Best Mini ITX Motherboards (Dec. 2024) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

All You Need to Know about Mini ITX Motherboards

Choosing the right Mini ITX Motherboards is not a decision to be taken lightly. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. The wrong motherboard can result in a PC that's less than ideal and doesn't meet your needs. The perfect Mini ITX Motherboard should have the right fit and compatibility as well as robust design and power.

5 things about Mini ITX Motherboards that you must know

If you're unsure about which Mini ITX Motherboard to purchase, don't fret! This buying guide will cover everything you need to know about these tiny but powerful computer components. From CPU Socket to Memory Support to PCI-E and Expansion Slots, we've got you covered. You can find the right one for your system by following our tips! But first, let's talk about what to look for in a Mini ITX Motherboard.

Mini ITX Motherboards: CPU Socket

The motherboard's CPU socket holds and communicates with the processor. However, this socket will only work if your computer motherboard has the same socket as your motherboard.

Therefore, it is important to match the sockets for compatibility. Some common sockets in modern computer CPUs include the AM4 socket for AMD processors and motherboards and the LGA 1200 socket for Intel processors and motherboards.

Mini ITX Motherboards: Chipset

Another factor to consider is making sure you get a motherboard that is compatible with your computer's processor. Even if your motherboard and CPU have the same socket type, they may not be compatible with each other if your motherboard chipset doesn't support the CPU. While some chipsets may not work at all, others may be limited in the features you get.

Take a look at AMD motherboards and you'll find some popular chipsets including budget options like the B450 and A520, mid-range options like the B550, and high-end options like the X570, which offer all the performance you'd expect. When it comes to Intel, it's mostly focused on its high-end Z490 chipset, which is mostly used in high-end motherboards, including the aforementioned mini ITX motherboards.

Mini ITX Motherboards: Memory Support

The following Mini ITX Motherboards have multiple memory slots. They should support up to 64 GB of memory. You should also look for USB type C and USB type A ports. Some Mini ITX motherboards even offer wireless, Bluetooth, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. Besides memory support, look for motherboards with the latest BIOS updates. These updates will increase system stability and boost CPU performance, as well as apply security patches to the motherboard.

Mini ITX Motherboards: PCI-E and Expansion Slots

PCI-E and expansion slots are two types of hardware that a computer can use to expand its capabilities. Essentially, PCI-E and expansion slots are similar. They are a standard for motherboards. If you have an existing PC, you can use PCI-E or expansion slots on your Mini ITX motherboard. Generally, you won't need to upgrade the RAM or video card to use a Mini ITX motherboard.

The motherboard layout is the most important factor to consider when buying a Mini ITX Motherboard. Different form factors have different layouts for PCI-E and expansion slots. Micro ATX motherboards, for example, have four PCI-E slots, while Mini ITX Motherboards have only one. You should check which one has more PCI-E and expansion slots to determine if it's the right choice for your needs.

Mini ITX Motherboards: Ports and Connectivity

When purchasing a Mini ITX Motherboard, check the ports and connectivity options. Many are available, from USB type A and C to DisplayPort and HDMI. You should also look for ports for ethernet and PS2 cables, and WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Lastly, check the BIOS, the software component of the motherboard. Regular BIOS updates can enhance your PC's performance, provide increased stability, and apply security patches.

Gigabyte's AMD Z270 Motherboard has one USB 3.2 generation Type-C port and two USB 2.0 ports. Mini ITX Motherboards typically have a high-speed ethernet port, dual M.2 SSD slots, and up to four SATA3 ports. Some have wireless connectivity, too, so you don't have to worry about connecting your Wi-Fi connection to your PC.

What are the pros of buying a Mini ITX motherboard?

When building a mini-ITX computer, you get many benefits. The first benefit is that mini-ITX builds are much smaller than standard full- and mid-tower builds. This is important if you have limited space in your room or desk, as it takes up far less space than a traditional computer.

Ideally, you'll want to place your gaming PC on a tabletop rather than on the floor, as this helps promote airflow by limiting the amount of dust drawn into the case.

Second, there is the benefit of computer weight. Mini-ITX builds are generally much lighter than full-tower or mid-tower gaming PCs. This makes it easier to move the case and make it easier to transport your computer.

Finally, there is the cost of the ITX build. Since the hardware inside a mini-ITX computer is usually smaller than a full-size computer, it tends to be less expensive. Obviously, this is subjective as you can spend the same amount depending on the hardware you choose, but it does give you the chance to get the most bang for your buck and save a few bucks in the process.

What are the cons of buying a Mini ITX motherboard?

There are a few cons to buying a Mini ITX motherboard.

First, they are not as powerful as their larger counterparts. They also have less slots for things like graphics cards and other expansion cards.

Mini ITX motherboards usually have less slots than the regular ones do. This means that you can't put in as many different types of hardware into your computer such as graphics cards, sound cards, and other expansion cards.

The power of the Mini ITX motherboard is not as good as its larger counterparts because it is designed to be small and compact in size, which can make it difficult to work with and more expensive than typical motherboards on the market today.

Are all Mini-ITX motherboards the same size?

The Mini-ITX motherboard is a specific size, with dimensions of 170mm x 170mm. It is the most popular form factor for small form factor PCs, and it's also the most common form factor for embedded systems. The Mini-ITX motherboard was created by VIA Technologies in 1999 and has been the standard since then.

Do Mini-ITX cases overheat?

Mini-ITX gaming builds run hotter than larger systems, and that's just a feature of design - the same components running in a smaller space concentrate heat. The problem is compounded when you try to add additional fans: the mounting area for intake and output is limited. There's also less vertical space for fine-tuned CPU cooling settings, so gamers who prefer overclocked systems may be better off with larger builds. Water cooling with a small heatsink/fan combo is an option, though.

Is it worth building a Mini-ITX PC?

Building a Mini-ITX PC is a great way to save money, but it is not the best solution for everyone.

A Mini-ITX PC can be cheaper to build than a standard desktop computer because of its small size and fewer components. But there are some disadvantages as well. For example, you will need to purchase additional components like RAM or an operating system separately, which can add up in cost. Mini-ITX PCs are also not as powerful as standard desktops and will not be able to run some programs like Photoshop or games.

Round Up of the Best Mini ITX Motherboards (Verified to Buy)

• 1. GIGABYTE B550I AORUS PRO AX (AM4 AMD/B550/Mini-Itx/Dual M.2/SATA 6Gb/s/USB 3.2...
• 2. ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WiFi LGA 1700(Intel 12th Gen)...
• 3. MSI H510I PRO WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (Mini-ITX, 11th/10th Gen Intel...
• 4. ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming, X570 Mini-ITX Gaming Motherboard, AMD...
• 5. ASUS ROG Strix B550-I Gaming AMD AM4 (3rd Gen Ryzen™)...
• 6. ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi 6E LGA 1700 (Intel...
• 7. GIGABYTE X570 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi (AMD Ryzen 3000/X570/Mini-Itx/PCIe4.0/DDR4/USB 3.1/Realtek...
• 8. ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WiFi 6E LGA 1200 (Intel® 11th/10th...
• 9. Gigabyte Intel Z490I AORUS Ultra LGA 1200 DDR4-SDRAM Mini ITX...
• 10. Gigabyte A520I AC (AMD Ryzen AM4/Mini-ITX/Direct 6 Phases Digital PWM...

Top 5 Mini ITX Motherboards Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top rated brands that evaluated by CherryPicks.

• GIGABYTE
• ASUS
• MSI
• ASRock
• Intel

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Top 10 Mini ITX Motherboards Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

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