If you are into PCs, you probably know that the motherboard is probably the most essential component on your computer, which provides communication between your hardware such as RAM, CPU, GPU, and everything else. The sockets in use and compatible with Intel’s CPUs are the LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155 and the latest is the LGA 1200.
If you want your PC to function, your CPU and motherboard must be compatible with each other. Currently, Intel’s best processors are the 10th Generation CPUs. If you’re planning on buying any 10th generation CPU, you will also have to upgrade your motherboard to an LGA 1200. The LGA 1200 is a microprocessor socket used for Intel Comet Lake CPUs.
If you have come here with the query of finding the best LGA 1200 motherboard, you have come to the right place. So let’s start without further to do.
Check: LGA 1200 CPU LIST
Contents
LGA 1200 Socket Chipsets and Their Functions
H410
The H410 is a very basic chipset and has comparatively lesser features when contrasted with other chipsets of any motherboard lineup. It has no support for Overclocking, Raid Configuration, and Intel Optane Memory. This chipset is perfect for users with a minimal budget and builds a moderate PC without requiring any overclocking. The locked processors of Core i3 and Core i5 will do well with this chipset.
This chipset will have only two DIMM slots, mostly USB 2.0 ports, 1 PCIe x16 slot, and other limited features.
B460
The B460 adds some features when compared to the H410, such as more DIMM slots and better connectivity options. This motherboard can also have up to two M.2 slots and might also have integrated Wi-Fi. Overall, it provides more features than the H410. It contains 16 PCIe lanes.
H470
The H470 is analogous to the B460 but has some additional features such as 20 PCIe lanes and more ports for USB.
W480
This chipset is best for Xeon processors. This is basically a workstation chipset and supports some advanced features such as Intel vPro Platform Eligibility and Intel Standard Manageability. This chipset is comparable to the H470 but contains 24 PCIe lanes and some additional features.
Z490
The Z490 is a powerful chipset for High-End gamers and PC enthusiasts, bringing all the best features to your disposal. You can also perform high levels of overclocking with this chipset and get more expansion slots, more RAM, better USB options, faster LAN, and so much more. This is an enthusiast-level chipset.
LGA 1200 Motherboards List
The following are some of the top LGA 1200 boards available in the market, along with their in-depth review and pros and cons.
Product | Features | Price |
MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE | Chipset: Z490 Form Factor: ATX Max Memory: 128 GB | Check Price |
ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming Wi-Fi | Chipset: Z590 Form Factor: ATX Max Memory: 128 GB | Check Price |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus | Chipset: Z590 Form Factor: ATX Max Memory: 128 GB | Check Price |
GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G | Chipset: Z490 Form Factor: ATX Max Memory: 128 GB | Check Price |
MSI Z490-A PRO | Chipset: Z490 Form Factor: ATX Max Memory: 128 GB | Check Price |
ASUS Prime Z590-A | Chipset: Z590 Form Factor: ATX Max Memory: 128 GB | Check Price |
GIGABYTE H410M S2H | Chipset: H410 Form Factor: Micro-ATX Max Memory: 64 GB | Check Price |
1. MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE
Brand | MSI |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM | DDR4 |
Compatible Processors | Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold |
Memory Speed | 4800 MHz |
Everyone is aware of the fact that MSI rarely disappoints when it comes to PC products. MSI is one of the best motherboard manufacturing companies, and the MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE tells it all. Although the MSI MPG GAMING CARBON is a better version, the MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE still offers a lot and has a smaller price tag.
The MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE has a black theme, containing a black heatsink and PCB with grey accents. The motherboard also has RGB LEDs integrated into it which adds to the aesthetics of the board.
For memory, you get four DIMM slots that support a maximum RAM of 128 GB which is massive with support for DDR4. For the insertion of graphic cards, you get two PCIe 3.0 x16 and two PCIe x1 slots. And for storage, you get two M.2 slots along with six SATA3 slots with RAID support of 0, 1, 5, 10. You should know that the MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE is loaded with Intel Optane Technology which unites memory and storage drive to enhance performance.
