This guide reviews the best motherboards for i5 6600K gaming, video editing, and streaming with impressive specs and features. Unfortunately, choosing the ideal affordable gaming motherboard with high-end specifications can be extremely difficult, but our experts are here to help.
Namely, we tested, reviewed, rated, and answered some frequently asked questions regarding four amazing motherboards for pro gaming. Therefore, keep reading our extensive guide to become a professional at motherboards with stunning form factors.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Product | Details |
| Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 ATX Motherboard ATX DDR4 NA Motherboard
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| GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 (LGA1151/ Intel/ H310/ Micro ATX/ DDR4/ HDMI 1.4/ M.2/ Motherboard)
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| Asus Intel 8th Gen DDR4 HDMI Micro VGA ATX LGA Motherboards (Prime H310M-E R2.0)
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| GIGABYTE B365M DS3H (LGA1151/Intel/Micro/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB3.0)
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The 4 Best Motherboards for I5 6600K Reviews
Read the following detailed reviews to get more information about each product and make the right decision.
1. Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA
Pros:
- It is the least expensive motherboard featured in this guide.
- It has a maximum memory capacity of 64 GB.
- There is an Intel USB 3.1 with USB Type-C and PD 2.0 100W support.
- It includes the Intel GbE LAN with cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator Software.
Cons:
- There are not enough USB 3.1 ports for modern gaming and editing.
- It does not support later than 6th generation Intel processors.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 7 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 9 out of 10
Expansion slots: 8.5 out of 10
SATA ports: 8 out of 10
The Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA motherboard is not as powerful as the PC Mate, but there are certain exceptional specifications and features. As you can see, we listed this product’s pros and cons and rated its four critical criteria essential by current gaming standards. Namely, the Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA motherboard only supports the 6th generation Intel Core processors, which is not ideal for high-end gaming. Therefore, our experts provide a final score of 7 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
Fortunately, the Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA motherboard rates much better for the other key criteria because it has superior specifications. Namely, customers can enjoy up to 64 GB GDDR4 storage capacity, which is more than enough for most modern games. Additionally, this product offers four memory slots available to boost your gaming setup’s overall gaming performance. As a result, we give a final score of 9 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
Any professional motherboard, such as the ASUS Rog, must be compatible with various gaming components and devices. As a result, the more premium expansion slots your motherboard has, the better the overall performance and compatibility. For example, the Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA motherboard has Intel USB 3.1 with USB Type-C and PD 2.0 100W support, which should be enough for most requirements. Henceforth, this motherboard gets a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the expansion slots key criterion.
Lastly, SATA ports are essential for high-end gaming because they provide additional SSD compatibility, which is essential for more memory. Fortunately, the Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA motherboard has an NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 22110 M.2 interface and U.2 interface for Intel SSD 750, which is enough for most games. Moreover, customers get the ultimate support for Intel 3 SSD in RAID 0. Consequently, our experts provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: The Gigabyte Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 NA motherboard has impressive memory and expansion slot support but lacks proper processor compatibility. Thus, customers needing a lot of memory will benefit from this product’s key criteria the most. As a result, this unit might be your ideal choice.
2. GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4
Pros:
- It offers improved support for most generation Intel processors.
- There is an 8-Channel HD audio with high-quality Audio capacitors.
- It has incredible support for RGB LED strips in seven colors.
- The maximum memory speed is ideal for most common tasks.
Cons:
- There is not enough maximum memory storage capacity.
- This gaming unit is not readily available.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 7.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 8.5 out of 10
The GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard is one of the most affordable units with stunning specifications and features. Namely, this unit has incredible processor values because it supports all 9th and 8th generation Intel processors, including the AMD Ryzen and Intel Celeron. As a result, customers do not have to worry if their motherboard is compatible with their gaming components. Thus, our experts agreed on a final score of 9.5 out of 10 for the processor criterion, nearly missing a perfect score.
Unfortunately, the GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard’s most serious drawback is memory because it does not offer enough maximum storage capacity. Modern games and video editing programs require a lot of memory, so it is vital to have enough storage. Namely, the GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard only offers up to 32 GB RAM, which is enough for most mid-range games. As a result, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion, this product’s lowest score.
The GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard has amazing expansion slot support so customers can pair all gaming devices. For example, customers get the Intel USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB Type-C CEC 2019 Ready software, all the support you need. Additionally, this fantastic motherboard offers the standard USB 2.0 and Display ports, so you should be okay. Henceforth, our experts provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the expansion slot key criterion.
Lastly, the GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard does not receive a perfect score for the last key criterion, but that does not make it bad. Namely, this product offers an ultra-fast M.2 with PCIe Gen2 x4 and a SATA interface for improved gaming and video editing experience. In addition, customers get an 8-Channel HD audio with high-quality audio capacitors that produce impressive sound output. Thus, this amazing product receives a final rating of 8.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports key criterion.
Overview: The GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard is one of the finest products regarding processor support. Therefore, customers wanting ideal processor support for most modern games and programs will benefit from this product’s high-end features the most. But, of course, you will love it too.
3. ASUS Prime H310M-E R2.0 Intel 8th Generation ATX Motherboard
Pros:
- The 5x Protection III Hardware-level safeguards provide component longevity and reliability.
- The fan software delivers advanced fan controls for dynamic cooling.
- This amazing product fits any gaming setup easily.
- It is explicitly designed for 8th-generation Intel processors to maximize connectivity and speed.
Cons:
- There is not enough maximum memory storage capacity.
- The overall memory speed is not ideal for premium games.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 7 out of 10
Expansion slots: 8 out of 10
SATA ports: 8 out of 10
The ASUS H310M-E Prime R2.0 Intel motherboard is not the best-performing product featured in this guide, but it offers some exciting features. Namely, manufacturers designed this unit specifically for the needs of all 8th generation Intel Core processors; that is everything you need. As a result, this unique support maximizes speed and connectivity with an integrated M.2 slot. Consequently, the ASUS H310M-E Prime R2.0 Intel motherboard receives a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
Next, the ASUS H310M-E Prime R2.0 Intel motherboard does not get a high rating for the memory (RAM) key criterion. Namely, this fantastic unit lacks maximum memory storage capacity because customers can only use up to 32 GB RAM, which is not ideal for high-end games. Additionally, customers do not get an impressive boost in memory speed, so they should be careful overclocking their gaming setup. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 7 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
Fortunately, the ASUS H310M-E Prime R2.0 Intel motherboard gets improved ratings for the last two key criteria, an excellent quality indicator. For example, this unit has a single USB 3.1 Gen 1 front-panel connector, which is 10x faster than USB 2.0 with instant plug-and-play connectivity. Additionally, this technology avoids back-breaking contortions in the hunt for hard-to-reach rear ports, ideal for gaming and streaming. Henceforth, our experts provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the expansion slots’ key criterion.
Lastly, the ASUS H310M-E Prime R2.0 Intel motherboard receives an identical rating for the SATA ports criterion for several reasons. First, this unit has an integrated M.2 slot and 5x Protection III Hardware-level safeguards for ultimate SSD support. Additionally, customers can enjoy four SATA ports and flexible controls for ultimate cooling and quietness, plus GPU-temperature sensing for cooler gaming. Henceforth, the SATA ports key criterion gets a final score of 8 out of 10.
Overview: The ASUS H310M-E Prime R2.0 Intel motherboard is not a premium product but has great processor support and connectivity features. So, customers wanting a cheaper alternative for their gaming builds will benefit from this product’s critical criteria the most. Therefore, it would be best to try this amazing product.
4. GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 Motherboard
Pros:
- It supports 8th and 9th generation Intel processors.
- The dual-channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory is ideal for gaming.
- Customers get an impressive boost in clock speed for demanding tasks.
- The hybrid digital PMW design looks attractive and blends into any setup.
Cons:
- It is one of the most expensive units featured in this guide.
- Similar brands have better audio noise guards and LED trace path tracing.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 10 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 9.5 out of 10
After thoroughly testing this amazing unit’s specs and features, our experts believe the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard is the perfect product for your gaming setup. As you can see, this great motherboard scores higher in all key criteria than the other featured products because it offers unique features. Namely, customers can enjoy the incredible 8th and 9th generation Intel processor support across any gaming setup. However, as a result, our experts provide a final score of 9.5 out of 10 for the processor key criterion, missing a perfect score.
Fortunately, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard gets a perfect score for the second key criterion because it is one of the best units regarding memory. Namely, customers can enjoy up to 64 GB of maximum memory storage, ideal for all modern games and editing programs. Also, this product boosts the clock speed to 2,666 MHz, providing customers with many overclocking possibilities. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 10 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion, this product’s highest score.
The expansion slots key criterion does not receive a perfect score, but it is still enough to satisfy everyone’s needs and requirements. Namely, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard has the standard USB 2.0 ports, but it also features USB 3.1, HDMI, and Display ports, providing customers the support they need. As a result, you can easily pair any gaming device to boost your overall experience. Therefore, the expansion slots key criterion gets a final score of 9 out of 10.
Lastly, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard is nearly perfect for the SATA ports criterion, proving its superb specifications. For example, customers get an ultra-fast M.2 with PCIe Gen3 x4 and SATA interface for ultimate gaming experience and memory support. Furthermore, these amazing slots and ports allow customers to effortlessly add additional memory using an SSD, which is essential by today’s standards. As a result, our experts agreed on a final score of 9.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports’ key criterion.
Overview: The GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard is the ideal all-in-one product because it has impressive memory and processor specifications. Therefore, customers wanting the ideal gaming product will benefit most from this product’s features. So, we highly recommend purchasing this unit.
Buying Guide
Now that you know much more about these great products, it is time to teach you what to look for in premium motherboards. The following sections explain more about the product’s critical criteria.
What Are the Benefits of The GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0?
The most significant benefits of the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard are memory support and overclocking specifications. The motherboard is your computer’s foundation and is where you combine all the computer parts to create a single gaming unit. Therefore, choosing the ideal motherboard for your following gaming setup is essential, and you must take your time.
So, let us take a closer look at the following bullet list to learn more about this product’s most prominent benefits:
- Overclocking – the motherboard handles extreme pressure and temperature
- Memory support – it is impossible to play the latest games without much RAM
As you can see, modern gaming units must have these features to overperform similar products. Fortunately, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard has both featured benefits, so customers do not have to worry if this unit is powerful enough for high-end gaming. However, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard has additional benefits, but we will not discuss them in this article.Â
Before we thoroughly explain more about the overclocking and memory support benefits, we must note the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard is not the most expensive unit, yet it is powerful. Although you can purchase more expensive units, this gaming product has all the support you need. Therefore, customers wanting an all-around product with ultimate features will benefit from this product the most.
– Overclocking Is Essential
Overclocking refers to your motherboard’s ability to perform well under heavy pressure and high temperatures, usually during extended gaming. Fortunately, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard has an incredible boost clock speed that is enough to withstand the pressure and keep your computer cool.
Additionally, customers must always provide enough cooling fans for their computers to maintain an even temperature constantly. The GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard provides the necessary fan support so that you will have no issues regarding maximum overclocking values during heavy gaming and video editing.
– Memory Support
The GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard’s second most critical benefit is memory support because customers get everything they need. Namely, you can install up to 64 GB of maximum memory storage and achieve a boost memory speed of 2,666 MHz, which sounds impressive for a product at this price.
Excellent memory support is essential in the modern gaming world because games are becoming more demanding, so it can be impossible to enjoy the latest games with old computer setups. Fortunately, the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard will not disappoint you, and you will enjoy all modern games without any problems.
Conclusion
Customers can purchase many available motherboards right now, making your final decision more difficult and sometimes impossible. As a result, our experts created this ultimate beginner guide that explained all details regarding four great and affordable motherboards with ideal specs and features.
So, it would be best to purchase the stunning GIGABYTE B365M DS3H USB 3.0 motherboard because we believe it is the ultimate all-in-one gaming unit with incredible memory support and overclocking values. On the flip side, our experts highly recommend getting the GIGABYTE H310M A 2.0 HDMI 1.4 motherboard because the only drawback is RAM support. Fortunately, you will enjoy all four products featured in this guide because they are ideal budget buys.Â