Networking
Intel 2.5GbE

Professionals

  • Premium thermal design for the VRM
  • Constructed-in RGB lighting on the edge
  • Q-Flash Plus for BIOS improve
  • Spectacular VRM with 10+1+2 energy phases with every part rated at 105A
Cons

  • Major M.2 would not assist PCI-E Gen 5.0

It is onerous to seek out any flaws within the Z790I Aorus Extremely, which boasts impeccable options, be it energy supply, connectivity, aesthetics, or part assist. For customers who can compromise on a tool just like the Hive Controller, they need to look no additional than the Z790I Aorus Extremely which brings superior thermal design with Fins Array II with a heatpipe embedded for faster warmth dissipation. The ten Vcore phases have been already adequate for delicate to intermediate ranges of overclocking on high-end processors, however the cooling answer will assist keep these clock speeds for an extended time.

Aesthetically, it’s fairly passable with a brushed aluminum defend over the M.2 that seamlessly connects with the heatsink on the I/O and VRM. Plus, the precise fringe of the PCB comes with built-in RGB lighting that may be managed through Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion program. For storage, there are 2x M.2 connectors and 2x SATA ports, which is customary on most ITX boards on this value vary, however sadly, none of them helps the PCI-E 5.0 x4 mode. A minuscule limitation for many customers, however the PCI-E x16 slot does assist the Gen 5.0 pace.

MSI MPG Z790I EDGE WIFI

MSI MPG Z790I Edge WiFi

Greatest Worth MSI Intel Mini-ITX Motherboard

$298 $360 Save $62

Other than offering a strong 12-power part VRM design for overclocking and assist for extremely overclockable recollections, the Z790I Edge WiFi brings essentially the most quantity of SATA ports for increasing the storage capability. Furthermore, the EZ Debug LEDs single-handedly make it a worthy ITX board for mid-range PC builds.

Model
MSI

Reminiscence Slots
2

Reminiscence Sort
DDR5

Kind Issue
Mini-ITX

Wi-Fi
Intel WiFi 6E

M.2 NVMe Connector
1

Chipset
Z790

Socket
LGA 1700

Energy Phases
10+1+1

PCI Slots
1x PCI-E x116

Storage
4x SATA

Audio
Realtek ALC4080 Codec

Networking
Intel 2.5Gbps

USB Ports
6x Sort A, 1x Sort C

Professionals

  • 10+1+1 energy part with every part rated at 105A
  • Wealthy I/O with quick USB Sort A and Sort C ports
  • 4x SATA ports for including extra storage
  • EZ Debug LEDs for straightforward troubleshooting
Cons

  • No native PCI-E 5.0 assist for M.2
  • Single M.2 connector

An excellent different to the Gigabyte Aorus Extremely, the MSI Z790I Edge WiFi brings an an identical VRM design with 10 Vcore energy phases every rated at 105A. The design boasts a unbelievable cooling answer with two aluminum heatsinks linked through a copper warmth pipe for sooner warmth dissipation. For a price ticket of round $310, this board supplies a better worth than the Asus boards, significantly as a result of it additionally supplies 4x EZ Debug LEDs which can be absent on most motherboards listed right here.

The one limitation right here is the presence of a single M.2 connector which may restrict customers’ functionality of including high-speed storage. Nonetheless, that is compensated by offering 4x SATA ports for including a number of SATA drives. The I/O can be respectable with 6x USB ports(principally 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2) plus a Sort C Gen 2×2 for high-bandwidth peripherals. In addition to that, customers will discover a Clear CMOS button, which is one other helpful possibility for troubleshooting main faults within the BIOS.

GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra

GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Extremely

Greatest Price range B650 Mini-ITX Motherboard

$240 $270 Save $30

For a mere $260, the B650I Aorus Extremely brings a strong energy supply system, 12-layer 2X copper PCB, PCI-E 5.0 assist for M.2, and an sufficient variety of USB ports for connectivity. It is already unmatched at this value for the talked about options, nevertheless it stands out as a result of availability of 3x M.2 ports and 4x SATA ports which is remarkable on every other board on this checklist.

