Which Intel chipset should you choose - B85, H81, H97 or Z97? Gaming motherboards: review of the best models and reviews

The name of the chipset is determined by integrated circuits or their groups, motherboard or expansion card. It is the chipset that determines the speed of the computer and the transfer of information between individual devices. Any chipset consists of two elements called bridges: north and south. The most well-known chipset manufacturers include Intel, AMD, nVidia and VIA. In this article we will focus on the products of the first brand.

What role does the chipset play on the motherboard?

The chipset is often confused with the motherboard, but it is only one of its elements. The main task of the chipset, as already mentioned above, is to organize information flows between individual components. The north bridge is responsible, in particular, for the functioning of the memory, processor and FSB bus, while the south bridge deals with hard drives, DVD drive and PCI for connecting peripheral devices.

Intel chipsets for LGA 1150 motherboards

In May 2014, the premiere of the 9th generation of Intel chipsets took place. This family includes the following models: Z97 and H97, intended mainly for use in computers intended for games, graphic work, as well as for more demanding users that support an LGA 1150 motherboard. Chipset models for home computer equipment, for example, B85 and H81 are still in the game, and the 1150 models are also suitable. Unlike the 8th generation chipsets, which consist of 6 bridges, the 9th has only two, but allows you to overclock the processor through a multiplier.

Which chipset for i3, i5 or i7 processors?

The main question is which chipset to choose for which processor? In the case of i7-core, the answer is simple - the most powerful 9th ​​generation media communication processors, i.e. H97 and Z97. In the case of an i5-core processor, the best choice would be a motherboard based on the B85 chipset, possibly with earlier versions of the Z87 and H87 models. For i3-core, a motherboard based on the H81 chipset is suitable - perfect for simple work.

Which chipset should I choose for home use?

If we are talking about budget solutions for home use, then a motherboard based on the B85 chipset would be an excellent solution. It allows you to overclock the processor on a weaker logic system, thanks to which you can achieve quite attractive results.

B85, thanks to the use of additional technologies like Small Business Advantage, is also perfect for a small office. The H81 chipset is also suitable for browsing the Internet, less graphically complex games and office work. The advantage of the H81 and B85 over later models is cost.

Which chipset should you choose for gaming?

If we are talking about budget solutions, then for games we recommend motherboards with the B85 chipset, mainly due to the possibility of overclocking. Most B85 motherboards allow you to play the latest games. However, the equipment for “maniacs” of computer games will be the sets that are equipped with motherboards with Z97, which gives very great possibilities when paired with an i7 processor.

Which chipset should I choose for overclocking?

The most promising model, offering great opportunities for overclocking the processor, as mentioned above, is the Z97. The B85 offers somewhat more modest capabilities, although Intel will improve this capability in subsequent series.

A gaming motherboard is a device no less important for a PC than a processor or video card, which are considered to have a decisive influence on the performance of a computer. Which of the models of the corresponding type of device can be classified as the most functional, and at the same time affordable?

What are the latest solutions that support Intel and AMD chips?

The best gaming motherboards for modern PCs are more likely to be found by considering solutions that are equipped with chips from the world's leading manufacturers of the corresponding type of electronic components - the Intel and AMD brands. If we talk about the latest chips from Intel, chipsets such as, for example, H97/Z97, as well as X99, deserve attention. Regarding competing products from AMD, you can consider chips from the A85/A88X line.

In turn, solutions from both brands can be installed in products from the widest range of global manufacturers. Gaming motherboards are produced by such major companies as ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, and ASRock. Let's look at the features of using AMD chips in the most popular modifications of motherboards produced by these brands - in those price ranges that are acceptable to most users, as well as the key capabilities of the corresponding solutions.

Gaming solutions from ASUS based on AMD chipset

Among the most famous products from ASUS in the gaming motherboard segment is the Crossblade Ranger device.

This device:

Designed in ATX format;

CrossFire compatible.

The device is equipped with a modern network controller, as well as a high-performance sound module. The motherboard in question is characterized as being highly overclockable.

