PC Motherboards for Computers

Q: Does this motherboard include reinforced PCIe slots for large GPUs?

Reinforced PCIe slots (often branded as Steel Armor or SafeSlot) are common on gaming and enthusiast boards built for heavy GPUs. Look for metal-sheathed x16 slots in the photos and confirm reinforced PCIe slots in the features list if you plan to use an RTX 5090 or similarly large graphics card.

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Motherboards: Your PC's Central Hub Your computer's motherboard is the central hub of your system, responsible for connecting and facilitating communication between key components such as the CPU, graphics card, memory, SSD, power supply, case, and other devices—ensuring everything communicates smoothly for optimal performance. Choosing the right motherboard depends on your CPU platform, expansion needs, and budget. Key Considerations for Choosing a Motherboard Compatibility: Ensure your chosen motherboard is compatible with your CPU (processor) from Intel or AMD and the RAM (memory) type: DDR5 or DDR4. Form Factor: Motherboards come in different sizes; the most popular sizes are ATX, mATX (Micro ATX), and Mini-ITX, which impact the size of your PC case. ATX cases are the most common, offering ample space for expansion slots and future upgrades. Micro-ATX is perfect for compact builds, while Mini-ITX is ideal for space-constrained applications like HTPCs (Home Theater PCs). Features: Consider features like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, overclocking support (boosting CPU speed), PCIe slot layout for GPUs and SSDs, and the number of USB ports and fan headers for customization. PC Desktop Motherboard Options: Intel Platform Intel motherboards utilize chipsets that manage communication between the CPU, memory, and other components. Popular chipsets include the Z790 and B760, both supporting DDR5 and DDR4 PC RAM and compatible with Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs. PC Desktop Motherboard Options: AMD Platform AMD motherboards use chipsets to manage communication between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. High-end options like the X670/E and B650/E support AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 series CPUs and the newest Ryzen 9000 series CPUs after BIOS update. Budget-friendly options like the B550, X570 and B450 motherboards are still available, supporting Ryzen 5000 series CPUs and DDR4 PC RAM. Introducing the X870 Series to the AM5 Family AMD announced X870E and X870 chipsets in June 2024. The X870 motherboard, set to release in late September, is a top-tier upgrade for enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance and future-proofing. It supports the latest processors with DDR5 memory for faster data speeds, PCIe 5.0 for double the bandwidth, and advanced cooling for stable overclocking. Choosing the Right Motherboard to Meet Your Needs Gamers: Prioritize features like multiple PCIe x16 slots, high-speed DDR5 support, and strong VRM cooling. Content Creators: Look for boards with plenty of USB and Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, multiple M.2 slots, and robust power delivery. Everyday Users: A mainstream board with integrated Wi-Fi, enough USB ports, and at least one M.2 slot is sufficient.	Planning Your Motherboard Layout & Upgrade Path When choosing a motherboard, think beyond today’s build. Consider how many PCIe slots, M.2 sockets, fan headers, and USB ports you might need two or three years from now. Form Factors & Expansion Room ATX boards provide the most expansion slots and headers, making them ideal for high-end gaming and creator rigs. Popular Motherboard Brands at Newegg Newegg carries a wide range of enthusiast-trusted motherboard brands, including ASUS. GIGABYTE. MSI.and ASRock. Essential Companion Components Pair your motherboard with an appropriate CPU, fast DDR4/DDR5 memory, a reliable power supply, and a case that supports your board’s form factor. Future-Proofing: PCIe, Networking & Storage Prioritize boards with multiple PCIe 4.0/5.0 M.2 slots, at least one PCIe x16 slot with Gen4/Gen5 support, and modern networking such as 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E/7. Helpful Tools & Buying Guides Check out Choosing the Right Gaming Motherboard for a deeper guide. Use Newegg’s Custom PC Builder to verify compatibility. Explore curated deals across motherboards, GPUs, and NVMe SSDs. Watch: How to Install a CPU Safely (Avoid Bent Pins) For a full step-by-step guide with photos, check out: How to Install a CPU on a Motherboard Without Damaging Pins .

