We feature the best budget Z390 motherboard with advanced specifications and features for gaming and streaming. Although premium gaming products such as graphics cards and gaming motherboards can be extremely expensive, many affordable units with unique features exist.
As a result, our experts created this detailed article featuring four great motherboards with stunning form factors and many expansion slots.
Keep reading every section if you want to become a professional on motherboards and choose the most refined budget product.
Comparison Table
| Product | Details |
| GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WiFi Intel LGA1151 Z390 ATX 2x M.2 Thermal Guards
|
|
| MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 Intel 8th and 9th Gen M.2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 DDR4 HDMI DP
|
|
| GIGABYTE Z390 UD LGA 1151 300 Series Intel Z390 SATA 6Gb/s ATX Motherboard Intel
|
|
| MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 DDR4 HDMI Wi-Fi
|
|
The 4 Best Budget Z390 Motherboard ReviewsÂ
Our experts are confident you know more about these products after reading the previous table. However, keep following the next sections to understand more about each product’s detailed pros and cons.Â
1. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WiFi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard
Pros:
- It supports all 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors
- There is dual channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory with four DIMMs
- There are 12+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution with DrMOS for improved performance
- The advanced thermal design prevents it from overheating during heavy use
Cons:
- It is one of the least affordable featured units in this guide
- The RGB lighting is not as powerful as the Asus Rog Strix
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 8 out of 10
Expansion ports: 9.5 out of 10
SATA slots: 9 out of 10
The GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 PRO Wi-Fi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard is the first featured product and is the least affordable in this guide. However, its unique features, specifications, and options are enough to satisfy everyone’s needs and requirements. For example, this gaming motherboard supports all 8th and 9th Generation Intel processors, indicating its high-end abilities. Our experts therefore agreed on a final score of 9 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
On the contrary, the GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 PRO Wi-Fi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard’s most prominent drawback is memory speed. Namely, although there is maximum memory storage of 128 GB DDR4, which is terrific to current standards, there is not enough top memory speed. So, unfortunately, this gaming product might struggle with premium video editing software and games, unlike the AORUS Elite. Because of this, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion, this unit’s lowest rating.
Although this product’s cost is the highest in this guide, it is still affordable compared to high-end motherboards, so you should not worry. Fortunately, the GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 PRO Wi-Fi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard has many expansion ports throughout the whole board. Namely, the PCI Express x16 graphics interface and many USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports allow customers to pair their gaming devices and gadgets. Thus, our experts give a final score of 9.5 out of 10 for the expansion ports’ critical criterion.
Lastly, the GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 PRO Wi-Fi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard has an identical form factor and SATA port support as the AORUS Master. The premium motherboard must have many SATA ports so customers can install external memory, such as SSDs, essential for storing large files. In addition, this product has four DIMMs and an Intel Optane Memory Ready feature. Hence, the GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 PRO Wi-Fi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard is rated 9 out of 10 for the SATA port criterion.
Overview: The GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 PRO Wi-Fi Intel ATX M.2 Motherboard is an excellent budget choice that only lacks memory speed. Therefore, this motherboard will be your ideal choice if you do not care about high memory speeds. We highly recommend trying this unit.
2. MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard
Pros:
- The LGA 1151 CPU socket supports nearly all modern processors
- The PCI Express Gen 3 x4 graphics interface maximizes performance for NVME SSDs
- There are 8+4-pin CPU connectors for standard support
- The MSI extended PWM and enhanced circuit design boost high speeds and performance
Cons:
- The all-black design might not be ideal for all gaming setups
- There is no RGB LED lighting for an improved visual experience
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 10 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 10 out of 10
Expansion ports: 9.5 out of 10
SATA slots: 9.5 out of 10
The MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard is the first featured unit with perfect ratings on several criteria, proving its immense power. Namely, this gaming unit supports 9th i9-9900K, i7-9700K, i5-9600K, 8th Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors for the LGA 1151 socket. As a result, customers should not worry about compatibility because any CPU will fit. As a result, our experts believe this unit deserves a perfect score of 10 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
Furthermore, the MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard receives another superb rating for the following criterion thanks to its impressive memory features. Namely, customers can enjoy up to 128 GB DDR4 RAM using any of the four available memory slots. However, this unit’s most prominent feature is the impressive 4,400 MHz top memory speed, which is ideal for heavy gaming. Thus, we give a final rating of 10 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
The MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard has a slightly lower rating for the last two criteria, but you should not worry. Customers can quickly locate many slots and ports on the boards, including several USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 2.0, HDMI, DVI, and Display ports on the back. Fortunately, the PCI Express Gen 3 x4 graphics interface maximizes performance for NVME SSDs, similar to the MSI Meg. Hence, our experts agree on a final rating of 9.5 out of 10 for the expansion ports criterion.
Ultimately, the MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard has several SATA ports that customers can use to install external memory. Fortunately, the slots are easy to locate and use, so users will not experience any inconveniences. In addition, the MSI extended PWM and enhanced circuit design boost high speeds and performance, which is excellent for gaming. So the MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard deserves a final rating of 9.5 out of 10 for the SATA slots criterion.