Motherboards from MSI based on AMD chipsets

The next largest brand producing motherboards for gaming computers is MSI. Among its most notable products is the A88XM Gaming device. This device is one of those that are based, therefore, on a chipset from AMD.

The motherboard in question is designed, in turn, based on the microATX format. With its help, you can assemble a computer of smaller dimensions than in the case of using the previous solution from ASUS. The solution in question is notable for supporting the CrossFire standard, as well as being equipped with a high-performance sound module. This motherboard also has an excellent quality network controller. Other distinctive features of the device include the presence of 8 SATA ports in version 3.0. Like the solution from ASUS, it lends itself well to overclocking.

Another interesting product from MSI is the MSI 970 motherboard. It is equipped with PCI Express x16 slots and supports the CrossFire standard. It can also overclock well, thanks to the modern power subsystem of the main chip, which operates using 8 phases. The device is equipped with a high-performance sound module, which is complemented by capacitors and amplifiers. The motherboard also contains a high-tech network controller.

Solutions from ASRock based on AMD chipsets

Another well-known brand that produces gaming motherboards is ASRock. If we consider modern models of devices produced by him, then we can pay attention to the product FM2A88X. It is also based on a chipset from AMD. Made, in turn, in miniATX format. Among the most notable features of this motherboard is its availability of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

The next famous product from ASRock is 990FX. Also based on a chipset from AMD. Equipped with Express 2.0. It has 8 SATA ports in version 3.0, as well as high-performance Having examined gaming motherboards based on AMD chipsets, we will now study the specifics of products in which chips from Intel are installed.

Solutions from ASUS based on Intel chips

ASUS is one of those brands that successfully produces devices that operate both on the basis of chips from Intel and those produced by the main competitor of this brand, AMD. An example of such a product is the H97-PRO motherboard. It is based on the ATX format. It is noteworthy that this motherboard, despite being equipped with an Intel chip, can support the CrossFire standard, which is considered typical for AMD products.

Among the main competitive advantages that characterize the solution under consideration is support for standards such as SATA Express, as well as M2. The device is also equipped with a high-tech network controller and an audio processing system, which contains capacitors, operational amplification modules, and noise shielding.

There are ASUS gaming motherboards on the market, which are also based on another modern chipset from Intel - Z97. Among these is the product MAXIMUS VII FORMULA. It is based on the ATX format. Equipped with 3 PCI Express x16 and x1 slots. Supports CrossFire and SLI standards. The motherboard in question is characterized as one of the most optimal in terms of overclocking.

The most powerful chip produced by Intel today is X99. It is designed for use with 8-core chips based on the Haswell-E microarchitecture, as well as when using DDR4 RAM modules. ASUS also produces motherboards that support X99 chips.

Among such products is the RAMPAGE V EXTREME device. This motherboard has large dimensions because it is based on the E-ATX format. The device is equipped with 5 PCI Express x16 slots and a high-tech network controller. The device supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless standards. The motherboard is equipped with a high-performance audio subsystem.

Solutions from ASRock supporting Intel chips

Motherboards for gaming computers supporting modern Intel chipsets are also produced by MSI. Among the most notable solutions produced by this brand in the corresponding segment is the Z97M product. It is made in the microATX format. This motherboard has 4 expansion slots, SATA Express connectors, as well as high-speed M2 connectors. There is a high-tech sound module, as well as a powerful controller.

Solutions from GIGABYTE with support for Intel chipsets

Excellent gaming motherboards supporting chips manufactured by Intel are produced by another famous brand - GIGABYTE. Among its most notable solutions is the GA-H97M product.

It is equipped with a high-performance network processor and an op-amp-optimized audio codec. It may be noted that the device comes with a disc with a special program for working with sound. The product is based on the microATX format.

Solutions from MSI with support for Intel chips

Gaming ones are also supplied to the market in modifications that support Intel chipsets. Among these is the H97I AC device. With this motherboard you can build a computer in a particularly compact format. The device is equipped with a wireless module, as well as a high-performance PCI Express x16 connector.

