The decision of purchasing an RGB motherboard is just like purchasing any other motherboard. Apart from the RGB lighting, the RGB motherboards are equipped with all the advanced features. The first thing to check before purchasing a motherboard is its processor compatibility and speed. While the compatibility is decided by the form factor and the processor socket, the processing speed of a motherboard is largely determined by its RAM size. Below are the primary features you need to check before purchasing the perfect motherboard for your computer.
Form Factor: The form factor of a motherboard determines its size. ATX is the most commonly used form factor and has the most space for plugs and slots. Micro-ATX is 2.4 inches shorter than ATX and offers comparatively less space. Mini-ITX is most suitable for a compact PC but has space for only one add-in card. Processor Socket: The processor socket will determine the compatibility of the motherboard and processor. If you have an Intel processor, then you will have to go with an LGA socket. For AMD processors, you will have to use AM4 or TR4 sockets. RAM: RAM, short for Random Access Memory, determines the processing speed of your computer, along with the CPU. Most motherboards have a maximum RAM capacity of 64 GB. We recommend you to go with a motherboard that can accommodate at least 16 GB RAM capacity.
Apart from the primary features, there are several additional features you need to check before you make your decision. We have curated a list of the Best RGB Motherboards by comparing those features. To know the full list of these features, please check our “Buying Guide” section.
Best RGB Motherboards
Best RGB Motherboards Reviews
1. Asus ROG Strix RGB Motherboard
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Asus ROG is a world renowned brand that specializes in making gaming laptops and other gaming accessories including motherboards, keyboards, mouses, and headphones. Asus ROG’s motherboard is equipped with 12 + 2 DrMOS power stages that deliver high quality power to your PC. Even though it delivers high power, it does not overheat. Thanks to the fanless VRM and chipset heatsinks that provide passive cooling to the motherboard. It has an AMD AM4 socket that supports 3rd gen AMD Ryzen and Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 CPUs. The motherboard features a HDMI port, DisplayPort, and a USB port for versatile connectivity. The motherboard has inbuilt AI noise mic along with high fidelity audio. The other best feature of the motherboard is that you can customize the RGB lighting using the RGB headers. While the warranty period is not explicitly specified on the product page, Asus ROG motherboards are backed by a 3-year warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
AM4 CPU socket AMD B550 chipset 4400 MHz memory speed 12 + 2 DrMOS power stages Customizable RGB lighting 3-year warranty
Pros
Supports 3rd gen AMD Ryzen and Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 CPUs Versatile connectivity options Efficient heat dissipation system
Cons
Known issues with the LAN driver and ethernet driver
2. MSI MPG Z490 RGB Motherboard
MSI is another popular brand that develops advanced laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other components for the most power demanding users. MSI’s RGB motherboard is designed to work with 10th gen Pentium Gold, Intel Core, and Celeron processors. With a dual channel memory of up to 128 GB, you get a maximum speed of 4800 MHz. The motherboard comes with pre-installed I/O shielding that offers you convenience and protection from electrostatic discharge. The RGB motherboard features an USB 20G that offers an incredible transfer speed of up to 20 GB/s. Besides, it also has an M.2 port with twin turbo technology and M.2 shield frozr that offers you a maximum speed of 32 GB/s for super fast SSD transfers. There is also a 2.5G LAN with W-iFi 6 for fast wireless connections. Best Features
LGA 1200 socket Intel Z490 chipset 4800 MHz memory speed 128 GB memory storage capacity Pre-installed I/O shielding
Pros
Supports 10th Gen Pentium Gold, Intel Core, and Celeron processors High transfer speeds Easy to configure
Cons
A bit on the expensive end
3. Asus ROG Strix B450-F RGB Motherboard
We have yet another RGB motherboard from Asus ROG. This motherboard retains most of the features and specifications of its predecessor. Asus ROG B450-F motherboard uses TR4 socket that makes it compatible with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen AMD Ryzen processors. When it comes to performance, you get a decent speed of 3200 MHz. Besides, it has a 5-way optimization for overclocking, cooling, and system-wide tuning for maximum performance along with efficiency. Plus, you get 64 GB DDR4 and 64 GB memory storage along with this motherboard. The motherboard features USB 3.1 ports and dual M.2 slots for connectivity. It is equipped with a pre-mounted I/O shield along with durable components that last longer. When it comes to the sound quality, it uses SupremeFX S1220A to create an immersive audio experience. The motherboard has Aura Sync RGB lighting that sets the mood for gaming. Best Features
