7 Best Mini ITX Motherboard Reviews | 2024 Units for an Awesome Build

Written by Branton

Last updated Jan 6, 2021

My first build was a Mini ITX PC computer that I wanted to assemble to try to optimize my amateur gaming experience in a small space. I spent months trying to find the best Mini ITX motherboard. I’ve collected all of the information I gathered and applied it to today’s market, to give you the most current list of mini ITX motherboards. I suggest that you also check out the best motherboard for Ryzen post.

Favorite Mini ITX Motherboards Comparison

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1. Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

  • Overclocking stability
  • Consistent cooling system
  • Ease of installation

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2. ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Runs very cool and quiet

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3. ASUS ROG Strix B450-I Gaming Motherboard

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

  • Powerful processors
  • Tons of light and sound modifications
  • Stylish heatsink keeps your build cool

How to Choose the Right Mini ITX Motherboard

Choosing the best mini ITX motherboard comes down to you figuring out how to optimize your build for your own experiences. Having a clear plan of what you want to build is a great start. After you’ve visualized your goals, you can move forward into how to power them.

What Are You Using it For?

By figuring out what you plan on using your build for, you can optimize your motherboard. You can find a mini ITX mobo in so many different machines, not just limited to gaming computers. Mini kiosks, for instance, are a huge market for Mini ITX motherboards.

If you want a solid PC build that can really optimize graphics, you’re going to want to push the HDMI connections and really prioritize the chipset as well. If you want a machine that can process very quickly or has a huge memory, keep that in mind as you make your selection. Focusing on your desires with your mobo will help you make the selection that’s right for you. We also suggest regular use of thermal paste – take a look at our favorites here.

Best Mini ITX Motherboard Reviews

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1. Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Features:

  • DRAM overclocking stability allows you to absolutely maximize your setup using smart predictions and thermal technology to ensure your machine is running safely

  • FanXpert 4 delivers a great cooling system, meaning that you can run your build without worrying about overheating.

  • Gamer’s Guardian uses safe Slot, ESD guards, and DRAM overcurrent protection to protect your games and ensure the longevity of your library

  • Pre-mounted I/O shield allows you to easily install your motherboard and get directly to the game

  • All black for a sleek and attractive design

This mini ITX gaming mobo is immaculate. A powerhouse with great graphics and a truly ample memory, I have never experienced a problem while running my system off the Asus ROG. This is a truly high functioning gaming motherboard, and it functions as a top-of-the-line product while still being affordable.

Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard Header
Processor 8th and 9th generation Intel Core
Memory 64GB
Graphics HDMI
ChipsetIntel Z390 Chipset

If you’re into overclocking, this will be a dream for you. The smart predictions and thermal control technology allow you to basically set up your overclock to become maximized to your specification. The cooling systems are all FanXpert, and are consistently high quality. This product doesn’t overheat or go into a thermal meltdown – it stays cool.

A great feature from the Asus family is the Gamer’s Guardian technology. Using safe slot, ESD guards, and the DRAM overcurrent protection, your computer is covered from all sides to protect itself from damage.​

The one problem I did experience came down to the physical build of the motherboard. The graphics card did cover my SATA port, which was a little inconvenient. I had to find a makeshift way to plug it in, and even then when I was still trying to use my SATA port, I wasn’t able to do so. Keep your needs in mind as you develop your build, and always remember to consider what your motherboard’s design is, along with the necessary metrics.

Pros

  • Overclocking stability
  • Consistent cooling system
  • Ease of installation
  • Overcurrent protection and safe slot

Cons

  • A large graphics card could potentially cover your SATA port

Conclusion:

2. ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Features:

  • Can easily clock to 4Ghz, meaning you can get optimal speed with minimal invasiveness

  • RAM can get up to 3466MHz, meaning you can get a lot of life out of this computer as well as speed and storage

  • Runs very cool and quiet, so you never have to worry about any sort of thermal damage or crashing

  • Incredibly straightforward system does its job as stated, and does not interfere with any further part of your build

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ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory Header
Wireless Type 802.11a
Memory 64GB
Chipset AMD Promontory B450

I wouldn’t be going out on a limb to say this is the most affordable of the mini ITX gaming motherboards, however that doesn’t mean that it is not incredibly powerful. You don’t really get what you pay for with this board — it’s not cheap by any sense of the imagination.

