Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs, driven by Alder Lake architecture, offer notable strides in performance and power efficiency. To optimize these processors, selecting a suitable motherboard is crucial. Catering to various demands, from gamers craving overclocking abilities to professionals needing extensive connectivity, these motherboards aim to meet diverse requirements.
- Performance: We conducted comprehensive benchmarks to evaluate each motherboard’s performance, including its ability to overclock the CPU, compatibility with memory, and overall system responsiveness. This involved running various synthetic benchmarks and real-world applications to gauge performance under different scenarios.
- Features: We analyzed the features provided by each motherboard, such as connectivity options, expansion slots, onboard audio quality, and networking capabilities.
- Compatibility: We ensure the compatibility of each motherboard with Intel’s 12th-generation processors to guarantee seamless integration and optimal performance. Additionally, we examined compatibility with other hardware components like graphics cards, storage devices, and memory modules to ensure a hassle-free building experience.
Based on our evaluations, we’ve curated a selection of the “Finest Intel 12th-gen Motherboards” that cater to diverse user needs and preferences.
Best Intel 12th Gen Motherboard Table
| Intel 12th Gen Motherboard | Chipset Type | RAM Capacity | Form Factor | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX | Intel Z790 | 128 GB DDR5 | ATX | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS Strix Z690-A | Intel Z690 – A | 128 GB DDR4 | ATX | Check On Amazon |
| MSI PRO Z690-A | Intel Z690 – A | 128 GB DDR4 | ATX | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO | Intel H670 – PRO | 128 GB DDR4 | ATX | Check On Amazon |
| MSI PRO H610M-G | Intel H610 | 64 GB DDR4 | Micro ATX | Check On Amazon |
| GIGABYTE B760M DS3H AX | Intel B760M | 128 GB DDR5 | M-ATX | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS ROG Strix B660-I | Intel B660I | 64 GB DDR5 | Mini ITX | Check On Amazon |
| MSI MAG B660M | Intel B660M | 128 GB DDR4 | Micro ATX | Check On Amazon |
Best Intel 12th Gen Motherboard Reviews
1. GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Since a lot of you might be looking for a feature-rich motherboard to pair with the latest Intel 12th Gen CPU, we will start off our list of the best options with this motherboard from Gigabyte. There are a lot of options offered by Gigabyte that offer powerful specifications suitable for heavy PC builds.
Coming in 1st place, we have the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard. This is one of the finest options from the Aurus series motherboards designed by Gigabyte, which offers great specifications such as the Z790 chipset and LGA1700 CPU socket. This is also an ATX motherboard, so its compatibility with the cabinet of your choice should not be a problem. But more importantly, this motherboard supports DDR5 memory as well as PCIe Gen 5 expansion slots for better operating speed.
There are 4 M.2 slots on this motherboard for storage expansion and a 2.5 Gbps LAN port if you are looking forward to getting a gigabit or higher bandwidth LAN connection for your home or office. It is also a fine choice for future CPU upgrades as it supports Intel 13th Gen CPUs. With the XMP 3.0 memory profile, you can use up to 4600 MHz RAM modules on this board with up to 128 GB maximum memory capacity. It also has a special high-end audio capacitor that increases the output sound quality from the motherboard, eliminating the need of an external sound card.
Best Features
- It has an Intel Z790 Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- ATX form factor motherboard
- 4x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 4 standard USB ports, 5 high-speed USB ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
Pros
- It supports high-speed RAM modules with XMP 3.0 profile
- PCIe 5.0 support is available
- 5 Gbps LAN port with WiFi compatibility
Cons
- Considerably an expensive choice compared to other options
2. ASUS Strix Z690-A
As we all know, Asus is one of the best brands right now for all your gaming needs, especially the products from the ROG series from Asus. The ROG series has a lot of choices available for a motherboard, GPU, cabinets, and many other products.
In the 2nd position, we have the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A gaming motherboard. As the name suggests, this motherboard is specifically designed for gaming PC builds. So, you will get all features up to the mark of a top-of-the-line PC build. Starting with the CPU compatibility, this board offers support for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs with Z690-A chipset and LGA1700 CPU socket. Being an ATX form factor motherboard, it also has additional expansion slots such as 4 M.2 slots, and 3 PCIe expansion slots.
