best motherboards for intel 12th gen
Looking for the best motherboard for Intel 12th gen processor? Look no further! Our article lists the top motherboard options, taking into consideration features, price, and overall performance. Whether you’re building a gaming rig or a workstation, we’ve got you covered.
Here we are going to take a look at what constitutes a good motherboard. On a technical level, identifying a good motherboard can be difficult. In any case, we have selected a motherboard that is perfectly suited to your new Intel Alder Lake processor. AMD’s high-end Ryzen processors now have a viable competitor with Intel’s new 12th generation CPUs, codenamed ‘Alder Lake’.
Whether you’re looking for the best gaming motherboard chipset or you have any other questions, please read on.
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1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi ATX Gaming Motherboard
The first item on our list of best motherboards for intel 12th gen is the Asus ROG maximus Z690. The ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has been designed to differ from the earlier models. The fully configurable RGB lighting and the polymeric lamp i/o cover are notable features.
Asus’ artificial intelligence overclocking function is essentially unequaled in the market right now as the Z690 hero features 20+1 resource staging and automation.
PROS:
USB-C Thunderbolt 4 dual ports
Quick Release of PCIe Slots
A total of 20+1 stages of power (90A)
CONS:
Ethernet does not support 10Gb
Compared to more premium models, there are fewer power stages
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2. GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master
Compared to the previous version of Aorus Master, this one comes with a sleek and fashionable I/O cover and a complementary cooler. This 15.6-inch Master’s remarkable 20+1+2 VRM layout ensures a safer and more effective power supply.
As far as fashion integrating DDR5 RAM goes, Gigabyte’s Aorus board is unquestionably the most powerful and has an assortment of other features that make it stand out. The Gigabyte Chipset Master offers great performance, beauty, and utility.
PROS:
Designs for Direct Digital VRMs 20+1+2
LAN with 10 GBASE-T
USB 3.1 Type-C
CONS:
A very expensive product
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Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus
A good-looking, well-performing, and cost-effective option in the Z690 ITX space, the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus has performed well in our testing. For $329.99, you’ll get two M.2 sockets, a modern premium audio codec, 105A MOSFETs that can support any CPU, and it’s designed with RGB in mind.
It costs 399.99 to buy the MSI MEG Z690I Unify, 299.99 to purchase the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4, and $409.99 to buy the Asus ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi 6E. There is no real difference between the two ITX boards, but the price and your requirements make the difference.
The MSI board is the only one with three M.2 sockets, the other boards have extra SATA ports, and all of the boards have Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE, two M.2 connectors, and at least two SATA connections. The ASRock board falls behind on audio codecs, but few people notice.
We like the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus. It offers an overall comprehensive and reasonably priced SKU while the PCIe slot of the previous version has been resolved.
Aside from that, this is the first Z690-based ITX board with RGB LEDs, giving it a distinctive look in your case. A good Z690 Mini-ITX choice, the Ultra Plus is also the best for the price, but if you want more than two SATA drives, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
PROS:
ITX Z690 rivals are more expensive
A premium look is enhanced by RGB LEDs.
MOSFETs with 105A current capacity
CONS:
SATA ports are limited to two
There is no support for SATA M.2
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Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WIFI
ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi
Best Intel 12th Gen Motherboard
After extensive benchmark testing and an examination of its extensive feature set, the Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WIFI emerged as one of the best compact motherboards in the B660 segment.
Among the features of the compact board are two M.2 ports, built-in Wi-Fi 6, an upgraded audio solution, a PCIe 5.0 slot, and these. There is only one actual hardware issue: the hot VRM temperatures. However, keep in mind that these were observed during a stress test, which isn’t a normal loading scenario.
We couldn’t ask for much more from a board of this kind. It’s fairly priced, packed with features, and has solid performance. Compared to comparable DDR5-based boards, it performed very well in all our tests.
As an ITX board, the Asus ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WIFI is a great choice if you don’t intend to overclock your Alder Lake processor and want to save some money. If you do, there are some Z690 options (we’ve already reviewed two, the ASRock Z690 PG ITX-TB4 and MSI MEG Z690I Unify), but most cost more than $300.
PROS:
M.2 sockets on both sides
Audio of the highest quality
A PCIe 5.0 port is available
CONS:
Rear IO only has six USB Type-A ports
Stress tests with hot VRMs
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ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi
There are still a lot of ASUS TUF Professional fans out there because of the almost unbeatable value it provides and the almost unbeatable price.
There are significant improvements in the power performance of the TUF Gaming Z690 since the last generation of boards. With 14+2 DrMOS power stages and Digi+ VRM, it offers incredibly long life and an incredible amount of performance.
As Asus’ Fan Xpert technology, the motherboard has a PCH fanless cooler, a VRM CPU cooler, and a M.2 cooling fan for a much better cooling system.