If you’re looking to clock immense speeds on your computer for response and load times, this would be a great motherboard for you. The RAM can also jump pretty high, so you have a lot of processing capabilities at your fingertips.

This is a simple motherboard. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad motherboard, it means it does exactly what it’s advertised to do, every time, without any additional gadgets or changes that may get in the way of the motherboard working as advertised. As far as mini ITX gaming motherboards go, this one is definitely one of the most consistent on the market.

If you want affordable and straightforward, as well as simple to install, this is a great motherboard. I’d suggest it to anyone who’s just working on their first build, or wants to have a board that they can put in and work on themselves.

However, the I/O Shield is not pretty. I mean, it’s very not pretty. If you wanted to make it a little more aesthetically pleasing, a little bit of black marker or paint will definitely do the trick. The I/O shield is just not a good fit for most setups. It’s clunky and awkward in its color and design. If you don’t mind that, or are willing to do some changes, you’re completely able to have a very pleasing board.

Pros

  • Straightforward
  • Affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Great “starter” motherboard for a computer build

Cons

  • I/O Shield is not necessarily attractive

Conclusion:

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3. ASUS ROG Strix B450-I Gaming Motherboard

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Features:

  • 5-way Optimization with auto-tuning and FanXpert creates tailored automatic overclocking profiles in order to give you the maximum overclocking capacity for your build

  • Aura Sync RGB lighting with two additional RGB headers gives you a nearly endless spectrum of colors with tons of opportunities for optimization

  • Features a high-quality 120dB stereo playback output for phenomenal sound quality

  • Powered by incredibly strong 2nd generation AMD Ryzen AM4 processors, meaning that you have a huge amount of power behind your build

  • 8-channel HD audio with ROG exclusive SupremeFX for an additional add-on that leads to some great discoveries for the user

  • Angled heatsink technology allows the build to not only look cutting edge, but remain constantly cool no matter what stress you put it through

ASUS ROG Strix B450-I Gaming Motherboard Header
Processor 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen
Graphics HDMI 2.0
Wireless Speeds Up to 1.73Gbps
Voltage. 1 volts

This is hands down the best motherboard on this list for gaming. The autotuning provided by the 5-way optimization that this board provides really basically makes a tailored automatic overclocking profiles that you can choose from, which really caters to your needs and your build without overextending your setup. The angled heatsink allows the build to basically never overheat, which was so valuable to me when I was really getting into competitive gaming.

It also lights up, which is great. The Aura Sync RGB lights come with two additional RGB headers, with tons and tons of colors and many different patterns or areas that you could optimize. If you want to incorporate light and design into your build, this would be a great option to utilize.

This is truly a mini itx motherboard AM4 processor, with tons of power behind it. If you need to keep up with online gaming, I would suggest considering this motherboard due to its speed alone.

The graphics are also phenomenal, ranging from high-quality audio to an intense visual experience. This motherboard is beautiful, powerful, and consistent, as well as really reliable. However, the BIOS are not immediately intuitive and may need some learning on your part to really become adept with them.

Pros

  • Overclocking is a breeze with the smart PC technology
  • Stylish heatsink keeps your build cool
  • Tons of light and sound modifications
  • Powerful processors

Cons

  • The BIOS are not intuitive

Conclusion:

4. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Features:

  • Incredible DRAM overclocking stability based on a combination of strong programs that lend themselves to quick and stable processing for overclocking

  • FanXpert 4 delivers wonderful cooling technology, allowing you to game harder for longer

  • Gamer’s Guardian comes equipped with a Safe Slot, ESD guard, and DRAM overcurrent protection to protect the life and quality of your build and library

