A Micro-ATX motherboard for NAS contains everything you need, offering a cost-effective and compact solution
When selecting a gaming motherboard that will serve as the foundation of your gaming PC, evaluate if you require all of the frills that come with a full-size ATX motherboard. Unless you want to load up on PCIe add-in cards or do some wild overclocking, you’ll probably find that a Micro-ATX motherboard for NAS contains everything you need to finish your build while costing less than an ATX board. The lower size also enables you to create a more compact gaming PC.
This means you can choose between a sleeper and a more portable style. We’ve chosen a variety of Micro ATX motherboards that support AMD and Intel CPUs. There are boards with multiple PCIe x16 extension slots for dual-GPU configurations, models with PCIe 5.0, and genuinely outstanding memory support. You’ll find a tiny motherboard suitable for everything from budget setups to high-end machines.
Asus Prime Z690M-Plus D4
CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Chipset: Z690 | Memory Support: 4 x DDR4 5,333MHz up to 128GB | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (4 lanes), 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | M.2 Slots: 3 x M.2 slot PCIe 4.0 x 4 (Key M) | Wi-Fi: M.2 Slot (Key E)
The Asus Prime Z690M-Plus D4 motherboard is a true powerhouse, offering a blend of high performance and versatility that makes it a top contender for various gaming PC setups. Its DDR4 compatibility allows for high-speed RAM, clocking in at an impressive 5,333MHz. With three M.2 SSD slots operating at PCIe 4.0 x4, you can expect lightning-fast load and startup times.
The motherboard also boasts many connectivity options, including a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C with 20Gbps transfer speeds, a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, and Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. Designed for optimal performance, it features several heatsinks and fan headers and even includes dual mounting holes with Intel LGA1700 and LGA1200 cooling brackets.
Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi 6E
CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Chipset: Z690 | Memory Support: 4 x DDR5 6,000MHz up to 128GB | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (4 lanes), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x 1 | M.2 Slots: 3 x M.2 slot PCIe 4.0 x 4 (M Key) | Wi-Fi: Intel Wi-Fi 6E
The Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi 6E provides robust connectivity. In addition to numerous high-speed USB connections ranging from 5Gbps to 20Gbps, Asus has supported various lightning-fast internet connections. You may utilise a wired connection with 2.5Gb Ethernet or go all out on Wi-Fi, which supports Wi-Fi 6E—hence the name. With this capacity, Asus offered advanced cooling options such as heatsinks, 4-pin PWM fan connectors, and an AIO pump header. The addressable RGB headers will be handy for building a gaming PC.
ASRock H670M Pro
CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Chipset: H670 | Memory Support: 4 x DDR4 4,800MHz up to 128GB | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | M.2 Slots: 2 x M.2 slot PCIe 4.0 x 4 (Key M) | Wi-Fi: M.2 Slot (Key E)
Despite its compact size, the ASRock H670M Pro packs a powerful punch. You have two fast PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for SSDs, so your setup will have enough storage. Even without the DDR5 memory slots, the DDR4 compatibility allows you to overclock the RAM to a fantastic 4,800MHz. Because this motherboard does not include Wi-Fi, the Key E M.2 slot allows you to add it quickly. Furthermore, if you have a case with glass or mesh panels, there is built-in RGB illumination, RGB headers, and an addressable RGB header to add flair to your setup.
Asus Prime H610M-A D4-CSM
CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Chipset: H610 | Memory Support: 4 x DDR4 3,200MHz up to 64GB | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe 3.0 x 4, 1 x M.2 slot PCIe 3.0 x 2 (Key M) | Wi-Fi: M.2 Slot (Key E)
The Asus Prime H610M-A D4-CSM features a PCIe 4.0 expansion slot with enough of bandwidth for your graphics card, as well as an additional PCIe 3.0 x 1 slot for an add-in card. Unfortunately, you only get two slots and no PCIe 5.0 support, which is understandable given the price.
Even if you opt for a smaller, more economical construction without a dedicated graphics card, you can still run several screens because the motherboard has an HDMI connector and a DisplayPort connection on the back. Aside from add-in cards, two dedicated M.2 ports operating on PCIe 3.0 provide a home for your SSDs, and DDR4 memory support up to 64GB allows you to build a rather powerful system. It also does not include Wi-Fi, but you can easily install it via the M.2 Slot in Key E.
ASRock X570M Pro4
CPU Socket: AM4 | Chipset: X570 | Memory Support: 4 x DDR4 4,466MHz up to 128 GB | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (4 lanes) | M.2 Slots: 2 x M.2 slot PCIe 4.0 x 4 (Key M)
The ASRock X570M Pro4 offers numerous options for installing peripherals. You receive two RGB headers and one addressable RGB header for dazzling lighting. In contrast, a powerful heatsink and headers and connectors for fans or coolers keep your rig from overheating. Multiple 10Gbps USB ports on the back I/O allow for additional connections. ASRock finishes it with two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for the fastest storage support. You can’t ask for much more from a Micro ATX board.
MSI MAG B550M Bazooka
CPU Socket: AM4 | Chipset: B550 | Memory Slots: 4 x DDR4 4,400MHz up to 128GB | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | M.2 Slots: 1 x M.2 slot PCIe 4.0 x 4 (Key M), 1 x M.2 slot PCIe 3.0 x 4 (Key M)
If you wish to support the latest AMD processors on a little less expensive motherboard, choose the MSI MAG B550M Bazooka. You lose a few PCI lanes, but mATX motherboards are less concerned with providing many expansion ports. You still get one PCIe 4.0 x 16 slot, which gives plenty of bandwidth for your graphics card, and you can install additional add-ons on the two PCIe 3.0 x 1 lanes. It also supports four RAM sticks, which can run at speeds exceeding 4,000MHz.
You also receive a single high-bandwidth PCIe 4.0 slot for a fast SSD. So, this motherboard provides a robust basis for your Ryzen system. The MSI MAG B550M Bazooka has much more to offer your setup. A few headers are incorporated to support RGB lights, and a PWM cooler and upgraded circuit design ensure that your system runs smoothly even under extreme temperatures. Other accessories include many high-speed USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports and DisplayPort and HDMI connections for monitors.
What to Look for in a Micro-ATX Motherboard
Micro ATX motherboards are wonderful for reducing space and are generally less expensive than full-sized ATX motherboards, but you should be aware that there are inevitable trade-offs. These smaller boards typically have fewer PCIe slots—or even just one on specific variants. When determining which mATX motherboard is best for you, consider how many graphics cards, sound cards, capture cards, and other PCIe devices you plan to install. Also, ensure you get a board with at least one PCIe 4.0 x 16 slot to maximise the increased bandwidth. Some Intel boards even provide compatibility with PCIe 5.0.
MATX motherboards have smaller printed circuit boards, which means fewer M.2 slots for NVMe and SATA SSDs. The good news is that most boards of this size contain at least two M.2 slots, though don’t anticipate four or five like some of the most expensive ATX parts. Other important elements to evaluate are similar to what you’d look for in traditional motherboards. You want CPU sockets that can handle the latest processors. For Intel motherboards, check for LGA1700 sockets. While on AMD boards, look for AM4. Also, look for fast memory support. You want a board capable of supporting your RAM.