Coming down to the back I/O panel, you get one USB 3.1/3.1 Gen 2 Type A port, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port, four USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. You also get one HDMI and a Display port. The front panel also has USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 ports.
For Audio, this motherboard uses Realtek ALC1200-VD1 codec and has five 3.5 mm audio jacks to support it. For the Internet, you can use both wired connections and wireless connections. A 2.5 Gigabit ethernet controller is present, along with two Wi-Fi antennas.
Pros
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet are available
- Durable quality
- Great connectivity options
Cons
- The radiator on the rear panel is a bit large
2. ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming Wi-Fi
Brand | ASUS |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM | DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 5333 MHz |
Platform | Windows 10 |
Series | DDR4 128GB; INTEL 11 10 GEN;aura sync;RGB lighting |
The ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming is a powerful motherboard that supports both Intel 11th and 10th generation processors, meaning it is compatible with the best of the best. It has an LGA 1200 socket and an ATX form factor. The design is terrific, with an all-black build and RGB LED illumination adding to the aesthetics of the motherboard. Overall, it is an excellent motherboard though some might say it is not fully ready for the 11th generation processors.
For memory, you have four slots available for RAM, having a maximum capacity of 128 GB with support for DDR4. In expansion slots, you get two PCIe 4.0 x16 and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and for storage expansion, we have four M.2 PCIe 4.0 and 3.0 SSDs and six SATA3 drives with RAID support 0, 1, 5, and 10.
On the Rear I/O panel, you get plenty of connectivity options, including one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, two USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type A ports, one USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type C port, four USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, and two USB 2.0 Type A ports. There is also an HDMI and DisplayPort present. On the front are also available plenty of USB connectivity options.
For Audio, this motherboard uses the SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec and has five audio jacks present on the rear panel. For network connectivity, you have both wired and wireless options. You have the 2.5G Ethernet LAN ports for Ethernet, and you also get 2 controllers for Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth connectivity is also present.
Pros
- Brilliant design
- Great quality
- RGB illuminations
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- It might not function the same with 11th generation processors.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus
Brand | ASUS |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM | DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 5333 MHz |
Platform | Windows 10 |
Series | DDR4 128GB; INTEL 11 10 GEN;aura sync;RGB lighting |
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus motherboard has been designed for high-end gaming, providing power and high-quality performance. It is an excellent motherboard providing all great features for your PC build. It has an All-black beautiful design with grey accents and RGB illuminations complimenting the aesthetics, and the motherboard has an LGA 1200 socket and an ATX form factor.
First, we discuss the memory and storage options. For memory, you have available 4 DIMM slots with a maximum achievable RAM of 128 GB with support for DDR4. For expansion slots, you get one PCIe 4.0 x16, one PCI e 3.0 x16, and two PCIe 3.0 x1. Coming to storage options, we get two M.2 slots along with six SATA3 ports supporting RAIDS 0, 1, 5, and 10. The motherboard lacks Optane memory support.
Coming to the rear I/O panel and connectivity options, we get two USB 2.0 Type A ports, Two USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, two USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type A ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C port. Also present is an HDMI port and a DisplayPort 1.4. On the front are also present USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 along with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
For Audio, the motherboard uses Realtek ALC S1200A audio codec and is loaded with five 3.5 mm Audio jacks present on the rear panel. You also get Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity which is a plus point.
Pros
- Value for Money
- Good design and aesthetics
- Great Cooling and VRM
Cons
- Few more USB connectivity options are needed at the back.
4. GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G
Brand | Gigabyte |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 4400 MHz |
Wireless Type | 802.11abg, 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11a/g/n/ac, 802.11ab, 801.11ac |
The GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G is an excellent motherboard, especially for creative builders. This motherboard is powered by an Intel Z490 chipset and has support for the 10th generation Intel CPUs with an LGA 1200 socket. The board has everything it takes to be considered amongst the best in the market. The design is black with white and silver touches, along with some beautifully lit RGB illumination. However, this design might not be the favorite of many users.
For memory, there are four available slots, and with these slots, you can achieve a maximum capacity of 128 GB, which has support for DDR4. For storage, you get two M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slots along with six SATA3 ports. And for expansion slots, you are made available with one PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode), one PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode), and one PCIe x16 (x4 mode), along with two PCIe 3.0 x1.
