Lga 1200 matx motherboard

When you're picking out the gaming motherboard that will serve as the backbone of your gaming PC, it's worth thinking about whether or not you need all the extras that come with a full-size ATX motherboard. Unless you're planning to load up on PCIe add-in cards or do some wild overclocking, you'll likely find that a Micro ATX motherboard will have everything you need to complete your build while also costing a good deal less than an ATX board.

Price isn't the only benefit of a Micro ATX motherboard. The smaller size also affords you the opportunity to build a more compact gaming PC. This means you can go for a sleeper or a more portable design. If you've already got a larger case you're planning to use, you'll still likely be able to use a Micro ATX motherboard, as many full ATX cases also support Micro ATX boards.

We've picked out a variety of Micro ATX motherboards, giving you options for AMD and Intel processors. You can even find boards with multiple PCIe x16 expansion slots ready for dual-GPU builds, models with PCIe , and some with truly stunning memory support. From budget builds to high-end rigs, you'll find a compact motherboard that can do the job here.

TL;DR – These are the Best Micro ATX Motherboards:

1. Asus Prime ZM-Plus

Best Intel Micro ATX Motherboard

CPU Socket: LGA ● Chipset: Z ● Memory Slots: 4 x DDR4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 5,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16; 1 x PCIe x16 (4 lanes), 2 x PCIe x 1 ● M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 SSD (M Key), 2 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 SSD (M Key) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC Codec ● Headers: 2 x CPU fan, 1 x AIO pump header, 2 x system fan ● RGB Headers: 2 x ARGB, 2 x RGB ● Internal I/O: 5 x Sata 6Gb/s, 2 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB , 1 x Thunderbolt, Front Panel Audio ● Rear Ports: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI-D, 1 x USB-C Gen2x2, 1 x USB-A Gen2, 2 x USB Gen 1, 4 x USB , 1 x 1Gb LAN, 3 x Audio Ports ● Size: " x "

Intel-based systems just got a big upgrade with the introduction of the newest motherboards. The Asus Prime ZM-Plus offers up the latest PCIe interface for extra-fast storage drives and add-in cards. And this motherboard doesn't skimp out. With an 11th-Gen Intel Core processor slotted in, you'll be able to load up three M.2 SSD slots with one running at PCIe x4 speeds, and you'll also get a full-speed PCIe x16 slot for graphics or other high-bandwidth peripherals. Even though this is a mATX board, Asus manages to also tack on an additional PCIe x16 slot (with 4 lanes) and two PCIe x1 slots.

This motherboard provides plenty in the way of other features as well. You can load in a bunch of RAM and clock it up to 5,MHz. You can also manage a host of RGB devices off the board's various headers. There are also a bunch of options for USB connectivity, including higher-speed options like USB Gen2x2 with 20Gbps transfer rates. Thunderbolt 4 support is also built in.

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2. MSI MPG ZM Gaming Edge Wi-Fi

Best High-End Intel Micro ATX Motherboard

MSI MPG ZM Gaming Edge Wi-Fi

CPU Socket: LGA ● Chipset: Z ● Memory Slots: 4 x DDR4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 5,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16; 1 x PCIe x16 (4 lanes), 1 x PCIe x 1 ● M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 SSD (M Key), 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 SSD (M Key) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC channel Codec ● Headers: 1 x CPU fan, 1 x water pump header, 2 x system fan ● RGB Headers: 1 x 4-pin RGB, 2 x 3-pin RGB ● Internal I/O: 6 x Sata 6Gb/s, 1 x USB Gen 2, 1 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB , 1 x Thunderbolt, Front Panel Audio ● Rear Ports: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB-C Gen2x2, 1 x USB-A Gen2, 4 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB , 1 x Gb LAN, 5 x Audio Ports,1 x Optical audio ● Size: " x "

A smaller size doesn’t mean you have to miss out on premium features. The MSI MPG ZM Gaming Edge Wi-Fi brings you the latest feature set for 11th-Gen Intel Core processors. You’ll be able to take advantage of the incredible bandwidth for add-in cards and NVMe SSDs with the PCIe support on board, and you’ll get the ability to really dial up your memory speeds.

