When it comes to choosing the best mini-ITX NAS motherboard, you need to be prepared to sacrifice some performance and upgrade capabilities for a smaller form factor.
Generally, bigger is better, but in the case of PCs, the Mini-ITX form factor is ideal for everyday use due to its lighter weight and ease of transport. While the larger form factors work better for professional gaming rigs or massive file-editing PCs.
In addition to the form factor, you should also consider the integrated features, such as ports, slots, and sockets. There are three motherboard sizes available for building your dream PC, whether for gaming or formal use. Choosing the right motherboard size will allow for portability or upgrading to the largest-sized personal computers.
Although gaming PCs have impressive performance capabilities, a portable device is more convenient. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best mini-ITX NAS motherboards available in 2024.
If you’re looking to build a small PC, you need to ensure that the compact form factor PC cases you’re considering will support motherboards up to a certain size. Mini-ITX motherboards are the smallest form factor motherboards available, and we have put together a list of the best Mini-ITX NAS motherboards for AMD and Intel processors.
Best MINI-ITX NAS Motherboard
As a gamer or PC enthusiast, you would know the importance of a motherboard. However, not everyone is aware of the different features provided by various form factors. To make an informed purchase, it is crucial to understand the fundamental distinctions and features of each type.
The motherboard’s supported socket type is the primary differentiating factor. For instance, Intel CPUs are only compatible with LGA11 or H4 sockets, whereas AMD processors use AM4 sockets. Therefore, you must decide which processor you want to install on the motherboard before purchasing it. If you plan to use Intel’s latest 11th-generation processors, you must select a motherboard that supports LGA 1200 sockets.
It is not necessary to buy the most recent CPU as they are always more expensive. Instead, invest a little extra in a motherboard that supports higher-generation processors to give it a longer lifespan. MINI-ITX motherboards have a limited number of PCIe and RAM slots, which means you will have to settle for less and accept the limited potential of a hardware upgrade. These motherboards are great for small PCs or official workstations that require more computational power than gaming. However, many MINI-ITX motherboards can be used with a liquid cooling system and a high-end graphics card without any issues.
Best Mini-ITX NAS Motherboards to Buy in 2024
Let’s start with the greatest mini-ITX motherboards to consider while creating a computer in 2024. However, many MINI-ITX motherboards may be used with a liquid cooling system and a high-end graphics card without trouble. Here is the list of best Mini-ITX Motherboards to Buy in 2024.
Gaming Wi-Fi Asus ROG Strix Z790
Making your tiny PC requires carefully considering what kind of motherboard you need. Limited connection puts a Mini-ITX motherboard at a competitive disadvantage compared to larger boards. Asus made a valiant effort to stuff as much as possible onto this PCB.
| Memory Slots | 2 |
| Memory Type | DDR5-7600 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Power Phases | 10+1 |
| Storage | 1x PCIe 5.0 M.2, 1x PCIe 4.0 M.2, 2x SATA |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4050 |
| Networking | 2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Internal I/O | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Rear I/O | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 2.0 |
Pros:
- Strong dependability
- Strong connection
- Two slots for PCIe M.2
Cons:
- Limited ability to overclock
- Two DIMM spaces.
- Pricier
Excellent motherboards from Asus are highly recommended, particularly if you intend to use Intel 12th or 13th Gen Core family CPUs. The Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi is the brand’s newest high-end small motherboard, and we’ve long been admirers of the ROG Strix I line of Mini-ITX motherboards. The specifications list has some remarkable numbers, such as compatibility for up to 96GB of DDR5-7600 RAM, which should provide excellent performance when paired with the greatest CPU that fits within your budget.
Gaming WI-FI ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I
Our preferred small-sized board for AMD systems everything you need for a potent PC that fits into a smaller form factor chassis is included with this tiny ITX ASUS ROG Strix X670E motherboard.
| Brand | Asus |
| Memory Slot | 2 |
| Memory Type | DDR5-6400 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Chipset | AMD X670 |
| Socket | AM5 |
| Power Phases | 10+2 |
| PCI Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| Networking | Intel 2.5Gb, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Audio | ALC4050 |
| Internal I/O | 1x USB 3.2-C Gen 2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Rear I/O | 2x USB-C 4.0, 5x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 3x USB-A 2.0 |
| Storage | 2x SATA, 1x PCIe 5.0 M.2, 1x PCIe 4.0 M.2 |
Pros:
- Strong connection
- M.2 slots two
- AMD Ryzen 9 CPU support
Cons:
- Pricier
- Two DIMM spaces.
- Limited support for overclocking
The AMD equivalent of the top-rated Intel Mini-ITX motherboard is the Asus ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WIFI. It features two DIMM slots for DDR5 RAM and the same M.2 configuration, however, the AMD platform can only handle speeds of up to 6400MT/s. A similar connection, including USB-C 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE networking, is also available. The ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WIFI has similar drawbacks, like being too expensive for some people and having only two DIMM slots, which may feel like a limitation.