Model
Gigabyte

Reminiscence Slots
2

Reminiscence Sort
DDR5

Kind Issue
Mini-ITX

Wi-Fi
Realtek WiFi 6E RTL8852CE

M.2 NVMe Connector
1

Chipset
B650

Socket
AM5

Energy Phases
8+2+1

PCI Slots
1x PCI-E x16

Storage
4x SATA

Audio
Realtek ALC4080 Codec

Networking
Intel 2.5GbE

Professionals

  • 11 energy phases with 105A of present assist for every part
  • 12 layer 2X copper PCB for reliability and sturdiness
  • 3x M.2 and 4x SATA ports for a number of storage drives
  • Q-Flash Plus at I/O for BIOS improve
Cons

  • Not the best choice for flagship CPUs
  • No PCI-E 5.0 assist for PCI-E x16
  • Helps a max reminiscence frequency of 6400MHz

It is likely to be the most affordable, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly not the slowest; the B650I Aorus Extremely is the final word price range mini-ITX motherboard for price range and mid-range builds. Despite the fact that it isn’t appropriate for overclocking flagship processors, its 11 energy phases will maintain excessive clock speeds. Regardless of being effectively beneath $300, the board incorporates a sturdy 12-layer PCB that hides all of the connection traces effectively and makes it a dependable possibility. Nonetheless, what units it aside from all the opposite motherboards right here is the provision of 3x M.2 ports and 4x SATA ports, which is an insane storage capability one can discover on an ITX motherboard.

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The one main limitation is its incapability to assist extremely overclocked recollections. In contrast to most fashions right here, this one solely helps a max of 6400MHz of clock pace, which is without doubt one of the the explanation why fans could keep away from it. Nonetheless, there are many different options that overshadow this limitation, together with the already-mentioned options and connectivity.When it is about troubleshooting and experimentation with CPU and reminiscence clocks, MSI boards usually excel over the others. That is why the MPG B650I Edge WiFi provides customers an edge over the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Extremely by offering customers with EZ Debug LEDs, Clear CMOS, and BIOS Flashback buttons on the I/O. These three choices are adequate for tweaking the {hardware} configuration with out having to open the chassis for any troubleshooting.

Furthermore, the reminiscence assist with as much as 7200MHz of frequency permits higher compatibility with a variety of DDR5 reminiscence modules that will not limit the system’s efficiency. The one minor drawback right here is the downgraded VRM in comparison with all of the boards listed right here, significantly the cheaper B650I Aorus Extremely. Every energy part within the VRM is rated at 80A, which is considerably decrease than the latter. Nonetheless, it will not be the tip of the world and customers will nonetheless be high quality if they do not take overclocking too critically.

Select a Mini-ITX Motherboard

Reminiscence Help: Virtually each mini-ITX motherboard comes with 2x DIMM slots, which suggests customers can solely set up two RAM modules. Whereas the full RAM capability these motherboards can assist is mostly half the dimensions of ATX motherboards, they need to nonetheless carry assist for a complete reminiscence dimension that may fulfill high-end gaming and productiveness necessities. 64GB of RAM is sufficient for high-end mainstream computer systems, however some ITX boards can assist as much as 96GB which is even higher. Furthermore, larger clock pace assist will enable customers to attain larger efficiency in memory-oriented functions.

Energy Supply: Despite the fact that fanatic overclocking is just not advisable on Mini-ITX motherboards attributable to fewer energy phases and smaller heatsinks, delicate overclocking should not be an enormous deal. It is essential that the VRM can deal with higher-end processors.

Storage: An excellent ITX motherboard should include two M.2 connectors on the minimal, as usually, these are outfitted with solely 2-4 SATA ports. As most customers choose the sooner M.2 interface, a number of M.2 connectors are the one choices for storage upgrades.

I/O: The supply of a built-in WiFi adapter is a should. ITX motherboards do not function further PCI-E slots for growth playing cards apart from the first PCI-E x16 for GPUs. It would not be a pleasurable expertise to depend on the LAN port solely. Furthermore, motherboards with USB 3.2 ports and Sort-C ports with as much as 20Gbps switch pace ought to be given precedence.

FAQ

Q: Who makes the most effective Mini-ITX motherboard?

Asus and Gigabyte usually have probably the greatest mini-ITX motherboards in quite a lot of fashions. Whereas Asus excels in offering premium aesthetics, Gigabyte does a very good job in offering good performance in a price range.

Q: Why is Mini-ITX so costly?

Motherboard distributors have to ensure they design the circuit board in a approach that may accommodate as many options as doable. Throwing varied ports, headers, and slots in a compact house is difficult and might be pricey.

Q: What’s the drawback of Mini-ITX motherboard?

The trail to upgradeability is mostly narrower than the larger kind issue motherboards. Additionally, Mini-ITX motherboards usually do not include a powerful energy supply for fanatic degree of overclocking. The ports and headers are additionally fewer in numbers in comparison with M-ATX, ATX and E-ATX motherboards.



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