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BEST GAMING MOTHERBOARDS OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
MSI MEG Z690 Unify-X
MSI
MEG Z690 Unify-X
Ultimate Overclocking Potential
Is built for overclocking enthusiasts. With robust power delivery and cooling, it ensures maximum performance for Intel's latest processors.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Excellent overclocking capabilities
  • Robust power delivery
  • Advanced cooling solutions
CONS
  • High cost
  • Complex setup for novices
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX
Gigabyte
Z690 AORUS Elite AX
Budget-Friendly Choice
Offers a balance of performance and value. It supports Intel's latest processors and offers solid connectivity options.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Good performance for price
  • Solid connectivity options
  • Effective thermal solutions
CONS
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic BIOS interface
BEST OF THE BEST
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
High-Performance Gaming
Socket: LGA 1700
Chipset: Intel Z790
Memory Support: Up to 128GB DDR5
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16
Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi motherboard is engineered to deliver exceptional gaming performance. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, ensuring you have the power needed for the latest games and applications.

This motherboard features robust power delivery and comprehensive cooling options, including heatsinks and fan headers, to keep your system running smoothly under heavy loads. With WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, and multiple M.

2 slots, it offers fast and reliable connectivity for all your gaming peripherals. The ROG Strix Z790-E also boasts customizable RGB lighting and a sleek design that will complement any gaming rig.

PROS
  • Excellent performance
  • Advanced cooling options
  • Future-proof connectivity
CONS
  • Premium price
  • Complex BIOS for beginners
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
MSI MEG Z690 Unify-X
Ultimate Overclocking Potential
Socket: LGA 1700
Chipset: Intel Z690
Memory Support: Up to 128GB DDR5
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16
Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s

The MSI MEG Z690 Unify-X is a motherboard tailored for overclocking enthusiasts. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, providing the foundation for an ultra-fast gaming system. The board features a 19+1 power phase design and premium thermal solutions, including extended heatsinks and heat pipes, to maintain optimal temperatures during extreme overclocking sessions.

The Unify-X also supports DDR5 memory, ensuring faster data transfer rates and improved performance. With PCIe 5.0, multiple M.2 connectors, and a plethora of USB ports, this motherboard offers cutting-edge connectivity options.

Additionally, the sleek black design with subtle RGB accents makes it a stylish addition to any build.

PROS
  • Excellent overclocking capabilities
  • Robust power delivery
  • Advanced cooling solutions
CONS
  • High cost
  • Complex setup for novices
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX
Budget-Friendly Choice
Socket: LGA 1700
Chipset: Intel Z690
Memory Support: Up to 128GB DDR5
Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16
Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s

The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a balance between performance and affordability. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, making it a strong foundation for any gaming setup.

The motherboard features a 16+1 power phase design and effective thermal solutions, including large heatsinks and thermal guards, to ensure stable performance. With support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and multiple M.

2 slots, it provides fast and reliable connectivity. The AORUS Elite AX also includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless wireless connections. Additionally, the stylish design with customizable RGB lighting allows for a personalized gaming experience.

PROS
  • Good performance for price
  • Solid connectivity options
  • Effective thermal solutions
CONS
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic BIOS interface
ASRock Z790 Taichi
All-Rounder Gaming
Socket: LGA 1700
Chipset: Intel Z790
Memory Support: Up to 128GB DDR5
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16
Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s

The ASRock Z790 Taichi is designed to offer a comprehensive gaming experience, balancing performance, aesthetics, and connectivity. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, ensuring up-to-date performance for gaming and other demanding applications.

The motherboard features a 20-phase power design and advanced cooling solutions, including heat sinks and water pump headers, to keep your system cool and stable. With support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.

0, and multiple M.2 slots, it provides high-speed connectivity options. Additionally, the Z790 Taichi boasts WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable wireless connections. The unique design with customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of elegance to your gaming rig.

PROS
  • Balanced performance
  • Attractive design
  • Comprehensive connectivity
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Complex BIOS settings
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4
Best Value for Money
Socket: LGA 1700
Chipset: Intel Z690
Memory Support: Up to 128GB DDR4
Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16
Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 is designed to offer gamers a reliable and high-performance motherboard at an affordable price. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, ensuring you have the latest technology for your gaming needs.

The motherboard features military-grade components, a robust power design, and comprehensive cooling solutions, including VRM heatsinks and hybrid fan headers, to maintain stability and performance. With DDR4 memory support, PCIe 5.

0, and multiple M.2 slots, it offers fast and efficient connectivity options. The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus also includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless wireless connections. The sturdy design with customizable RGB lighting adds a rugged aesthetic to your build.

PROS
  • Great value for money
  • Reliable performance
  • Durable components
CONS
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic BIOS interface

How our picks compare

SpecificationASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFiMSI MEG Z690 Unify-XGigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AXASRock Z790 TaichiASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4
SocketLGA 1700LGA 1700LGA 1700LGA 1700LGA 1700
ChipsetIntel Z790Intel Z690Intel Z690Intel Z790Intel Z690
Memory SupportUp to 128GB DDR5Up to 128GB DDR5Up to 128GB DDR5Up to 128GB DDR5Up to 128GB DDR4
ConnectivityWiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Expansion SlotsPCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16
Storage3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s