TR4 CPU socket AMD B450 chipset 3200 MHz memory speed 64 GB memory storage capacity 5-way optimization Pre-mounted I/O shield
Pros
1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen AMD Ryzen processors Can be overclocked for enhanced performance Made of durable components
Cons
Memory speed is low
4. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike RGB Motherboard
Next on our list is MSI’s MEG Z490 Godlike RGB motherboard. Similar to the other MSI model on our list, this motherboard is also designed to work with 10th gen Pentium Gold, Intel Core, and Celeron processors. The motherboard features dual channel memory of up to 128 GB that helps you to get a maximum processing speed of 5000 MHz. To prevent overheating even when used for long hours, the motherboard has a heatsink with active cooling and MOSFET backplates for effective heat dissipation. The motherboard has an M.2 port with triple turbo technology that offer you transfer speeds of up to 32 GB/s. Besides, you can add two additional M.2 slots using the M.2 Xpander-Z Gen4 S accessory. Plus, the two thunderbolt 3 ports provide transfer speeds of up to 40 GB/s. There is also a 10G super LAN and a 2.5G LAN with Wi-Fi 6 for seamless wireless connectivity. The motherboard supports 4K display for great visual quality. Best Features
LGA 1200 socket Intel Z490 chipset 5000 MHz memory speed 128 GM memory storage capacity
Pros
Supports 10th gen Pentium Gold, Intel Core, and Celeron processors High memory speed Multiple connectivity options with high transfer speed Supports 4K display
Cons
Very expensive
5. Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Elite RGB Motherboard
Aorus, owned by Gigabyte, is a premium gaming brand that supplies a full range of gaming products including gaming desktops/laptops, processors, motherboards, and other hardware. Gigabyte’s Z390 RGB motherboard uses LGA 1151 socket to support the latest 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors. It is equipped with 12 + 1 phases digital VRM solution for high-quality power supply to the processor. Besides, you get a maximum memory speed of 4400 MHz from the dual channel DDR4. It comes with heatsinks mounted using screws that provide an advanced cooling effect to prevent overheating. One of the best features of this motherboard is that it has an enormous memory storage capacity of 1000 TB. With this memory capacity, you will never run out of storage space. Using the RGB Fusion application, you can control and customize the LED lighting of the motherboard. It has a USB 3.1 port for connecting it to your smartphone. This is one of the most durable motherboards on our list with Integrated I/O shield, memory armor and PCIe armor. Best Features
LGA 1151 socket Intel Z390 chipset 4400 MHz memory speed 1000 TB memory storage capacity Customizable RGB lighting
Pros
Supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors Large memory storage capacity Durable quality
Cons
Difficult to access and navigate BIOS
6. Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master RGB Motherboard
Another RGB motherboard from Gigabyte’s Aorus brand makes it to our list. While the previous model was designed for Intel Core processors, this motherboard is specifically tailor made to support 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors. The B550 RGB motherboard is equipped with 16 phases VRM solution for good power delivery. This motherboard has the highest memory speed on our list with 5200 MHz, thanks to the dual channel unbuffered DDR4. Plus, the motherboard has an efficient thermal design consisting of direct touch heatpipe, fins-array heatsink, and thermal base plate for dissipating the heat. The motherboard features a USB 3.2 Type-C port and an HDMI port along with 2.5Gb LAN with bandwidth management. There is also an onboard Wi-Fi 6 version for wireless connectivity. Furthermore, it has a PCIe 4. 0 Ready x16 slot and PCIe 4. 0/3. 0 x4 M. 2 slots. The motherboard is compatible with Windows 10 64 bit operating system. Best Features
AM4 CPU socket AMD B550 chipset 5200 MHz memory speed 1000 TB memory storage capacity
Pros
Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors Efficient heat dissipation system High memory speed and large storage capacity
Cons
Expensive
7. ASRock B365 Phantom Gaming RGB Motherboard