As for devices that support the Z97 chipset, MSI also successfully produces them. An example of such a solution is the Z97 XPOWER motherboard. First of all, it is worth noting the size of the corresponding model - it corresponds to the E-ATX format. Therefore, it is supposed to be placed in a fairly large PC case. The device is equipped with a high-tech cooling system. The motherboard has 5 PCI Express x16 slots, as well as 2 PCI Express x1. Each of them can operate within the speeds guaranteed by the 3rd version of the corresponding data transfer standard. The device also supports CrossFire technology.

The MSI brand also produces devices compatible with the X99 chip. Among these is the X99S MPOWER product. This device is also considered as one of those that is best optimized for overclocking. As some experts note, in the appropriate operating mode the device operates stably, without significant failures. The device is equipped with a powerful controller and a high-tech audio codec.

Choosing a motherboard for games: basic criteria

For a computer designed for gaming? The main criteria that experts recommend focusing on when purchasing the appropriate type of device are the following.

Firstly, it’s worth deciding what specific games you’re going to build a PC for. The fact is that even the most inexpensive computers are capable of running games with average requirements at almost the same speed as devices assembled from premium components. Therefore, it may not make sense to purchase a motherboard that supports the latest standards - for example, DDR 4 memory modules. Its compatibility with traditional technologies for the gaming solutions segment may well be sufficient. Such as, for example, support for DDR3 memory, the ability to connect devices via the SATA interface in version 3.0. Similarly, the user does not always use all the ports available on the device - to connect RAM modules or video cards. It may be better to purchase a motherboard with fewer connectors. It is desirable that the device be equipped with a high-performance network controller, as well as a technologically advanced sound module. Optionally, it may be preferable for the device to support wireless modules.

Secondly, you need to look at the form factor of the motherboard, which actually determines its size. It is undesirable for it to exceed the dimensions of the PC system case used. It is best if its form factor and the corresponding standard of the motherboard are completely identical.

Thirdly, the user needs to decide whether he needs additional options on the motherboard - such as, for example, support for wireless modules. Even the best gaming motherboards, when considering their performance and functionality in terms of support for various connectors, may not be compatible with the corresponding technologies.

The device, of course, must be fully compatible with other electronic components that are supposed to be placed on it. There are 2 main brands that produce chipsets for devices such as gaming motherboards - Intel and AMD. If the device is designed to work with a chip from Intel, then the possibility of installation into it is practically excluded. You should also check whether other devices are compatible with the connectors of the motherboard you are purchasing. Such as, for example, a video card and an audio card.

So, a modern gaming motherboard for games:

Supports the desired chipset;

Has a sufficient number of ports;

Supports traditional or advanced RAM modules - DDR3 and DDR4, respectively;

Equipped with a modern network controller, sound module, optionally with support for wireless standards;

Balanced in terms of technology support and price.

The specifics of the last point can be considered in more detail.

How much do modern motherboards for gaming PCs cost?

Let us therefore study the price aspect of choosing devices such as gaming motherboards. Their prices are determined by the degree of novelty, compatibility with a chip from a particular brand, as well as supported standards. Regarding solutions that are based on chips from AMD in the A88X modification, their price is in the range between 4,500 - 12,000 rubles. The cost of motherboards that have the latest chips from Intel - X99 installed - is much higher - up to 20,000 rubles or more.

At the same time, among the brands we examined, there are no ones that can be unambiguously characterized as budget or premium. A good gaming motherboard, in principle, cannot be cheap. However, from the entire range of devices on the market, it is quite possible to find one that will have the optimal price in terms of user needs and performance.

What should you pay attention to when buying motherboards? The first is its size. Currently, the most common form factors are Mini-ITX (17 x 17 cm), Micro-ATX (24.4 x 24.4 cm) and ATX (30.5 x 24.4 cm). In the optimal case, the form factor of the motherboard should match the dimensions of the case, but quite often larger cases are used to provide better cooling of the components.