Overview: The MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard checks all the boxes and receives impressive overall ratings. Therefore, this motherboard is the best choice for gamers wanting to experience premium and affordable products. We are confident you will love it too.
3. GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard
Pros:
- Customers can quickly pair the latest 8th and 9th Generation Intel processors
- The improved 10 + 2 phase digital PWM design looks impressive
- Gigabyte Exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN with Bandwidth Management
- Multi-lane graphics support with PCIe Armor and ultra-durable design
Cons:
- The RGB LED light strip does not perform as well as the Rog Strix
- Certain Intel processors might not be compatible
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 10 out of 10
Expansion ports: 9 out of 10
SATA slots: 9.5 out of 10
As you can see, the GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard receives a single perfect rating on all criteria, indicating its qualities. But first, this gaming unit supports nearly all Intel processors with several exceptions. Namely, customers can use all 8th and 9th Generation Core processors, but they cannot install Celeron or Pentium CPUs. Therefore, our experts believe this unit deserves a rating of 9 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
Fortunately, the GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard’s only excellent rating is for its memory support. Namely, besides getting an impressive memory storage capacity of 128 GB DDR4, customers can also experience games and video editing software at 4,400 MHz top memory speed. A high memory speed is essential for experiencing games at high settings, especially modern titles. Thus, we give a final rating of 10 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
The GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard does not get a perfect rating for the last two criteria, but it is still impressive. Namely, the improved 10 + 2 phase digital PWM design looks unique, and there are many USB, HDMI, DVI, and Display slots. Fortunately, customers can experience the Gigabyte Exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN with the Bandwidth Management feature. Thus, the GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard deserves a final rating of 9 out of 10 for the expansion ports criterion.
Finally, the GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard gets a similar rating because there are many SATA slots. Namely, customers get an NVMe PCI Express Gen 3 x4 22110 M.2 Connector with impressive speed and power. In addition, the multi-lane graphics support PCI Express Armor and an ultra-durable design. As a result, our experts agreed on a final rating of 9.5 out of 10 for the SATA slot criterion, nearly missing a perfect score.
Overview: The GIGABYTE Z390 UD 300 Series Intel Z390 Motherboard has one of the most exemplary memory supports among budget motherboards. Therefore, customers wanting fast motherboards will benefit the most from this product’s specs and features.
4. MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard
Pros:
- It supports dual channel DDR4 memory, up to 4400 (OC) MHz
- The Mystic Light RGB LED feature looks incredible and fits all gaming setups
- Manufacturers designed this motherboard for extreme performance
- There are two M.2 Turbo slots and an Intel Optane Memory Ready feature
Cons:
- This fantastic product is not readily available
- Some overheating issues might appear during heavy gaming
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 10 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 10 out of 10
Expansion ports: 10 out of 10
SATA slots: 9 out of 10
The MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard is the first product with three perfect ratings, proving its immense ability. Namely, this unit has premium CPU support, meaning customers can install all 9th i9-9900K, i7-9700K, i5-9600K, 8th Generation Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors. Fortunately, the LGA 1151 CPU socket is ideal for professional gaming and extreme video editing. As a result, we provide a perfect rating of 10 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
Furthermore, the MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard has memory support identical to the previous units. For example, there is maximum memory storage of 128 GB DDR4 and a top memory speed of 4,400 MHz, which is excellent for a product at this cost. Also, four DIMM slots are boosting the overall performance and speed. Thus, our experts give a final rating of 10 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
The MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard features a Mystic Light RGB LED feature that looks incredible and fits all gaming setups. In addition, there are many expansion ports, including two M.2 Turbo, USB Turbo 3.1 Generation 2, and frontal USB 2.0 slots. Hence, this is all the professional support users need for various functions and operations. The MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard deserves a rating of 10 out of 10 for the expansion ports criterion.
Lastly, customers will love this unit’s SATA specs and features, although they are not ideal. Namely, the MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard has many SATA slots and supports the Intel Optane Memory Ready option. In addition, manufacturers designed this motherboard for extreme performance during heavy use, so you will not experience any lags or delays. Hence, our experts agreed on a rating of 9 out of 10 for the SATA slot critical criterion.
Overview: The MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard is the best-rated product, which is excellent for a unit at this cost. Therefore, customers needing premium gaming units will benefit the most from this motherboard’s specs and features. Purchasing this product might just be your best choice.
Final Conclusion
Finding the best budget Z390 motherboard can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if you do not know what to look for. Because of this issue, our experts wrote this comprehensive article featuring four stunning motherboards with an affordable cost and premium specs and features.
Thus, we highly recommend purchasing the MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC LGA1151 M.2 Motherboard because it checks all vital criteria and has the best rating. On the flip side, it would also be best to buy the MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 M.2 DDR4 HDMI DP Motherboard because it is a superb all-in-one product. However, you will not make a mistake purchasing any of the four featured products above because they are all excellent.