ASRock is a relatively smaller brand on our list that specializes in developing motherboards and graphics cards. Started by Asus as a low-cost alternative option, this brand broke away from the parent company and has been delivering high-end motherboards since then at affordable rates. ASRock’s B365 Phantom Gaming motherboard comes with a LGA 1151 socket that makes it compatible with all 9th gen and 8th gen Intel Core processors. The 4 x DDR4 memory provides you a decent memory speed of 2400 MHz. It can accommodate up to a maximum capacity of 64 GB. Plus, the board is very easy to install, thanks to the easily-accessible and user-friendly connectors. When it comes to connectivity, the motherboard features 2x PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots and 2x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots. It is compatible with CrossFireX technology and AMD Quad CrossFireX for high quality graphics. Best Features
LGA 1151 socket Intel B365 chipset 2400 MHz memory speed 64 GB memory storage capacity
Pros
Supports 9th gen and 8th gen Intel Core processors Easy to install Supports high quality graphics
Cons
XMP can’t be disabled BIOS has to be updated
Features you need to Check Before Buying the Best RGB Motherboard
Welcome to the buying guide section of the article. While the processing speed of the motherboard is the major factor, there are other features such as expansion slots, heat dissipation system, and RGB customization that determine its functionality and efficiency. Below is the full list of these features:
1. Expansion Slots
An expansion slot allows you to insert expansion cards such as video cards, sound cards, network cards, and so on to improve the performance of your computer. A PCI Express slot is the commonly used type expansion slot and supports all expansion cards. If you use the computer for gaming, then your motherboard should have at least PCI express x16 slot. The motherboards also come with standard PCI slots and small PCI slots to suit different expansion cards.
2. SATA
While the expansion slots allow you to insert add-on cards, the SATA ports allow you to connect storage drives and optical drives. The storage drives may be either SSD or HDD. Having more SATA ports allows you to connect more devices to your motherboard. You should also keep an eye on the type of SATA ports available on the motherboard. The latest SATA 3.0 standard allows for faster connectivity and transfer speeds.
3. Connectivity Options
Almost all the computer peripherals and components are connected to the motherboard. Hence, it becomes very important for the motherboard to have a large number of connectivity ports. Also, the motherboard should have different types of ports for versatile connectivity. The motherboard should have USB ports, HDMI ports, and ethernet ports.
4. Heat Dissipation System
When a motherboard works at its full capacity, it will start to overheat and lead to motherboard failure. To prevent this from happening, the motherboard should have an efficient heat dissipation system. Luckily, almost all the latest motherboards have a heatsink consisting of a fan that dissipates heat efficiently. The motherboards come with different heatsink designs and additional accessories for effective heat dissipation.
5. RGB Lighting Customization
Although the aesthetics does not improve the performance and functionality of motherboards, it does make it look cool. The aesthetics are even more important for RGB motherboards. The CPU cases come with a transparent side glass for displaying the RGB motherboard. The RGB lighting creates a very lively environment. The number of colors and their patterns differ from one model to another. Some models also allow you to customize the colors using proprietary software.
6. Warranty
All motherboards will be backed by a warranty. There is no rocket science here. The most obvious choice is to select a motherboard that comes with the longest warranty period. Even though sometimes the warranty details won’t be furnished on the product page, you will get a warranty card along with the motherboard. For some motherboards, you will have to register the product on the brand’s official website. Otherwise, the warranty will become void. You will find such details on the warranty card.
Conclusion:
If you are still unable to make up your mind, then please check out our favorite picks. Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master RGB Motherboard is the most advanced motherboard with a 5200 MHz memory speed and 128 GB RAM capacity. It is compatible with the 10th Gen Pentium Gold, Intel Core, and Celeron processors. If you are looking for a motherboard for 3rd Ryzen processors, then check out Asus ROG Strix RGB Motherboard. It is also compatible with Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 processors. It has a RAM size of 128 GB and offers a memory speed of 4400 MHz. If you want a motherboard with the most vibrant RGB lighting, then you should go with the Asus ROG Strix B450-F RGB Motherboard. It has the Aura Sync RGB that allows you to customize the lighting according to your choice. Do you feel like we have missed anything out? Please let us know using the comments section. You can also post your thoughts and opinions in the comments box. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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