  • Pre-mounted I/O shield allows for easy assembly, to let you get right to what you want to be doing

  • The maximum resolution supported is at 4096 x 2160, meaning you have wonderful clarity and in-depth gameplay

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ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming Header
Processor Intel 8th or 9th Generation
Graphics HDMI 2.0
Memory Type DRAM
Wireless Type 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Chipset Based on Intel 300 Series Chipset

This is a very stable overclocking system, and has a lot in common with the number one choice on the list. The reason this motherboard came in lower, however, is the lack of constant use with all USB devices. It’s not as fast as its predecessor, but it comes with a ton of the same capabilities in a more affordable package. If you are constantly worried about ongoing changes or the reliability of cheaper processors and motherboards, the Asus ROG Strix is a great choice for you.

The fantastic clarity gives you truly immersive gameplay, and the audio is crystal clear as well. Built with the same FanXpert technology and DRAM overclocking, as well as the Gamer’s Guardian materials, this motherboard brings sophistication to your build on a budget. With Intel processing, you can be sure that you’re receiving a reliable product. The additions that come with this gaming motherboard just make sure that you get all of the benefits that ASUS machines have to offer.

Pros

  • Easy overclocking
  • Thorough cooling
  • Gamer’s Guardian protection for additions and devices
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable

Cons

  • May not work with all USB devices

Conclusion:

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5. Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS PRO

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Features:

  • Advanced thermal design with heatsink allows you to play cool for a long time without worry of a thermal meltdown

  • Multilayered design is aesthetically pleasing and powerful, giving you a beautiful, almost custom build

  • Uses IR digital CPU power design, providing a huge punch for any user

  • Enthusiasts are able to get top quality performance out of these boards due to their CPU power connectors and the converters that attach this to the rest of the machine

  • Has two M2 slots, allowing you more access and action than ever

Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS PRO Header
Processor 8th or 9th Generation Intel
CPU Power Up to 240A
USB 3.1
Memory Speed 4266 MHz
Wireless Type 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

This is a beautiful motherboard. They based it on falcons and really brought a futuristic design to the forefront prioritizing wings. If you are someone who seeks out an aesthetic for their setup, or is looking for a very beautiful centerpiece, this may be a great board for you. 

And you don’t have to settle for poor quality, either. This is a motherboard that runs cool and quickly, and provides great access to a second M2 slot, which is hard to come by in motherboards. The IR digital CPU design gives the board a lot of power, and provides you with tons of opportunities to further maximize your setup. It’s also intuitive, and comes with RGB lighting.

Pros

  • 2 M2 Slots
  • Advanced cooling system
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • RGB lighting may not be intense enough for some RGB enthusiasts

Conclusion:

6. Asus Prime B450M-A/CSM AMD Ryzen

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

Features:

  • Gives you almost unparalleled access to next the generation of connectivity and speed with their NVMe M.2 and USB 3.1 connections

  • The audio trace path can become completely illuminated, revolutionizing your setup

  • Low volts, solid usage, and can last for a long time with moderate to intense use

  • The “backside” of the motherboard feature allows you to clean your setup with ease

  • Incredibly solid construction means that there is intense durability with this model for years to come

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Asus Prime B450M-A/CSM AMD Ryzen Header
Graphics HDMI
USBs 3.1
Processor 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen AM4
Wireless Type Bluetooth
Chipset X470

Memory

3000MHz

This is a good setup. It’s conservative about its energy usage, it is easy to assemble, and it’s easy to care for. It provides many of the same high-quality perks that you require in a modern motherboard, but it also has a similar simplicity to the ASRock discussed earlier. For a mini ITX Ryzen motherboard, you will receive a lot of quality and a lot of power, while simultaneously not breaking the bank.