PROS:
Power stages 14+2
USB 3.1 Type-C
SSDs with M.2/NVMe interfaces
CONS:
4GB of DDR
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ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi Mini-ITX Gaming Motherboard
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi 6E
There is no doubt that ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I is one of the best mini-ITX processors on the market. It is very well-made, loaded with features, and very reliable.
We see that the Strix Z690 supports Thunderbolt 4 USB-C connectivity along with DDR5 RAM and PCIe gen 5, although this is an ITX motherboard so it can be better.
In spite of this, the motherboard is still extremely feature-rich. A thermal expansion plate is used for heat dissipation, which makes the VRM time more robust. This chip also has company audio and HDMI 2.1 features. These little boards are very powerful.
PROS:
The power stages are 10+1
A Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C port and one Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-A port
CONS:
Models similar in price but with less power and features
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ASUS Prime Z690 P Best Budget Gaming Motherboard
ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi LGA
In the list, we recommend the ASUS Prime Z690-P, which has a maximum payload speed of 6000Mhz, which is what we recommend when selecting a DDR5 compatible motherboard.
There’s no way anyone will be disappointed with this laptop because it’s compatible with DDR5, PCIe 5.0, as well as Bluetooth 4.
In addition to Wifi 6, the ASUS Prime Z690-P comes with 14+1 power levels, 2.5Gb ethernet, and more. Without the high price tag of most of the other motherboards listed here, the Prime Z690-P is a marketing or promotional motherboard with a lot to offer.
PROS:
The power stages are 10+1
USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4
CONS:
Models similar in price but with less power and features
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MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi DDR4 ProSeries Motherboard
MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi DDR4
The MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi motherboard offers excellent reliability and durability for a cheap motherboard.
A computerized PWM system ensures that the electrical components on your workstation motherboard are protected. It also shields your graphics card against damage by providing steel armor between it and the motherboard.
A diamond-protected graphics card is also protected from electromagnetic radiation (EMI) reaching your system since these shields prevent your computer from bouncing around.
Because your 12th generation Intel Core CPU needs to be fully utilized, the motherboard also includes advanced interface technology and battery capacity technology.
PROS:
Copper circuits provide long-lasting performance
Chipsets, SSDs, and transistors are protected from overheating by heavy plated heatsinks
Reusing old RAM chips is possible with DDR4 slots
CONS:
Integrated graphics are not available
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MSI Z690 Force WiFi ~Best Overall 12th Gen Motherboard
MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming Motherboard
MSI certifies memory using the most reliable memory manufacturers in harsh environments to ensure the stability of my system.
With memory providers such as Samsung, Essential, Kingston, G.Skill, and many others, we optimize memory cards, setups, and even overclocking.
Designed with gamers in mind, MSI motherboards have a variety of connectors. Each gameplay becomes more immersive with the help of enhanced audio, advanced LAN software, USB ports, and the Mystic Light feature.
PROS:
The 2.5G LAN lets you enjoy multiplayer gaming
Gaming-specific audio processors
With steel armor, removable parts are protected
The Intel Wi-Fi 6E offers a maximum internet bandwidth of 2,400Mbps
CONS:
Integrated graphics are not available
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MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi Gaming Motherboard
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There is no better ATX motherboard than the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi for those new 12th generation Intel Core CPUs.
This machine is desirable because of its slightly elevated design elements like the heat sink system, reinforced memory cards, temperature pads for semiconductors, and efficient power delivery.
To transfer data across various motherboard components without latency, even the 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs require high-speed buses. As a result, manufacturers included twice as much copper circuitry. Copper improves the electrical properties of the entire desktop computer.
PROS:
Heat sinks of extra-large size maintain a low system temperature
Parts can be removed with ease thanks to reinforced slot bases
In multiplayer gaming mode, 2.5Gbps LAN provides zero-lag performance
CONS:
Integrated graphics are not available
Asrock Z690 Taichi RGB Gaming Motherboard
This motherboard is part of Asrock’s Taichi Z690 line, which has a lengthy history and is known for its mechanical components.
Back I/O seems crammed with odd things. Despite the fact that it includes two Thunderbolt Type-C connectors (Opens in a new window), Asrock also decided to place microphone connections at the center of the rear I/O panel, just as it did with its Z590. That makes a vital contribution.
With some of this endeavor, Asrock seems to be sacrificing a slightly elevated listening experience by using a subpar audio codec such as the Realtek ALC1220.
PROS:
Newest member
It has two thunderbolts
CONS:
A little pricey
Asrock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 ATX Intel Motherboard
There is no better value Z690 motherboard today than the Z690 Phantom Gaming 4. It’s also the cheapest Z690 motherboard available anywhere right now.
Obviously, this is one of the simplest basic concepts. It displays data about some of the lightest VRM heat spreaders on all Z690 motherboards with nine-phase energy.