Motherboards: Your PC's Central Hub

Your computer's motherboard is the central hub of your system, responsible for connecting and facilitating communication between key components such as the CPU, graphics card, memory, SSD, power supply, case, and other devices—ensuring everything communicates smoothly for optimal performance. Choosing the right motherboard depends on your CPU platform, expansion needs, and budget.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Motherboard

Compatibility: Ensure your chosen motherboard is compatible with your CPU (processor) from Intel or AMD and the RAM (memory) type: DDR5 or DDR4.
Form Factor: Motherboards come in different sizes; the most popular sizes are ATX, mATX (Micro ATX), and Mini-ITX, which impact the size of your PC case. ATX cases are the most common, offering ample space for expansion slots and future upgrades. Micro-ATX is perfect for compact builds, while Mini-ITX is ideal for space-constrained applications like HTPCs (Home Theater PCs).
Features: Consider features like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, overclocking support (boosting CPU speed), PCIe slot layout for GPUs and SSDs, and the number of USB ports and fan headers for customization.

PC Desktop Motherboard Options: Intel Platform

Intel motherboards utilize chipsets that manage communication between the CPU, memory, and other components. Popular chipsets include the Z790 and B760, both supporting DDR5 and DDR4 PC RAM and compatible with Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs.

PC Desktop Motherboard Options: AMD Platform

AMD motherboards use chipsets to manage communication between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. High-end options like the X670/E and B650/E support AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 series CPUs and the newest Ryzen 9000 series CPUs after BIOS update. Budget-friendly options like the B550, X570 and B450 motherboards are still available, supporting Ryzen 5000 series CPUs and DDR4 PC RAM.

Introducing the X870 Series to the AM5 Family

AMD announced X870E and X870 chipsets in June 2024. The X870 motherboard, set to release in late September, is a top-tier upgrade for enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance and future-proofing. It supports the latest processors with DDR5 memory for faster data speeds, PCIe 5.0 for double the bandwidth, and advanced cooling for stable overclocking.

Choosing the Right Motherboard to Meet Your Needs

Gamers: Prioritize features like multiple PCIe x16 slots, high-speed DDR5 support, and strong VRM cooling.
Content Creators: Look for boards with plenty of USB and Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, multiple M.2 slots, and robust power delivery.
Everyday Users: A mainstream board with integrated Wi-Fi, enough USB ports, and at least one M.2 slot is sufficient.

Planning Your Motherboard Layout & Upgrade Path

When choosing a motherboard, think beyond today’s build. Consider how many PCIe slots, M.2 sockets, fan headers, and USB ports you might need two or three years from now.

Form Factors & Expansion Room

ATX boards provide the most expansion slots and headers, making them ideal for high-end gaming and creator rigs.

Popular Motherboard Brands at Newegg

Newegg carries a wide range of enthusiast-trusted motherboard brands, including ASUS. GIGABYTE. MSI.and ASRock.

Essential Companion Components

Pair your motherboard with an appropriate CPU, fast DDR4/DDR5 memory, a reliable power supply, and a case that supports your board’s form factor.

Future-Proofing: PCIe, Networking & Storage

Prioritize boards with multiple PCIe 4.0/5.0 M.2 slots, at least one PCIe x16 slot with Gen4/Gen5 support, and modern networking such as 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E/7.

Helpful Tools & Buying Guides

Check out Choosing the Right Gaming Motherboard for a deeper guide.

Use Newegg’s Custom PC Builder to verify compatibility.
Explore curated deals across motherboards, GPUs, and NVMe SSDs.

Watch: How to Install a CPU Safely (Avoid Bent Pins)

For a full step-by-step guide with photos, check out: How to Install a CPU on a Motherboard Without Damaging Pins .

Last Updated: February 2026 | Newegg Content team: Motherboards Buying Guide

Motherboard FAQs:

Does it include Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN?

Many newer boards include 2.5G LAN by default, while Wi-Fi 7 is usually limited to higher-end models. Check the product specification table under “Networking” and “LAN” on the Newegg product page to confirm whether a specific board has both Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5GbE (or faster) Ethernet.

Does this motherboard include reinforced PCIe slots for large GPUs?

Reinforced PCIe slots (often branded as “Steel Armor” or “SafeSlot”) are common on gaming and enthusiast boards built for heavy GPUs. Look for metal-sheathed x16 slots in the photos and confirm “reinforced PCIe slots” in the features list if you plan to use an RTX 5090 or similarly large graphics card.

How many USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports does this board provide?

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports can appear on the rear I/O and as internal headers for your case’s front-panel connectors. The exact count varies by model, so review the “Rear Panel I/O Ports” and “Internal I/O” sections on the product page to see how many 10Gbps ports and headers the board offers.

Does it support memory overclocking profiles beyond XMP/EXPO?