For an advanced setup, this also has a low footprint, allowing you to use a battery without much interference. If you want a quality motherboard without having to deal with too many fancy additions, this would be a great board for you.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Consistent
  • Affordable
  • Intense speed and connectivity

Cons

  • Experience with AMD makes the building process easier, especially with the initial boot

Conclusion:

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7. MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC

Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

Features:

  • Fantastic RGB setup for increased aesthetics with up to 8 million shades and 16 separate effects

  • Built for high-performance gaming with a dependable and longlasting heatsink and smart connections

  • Using smart MU-MIMO technology, you can achieve speeds up to 1.73Gbps, meaning you can get the information that you want faster

  • Extended heatsinks allow for quicker and more reliable cooling

  • The Twin Turbo M.2 design allows for quicker system bootup, faster application load times, and all but instant data transfers

  • High-quality audio processors give you crystal clear sounds

MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC Header
Processor Intel 8th or 9th Generation
USB 3.1
GraphicsHDMI HDMI
Memory Speed Up to 4500MHz

If you’re interested in aesthetic and color, this is an amazing option for you. The RGB setup on this motherboard is basically unparalleled, with up to eight million shades to pick from and 16 separate color effects. That’s on top of the fact that this is an incredibly reliable motherboard for gaming. There is a lasting heatsink, and even smart connections that use MU-MIMO technology, allowing you to hit speeds of above 1.7Gbps.

This motherboard boots quickly, has great aesthetics, and provides you with crystal clear audio. It cools easily and well, and maintains its speed as it ages. This is the board I currently have on my own custom build. Just a word to the wise, however — the RAM slot 2 died on this board for me after about 8 months of consistent use. This could be due to a technical flaw, but just be aware.

Pros

  • Great cooling system
  • Durable
  • Incredibly fast
  • Great audio and graphics

Cons

  • RAM slot 2 died on my personal one, however, that may just be a motherboard specific to me scenario

Conclusion:

Processors

Your processor, or your CPU, is your big gun. This is the set of instructions that basically use circuitry to run your entire motherboard. Investing in a quality CPU will make sure that your computer puts out the right logic, arithmetic, and control for years to come, allowing it to connect to every other functioning part of your computer.

The big CPU recently has been Intel, especially 8th or 9th generation. This doesn’t mean Intel is the only one worth considering, it is just currently very versatile and popular. It’s a mid-to-high-end computer processor for consumers, workstations, and more, and replaced Pentium, which you may have heard of if you’re into more old school builds.

Chipsets

A chipset is a group of electronic components that are in an integrated circuit known as the data management flow system. This integrated circuit will really prioritize what the motherboard will be good for. For instance, researching the chipset will give you a bit of background on what kind of processor that motherboard uses, or what it’s compatible with.

Memory

The bigger the number of gigabytes, the more memory your motherboard will have. Huge memories tend to run at higher price points, but they provide great services if you’re willing to prioritize that experience.

Memory stores information for immediate use within the computer, meaning that memory will allow your computer to run faster and become more efficient. Memory is a top consideration, but that does also mean it’s a hot commodity. Investing in memory means investing in speed, but it also isn’t the only consideration. You can consider the memory speed of the motherboard as well, which will increase the capabilities of your build.

Graphics

How will your motherboard translate the graphics from their source to your computer screen? That’s an important question and one that you can only answer by figuring out how your motherboard interprets graphics. Some of the most common graphics sources of motherboards are HDMI qualities, such as HDMI or HDMI 2.0, and both are worth your consideration when building a gaming computer.

HDMI as an interface is very useful, however, it isn’t the end-all-be-all. There are also certain motherboards that may suggest you use GPUs, or require different types of audio and visual input. Paying attention to the graphics requirements of your motherboard is vital to the creation of a great home build.

The Assembly of the Board

Pay attention to how your board is put together. For instance, sometimes boards don’t take into account the amount of effort that it may take to assemble them into the computer system. If this is the case, some of the essential functions may be blocked off by different connective wires inside of your build. In one recent circumstance, in one of my builds, the SATA port was in the way of my GPU, which ended up being more of an inconvenience than it was worth.

By looking into the build and its quality, you will be able to head off any issues in the future, because the design of your motherboard will truly speak to its function.

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