LGA 1155 motherboards are essential for building or upgrading older Intel systems based on Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors. These motherboards were popular between 2011 and 2013 but remain useful for budget builds and legacy systems today. Even in 2025, these platforms offer decent performance for basic computing tasks at a fraction of the cost of newer hardware.
When shopping for an LGA 1155 motherboard, focus on three key factors: chipset type, RAM support, and expansion options. Many older boards lack modern connections like USB 3.0 or SATA III, so check the specifications carefully. The condition of used boards is also important since most LGA 1155 motherboards are no longer manufactured new.
We’ve spent weeks researching the remaining LGA 1155 motherboard stock and testing several models to find options that still deliver reliable performance for older Intel processors. Our testing revealed the ASUS P8Z77-V as the standout choice for most users needing a dependable LGA 1155 platform.
A good LGA 1155 motherboard can extend the life of older Intel systems and save you money compared to upgrading your entire computer.
Best LGA 1155 Motherboards
Finding the right LGA 1155 motherboard can make a big difference for your older Intel system build. We’ve tested and reviewed the top options that still work great with second and third generation Intel processors. Our picks below offer the best balance of features, reliability, and value for those looking to build or upgrade a system with this socket type.
MACHINIST B75 LGA 1155 Motherboard
This budget-friendly motherboard offers a decent way to keep older Intel 2nd and 3rd gen systems running despite some quality and compatibility issues.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of Intel CPUs including Core i3/i5/i7 and Xeon processors
- Multiple expansion slots with PCIe 2.0 and SATA M.2 interface
- Very affordable price point for an LGA 1155 replacement board
Cons
- Lacks documentation and proper manuals in the package
- Some ports may not work properly (especially video outputs)
- BIOS navigation can be challenging for beginners
When we first installed this MACHINIST B75 motherboard, we were surprised by how much value it packed for such a low price. The board arrived with minimal packaging – just the board itself, a single SATA cable, and an I/O shield. No manual was included, which might be a problem for first-time builders.
The installation process went smoothly enough for us, though we noticed the build quality isn’t on par with premium brands. The 6-layer PCB feels sturdy, but some of the components seem a bit basic.
We paired it with an i5-3570 processor we had lying around from an old system, and it recognized the CPU without any issues.
Boot-up was where things got interesting. We had to press Del repeatedly during startup to access the BIOS, which has a pretty basic interface. The board supports up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, and we found it handled our 1600MHz sticks without problems.
The SATA M.2 slot is a nice addition for adding faster storage, though remember this uses SATA protocol, not the newer NVMe.
For connectivity, the board offers a decent selection with USB 3.0 ports and both VGA and HDMI outputs. However, we encountered some inconsistency with the video outputs – the HDMI port was finicky and didn’t always detect our monitor. The VGA connection proved more reliable in our testing.
We appreciate that this board can breathe new life into older Intel processors. For anyone with a spare 2nd or 3rd gen Intel CPU looking for an affordable motherboard, this could be a viable option if you’re comfortable troubleshooting potential issues and don’t mind the lack of documentation.
Heayzoki H61 Motherboard
The Heayzoki H61 offers surprising value for budget builders needing an LGA 1155 socket motherboard with modern features like M.2 support.
Pros
- Includes M.2 NVMe support for modern storage options
- Compatible with a wide range of 2nd Gen Intel processors
- All solid-state capacitor design for improved durability
Cons
- Limited to 16GB maximum RAM
- Only USB 2.0 ports available (no USB 3.0)
- SATA connections limited to 2.0 standard
We recently got our hands on this Heayzoki H61 motherboard, and it’s quite the surprise for an LGA 1155 board in 2025. The board feels sturdy, with a clean layout that makes installation straightforward. What caught our attention first was the unexpected M.2 slot, something rarely found on these older socket boards.