The second thing to keep in mind when choosing a motherboard is compatibility with your CPU. For chips manufactured by Intel and AMD, as well as for different generations of these processors, there are different connectors (sockets) into which they are inserted.

For current Intel chips, two sockets are currently used - LGA 1151 and LGA 2011-v3, for AMD - FM2+ and AM3+. It should be borne in mind that this is not only about the fact that the processor must be physically compatible with the socket. Before purchasing, be sure to make sure that the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI also supports the processor you have chosen.

If you want to equip your PC with more RAM, pay attention to the number of corresponding slots - there should be four of them on the motherboard. There are models in which you cannot insert more than two slats. Other important technical characteristics that you should pay attention to include the presence of USB 3.0 ports, an M.2 slot for SSD drives, and RAID support. CHIP editors have selected some great motherboards for Intel and AMD processors.

LGA 1151: motherboards for Skylake

For processors of the Skylake family, Intel has assigned the LGA 1151 socket. On motherboards it is combined with various chipsets. Cheap models - with the B150 chipset or an even more “stripped-down” H110. In this case, functionality such as USB 3.1 and RAID are missing.

In addition, you will have to make do with only two RAM slots. However, the basic equipment of the board with these sockets offers quite solid - SATA 6 Gb/s, USB 3.0 and a Gigabit LAN port. Examples of such motherboards are or ASUS B150I-Pro Gaming.

Another thing is the Z170 chipset, which is the recommended choice for gamers, enthusiasts and Skylake processor overclockers. He can be found on ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Extreme Gaming. The cost of this motherboard is extremely high, but the list of equipment includes everything that can currently be found: 4 USB 3.1 ports, RAID SATA 6 Gb/s, support for M.2 SSD and 4 slots for DDR4 RAM.

Motherboards with LGA 1151 socket:

LGA 2011-v3: motherboards for Haswell-E

The LGA 2011-v3 socket belongs to the top segment and is compatible with powerful, expensive processors of the Haswell-E family manufactured by Intel. It can work with both Core desktop processors, which have up to 8 cores, and Xeon server processors, which can have up to 18 cores. At the same time, Intel gives you the opportunity to choose between two chipsets - X99 and C612.

For those who do not plan to build a server based on Xeon processors, it would be better to choose the X99 chipset. But be careful: these things are expensive. A model like ASRock X99M Extreme4 costs about 15,000 rubles, but its equipment is quite generous. In particular, you can install up to 128 GB of RAM in your computer.

In addition, there are 10 SATA 6 Gb/s interfaces, RAID and a fast M.2 slot for SSD drives. You will get even more opportunities with ASUS X99-E: in particular, we note the presence of 2 USB 3.1 ports, 14 USB 3.0 ports, 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 8 slots for RAM.

Motherboards with LGA 2011-v3 socket:

LGA 1150: motherboards for Broadwell and Haswell

The LGA 1150 socket for Intel processors of the Haswell and Broadwell generations (4th and 5th generation Core) is no longer relevant. Its official successor is LGA 1151 for Skylake processors. However, it’s still worth looking at motherboards with this connector, since there are currently very good offers, an example of which is MSI H81M-P33 Plus, costing less than 4,000 rubles. Of course, such a profitable purchase entails compromises: there are only 2 slots for RAM and the number of USB and SATA ports is very limited.

Caution is always necessary when choosing a chipset. For example, C222 is intended for server solutions and is used in GigaByte GA-6LASL. The top socket for desktop computers is Z97, which is installed in MSI Z97A Gaming 6. Among the main equipment characteristics of this motherboard are USB 3.1 and Typ-C ports, M.2 slots and RAID support.

Motherboards with LGA 1150 socket:

Motherboards with FM2+ and AM3+ sockets

Intel dominates the processor market, but AMD should never be written off either. The rival of sockets 1150 and 1151 from the AMD camp is FM2+. At the same time, in technical terms, the AMD representative is not in the most advantageous position: for example, only DDR3 standard RAM is supported, the processor can have no more than 4 cores, and the maximum USB port standard is 3.0. But the integrated graphics are good, and a motherboard with such a chipset is very attractive in terms of price. One example is ASRock FM2A68M-HD+.