One of the PCIe slots is the latest PCIe 5.0 x16 slot which is perfect for high-end GPU choices like the RTX 4090 or similar options. Another great quality of this motherboard is that it is powered by AI controls which include AI overclocking, AI cooling, AI networking, and even AI noise cancellation. You will also find a lot of connectivity options on this motherboard which is great to have on a gaming PC build, such as 4 standard USB ports, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB ports, and 1 USB Type-C port as well.
Best Features
- It has an Intel Z690-A Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- ATX form factor motherboard
- 4x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 4 standard USB ports, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB ports, 1 USB Type-C port
Pros
- A lot of connectivity options are provided
- AI controller motherboard
- ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting
Cons
- Not the best option for a compact or budget PC build
3. MSI PRO Z690-A
Moving towards more of a budget choice, we have a couple of great options available on this list from MSI. MSI motherboards are not as popular nowadays as other brand choices, but they are surely an affordable alternative.
The MSI PRO Z690-A is one of the budget models for an Intel 12th Gen motherboard with a Z series chipset and support for Intel 12th as well as 13th Gen CPUs with the LGA1700 socket. But since it is a budget model, you do miss out on some advanced features such as DDR5 memory support or PCIe 5.0 support. It offers support for DDR4 memory up to 5133 MHz speed with OC support and 4x DIMM slots for multi-channel RAM installation.
The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ProSeries also comes with a premium thermal solution with an extended heat sink design, including an M.2 shield Frozr to keep your SSD cool at high load. The LAN port on this motherboard also supports up to 2.5 Gbps bandwidth which is good to have on a budget motherboard. You will also find 4 M.2 slots on the motherboard along with 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen ports, 8x USB 2 ports for extended connectivity options.
Best Features
- It has an Intel Z690-A Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- ATX form factor motherboard
- 4x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen ports, 8x USB 2 ports
Pros
- Relatively a budget choice from MSI
- Supports up to 5600 MHz memory with OC
- 4x M.2 slots are provided
Cons
- It does not have WiFi support
4. ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO
The TUF series of products from Asus are highly budget-friendly and offer a pretty good set of specifications for all product lineups, whether it is a motherboard, laptop, or even a router. Therefore, we are putting the following motherboard from the Asus TUF series on our list today.
The ASUS TUF Gaming H670-PRO is yet another budget option for an Intel 12th Gen motherboard that brings a lot of value to the product with a powerful set of specifications. With the H670-Pro chipset and LGA 1700 socket, you can pair this board with an Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPU. Plus, this is also an ATX gaming board, so you can use it with a mid or high-tower gaming cabinet without any compromises on the connectivity or cooling solutions.
And unlike most other options around this price point, this motherboard also brings WiFi support for ease of connectivity. And since the WiFi antenna is shipped separately, you can also remove the WiFi antennas in case you don’t need wireless network access. Multiple cooling solutions are also implemented on the board, such as a VRM heatsink, an AIO pump header for AIO installation, 3x M.2 heatsinks for M.2 slots, and a separate PCH passive cooling for the board itself.
Best Features
- It has an Intel H670-Pro Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- ATX form factor motherboard
- 4x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
Pros
- Comes with removable WiFi antennas
- Supports Asus AURA Sync RGB profiles
- Connectivity options are pretty good
Cons
- Not the best option for a compact PC build
5. MSI PRO H610M-G
If you are on a tight budget and have already spent a lot on the GPU and a 12th Gen CPU so far, then we will suggest going with this option from MSI for your motherboard. This is the cheapest option that you can find right now, which has support for Intel 12th Gen CPUs.
The MSI PRO H610M-G is the most affordable choice that we have found for our list of the best Intel 12th Gen CPUs today. This is a Micro-ATX board that measures only 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.5 inches in size, making it perfect for compact PC builds. But apart from the size, many other good features on the board are perfect for this price bracket. For starters, you get Intel 12th Gen CPU support along with 2 x DIMM DDR4 memory slots with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. However, the maximum memory speed support for this motherboard is limited to 2133 MHz, so keep that in mind.
It also only features a single PCIe x16 slot for your GPU and an additional PCIe x1 slot for other PCIe components, such as network cards. However, MSI has still managed to fit in an M.2 slot, so you can at least install a single fast storage drive for your system. The default display output port of the motherboard is an HDMI 2.1 port with HDR support and delivers up to 4K 60 Hz output, making it a good motherboard for display if you are not installing a GPU right now. You will also get a total of 10 USB ports on this board which is pretty good at this price.