The MSI MPG ZM Gaming Edge Wi-Fi also brings advanced connectivity. Beyond high-speed USB ports ranging from 5Gbps to 20Gbps, MSI has also put in support for some blazing fast internet. You can go for a wired connection with Gb Ethernet or you can max out on Wi-Fi, as this motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6E.

3. Asus Prime HM-Plus

Best Midrange Intel Micro ATX Motherboard

CPU Socket: LGA ● Chipset: H ● Memory Slots: 4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 4,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x16 (4 lanes), 1 x PCIe x1 ● M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M), 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC channel ● Fan Headers: 2 x CPU fan, 1 x AIO Pump, 2 x system fan ● RGB Headers: 2 x ARGB, 2 x RGB ● Internal I/O: 6 x Sata 6Gb/s, 2 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB , 1 x Front-panel audio, 1 x optical audio, 1 x Thunderbolt ● Rear Ports: 1 x USB Gen 2 Type-C, 1 x USB Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB Gen1 Type-A, 2 x USB , 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 3 x audio ports, 1 x PS/2, 1 x 1Gb LAN ● Size: " x "

The H platform offers some modern perks at a strong value, and the Asus Prime HM-Plus is a solid example of that. This motherboard costs just $, but it’s providing support for 11th-Gen Intel Core processors and brings the PCIe connectivity that comes along with that. That means loads of bandwidth for the latest graphics cards and SSDs with incredible speed.

The Asus Prime HM-Plus doesn’t skimp on extras despite its small size. Asus squeezed in an extra PCIe xlength slot and a PCIe x1 slot for additional add-in cards, plus there’s a second M.2 slot running at PCIe x4 speeds, so you won’t have to retire an older NVMe SSD just to make use of a PCIe one in your new rig.

4. ASRock HM Pro4

Best Budget Intel Micro ATX Motherboard

CPU Socket: LGA ● Chipset: H ● Memory Slots: 4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 4,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x4, 1 x PCIe x1 ● M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M), 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC channel ● Fan Headers: 1 x CPU fan, 1 x Water Pump, 4 x system fan ● RGB Headers: 2 x ARGB, 2 x RGB ● Internal I/O: 4 x Sata 6Gb/s, 1 x USB Gen1 Type-C, 2 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB , 1 x Front panel audio, 1 x Thunderbolt ● Rear Ports: 3 x Antenna, 2 x USB Gen 2 Type-A, 4 x USB Gen1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 3 x audio ports, 1 x 1Gb LAN ● Size: " x "

If you’re building a budget PC, the last thing you need to do is get stuck buying a motherboard that costs more than your processor. The ASRock HM Pro4 can get you on your way toward a complete Intel build for just about $ It’s ready for 10th- and 11th-Gen Intel Core processors, and it even supports surprisingly high-speed memory.

If you use an 11th-Gen Intel Core processor, you’ll even get some of the latest features, like PCIe for your graphics card and an NVMe SSD. Supposing you skip a dedicated graphics card to aim for a smaller, more affordable build, you can still run multiple displays, as the motherboard features an HDMI port and a DisplayPort connection on the rear.

5. ASRock XM Pro4

Best AMD Micro ATX Motherboard

CPU Socket: AM4 ● Chipset: X ● Memory Slots: 4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 4,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x16 (4 lanes) ● M.2 Slots: 2 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC ● Fan Headers: 1 x CPU fan, 1 x Water Pump, 3 x system fan ● RGB Headers: 1 x 4-pin RGBW ● Internal I/O: 8 x Sata6Gb/s, 1 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB ● Rear Ports: 1 x USB Gen2, 1 x USB-C Gen2, 6 x USB Gen1, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort , 5 x audio ports, 1 x Optical Audio Out ● Size: " x "

Whether you’re trying to gear out a Ryzen series or Ryzen series system, the ASRock XM Pro4 is ready to let you take full advantage of the latest and greatest AMD chips as well as the PCIe capabilities they provide. It has a phase power delivery to give your processor stable power. And, with support for RAM speeds beyond 4,MHz, you’ll be able to feed your processor with high-speed memory.
Add-in cards and peripherals get a boost, too. There are multiple 10Gbps USB ports on the rear I/O. You can also enjoy a ton of support for PCIe You’ll find a pair of PCIe x16 slots that’ll let you run one at full PCIe x16 bandwidth and the second at x4 bandwidth. There’s a PCIe x1 slot as well. ASRock tops it off with a pair of PCIe x4 capable M.2 slots for the fastest storage support. You can’t ask for much more on a Micro ATX board.