Another option from AMD is the AM3+ socket. It should be replaced soon so that we can speak on the same level as Intel. Available purchases with AM3+ may currently be ASUS M5A97 Evo R2.0 or ASUS M5A78L-M. It is important to remember that the PCI Express 2.0 bus is used here, which can be compared to a brake integrated into the system.

Recently, more and more users are assembling PCs according to certain parameters, which allows them to save significantly and select components that best suit the owner’s needs. For obvious reasons, the question is very relevant - how to choose a motherboard? Let's start with the fact that it should be purchased last when assembling a computer.

One of the most common mistakes is when they use a budget processor and the best motherboard, and, conversely, a chip with an inexpensive motherboard that simply cannot withstand heavy loads. You should know that each of them has its own processor - chipset. The functionality of the product depends on this part, and it is selected taking into account the purpose of the PC.

Each processor is connected to the motherboard using a connector called Socket. It is important that both components have the same socket. At the same time, they are constantly being modernized, which is why many new modifications regularly appear on the market. If you don’t know how to choose a socket for a motherboard, keep in mind that today there are 2 giants - AMD and Intel.

Intel processor sockets:

1. Old – 2018, 778, 1155, 1156, 488;
2. Still relevant – 1150, 2011-3;
3. The trend is 1151-v2, 2066 and 1151.

If you decide to build a gaming PC with an Intel processor from scratch yourself, it is better to choose a motherboard with an LGA 1151 300 series socket.

AMD processor sockets:

1. Old – FM1, FM2, AM1, AM2, AM3;
2. Still relevant - FM2+, AM3+;
3. Trending TR4, AM4.

Please note that by purchasing a modern Socket, you automatically provide yourself with the opportunity to replace the processor or motherboard in the next 2-3 years with more powerful models.

It should immediately be noted that chipsets are distinguished by different parameters. However, when choosing a motherboard for a computer, we only need the purpose. They are produced by 2 manufacturers - Intel and AMD. If you took the processor first, then the motherboard should be from the same company.

Intel chipsets:

1. For office – B250/H270, B360/H370;
2. For remote control – Q270, Q370;
3. PC for games – Z270, Z370;
4. Powerful – X99/X299, X370/470.

Most PCs are equipped with motherboards based on B360/H370 chipsets. Models H have more PCI-E lanes than segment B, which is only important when installing 2 or more video cards. Q chipsets support more security features and are more often used for remote management. Sector X or Z supports overclocking - overclocking the processor.

AMD chipsets:

1. For office – A320;
2. PC for games – B350;
3. Powerful PC – X370;
4. Powerful – X399.

The first option does not support processor overclocking. Chipsets for gaming PCs provide overlocking, and the X370, in addition, also includes more lines for installing two video cards. The last segment is focused on powerful processors connected using the TR4 socket.

What sizes of motherboards are there? This parameter is called form factor. There are 3 types:

1. ATX– a full-size version, which is designed for stationary PCs, and provides for the installation of a large number of slots. Dimensions – 305 by 244 millimeters;
2. MicroATX– reduced type, including fewer slots. Dimensions are 244 by 244 millimeters;
3. Mini-ITX– small format designed for compact cases. When choosing a motherboard 170 by 170 millimeters, keep in mind that it will be limited not only in terms of components, but also the cooling system.

There are other sizes of motherboards, but they are used less frequently and are difficult to find on the open market.

Internal connectors

Quite often, users focus on motherboards for the processor and video card, and forget about other equally important parameters. In particular, about the quality and purpose of internal connectors:

• SATA – for mounting hard drives, SSD drives, drives. At the moment, the SATA 3 connector is considered the most universal. For convenience, you can place several of these modules in a separate Express block;
• M.2 – used to connect ultra-fast SSDs. When choosing a motherboard, keep in mind that the most popular size is 2280. It is advisable that this connector be designed to work in PCI-E and NVMe mode;
• Motherboard power supply – all modern models are equipped with a 24-pin connector;
• Chip power connector – can be a four or eight pin connector. The first is suitable for weak PCs. The second prevents voltage sags even when overclocking powerful processors.