Gigabyte Aorus Ultra B650I
For PCs using midrange Ryzen 7000 CPUs, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra AM5 mini-ITX motherboard is perfect. It has an 8+2+1 stage VRM and a PCIe 5.0 slot for NVMe SSDs.
| Memory Slots | 2 |
| Memory Type | DDR5-6400 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Chipset | AMD B650 |
| Socket | AM5 |
| Power Phases | 8+2+1 |
| PCI Slots | 1 |
| Storage | 1x PCIe 5.0 M.2, 1x PCIe 4.0 M.2, 4x SATA |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4080 |
| Networking | 2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Internal I/O | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0 |
| Rear I/O | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 2.0 |
Pros:
- A less expensive Mini-ITX choice
- High-speed DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 SSD connection
Cons:
- One PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
- Limited capacity for overclocking
One outstanding AMD motherboard for AM5 processors at a great price is the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra. Up to an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, the board’s 8+2+1 phase power delivery design provides more than enough power. For all of your storage needs, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot is joined by a PCIe 4.0 slot. Gigabyte has included not two but four SATA ports in case you need more than two disks.
Since this is a less expensive motherboard, PCIe 4.0 is still sufficient to run the newest games, but there won’t be a PCIe 5.0 slot for the GPU. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra isn’t the best at overclocking, just like other ITX motherboards, and it becomes rather constrictive when expansion cards and other parts are added to the PC setup. It is our top choice for an AMD system that is affordable.
Gigabyte Aorus Pro B760I
A more reasonably priced Mini-ITX motherboard that supports Intel 12th and 13th generation processors is the Gigabyte B760I Aorus Pro. You may access DDR5 RAM, PCIe 4.0 M.2 storage, 2.5GbE networking, Wi-Fi connection, and many USB ports.
| Brand | Asus |
| Memory Slots | 2 |
| Memory Type | DDR5-8000 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Chipset | Intel B760 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Power Phases | 8+1+1 |
| PCI Slots | 1 |
| Storage | 2x PCIe 4.0 M.2, 2x SATA |
| Networking | 2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Internal I/O | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0 |
| Rear I/O | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 2.0 |
Pros:
- Supports DDR5-8000 Memory
- A less expensive Mini-ITX choice
- Strong connection
Cons:
- One PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
- Limited capacity for overclocking
- Just one M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot
Since not everyone needs (or can utilize) a $400 motherboard, our more reasonably priced choice for Intel processors is the Gigabyte B760I Aorus Pro. Although the full-size x16 PCI slot and M.2 storage have been skimped on, the company still has the ability to create an amazing tiny PC setup. There’s plenty of connectivity on the back I/O panel, including full support for DDR5-8000 RAM—a significant step up from our best Asus choice.
Wireless Gaming Edge MSI MPG B560I
An excellent motherboard that fully supports Intel 10th and 11th generation processors is the MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge Wi-Fi. This would be a good approach to save money if you didn’t want to employ the most recent Intel technology.
| Brand | MSI |
| Memory Slots | 2 |
| Memory Type | DDR4-5200 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| CPU Support | Intel 10th and 11th Gen |
| Chipset | Intel B560 |
| Socket | LGA 1200 |
| Power Phases | 6+2+1 |
| PCI Slots | 1 |
| Storage | 1x PCIe 4.0 M.2, 1x PCIe 3.0 M.2, 4x SATA |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 |
| Networking | 2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Internal I/O | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2.0 |
| Rear I/O | 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB-A 2.0 |
Pros:
- Reasonable
- Strong connection
Cons:
- No support for PCIe 5.0 or DDR5.
- compatible only with older CPUs
Reverting to the earlier processor generation can result in even greater cost savings than reducing functionality on a motherboard made in the current generation. With its LGA 1200 socket and Intel B560 chipset, the MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge WiFi makes it possible. With complete support for DDR4 and PCIe 4.0, this motherboard is ideal for a PC setup with an Intel 10th or 11th Gen processor.
A top-tier motherboard needs to handle higher frequency RAM and include Thunderbolt 3 USB and PCIe 4.0 connectors, as well as an M.2 slot for an SSD update. Thus, your top priority should be to get the best mini-ITX motherboard that supports Thunderbolt. In essence, mini-ITX form factors were created to provide users with laptop-like portability without requiring them to purchase a smaller device. A motherboard repair or purchase should never be viewed as a straightforward process.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
These, in my opinion, are the best cases you can use after evaluating a ton of other ones. In general, NAS cases are distinct since the requirements of each user vary based on the size of the RAID array that will be utilized. For most people, figuring out how many total hard disks you’ll need first is the obvious requirement.
This is often accomplished by first figuring out how much storage you’ll need, then going back to choose the kind of RAID you want to employ, and then deciding how many hard drives and in what size are required to get there. Once you are aware of the storage needs, you will be able to stand back and select a case. Any of the aforementioned solutions will work well for you; the ideal choice will depend on your needs.
We appreciate you reading the article, and we would welcome your comments!