6. MSI MAG BM Bazooka

Best Mid-Range AMD Micro ATX Motherboard

CPU Socket: AM4 ● Chipset: B ● Memory Slots: 4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 4,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16, 2 x PCIe x1 ● M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M), 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC channel ● Fan Headers: 1 x CPU fan, 1 x Water Pump, 3 x system fan ● RGB Headers: 2 x 4-pin RGB, 2 x Rainbow LED ● Internal I/O: 4 x Sata 6Gb/s, 1 x USB Gen1 Type-C, 1 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB ● Rear Ports: 4 x USB Gen1 Type-A, 2 x USB , 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 3 x audio ports, 1 x PS/2, 1 x RJ45 ● Size: " x "

If you want to support the latest AMD processors on a slightly more affordable motherboard, you can grab the MSI MAG BM Bazooka motherboard. You won't get as many PCIe lanes to play with as X can offer, but mATX motherboards tend not to be as focused on offering a bunch of expansion slots anyway.

What you get from the MSI MAG BM Bazooka is a straightforward and compact foundation for your Ryzen rig. It supports four sticks of RAM and will even let you run them at over 4,MHz. You also get two high-bandwidth slots for PCIe devices – one x16 slot for graphics or a large card and another for an M.2 drive. MSI even includes a few headers to support RGB lighting. And, in case you're wondering, this motherboard will support the new Ryzen Series processors.

7. ASRock BM Phantom Gaming 4

Best Budget AMD Micro ATX Motherboard

ASRock BM Phantom Gaming 4

CPU Socket: AM4 ● Chipset: B ● Memory Slots: 4 ● Channel Support: Dual ● Max Memory Speed: 4,MHz ● Max Memory Capacity: GB ● Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x16 (4 lanes), 1 x PCIe x1 ● M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 4 (Key M), 1 x M.2 slot PCIe x 2 (Key M) ● Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC/ channel ● Fan Headers: 1 x CPU fan, 3 x System/water pump fan ● RGB Headers: 2 x RGB, 2 x ARGB ● Internal I/O: 4x Sata 6Gb/s, 2 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB ● Rear Ports: 4 x USB Gen1, 2 x USB , 1 x PS/2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x RJ45, 3 x audio ports ● Size: " x "

Looking to pair a new Ryzen Series processor with a motherboard that costs less than $? You can do just that with the ASRock BM Phantom Gaming 4. This motherboard is built affordably, but won't leave you lacking much. That B chipset ensures you get support for PCIe on the x16 slot to support capable add-in cards as well as an M.2 slot with PCIe x4 speeds for the fastest SSD support.

Surprisingly, the ASRock BM Phantom Gaming even has you covered fairly well for extra connections. There's no shortage of USB ports on the back or headers to front-panel ports. And, with two extra PCIe slots, you can add in extras like a Wi-Fi adapter or an extra-fast networking card.

What to Look For in a Micro ATX Motherboard

Micro ATX motherboards might be great for saving you a bit of space and being cheaper than full-sized ATX motherboards, but you should know you're making a few sacrifices. Chiefly these smaller boards often come with fewer PCIe slots—or even just one on certain models. So you should think about how many graphics cards, sound cards, capture cards, and other PCIe cards you want to install when deciding which mATX motherboard is right for you.

The smaller printed circuit board you get with mATX motherboards also means you're probably going to have fewer M.2 slots for NVMe and SATA SSDs. The good news is most boards of this size have a least two M.2 slots, but don't expect there to be four or five on some of the most premium ATX parts.

Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark