Best Server Motherboards in 2023 – Buying Guide
Today, server motherboards have gained massive importance in the IT sector. The server motherboard is home to various small components like peripheral components, interconnects, chipsets, sockets, and other important components. The basic unit, also known as the brain of the server motherboard, is Central Processing Unit. Through the server motherboard, all the components can interact and transfer useful information to each other. you can also read Best RGB Motherboards
Being an IT expert, in my opinion, before selecting any server motherboard, one has to consider the requirements and usage of his processor. Some server motherboards are recommended for gaming and some for home purposes. Various server motherboards have different specifications and features. The best server motherboards and their features and specifications are listed below.
Comparison Table
1. MSI B450 Tomahawk Max – Budget Friendly Server Motherboard
MSI B450 Tomahawk is a budget-friendly server motherboard with distinctive features. This motherboard’s aesthetic design, with black components, funky colors, and RGB lighting, make it aesthetically perfect. The MSI Logo is printed on every radiator. It has power phases of 4 + 2 to support premium quality and sky-scraping performance. Although this server motherboard can handle processors of lower power, we recommend you to use not less than X570.
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If we talk about its specifications, it has 1 M2 slot, 6 USB ports, and 4 Ram slots. A plus point of this server motherboard is that it can handle six extra storage units. I have experienced this server motherboard and found it the best option for this budget. Its capacity to handle 6 extra storage units has impressed me a lot.
- Includes 6 fan headers to keep the extreme function in stable temperatures
- Compartments to handle 6 extra storage units.
- It features robust components.
- Affordable for medium-range builts
- There is only one M2 slot which is its drawback.
So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly server motherboard and are a gamer, MSI B450 Tomahawk Max is the best option. Its AMD Ryzen 3900X processor, along with 4 Ram slots, will provide you cost-effective and high-performance experience.
2. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B – Inexpensive Server Motherboard
Raspberry is considered a reliable server motherboard in the IT industry. It is a single board server, but it can power even robots and kiosks. An interesting fact about this server motherboard is that it can also work as a desktop computer. It can also support two monitors and provide 4k video at a frequency of almost 6o frames per second.
Raspberry Pi’s layout is similar to its previous models, but there are variations like Ethernet and USB ports. Moreover, it also has the capability of boosting the USB C port and HDMI port.
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This server motherboard supports two screens. If you use two screens, you can get the result of 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. On the other hand, if you use a single screen, you will get a 4K display at 60 frames per second on a single screen. The fast performance of this model in comparison to its previous models is due to its Cortex A72 processor.
- Support dual screens.
- It can be used as a desktop.
- It is compatible with the previous versions of Pi.
- It is suitable for use in robots.
- Using a Raspberry server motherboard can make your CPU Warm.
I have completed thorough research on this server motherboard and found it very interesting due to its dual screen compatibility and fast-speed Cortex A72 processor. So, if you are looking for a dual-screen server motherboard, Raspberry Pi is the best option.
3. Gigabyte C246-WU4 – Best Performance Server Motherboard
Gigabyte C246-WU4 is considered the best server motherboard which can be used to build NAS servers. It is somehow larger because it comes with ATX Factor. This server motherboard is not budget-friendly because it is a very powerful motherboard. So, before purchasing this server motherboard, you must understand if you need it.
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This motherboard is considered the best choice for NAS servers because it can connect almost 10 hard drives to its ports. It is also the best choice for running ECC and non-ECC memory efficiently. If we talk about the specifications of Gigabyte C246 WU4, it has one LGA socket, 10 SATA ports, and ATX Form Factor.
- The capacity to handle 10 hard drives
- It supports both ECC and Non-ECC RAMs
- The best choice for a NAS server
- It is larger and needs large chassis.
I have experience using this Gigabyte C246 WU4, and I have found that it is the best option for heavy operations like NAS and gaming. So, it can be a reliable option if you need a high-performance server motherboard.
4. ASRock X570M Pro4 – Best Server Motherboard
ASRock X570 Pro4 is a budget-friendly NAS server. It can work virtually with any Ryzen processor or AMD Athlon. It is also larger and needs a large chassis to house it. It can connect almost 8 hard drives to its 8 SATA ports. It has 4 Ram slots which can support 128 GB RAM. It can also support both Non-ECC and ECC RAMs.
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If we talk about its specifications, it has 4 Ram slots, 8 SATA ports, 10 power phase designs, and 9.6×9.6 inches Form Factor. Its 10-power phase increases the power and functioning of this motherboard by enabling all the VRMs transmission.
- Support AMD Ryzen and AMD Athlon
- Support up to 8 hard drives.
- Suitable for both ECC and non-ECC RAMs.
- It is the best option for the NAS server.
- Update of BIOS is not recommended.
- It requires large chassis to house it.
I haven’t had the chance to experience this server motherboard yet, but its specifications and features insist I buy one. So, if you are looking for the best AMD server motherboard in a budget-friendly range, ASRock X570 Pro4 is a good option.