Best Features
- It has an Intel H610M-G Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- mATX form factor motherboard
- 1x M.2 slot is provided for M.2 storage drive
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 6x USB 2.0 ports
Pros
- Most affordable option for an Intel 12th Gen motherboard
- Suitable for compact PC cases
- Best option for a budget PC build
Cons
- Available PCIe connectivity options are not future proof
6. GIGABYTE B760M DS3H AX
As we mentioned before, Gigabyte also has a lot of options for a motherboard for almost all CPU lineups, whether it is Intel or AMD. Therefore, we are including yet another option from Gigabyte on our list today which is also a budget choice.
The GIGABYTE B760M DS3H AX is also a relatively cheaper option for an Intel 12th Gen motherboard that offers many good features which are too good to ignore. First of all, it comes with an LGA1700 socket and Intel B760M chipset, which are perfect for Intel 12th Gen CPU build with decent specifications. This is also a Micro-ATX motherboard that brings support for DDR5 memory with up to 3466 MHz maximum speed memory speed support and 4x DIMM slots for multi-channel memory.
You will also get dual M.2 storage drive slots on this board and a 2.5 Gbps bandwidth LAN port for high-speed internet connectivity. This board also has built-in WiFi 6 support so wireless connections are also not a problem. For external connectivity, this board offers 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports which are good enough for basic needs. It also has 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots and a single PCIe 4.6 x16 slot for your GPU for internal connectivity.
Best Features
- It has an Intel B760M Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- mATX form factor motherboard
- 2x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Pros
- A budget option from gigabyte for anInterl 12th Gen motherboard
- WiFi 6 support for wireless connectivity
- DDR5 compatible 4x DIMM slots
Cons
- Slightly compromised connectivity due to smaller design
7. ASUS ROG Strix B660-I
Coming back to dedicated gaming motherboards, we have a special option coming from the Asus ROG series motherboards. This is the most compact option that you will find today on this list, but its specifications are perfect for a high-end PC build.
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-I motherboard is the only Mini-ITX motherboard that we have chosen for this list since Mini-ITX boards have a very specific application, which is extremely compact PC builds. For that, this board measures only 6.7 x 6.7 x 4 inches. But the specifications of this board are pretty high-end. Apart from 12th Gen CPU support with B660-I chipset and LGA1700 CPU socket, this board also has DDR5 memory support with 2 x DIMM slots and maximum RAM speed compatibility of up to 6200 MHz with OC.
You will also find a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot on this board which is capable of fully utilizing high-end GPUs like RTX 4090 or other similar options up to their full potential. And unlike most other boards, you will also find an optimized thermal design on the ASUS ROG Strix B660-I with an integrated I/O cover and high-conductivity thermal pads attached to the M.2 slots. It also has Asus AI support for AI cooling, AI networking, and 2-way noise cancellation.
Best Features
- It has an Intel B660-I Chipset
- Supports up to 64 GB DDR5 RAM
- Mini-ATX form factor motherboard
- 2x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port
Pros
- Measures only 6.7 x 6.7 x 4 inches in size
- DDR5 memory support with 6200 MHz with OC
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for GPU
Cons
- Not an ideal choice for mid tower or high tower PC cabinets in terms of cooling
8. MSI MAG B660M
In the end, we have but one more premium option for an Intel 12th Gen motherboard from MSI, making it the 3rd addition from this brand to our list today. So, you can guess just how versatile the brand is in terms of choices and differences in specifications with each motherboard model.
The MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi gaming motherboard is our last choice for this list. This is also a pretty powerful option for a gaming motherboard as it brings support for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs with LGA1700 socket and B660M chipset type. This is also a pretty small option considering it is a Micro-ATX motherboard measuring about 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.5 inches in size. So, you can easily prefer this option for a compact PC build without any doubt.
Just like our previous picks from MSI, this board also brings premium thermal solutions on the board with an extended heatsink and M.2 shield Froze for all M.2 slots. Despite being a smaller choice, it still has 4x DIMM slots for DDR4 RAM modules, allowing them to operate at up to 4800 MHz with overclocking. It also has built-in WiFi support and up to 2.5 Gbps bandwidth via the LAN port for wired connections.