Most modern motherboards support Intel XMP and/or AMD EXPO profiles, and some also offer vendor-specific tuning presets. Check the “Memory” section for phrases like “XMP/EXPO support,” “AEMP,” or “enhanced memory profiles,” and confirm that the chipset supports RAM overclocking (for example, Z790, X670, or B650).

What motherboard is recommended for an RTX 4090 build?

For an RTX 4090, choose a sturdy ATX or E-ATX board with a reinforced PCIe x16 slot, strong VRM cooling, and at least one PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 x16 slot. Pair it with high-end chipsets such as Intel Z790 or AMD X670E/B650E, and verify your case and power supply also meet NVIDIA’s clearance and wattage recommendations.

Should I buy ASUS or MSI for the best reliability?

Both ASUS and MSI offer reliable boards across multiple price tiers, with premium lines focused on better power delivery and cooling. Reliability usually comes down to the specific model and how it’s configured—so compare reviews, VRM design, and warranty coverage for the exact boards you’re considering.

Is this motherboard suitable for a long-term upgrade path?

A good long-term board offers multiple M.2 slots, several PCIe expansion slots, modern USB and networking, and support for future CPU generations where possible. Check the manufacturer’s CPU support roadmap and look for newer standards like PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DDR5 if you plan to keep the platform for years.

Should I invest in a board with built-in Wi-Fi 7?

Built-in Wi-Fi 7 is useful if you rely on high-speed wireless for gaming or large file transfers and want to avoid adding a separate PCIe card later. If you’ll always use wired Ethernet, you can often save money by choosing a board with strong 2.5G or 10G LAN and skipping integrated Wi-Fi.

Is ATX or micro-ATX better for future expansion?

ATX motherboards usually provide more PCIe slots, additional M.2 sockets, and extra headers, making them better for heavy expansion over time. Micro-ATX can still handle gaming and creator builds, but it’s more limited in slot count—so go ATX if you expect to add multiple cards or drives later.

Do any motherboards have VRM overheating issues?

VRM temperatures depend on the board’s power design, heatsinks, and the CPU you pair with it. Before buying, check professional reviews and user feedback for the exact model—especially if you plan to overclock or use high-core-count CPUs where weaker VRMs may run hot under sustained load.

Which brands have the lowest failure rate?

Failure rates vary more by individual model and usage conditions than by brand alone. Major vendors like ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE, and ASRock all produce reliable boards—so use a mix of professional reviews, RMA statistics (when available), and verified customer feedback to judge the reliability of specific models.

Do users report any BIOS stability issues?

BIOS stability can improve over time as manufacturers release updates for new CPUs and memory kits. Check the review section and the vendor’s support page for notes about early BIOS problems, then update to the latest stable BIOS after building your system.

Are there coil whine or power delivery noise complaints?

Coil whine can happen on any motherboard or GPU and is usually a by-product of power circuitry under certain loads rather than a defect. If you’re sensitive to noise, scan recent user reviews for your target board and consider models with stronger VRMs and good case sound dampening.

Does this board have any history of bent CPU socket pins?

Bent pins are usually caused during installation rather than by the board itself—especially on LGA sockets where contacts are exposed. Handle the socket cover carefully, follow the CPU installation guide step by step, and check build logs if you want extra confidence.

Do I need to update the BIOS to support newer CPUs?

For many platforms, older boards require a BIOS update to recognize newer CPU generations. Check the CPU support list on the manufacturer’s site for your exact motherboard model and, if needed, update the BIOS using the recommended method before installing a brand-new CPU.

How do I enable XMP for DDR5 RAM?

Enter your motherboard’s UEFI/BIOS (often Del or F2), then go to the memory or overclocking section and enable XMP on Intel or AMD EXPO on AMD. Save and reboot—your system will apply the rated speed and timings if your CPU and board support them.

How do I enable virtualization in BIOS on this board?

In most UEFI menus, virtualization is under CPU configuration or advanced processor settings—labeled Intel VT-x/VT-d or AMD-V/SVM. Turn it on, save your changes, and reboot. After that, your OS and hypervisor can use hardware-accelerated virtualization.

Why is my RAM not detecting dual-channel mode?

Dual-channel requires matched sticks in the correct paired slots (often A2 and B2). If it isn’t detected, confirm both modules match, reseat them firmly, and follow the slot diagram in your manual. If needed, clear CMOS and re-enable your memory profile.

How do I reset BIOS safely without losing data?