On the back I/O panel, you get plenty of connectivity options, including 10 USB ports: four USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, three USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type A ports, and one USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type C port, and two USB 2.0 Type A port. With all of that, you also get one DisplayPort and one HDMI port output.
Coming to Audio and Networking, this motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec and is equipped with six 3.5 mm audio jacks. For networking, the 2.5 G Ethernet ports provide a stable and fast network connection.
Pros
- Plenty of USB ports
- Superior Audio Codec
Cons
- The design might not be a favorite
- No Wi-Fi
5. MSI Z490-A PRO
Brand | MSI |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
Compatible Processors | Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold |
Memory Speed | 4800 MHz |
The MSI Z490-A PRO is an entry-level motherboard in the Z490 chipsets and is designed for professional use and content creation. It is an excellent motherboard and has a lot to offer. The design is delightful with an overall black theme and some grey accents which complement the black color. This motherboard has an LGA 1200 socket and an ATX form factor and supports Intel 10th generation CPUs.
The motherboard has four slots for memory with support for DDR4. The maximum achievable memory with this motherboard is 128 GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, and this can be overclocked to 4800 MHz. In addition, there are present two PCIe 3.1 x16 slots for graphic purposes and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. For storage, you get two M.2 slots along with six SATA3 ports operating in RAIDs 0, 1, 5, and 10.
Coming to the rear I/O panel, we only get 6 USB connections. This includes two USB 2.0 Type A ports, two USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, one USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type A port, and one USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type C port. Other than that, you also have one DisplayPort and one HDMI port available. The front panel also contains various USB connections.
Now we come to networking and Audio. This motherboard uses Realtek RTL8125B-CG 2.5 Gigabit controller for networking, which provides a fast and stable connection. For Audio, the MSI Z490-A PRO uses Realtek ALC892 audio codec and has five 3.5 mm headphone jacks present on the rear panel.
This is an excellent motherboard with all the essential features and is especially great for content creation and professional use.
Pros
- Decent Design
- Value for Money
- Great for professional use
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- Fewer connectivity options
6. ASUS Prime Z590-A
Brand | ASUS |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM | DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 5133 MHz |
Platform | Windows 10 |
Series | DDR4 128GB; INTEL 11 10 GEN;aura sync;RGB lighting |
The ASUS Prime Z590-A is designed to provide users high performance along with a beautiful light-themed design. This motherboard has a spectacular aluminum-themed design and holographic styling on the chipset heatsink and the rear panel cover. It contains the LGA 1200 socket and has an ATX form factor. Moreover, it is compatible with Intel’s 10th generation CPUs.
The CPU comes with four slots for memory, has a maximum achievable Ram of 128 GB, and supports DDR4 memory. Coming to expansion slots, you get three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. For storage expansions, you get three M.2 slots along with six SATA 3 ports with RAID support of 0, 1, 5, and 10.
Coming to the rear I/O Panel, you get plenty of connectivity options. There are presently four USB 2.0 Type A ports, three USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type A ports, One USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. You also get an HDMI p2.0 port and a DisplayPort. The front panel is also loaded with USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
Now we come to Audio and networking for. For Ethernet, you have available the Intel I225-V 2.5 Gigabit ethernet controller, while for Audio, this motherboard uses the Realtek S1220A audio codec and has five 3.5 mm Audio jacks on the back panel.
Pros
- Two-way AI noise cancelation
- Great Connectivity
- AI Cooling
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- Overclocking not ideal
7. GIGABYTE H410M S2H
Brand | Gigabyte |
CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
RAM | DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 2933 MHz |
Platform | Windows 10 |
Memory Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
The GIGABYTE H410M S2H is an excellent motherboard, especially for those who are cost-conscious. Even though it has a low price, you get all the fantastic features you require from a motherboard. The motherboard has a black and grey theme, and you get an RGB header which brightens it up a little. Overall, it has a standard design. This motherboard has an LGA 1200 socket and a micro-ATX form factor and is compatible with Intel 10th generation processors.