Motherboard memory slots

As a rule, large form factor motherboards are equipped with four memory slots, and compact models have 2. When choosing a motherboard, keep in mind that free RAM compartments will never hurt if you want to expand the capabilities of your personal computer in the future.

As for the type of RAM, the most popular standard today is DDR4. Regarding frequency, budget options have a maximum of 2400, 2666 MHz. Mid-class models are equipped with RAM with a frequency of 3400 to 3600 MHz. Please note that the cost of memory above 3 thousand MHz is much more expensive, although you will not feel a noticeable increase in efficiency. For obvious reasons, it is not always advisable to overpay for ultra-high memory frequencies.

Video card connector

Expensive motherboard models include PCI-E x16 version 3.0 for installing video cards. However, there may be several departments. This is necessary to install additional power in games. At the same time, installing more than one video card is a rare preferred solution, since modern graphics accelerators can cope with the assigned tasks, and free PCI-E x16 slots can be used to connect other cards - a faster SSD, sound card, etc. This connector can also be used for a Wi-Fi adapter, TV tuner and other additional components.

On the back panel of the motherboard there is a different number of external connectors depending on the class and cost of the model. Let's look at the most popular:

• DisplayPort – used to synchronize a PC with a number of monitors;
• HDMI – installed in modern motherboards that support connecting a TV;
• Wi-Fi connector - only a number of expensive models are equipped that have a built-in adapter;
• USB 3.0 – used for storage devices. It is desirable that there be from 3 to 4 units;
• RJ-45 is a mandatory connector designed for connecting to the Internet;
• audio output – for acoustics, speakers;
• microphone.

The list is not final. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a motherboard, try to decide in advance on the entire list of devices that you will use.

You must understand that cheap network cards use inexpensive electronic components, including chokes, weak transistors and the same capacitors. This indicates a short service life. Often capacitors in budget motherboards fail after they have been asleep for 1.5-2 years. For this reason, many experts recommend choosing Intel motherboards that operate on solid-state capacitors. However, there is still an active struggle between competing companies to this day, and it is impossible to say with confidence that AMD is worse. It is important to take many parameters into account.

Motherboard cooling system

The principle is simple. The larger the heatsink on the chipset, the better. Therefore, a small form factor is always riskier. In any case, if it is paired with a powerful processor. Often, due to the lack of free space, manufacturers generally have to install a cooling system on the transistor close to the processor department. In this case, it’s clearly worth limiting yourself to a weak chip. As for the number of phases, the number always coincides with the number of chokes. The larger the processor, the more rectangular parts there should be near the heatsink.

Regarding the choice of motherboard software, we need to clarify here. The firmware is responsible for managing all functions, and the BIOS copes with this task perfectly. However, most manufacturers have already switched to UEFI. What is the reason? In fact, the only difference is the more modern interface. As for the convenience of the text menu, there is no point in comparing here, because everything depends on the user. Judging by reviews from gamers, it is more convenient to manage advanced functions using UEFI. As for ordinary users, they are probably accustomed to the BIOS and are not so happy about such changes.

Optimal equipment

In most cases, the network card is equipped with an instruction manual, a disk with the necessary drivers, SATA cables, and a plug for the case. When choosing a professional motherboard, try to find out in advance how many cables you will need in order to immediately purchase them. You can find out information on the official website of the seller. Some dealers offer to order them immediately. It is worth saying that some brands offer extended equipment. In particular, ASUS generously equips the Pro version with many slats. But, more often, this negatively affects the price/quality ratio. Finally, I would like to add that the motherboard can be equipped with an integrated video card, sound card, network card and even Wi-Fi with Bluetooth. Such additions are aimed at the target audience. At the same time they are very expensive. We hope this is enough so that you can choose a motherboard to suit your needs. Good luck!