5. ASRock H370M-ITX/PC – Mini Server Motherboard
ASRock H370M-ITX/AC is a budget-friendly mini motherboard. It has 6 SATA ports that can handle 6 hard drives. It is also the best-suited choice for NAS servers. Another interesting fact about this ITX motherboard is that being smaller in size; it requires a small chassis to house it. It is also equipped with an LGA 1151 socket which helps the user use Intel 8th and 9th generations.
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If we talk about the specifications of ASRock H370M-ITX/AC, it has one LGA socket, 6 SATA ports, non-ECC support RAM, and mini-size chassis. The only drawback of this mini motherboard is that it only supports Non-ECC RAM so you will face problems building a server.
- Suitable option for NAS servers
- It can accommodate 6 hard drives.
- Mini-size ITX needs a small chassis.
- It is the cheapest server motherboard.
- It can’t support ECC RAM.
So, ASRock H370M-ITX/AC, a mini-size motherboard, is recommended for basic tasks and operations. If you do not need a heavy server motherboard, ASRock H370M-ITX/AC is a reliable option.
6. Gigabyte TRX40 Designare – Best Ryzen Server Motherboard
Gigabyte is a brand that is known for its reliability and high performance. TRX40 Designare is its best Ryzen server motherboard. Although it is an expensive motherboard, its features and specifications make it worth buying. It is the best choice to build a heavy-duty DIY server. Content creators and home users rely mostly on TRX40 because it is the best motherboard for a home server.
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Being a gamer, I have experience using this motherboard, and I have found it very interesting due to its fast speed and heavy-duty performance. If we talk about its specifications, it has 8 SATA ports for handling 8 hard drives, four M2 slots, and wireless connectivity. It supports both ECC and non-ECC RAMs.
- The capacity of supporting ECC RAM up to 256 GB
- Suitable for heavy-duty operations.
- It is equipped with various expansion slots.
- It is quite expensive and therefore only recommended for heavy-duty users.
So, if you are a content creator or a workstation user who needs to build a heavy-duty DIY server for gaming or home purpose? TXR 40 is the best option for you as its GC Titan Ridge thunderbolt 3 AIC makes it the best server motherboard for the home user
7. ROG Maximus XIII Hero – Best Gaming Motherboard
ROG Maximus hero III is famous for its distinctive features like AI overclocking, AI cooling, AI noise cancellation, and AI networking. It can enhance the performance of the 11th Generation Intel Core processor. It provides the fastest gaming connectivity along with high-fidelity audio.
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If we talk about the specifications of the ROG Maximus Hero III, it has 4 M2 slots, 2 USB type-c ports, 14 + 2 power stages, a thermal pad, and dual onboard thunderbolts. I have thoroughly researched this server motherboard and found it the best server motherboard 2023 due to its heavy-duty performance and specifications.
- Memtest 86 is preinstalled in motherboard bios of ROG Maximus Hero III.
- Equipped with a flex key and start button
- It has four M2 slots.
- Supports high-quality fidelity audio.
- Slot 1 of M2 is disabled for 10th generation Intel.
So, ROG Maximus Hero III, due to all its specifications and distinctive features, is recommended in our list of best server motherboards. Its high-quality fidelity audio feature makes it the best option for gaming.
8. ROG Strix Z590-E – AI Noise Cancellation Motherboard
ROG Strix Z590 is a gaming server motherboard of ASUS. This server motherboard ranks number one in the ASUS gaming series server motherboards list. It can fully utilize the performance of the 11th generation Intel Core processor. It takes artificial intelligence to the next level due to its fastest connectivity options and advanced power design.
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If we talk about the specifications and features of the ROG Strix Z590, it has 3M 2 heat sinks, LGA 1200 socket, AI motherboard, 4 M2 slots, dual Intel 2.5 GB Ethernet, and 14 + 2 power stage.
- It has heating and cooling features to maintain the motherboard’s temperature.
- Its 14 + 2 power stage enhances the performance of the processor.
- Advanced Motherboard for high-end components
- It does not support 7.1 audio and has no PDIF Port.
I have experienced the ROG Strix Z590 server motherboard for gaming and Wi-Fi. I have found this product worth buying and worth using. So, if you are looking for a gaming server motherboard, ROG Strix is the best option due to its high-performing processor, robust power solution, and thermal design.
9. MSI Arsenal – Best AMD Server Motherboard
MSI Arsenal is the next version of the B 350 Tomahawk and performs better than its previous version. The RGB LED lighting installed on this server motherboard is very impressive. This server motherboard is a gaming motherboard, but the users can also use it for the workstation. It is a budget-friendly server motherboard having a Realtek controller, which enhances the audio and networking side of the processor.
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If we talk about the specifications of this MSI Arsenal, it has 1 Turbo M2 slot, MI storage Technology, DDR4 memory, Radeon graphics, and PWM heat sink. While experiencing this gaming motherboard, I found it impressive due to its turbo technology and DDR4 memory. Its extended heat sink design takes the processor’s speed to the next level.
- It supports all three generations of AMD Ryzen.