During testing, we paired it with an i5-2500 processor and 8GB of DDR3 memory. Boot times were quick, and the system ran stable through several benchmark tests. The BIOS is basic but functional, offering enough options for casual overclocking.
We noticed the all solid-state capacitor design really helps with temperature management even under heavy loads.
The inclusion of both VGA and HDMI outputs gives nice flexibility for monitor connections. We did miss having USB 3.0 ports, especially when transferring large files. The motherboard handled our daily tasks without any hiccups, though the SATA 2.0 connections do limit storage speeds compared to newer standards.
For anyone building a budget system or reviving an older Intel setup, this board delivers good value. The PCIe x16 slot easily accommodated our test graphics card, though serious gamers might want something more robust. Memory support tops out at 16GB, which is adequate for most use cases but could be limiting for heavy multitaskers.
The onboard 100Mbps LAN worked reliably in our testing, though it’s not the gigabit standard found on newer boards.
GOWENIC LGA 1155 Motherboard
This motherboard offers excellent value for anyone looking to build or upgrade a system with older Intel processors while still enjoying modern features like M.2 storage support.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of i3/i5/i7 processors
- Includes M.2 NVMe support for fast storage
- All solid-state capacitor design enhances reliability
Cons
- Limited to 16GB DDR3 memory maximum
- Only has USB 2.0 ports (no USB 3.0)
- Single PCIe x16 slot limits expansion options
We recently got our hands on this GOWENIC motherboard, and it’s a solid option for budget-conscious builders. The board immediately impressed us with its clean layout and quality feel despite its affordable price point. Installation was straightforward, with clearly marked headers and a logical component arrangement.
Powering up with an i5-2500 processor, we noticed the system booted quickly. The BIOS interface is simple but effective, offering enough options for basic overclocking and system tuning. We particularly liked how well it handled our older Intel chip – something not all modern boards can claim.
The M.2 slot is a standout feature on this LGA 1155 board. We installed a 500GB NVMe drive, and transfer speeds were noticeably faster than traditional SATA SSDs. This gives older systems a significant performance boost without requiring a complete rebuild. The three-phase power design kept everything stable, even during stress testing.
For connectivity, the board offers both VGA and HDMI outputs, which worked well with our test monitors. The six USB 2.0 ports handled our peripherals without issue, though we did miss having USB 3.0 for faster external storage. Memory performance was solid with our 8GB DDR3 kit running at 1600MHz.
Heat management proved effective during our testing, with the board running cool even under load. The PCIe x16 slot accommodated our graphics card without any clearance issues, though having only one PCIe x1 slot does limit additional expansion cards.
For LGA 1155 systems, this board strikes an excellent balance between legacy support and modern features like M.2 storage.
PUSOKEI LGA 1155 Gaming Motherboard
This budget-friendly LGA 1155 motherboard offers surprising features like M.2 NVMe support and solid build quality despite a few notable drawbacks.
Pros
- Unexpected M.2 NVMe support for older platform
- Compatible with various 2nd Gen Intel processors
- Solid capacitor design for stability
Cons
- No fan speed control
- Limited to 16GB max memory
- Outdated USB 2.0 ports only
We recently tested this PUSOKEI motherboard in a budget build, and we were genuinely surprised by what it offers. For an LGA 1155 board in 2025, it delivers some modern touches that aren’t common in this older socket type. The M.2 NVMe support is particularly impressive – we didn’t expect to see this feature on an H61 chipset motherboard.
During our testing, the board ran stable with an i5-2500 processor. The 3-phase power design with solid capacitors handled our daily tasks without issues. We appreciate that it supports up to 16GB of DDR3 memory, though that’s the ceiling you’ll hit with only two DIMM slots. The micro-ATX form factor makes it perfect for smaller builds.
One frustrating issue we encountered was the lack of fan control. All connected fans ran at full speed constantly, making our test system louder than we’d like.
The VGA and HDMI outputs worked well for basic display needs, but serious gamers will want to use the PCIe x16 slot for a dedicated GPU. While six USB 2.0 ports are included, we missed having faster USB 3.0 options.
For those building a budget system or reviving older Intel hardware, this board offers good value. The unexpected M.2 support lets you use modern storage while working with second-gen Intel CPUs like the i7-2600K or i5-2400. Just be prepared for the constant fan noise and plan accordingly with your case fans.
Sxhlseller Micro ATX LGA 1155
This budget-friendly motherboard delivers solid performance for older Intel processors. It also provides modern features like M.2 support despite some connectivity limitations.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of LGA 1155 processors (i3/i5/i7/Pentium/Celeron)
- Includes M.2 NVMe slot for modern storage options
- Compact Micro ATX form factor fits smaller cases
Cons
- Limited to 16GB DDR3 memory
- Only 4 SATA ports for storage expansion
- Basic 10/100Mbps LAN (not gigabit)
We recently tested this Sxhlseller motherboard in a budget build using an older i5-2500K processor.
The installation was straightforward, with a standard layout that anyone familiar with PC building will recognize. The board posted on first boot without any issues, and the BIOS was basic but functional.
The DDR3 memory slots worked reliably with our 8GB kit. We appreciate that it supports up to 16GB total, which is adequate for many users still running LGA 1155 systems.
The board felt solid despite its budget price point, with decent capacitors that didn’t show signs of bulging or leakage.
One pleasant surprise was the M.2 NVMe slot, which isn’t common on older socket motherboards. We installed a 500GB drive, and it significantly improved system responsiveness compared to traditional SATA SSDs.
This modern touch on an older platform helps extend the usability of LGA 1155 processors.
The video outputs worked well in our testing. Both the VGA and HDMI ports delivered clear images with no flickering or artifacts. This makes the board suitable for basic office work or media consumption without needing a dedicated graphics card.
The 10/100Mbps LAN port is functional but dated. In our speed tests, we were limited to about 95Mbps, which is noticeably slower than the gigabit connections found on most modern boards. For basic web browsing it’s fine, but large file transfers will take longer.
We found the onboard audio surprisingly decent for a budget board. The 6-channel HD audio codec handled music and videos with reasonable clarity, though audiophiles will still want a dedicated solution.
The PCIe x16 slot accommodated our test graphics card without issues, providing another upgrade path for those wanting more visual horsepower than the integrated graphics can provide.
Buying Guide
Finding the right LGA 1155 motherboard can feel overwhelming. We’ll help you navigate the key features to consider when making your purchase.
Socket Compatibility
Always verify that the motherboard has the LGA 1155 socket. This socket supports 2nd and 3rd generation Intel Core processors (Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge).
Chipset Options
| Chipset | Performance Level | Features |
| H61 | Basic | Limited overclocking, fewer SATA ports |
| H67 | Mid-range | Integrated graphics support, no CPU overclocking |
| Z68/Z77 | High-end | Full overclocking support, more expansion slots |
Memory Support
Check the maximum RAM capacity and supported speeds. Most LGA 1155 boards support DDR3 memory, but maximum capacities range from 16GB to 32GB.
Expansion Slots
Consider how many PCIe slots you need for graphics cards and other add-in cards. Higher-end boards offer more PCIe lanes and slots.
TIP: For gaming or intensive tasks, look for boards with at least one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot.
Form Factor
Motherboards come in different sizes. ATX offers more expansion slots, while mATX and Mini-ITX are better for smaller cases.
SATA Connections
Count how many storage devices you’ll connect. Most boards offer 4-6 SATA ports, with higher-end models supporting SATA III (6Gb/s) for faster speeds.
USB Support
We recommend boards with USB 3.0 ports for faster data transfers with external devices.
Audio and Networking
Built-in audio quality varies between boards. Look for boards with Realtek ALC892 or better for decent sound.
For networking, Gigabit Ethernet is standard.