It also lacks an over-module cooling system for M.2, a shroud and grille, as well as I/O port blocks over the back, and the chipset heatsink is fairly modest.
Z690 motherboard surprises me, however, that the Phantom Gaming 4’s rear I/O interface is superior to the Z690 Pro RS’s. Instead of the Pro RS’s six USB ports, it has eight, one of which is USB Type-C.
PROS:
The cheapest price
Cost-effective
Power system with nine phases
CONS:
There are none
Colorful IGame Z690 Ultra D5
In contrast to Biostar’s motherboard, Colorful’s latest model hasn’t yet hit the market. This motherboard is equipped with an Intel i225V Gigabit NIC that supports Wi-Fi 6 or a 90-amp semiconductor in an 18+1 power phase configuration.
As with the rest of the Z690 lineup, the board’s architecture is quite interesting. The wavy design of the PCB and all of the heatsinks set it apart from many of its competitors.
PROS:
Newest motherboards
CONS:
Quite expensive
Things To Consider When Buying best motherboards for intel 12th gen [Buying Guide]
The Z690 chipset is currently the only chipset on the market, though the B660 and H670 boards are expected to follow soon. The main market for the Z690 chipset is PC hobbyists.
Z690 Vs Z590
There has been a major change in the connection format between its Z590 and Z690, as the older LGA 1200 socket has been replaced with the more recent LGA 1700 socket, which is also the current state of the art socket for this type of computer. Regardless, it is unclear whether this socket will survive Intel’s 12th iteration of chips.
With the introduction of Z690 motherboards, a new breed of PCIe, known as Gen 5, was introduced with twice the bandwidth for 16X slots. PCIe Gen 4.0 can support up to 16GT/s (Gigabits per second) of speed.
Socket
In most cases, a current group of connections follows the same chipset and CPU model as the previous generation. A Z690 motherboard with 500 contact points has LGA 1700 instead of the LGA 1200 socket from earlier generations. Consequently, the socket diameter has increased from the conventional balanced square of 37.5 x 37.5 mm (LGA 1200) to 45 x 37.5 mm (LGA 1700).
Corsair Conquest DDR5 RAM 3, RAM
The Z690 circuits continue to promote the more inexpensive and vintage DDR4 memory, and Intel continues to modernize its hardware. RAM has also been introducing blisteringly fast DDR5 DIMMs, and Intel continues to market its new hardware.
Form Factor
When choosing motherboards, one important consideration is its smartwatch (irony intended), since if you choose to downsize, you could lose some essential features.
A wide range of motherboard sizes are available, ranging from E-ATX to the very compact Mini-ITX. The modular design of the motherboard often matches the case of your computer.
Final thought best motherboards for intel 12th gen
In the meantime, that’s all I have to say around this time; we’re glad you enjoyed reading about the 13 best Intel 12 gen motherboards. You may have trouble choosing components due to the number of alternatives available. To help you, we have created an interoperability chart above, which shows the components that will be included in your next gaming PC setup. Remember to comment and explain your thoughts.
FAQs For best motherboards for intel 12th gen
1) Which Motherboard Is Best For I9 12th Gen?
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero CPU is made with the excellent Core i9-12900K. Anyone can easily overload this processor due to its excellent VRM configuration and DC power design.
2) Is A New Motherboard Required For Intel 12th Gen?
A motherboard with an LGA 1700 socket is required for 12th generation Intel Core processors to work. A motherboard with overclocking capability is required for 12th generation processors. Most motherboards with a Z690 chipset allow CPU overclocking. You can safely overclock the Core i9-12900K with ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero due to the outstanding VRM configuration and electricity mechanism.
3) Is the Z490 compatible with the 12th generation?
Z490 motherboards will have to wait until 2021 for the implementation of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs, which is likely to move to LGA 1280 socket. Intel just announced its 10th-generation Comet Lake desktop processor, which is using a newly designed Z490 motherboard, which uses LGA 1200 socket.
4) Can DDR4 and DDR5 be used together?
This concept is extremely simple – DDR4 memory is placed on a DDR5 adapter card, and the adapter card is mounted on a DDR5 motherboard.
5) Is DDR5 a better gaming memory?
The speed of harmonics in DDR5 is comparable to DDR4-3200 at only 16 CAS. This allows games to benefit from faster harmonics. Even though the speed can only be a few times a second, it makes DDR5 more attractive to gamers.The speed of harmonics in DDR5 is comparable to DDR4-3200 at only 16 CAS. This allows games to benefit from faster harmonics. Even though the speed can only be a few times a second, it makes DDR5 more attractive to gamers.
6) Intel I9 12th Gen Good For Gaming?
Aside from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which has an insanely impressive performance from the Intel Core i5-12400F (I’ve played this a number of times and it’s a real game), the Core i9-12900KS outperforms or is on par with its competitors. The Intel Core i9-12900KS is Intel’s fastest gaming CPU to date.