Best Features
- It has an Intel B660M Chipset
- Supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM
- mATX form factor motherboard
- 4x M.2 slots are provided for M.2 storage drives
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 ports
Pros
- Micro-ATX board with powerful specifications
- 4x DIMM slots are available
- Cooling solutions are pretty good
Cons
- PCIe 5.0, and DDR5 support is available on other choices
Top Considerations When Choosing a Motherboard
Selecting the appropriate motherboard holds significant importance when constructing or enhancing a PC. Acting as the central nexus of the system, the motherboard interconnects vital components and influences factors such as compatibility and overall performance. Here are several crucial considerations to bear in mind when opting for an Intel 12th Gen motherboard:
1. Form Factor
The motherboard’s form factor, or size, dictates its compatibility with your PC case. Common form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. While ATX offers more slots and features, it requires a larger case. Conversely, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are smaller and suit compact builds. It includes the 1700 CPU socket. Choose a form factor that aligns with your case size and accommodates all components without compromising on features or room for future upgrades.
2. Expansion Slots
Expansion slots, such as PCIe and M.2, play a crucial role in augmenting your computer with additional components like graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and SSDs. Prioritize a motherboard with ample PCIe slots, especially if you plan to utilize multiple GPUs or other PCIe devices. Additionally, consider the availability and configuration of M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, which offer significant performance benefits compared to traditional SATA drives.
3. RAM Support and Configuration
Adequate RAM is crucial for optimal computer performance and multitasking capability. When selecting a motherboard, examine its specifications regarding RAM speed, capacity, and configuration options. Opt for a motherboard compatible with DDR5 memory, especially with Intel’s 12th Gen processors, for improved speed and efficiency. Consider the number of RAM slots and whether they support dual-channel or quad-channel setups to enhance overall system performance.
4. I/O Ports and Connectivity
It’s crucial to assess its I/O ports and connectivity choices, as they influence peripheral and external device compatibility. Prioritize a board with ample USB ports, notably USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C ports, for efficient data transfer and device connectivity. Additionally, consider factors such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio ports to align with your specific requirements and preferences.
5. BIOS Features and Software Support
The BIOS, essential for configuring computer hardware, significantly impacts its functionality. Opt for a motherboard featuring a user-friendly BIOS with customization options for speed, power, and system monitoring. Additionally, ensure the manufacturer offers robust support for software, guaranteeing smooth operation, stability, and security through timely driver updates.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate Intel 12th Generation motherboard is crucial for optimizing your PC setup. Considering factors such as compatibility, features, and future-readiness is vital to ensure seamless operation with Intel’s newest processors. Whether prioritizing affordability or high performance, there’s a motherboard tailored to meet your requirements. Conduct thorough research and choose wisely to unlock the full potential of your Intel 12th Gen system.
- For those seeking top-tier PC performance, the GIGABYTE Z790 represents the pinnacle of technology. Designed for compatibility with 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors, it boasts DDR5 compatibility and XMP 3.0 Memory Module Support. Additionally, its robust power design includes Twin 16+1+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution with 70A Power Stage.
- Designed specifically for those who are looking for mid-tier PC options, the ASUS TUF H670-PRO stands out with its robust performance and reliability. With support for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, Pentium Gold, and Celeron CPUs, it caters to diverse user requirements. The inclusion of a 14+1 DrMOS power solution and military-grade TUF components ensures durability and stability during prolonged gaming sessions.
- For those who are looking for entry-level PC options, the GIGABYTE B760M serves as an affordable yet performance-oriented choice. Supporting 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors with an LGA 1700 socket ensures compatibility and future-proofing. Its DDR5 compatibility and robust 6+2+1 Hybrid Digital VRM design ensure dependable power delivery for basic computing requirements
12th Gen Motherboards – FAQs
Ans: No, Intel 12th Gen motherboards are designed specifically for Alder Lake processors and are not compatible with previous-generation CPUs due to differences in socket and architecture.
Ans: Yes, some Intel 12th Gen motherboards support ECC RAM, which provides additional error detection and correction capabilities, mainly beneficial for workstation or server environments.
Ans: Yes, Intel 12th Gen motherboards support overclocking for unlocked K-series processors, allowing users to increase CPU and memory frequencies for enhanced performance.
Ans: Yes, many Intel 12th Gen motherboards support RAID configurations for enhanced data protection, performance, and redundancy across multiple storage drives.
Ans: BIOS updates can be performed using the manufacturer’s provided software utility or by downloading the latest BIOS firmware from the manufacturer’s website and updating it via USB or internet connection in the BIOS settings.