The motherboard has been equipped with two slots for RAM, making the total achievable maximum capacity 64 GB and supporting DDR4. For storage, you only get one M.2 slot and four SATA 3 ports. The expansion slots you get with this motherboard are two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots and one PCI 3.0 x16 slot.
On the rear I/O panel, we explore the connectivity options. You get two USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports and four USB 2.0 Type-A ports. The motherboard lacks a type C port. Other than USB connections, you also get HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA. A display port is also missing.
For Audio, the GIGABYTE H410M S2H uses the Realtek ALC887 audio codec and has three 3.5 mm Audio jacks on the back panel. For networking, it contains Realtek Gigabit ethernet, which provides a stable, fast connection.
This motherboard is great for users who are on a budget yet want some good features out of their motherboard.
Pros
- Great Connectivity
- Budget-Friendly
Cons
- No Type-C port
- No Wi-Fi
- Fewer connectivity options
Features to Consider – Buyer’s Guide
The following are some of the significant features of a motherboard you must consider before buying one.
Platform
The first and foremost decision you will have to make is choosing a platform. The best platforms you can select are either Intel or AMD. Both companies offer high-end CPUs which give great performances. If you want the best performance, you must choose the best processor. Obviously, the LGA 1200 only works with Intel processors.
Socket
The socket is an important feature to consider with a motherboard. It holds your processor, and it must be compatible with your CPU for things to work. The latest socket type is currently the LGA 1200, which is consistent with the 10th and 11th generation processors. However, if you’re using a 9th generation processor, then you probably have the LGA 1151 socket-type motherboard.
Chipset
Different chipsets will provide you different combinations of RAM, GPU, and other features. Therefore, the chipset is a vital feature to consider while buying a motherboard as you should be searching for one which fulfills your needs.
Both the leading manufacturers, Intel, and AMD, manufacture their own chips. Good chipsets have high-speed RAM slots, high-speed USB ports, more connectivity, and so much more. Therefore, a good chipset is an essential component to give weightage to.
Form Factor
All motherboards come in different sizes, so you get some flexibility which building your PC. For example, some might have loads of space and will go for a full-size motherboard, while those with less space will go for a more compact one. Therefore, motherboards come in different sizes or form factors. Some of the most popular form factors are the Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another feature to consider while choosing a motherboard. When we talk about connectivity, we mean connecting components such as DIMM slots, PCIe, storage connections, and USB ports. All motherboards have different connectivity features, and you can opt for one according to your requirements.
RAM
The CPU must store the information while the PC is working. This is what we call Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM is plugged into a slot names DIMM. How much RAM you can add is determined by the number of DIMM slots. There are usually present two to eight slots present on a motherboard.
Storage
Your PC will need a place to store data when it is powered off. This data can be stored in Hard Disk Drives or Solid-State Drives, and the most common storage connection is the SATA. SATA 3.0 provides a 6 Gbps transfer rate. Therefore, storage slots must be considered while buying a motherboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best LGA 1200 motherboard?
Answer: The best LGA 1200 motherboard on our list is the ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming.
What type of RAM is best for LGA 1200?
Answer: DDR4 RAM is best suitable for LGA 1200
Which LGA 1200 motherboard is best for gaming?
Answer: The MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE and the ROG Strix Z590-E are the best motherboards for gaming on our list.
Conclusion
With this segment of our article, we wrap everything up. But before we do, some things must be discussed. A good motherboard defines your entire PC build as it is a circuit board providing connections and links between all the hardware.
The latest motherboard comes with LGA 1200 socket for 10th generation Intel CPUs. The best motherboard on our list here is definitely the ROG Strix Z590-E gaming, as it has everything required from a motherboard.
Choosing a motherboard depends entirely on your preference and needs. We have described some of the best LGA 1200 motherboards out there, along with their key features, descriptions, and reviews.
The motherboard you’ll buy depends on what you aim to do with it, your requirements, and your budget. Make sure you go for the best option you can afford to get the best performances. Also, make sure your motherboard and CPU are compatible with each other.
Hopefully, this article would have helped you a lot, and now you have all the knowledge required to make a proper decision and buy the perfect motherboard for yourself.
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