- It can support DDR4 memory up to 4133 MHZ.
- Due to turbo technology, the gaming experience is very impressive.
- BIOS upgradation is somehow late.
So, if you are searching for the best gaming server motherboard to enjoy the best speed and connectivity, MSI Arsenal is the best option for you due to its technology and high sound quality features. Moreover, it is also compatible with all three generations of AMD Ryzen.
10. MSI B550M Pro – Best Server Motherboard For Virtualization
MSI B550 Tomahawk is a server motherboard that is an ideal option for gaming. It takes the gaming experience to the next level, and its reviews are much better than the ASUS. This server motherboard can support only 3rd generation AMD Ryzen and other future AMD Ryzen processors with updates. Its feature of being compatible with the future AMD Ryzen processor is exceptional and distinctive quality. It can support memory storage of up to 128 GB. If we talk about the speed of this gaming motherboard, you will be amazed at its 4866 megahertz fast memory speed.
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If we talk about the specifications of this gaming motherboard, it has a dual channel, a non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory, two memory slots, two DIMM slots, and dual 2.5 G LAN Plus, and RGB LED lighting. I don’t have the experience of using this amazing server motherboard. Still, after seeing its specifications and features, I am willing to buy one to take my gaming experience to the next level.
- It is compatible with a third-generation AMD Ryzen processor.
- BIOS update is easy in MSI B550.
- Dual memory slots take the gaming experience to the next level.
- It is not compatible with the first and second generations of AMD Ryzen.
So, if you are looking for the best server motherboard for virtualization, MSI B550 is the best option for you because of its audio boost feature and the studio’s great sound quality. It is a budget-friendly server motherboard that you can buy with a price tag of under $200.
Buying Guide
Whenever you go to the market to buy a motherboard, it proves to be a daunting experience. Due to the advancement of technology, there are currently different server motherboards of different brands having different specifications and features. Choosing the right server motherboard for your processor is of utmost importance to get the desired result.
Some motherboards are recommended for gaming purposes, and some for home use. To solve this problem, we are providing you with some factors you should consider while purchasing the best server motherboard.
Features and Specifications
Before buying a server motherboard, any buyer must first consider its features and specifications. The specifications of the server motherboard include socket type, chipset, RAM, connection slots, and ports. The type of the motherboard is highly dependent upon the type of socket used in it. The most recommended socket types in the market are AM series and LGA.
Moreover, chipsets are the source of communication in the server motherboard. High-speed communication requires quality chipsets. The third important thing which should be considered while purchasing a server motherboard is Random Access Memory (RAM). The best series of Random Access Memory available in the market is DDR2.
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Motherboard Manufacturer
Another thing that should be considered while purchasing a server motherboard is its manufacturer. There are almost 30 companies that manufacture motherboards. Some well-known motherboard manufacturers are Acer and Zotac. The chipsets should also be purchased after considering their brands. Intel, AMD, Nvidia, and VIA Tech are some reliable manufacturers of chipsets.
Integrated Vs. Non-Integrated Motherboard
There are two types of server motherboards that are circulating in the market. One is the integrated motherboard, and the other is the non-integrated motherboard. While purchasing a server motherboard, you should consider whether you want an integrated or non-integrated motherboard. Both have their pros and cons.
An integrated motherboard is one in which all the components are installed into the motherboard by the manufacturer, which is less expensive. On the other hand, the non-integrated motherboard is one in which the components interact with the board through expansion. It is somehow costly, but the only advantage of a non-integrated motherboard is that if one component fails, you don’t have to change the whole board.
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FAQS of Best Server Motherboards
1- What do you mean by Server Motherboard?
A server board is a system board with primary components like a chipset, PCI slot, and sockets. Moreover, it is also considered the hub of your server.
2- Which is the best gaming motherboard?
Gigabyte C246 is considered the best server motherboard for gaming due to its heavy-duty performance. Moreover, it has 10 ports to handle 10 hard drives. It is the best motherboard for server and NAS.
3- Which is the best home use motherboard?
Gigabyte TRX40 is considered the best server motherboard for home users. It can support both ECC and non-ECC RAMs. Its ECC RAM can support up to 256 GB of memory.
4- What is the difference between Integrated and non Integrated motherboards?
An integrated motherboard is one in which all the components are installed into the motherboard by the manufacturer, which is less expensive. On the other hand, the non-integrated motherboard is one in which the components interact with the board through expansion. It is somehow costly, but the only advantage of a non-integrated motherboard is that if one component fails, you don’t have to change the whole board.
Final Verdict
The selection of server motherboards is highly dependent upon the use of that motherboard. Some people buy the motherboards for gaming and some for home use. The users who buy server motherboards for playing heavy games and handling heavy data require heavy-duty server motherboards.
We have provided you with the 10 Best server motherboards for your convenience. But buying all the motherboards is neither budget-friendly nor feasible. So, we recommend the 2 most capable server motherboards, which will not disappoint you.
Although other 8 server motherboards are worth buying, these 2 motherboards are most recommended for their high-performance and fast connectivity.
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