Resetting BIOS clears firmware settings—it does not erase files on your drives. You can reset by loading “Optimized Defaults” in UEFI, using a clear-CMOS button, or briefly shorting the CMOS jumper as described in the manual. For hardware resets, power off and unplug first.

Bestselling Motherboard Reviews:

Leemonz

1/2/2026 7:40:45 PM

Great product!

“ My last 2 computers were MSI MOBO, so are my monitors and my water cooler. ”

MSI MPG X870E CARBON AM5 ATX Gaming Motherboard, 4x SATA 6Gb/s, AMD Wi-Fi 7,USB 4.0

C. Reddy

12/23/2025 9:43:23 PM

A rare board that can run two GPUs AND not block needed PCIe 4.0 slots

“ I'd buy it again, and may even build another computer with it. ”

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX motherboard, Advanced AI PC-ready, 22+2+1+2 stages, DDR5, WiFi 7, 5G LAN, 3x PCIe® 5.0 M.2, Thunderbolt™ 4, USB Type-C®, AI OC, Cooling & Networking

Anonymous

12/21/2025 5:53:43 PM

Served me well

“ This mother board served me well as a server/ gaming computer. ”

GIGABYTE B550I AORUS PRO AX AM4 AMD B550 Mini-ITX Motherboard with Dual M.2, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.2 Gen 1, WIFI 6, 2.5 GbE LAN, PCIe 4.0

Anonymous

12/14/2025 8:11:49 PM

An outstanding Motherboard for the price

“ i really like how the frozr heat sinks were designed to cover the m.2 ssd giving the computer a very clean look ”

MSI MAG MAG X870E TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 AMD X870E SATA 6Gb/s M.2 DDR5 Wi-Fi 7 5G LAN ATX Motherboards

Thomas B.

12/6/2025 2:29:25 PM

A couple hiccups but now solid

“ though other computers could ping in and get a response. ”

MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 LGA 1700 (l12th&13th Gen), SATA 6Gb/s motherboard, WiFi 6,Intel 2.5Gb LAN,2xM.2 Slots

Anonymous

11/22/2025 4:53:04 PM

SUPER good Mobo

“ This is the first motherboard I bought for my computer since I'm upgrading a lot of the parts. ”

GIGABYTE X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 AM5 LGA 1718, ATX, DDR5, 4x M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB4, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty

Richard O.

11/15/2025 1:18:35 PM

General use.

“ I use this for a "weather computer" that runs "MYRADAR" 24/7. ”

GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 AM4 AMD B550 USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

grant m.

11/9/2025 3:24:30 AM

Great product

“ I have 2 of these motherboards with basically the same setup for both of them. ”

MSI MAG MAG X870E TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 AMD X870E SATA 6Gb/s M.2 DDR5 Wi-Fi 7 5G LAN ATX Motherboards

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Related searches

Motherboards: Your PC's Central Hub

Key Considerations for Choosing a Motherboard

PC Desktop Motherboard Options: Intel Platform

PC Desktop Motherboard Options: AMD Platform

Introducing the X870 Series to the AM5 Family

Choosing the Right Motherboard to Meet Your Needs

Planning Your Motherboard Layout & Upgrade Path

Form Factors & Expansion Room

Popular Motherboard Brands at Newegg

Essential Companion Components

Future-Proofing: PCIe, Networking & Storage

Helpful Tools & Buying Guides

Watch: How to Install a CPU Safely (Avoid Bent Pins)

Motherboard FAQs:

Does it include Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN?

Does this motherboard include reinforced PCIe slots for large GPUs?

How many USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports does this board provide?

Does it support memory overclocking profiles beyond XMP/EXPO?

What motherboard is recommended for an RTX 4090 build?

Should I buy ASUS or MSI for the best reliability?

Is this motherboard suitable for a long-term upgrade path?

Should I invest in a board with built-in Wi-Fi 7?

Is ATX or micro-ATX better for future expansion?

Do any motherboards have VRM overheating issues?

Which brands have the lowest failure rate?

Do users report any BIOS stability issues?

Are there coil whine or power delivery noise complaints?

Does this board have any history of bent CPU socket pins?

Do I need to update the BIOS to support newer CPUs?

How do I enable XMP for DDR5 RAM?

How do I enable virtualization in BIOS on this board?

Why is my RAM not detecting dual-channel mode?

How do I reset BIOS safely without losing data?

Bestselling Motherboard Reviews: