Best Mini-ITX Motherboards for SFF Gaming PC & HTPC [AMD & Intel]

If you are thinking of building a small form factor Mini-ITX Gaming PC or HTPC then you do need a mini-ITX motherboard for it. This is because you can only fit a mini-ITX motherboard in a mini-ITX case, but a mini-ITX motherboard can also fit in mini-tower, mid-tower, and most full-tower cases. Due to their small size, mini-ITX motherboards come with fewer expansion slots and ports. You will get only one PCI-E x16 graphics card slot in mini-ITX motherboards and no PCI-E x1 slot (in almost all mini-ITX motherboards). Mini-ITX motherboards may not be that popular but they do have a special place in the PC industry. 

Good mini-ITX motherboards are generally hard to find, especially for gaming purposes. This is because these motherboards are not the first choice for gamers and they are more suited for building an HTPC or an SFF PC for work. But nowadays you can find powerful mini-ITX motherboards too that can be used for building a powerful SFF Gaming PC using a high-end processor and top-of-the-line graphics cards. Here in this post, I am going to provide you with the best mini-ITX motherboards for building a Compact Gaming PC, HTPC, or a powerful small form factor work PC. 

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Intel Mini-ITX Motherboards

LGA 1151 Socket [for 6th& 7th Generation]

These mini-ITX motherboards support the 6th and 7th Generation Skylake and Kaby Lake processors from Intel. It is to be noted that all Kaby Lake motherboards support Skylake CPUs but it is possible that all Kaby Lake processors might not work with some older Skylake motherboards. To make them work with kaby lake CPUs, you have to update their BIOS to the latest.

MSI H110I PRO Mini-ITX Motherboard

This is a budget Mini-ITX motherboard from MSI which is based on the Intel H110 chipset which is an entry-level chipset. It comes with a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for graphics card and one M.2 Slot (PCI-E) for connecting high-speed M.2 SSDs. The motherboard support 6th and 7th generation Intel Processors based on the LGA 1151 Socket and up to 32GB DDR4 2133MHz RAM in dual channel mode.

MSI-H110I-PRO-Mini-ITX-Motherboard

This is a great motherboard for building an HTPC and a low-cost small form factor gaming PC. Other features include onboard 7.1 channel HD audio, Realtek Gigabit LAN, Windows 10 support, USB 3.1 high-speed ports, and Reinforced PCI-E x16 slot. So, if you are in search of a budget Mini-ITX motherboard then this is what you should buy. Recommended for users on a tight budget and for HTPC.

MSI H110I PRO Mini-ITX Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type LGA 1151
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset Intel H110
Processor Support 6th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors for LGA 1151 socket
RAM Support DDR4 2133MHz (up to 32GB), Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-EX16 x 1, M.2 2280 x 1 (PCIe Gen2 x 4)
Ports SATA III x 4, USB 3.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 4, HDMI, DVI
Features Onboard 7.1 Channel HD Audio and Gigabit LAN, Click BIOS, VGA Armor, Overvoltage Protection, Windows 10 Ready

Buy MSI H110i Pro Mini-ITX Motherboard

MSI B250I GAMING PRO AC Mini-ITX Motherboard

This is a B250 chipset gaming mini-ITX motherboard for Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs. This is an affordable gaming motherboard that comes with one PCI-E 3.0 x16 Slot, Turbo M.2 Slot (on the backside) for NVMe and SATA SSDs, and Wi-Fi (M.2 2230 Key E). The motherboard chipset does support quad-channel memory but we can only run it in the dual-channel because it has only two DDR4 memory slots. It can support up to 32GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM.

MSI-B250I-GAMING-PRO-AC-Mini-ITX-Motherboard

Other important features of this tiny little motherboard include 8-channel onboard audio, Gaming LAN, VR Ready, Intel Optane Memory support, Mystic Light Sync, Click 5 BIOS, USB 3.1 ports and EZ Debug LED for troubleshooting. So, if you are looking for a budget gaming mini-ITX motherboard then it will not disappoint you.

MSI B250I GAMING PRO AC Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type LGA 1151
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset Intel B250
Processor Support 7th / 6th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors
RAM Support DDR4 2400 (up to 32GB), Quad Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-E x16 x 1, M.2 2280 x 1 Key M(PCIe Gen3 x4/SATA) on backside
Ports SATA III x 4, USB 3.1 x 6, USB 2.0 x 4, DVI-D, HDMI
Features VR Ready, Onboard 8 channel audio and Gaming LAN, Click BIOS 5, Intel Optane Memory Ready, Mystic Light Sync, Wi-Fi (M.2 2230 Key E)

Buy MSI B250I GAMING PRO AC Motherboard

ASRock Fatal1ty Z270 Gaming-ITX/ac Motherboard

A high-end Mini-ITX gaming motherboard from Asrock that comes with lots of features and ports for such a small motherboard. The motherboard is based on the Intel Z270 Chipset which is a high-end chipset for Intel Skylake and Kaby Lake processors. The motherboard supports overclocking and comes with one PCI-E 3.0 x16 x 1 slot for the graphics card, one Ultra M.2 slot for high-speed NVMe and SATA SSDs, one SATA Express port, and support DDR4 4000 (O.C.) memory up to 32GB capacity.

ASRock-Fatal1ty-Z270-Gaming-ITX-ac

It also comes with onboard dual-band Wi-Fi and a Thunderbolt 3 port having a USB Type-C connector. It is a solid motherboard and has got Digi Power 8 power phase design for rock-solid stability during overclocking. Other features include 7.1 channel audio, Gigabit LAN, PCI-E steel slot, and high-speed USB 3.1 ports. So, if you are looking for a top gaming motherboard in a small size then this will definitely blow up your mind. Highly Recommended by me.

ASRock Fatal1ty Z270 Gaming-ITX/ac Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type LGA 1151
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset Intel Z270
Processor Support 7th and 6th Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron
RAM Support DDR4 4000 (OC), up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-E x16 x 1, Ultra M.2 ((PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3)x 1
Ports SATA3 x 6, SATA Express 10Gb/s connector, USB 3.1 x 8, Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C), HDMI, DisplayPort
Features Intel Optane Memory Ready, Gigabit LAN, Onboard 8 channel HD audio, PCI-E Steel slot, 8 Power Phase Design, Dual-Band Wi-Fi (802.11ac), UEFI BIOS, Overlocking support

Buy Asrock Fatality Z270 Gaming-ITX/ac Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-Z270N-Gaming 5 Mini-ITX Motherboard

Another Mini-ITX high-end gaming motherboard based on the Intel Z270 chipset, but this one is from Gigabyte. Gigabyte GA-Z270N-Gaming 5 mini-ITX motherboard is also rich in features and supports overlocking for unlocked Intel Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs. The motherboard comes with one PCIe 3.0 x 16 graphics card slot, Ultra-Fast M.2 Port for NVMe & SATA Solid State Drives, Dual-band Wi-Fi / Bluetooth and supports 32GB DDR4 4266 RAM in Overclock mode using Intel XMP 2.0 profiles.

Gigabyte-GA-Z270N-Gaming-5-Mini-ITX-Motherboard

This is a very tough and good looking motherboard and has got RGB LED lighting. Other features of this mini-ITX motherboard include onboard 8-channel audio, gigabit LAN, Smart Fan 5, USB 3.1 ports, USB Type-C port, PCIe Armor slot, UEFI BIOS, and more. It is a great motherboard for enthusiasts and gamers who do not compromise on performance and features.

Gigabyte GA-Z270N-Gaming 5 Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type LGA 1151
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset Intel Z270
Processor Support 7th/ 6th Generation Intel Core Processors
RAM Support DDR4 4266 (O.C.), up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-Ex16 x 1, M.2 (PCIe Gen 3) x 1
Ports SATA III x 4, USB 3.1 x 6, USB Type-C, USB 2.0 x 2, HDMI, DisplayPort
Features Onboard Dual Band Wi-Fi& Bluetooth, 8 channel audio and gigabit LAN, Overclocking support, Intel Optane Memory Ready, RGB Fusion LED, Smart Fan 5, PCIe x16 slot bifurcation in 2×8 mode by riser card, Gigabyte UEFI BIOS, PCIe Armor slot

Buy Gigabyte GA-Z270N-Gaming 5 Motherboard

LGA 1151 Socket [for 8th Generation]

Motherboards for Intel’s latest 8th Generation Coffee Lake Processors based on the newer LGA 1151 Socket.

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING Mini-ITX Motherboard

For new 8th Generation Intel Core series processors, the above motherboards will not work even though they have the same LGA 1151 Socket. This is because there are some minor differences in pin layout and electrical compatibility. So, to use an Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake Processor you have to buy 8th Generation Z370 chipset based motherboard having LGA 1151 Socket Type. Here we have ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING motherboard which is a powerful Mini-ITX motherboard and supports the latest Intel Coffee Lake processors.

ASUS-ROG-STRIX-Z370-I-GAMING-Mini-ITX-Motherboard

This is a feature-rich gaming motherboard and it comes with one PCI-E 3.0 x16 graphics card slot, two M.2 slots for connecting high-speed PCIe NVMe and SATA SSDs, Dual band Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, and USB 3.1 ports. This motherboard supports overclocking and up to 32GB DDR4 4333 (OC) RAM. Other features include onboard 8-channel audio, Gigabit LAN, Asus SafeSlot, VR Ready, and Intel Optane Memory support. So, if you looking to build a small form factor gaming PC using Intel Coffee Lake processors then this is the motherboard that you should get. Highly Recommended by me.

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type LGA 1151
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset Intel Z370
Processor Support Intel Socket 1151 for 8th Generation Core Processors
RAM Support DDR4 4333(O.C.), up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCIe x16 x 1, M.2 Socket 3 Type M x 2
Ports SATAIII x 4, USB 3.1 x 7, USB 2.0 x 6, HDMI, DisplayPort
Features Aura Sync RGB LED lighting, M.2 heatsink, Dual-Band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Asus SafeSlot, Onboard 8 channel audio and LAN, VR Ready, Intel Optane Memory Ready

Buy Asus ROG Strix Z 370-I GAMING Motherboard

 

MSI MPG Z390I GAMING EDGE AC

MSI MPG Z390I GAMING EDGE AC is a Mini-ITX motherboard based on the Intel Z390 chipset, which is the Intel’s new high-end chipset for Coffee Lake processors and is a successor to Z370 chipset. This Z390 motherboard supports Intel 9th generation and 8th generation coffee lake processors. This is a gaming-grade mini-ITX motherboard and comes with one PCI-E X16 slot for the graphics card (PCI-E Steel Armor) and two M.2 slots (back and front) for connecting high-speed NVMe and SATA SSDs. It has got only two DIMM slots and supports 32GB DDR4 RAM up to 4600 MHz (OC).

MSI-MPG-Z390I-GAMING-EDGE-AC-Motherboard

Other features include integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Gaming heatsinks, DDR4 Boost, Integrated Intel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Game Modes, Game Boost, DDR4 Boost, Audio Boost, USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, Onboard 8 channel audio, VR Ready, Intel Gigabit LAN and more. Display output at the rear includes HDMI and DisplayPort. So, if you are looking to build an SFF Gaming PC using Intel 9th generation processor then you should definitely get this motherboard.         

MSI MPG Z390I GAMING EDGE AC Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type LGA 1151
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset Intel Z390
Processor Support Supports 9th / 8th Gen Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron processors for LGA 1151 socket
RAM Support DDR4 4600 (OC), up to 32GB, Dual Channel Mode
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-E x16 x 1, M.2 x 2
Ports SATAIII x 4, USB 3.1 Gen 2 x 2, USB 3.1 Gen 1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 4
Features UEFI BIOS, Onboard 7.1 Channel Audio, Gigabit LAN, Intel Optane Memory Ready, Overclocking support, VR Ready, PCI-E Steel Armor, Gaming heatsinks, DDR4 Boost, Integrated Intel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Game Modes, Game Boost, DDR4 Boost, Audio Boost

Buy MSI MPG Z390I GAMING EDGE AC Motherboard

AMD Mini-ITX Motherboards

AM4 Socket

These are AM4 Socket mini-ITX motherboards that can be used with Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3, and 7thgeneration A-series APUs /Athlon Processors.

Gigabyte GA-AB350N-Gaming WIFI Mini-ITX Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-AB350N-Gaming WIFI is a budget Mini-ITX gaming motherboard based on the AMD B350 chipset and supports AM4 Socket processors. This Socket AM4 Mini-ITX motherboard supports overclocking and comes with a PCI-Ex16 slot, M.2 slot for NVMe & SATA SSDs, and supports dual channel DDR4 3200 (OC) RAM.

Gigabyte-GA-AB350N-Gaming-WIFI-Mini-ITX-MotherboardThis is a VR Ready mini-ITX motherboard and its features include RGB Fusion LED lighting, PCI-E Steel Shield, Onboard 8-channel audio & Gigabit LAN, and onboard dual-band Wi-Fi / Bluetooth. Overall a very good Mini-ITX motherboard for AM4 Socket Processors and is quite affordable.

Gigabyte GA-AB350N-Gaming WIFI Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type AM4
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset AMD B350
Processor Support AMD Ryzen & 7th Generation A-series / Athlon Processors
RAM Support DDR4 3200 (O.C.), up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-Ex16 x 1, M.2 x 1
Ports SATA III x 4, USB 3.1 x 6, USB 2.0 x 2, HDMI, DisplayPort
Features Realtek onboard audio & LAN, Smart Fan 5, Overclocking support, RGB Fusion LED, VR Ready, PCI-E Steel shield, UEFI BIOS

Buy Gigabyte GA-AB350N-Gaming WIFI Motherboard

ASRock Fatal1ty AB350 Gaming-ITX/ac Motherboard

A Mini-ITX B350 chipset gaming motherboard from Asrock for AM4 Socket AMD processors. ASRock Fatal1ty motherboards are known for their performance, reliability, and features. This Mini-ITX motherboard comes with one PCI-E 3.0 x16 slot, Ultra M.2 slot for PCI-E NVMe & SATA Solid State Drives and supports DDR4 3466+ (OC) RAM up to 32GB.  

ASRock-Fatal1ty-AB350-Gaming-ITX-ac-Motherboard

The motherboard supports overclocking and comes with additional features like dual-band Wi-Fi / Bluetooth, RGB LED headers, 7.1 channel HD audio, Gigabit LAN, PCI-E Steel slot, and Digi Power 8 Power Phases for extra stability during overclocking. In all, a very good motherboard for enthusiasts and gamers.

ASRock Fatal1ty AB350 Gaming-ITX/ac Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type AM4
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset AMD B350
Processor Support AMD Socket AM4 A-Series APUs (Bristol Ridge) and Ryzen Series CPUs (Summit Ridge)
RAM Support DDR4 3466+(OC), up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-E x16 x 1, Ultra M.2 x 1
Ports SATA3 x 4, USB 3.1 x 6, USB Type-C, USB 2.0 x 1 (for mouse), HDMI x 2
Features Dual-Band 802.11ac Wi-Fi / Bluetooth, 7.1 channel audio, Gigabit LAN, Digi Power 8 power phase design, PCI-E Steel Slots, RGB LED Headers, PCI-E Steel Slot

Buy Asrock Fatality AB350 Gaming-ITX/ac Motherboard

ASUS ROG STRIX X470-I GAMING Motherboard

This is an AMD X470 Chipset Mini-ITX motherboard for the 2nd generation AMD Ryzen Processors and other AMD AM4 Socket processors. This is a high-end AMD motherboard that comes with all the features and expansion ports that you need to build a powerful compact gaming PC using AMD Ryzen 2000 series processors. The motherboard comes with one PCI-E 3.0 x16 graphics card slot, two M.2 slots for NVMe and SATA SSDs, in-built Wi-Fi & Bluetooth and supports DDR4 3600 (OC) RAM up to 32GB capacity.

ASUS-ROG-STRIX-X470-I-GAMING-Motherboard

Other features of this ASUS ROG STRIX X470-I GAMING Motherboard include Intel Gigabit Gaming LAN, Onboard 8 channel Audio, Asus AuraSync RGB LED support, M.2 Heatsink, overclocking support, VR Ready and latest USB 3.1 Gen 2 high-speed ports. You can check the major specifications and other details below.

ASUS ROG STRIX X470-I GAMING Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type AM4
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset AMD X470
Processor Support AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation/Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/Ryzen 1st Generation/7th Generation A-series/Athlon X4 Processors
RAM support DDR4 3600 (OC), up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-E 3.0 x16 x 1, M.2 x 2
Ports SATAIII x 4, USB 3.1 Gen 2 x 2, USB 3.1 Gen 1 x 6, USB 2.0 x 2, HDMI 2.0
Features UEFI BIOS, Onboard 8 Channel Audio, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth v4.2, Gigabit LAN, M.2 Heatsink, VR Ready, Asus Aura Sync RGB support, Asus SafeSlot,

Buy ASUS ROG STRIX X470-I GAMING Motherboard

MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC Motherboard

MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC is a Mini-ITX motherboard based on the AMD B450 chipset and supports AM4 Socket processors. B450 is a newer mid-range chipset from AMD that is launched especially for 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Processors. B450 chipset supports advanced features such as StoreMI, XFR2, XFR 2 Enhanced, and Precision Boost Overdrive that were mainly found in the X470 and X399 motherboards only up till now.

MSI-B450I-GAMING-PLUS-AC-Motherboard

MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC is a powerful mini-ITX motherboard that comes with advanced gaming features and essential ports for expansion and connectivity. The motherboard comes with one PCI-E x16 slot for the graphics card, one M.2 port for PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs, and supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory up to 32 GB capacity in dual channel mode.

The motherboard lacks USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports which can be a concern for some users but it has got six USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. The motherboard has got integrated Dual-band Wi-Fi & Bluetooth which comes in very useful for gaming and connectivity. Other features of this mini-ITX gaming motherboard include gaming heatsinks, 8-channel HD audio, PCI-E Steel Armor, Gigabit gaming LAN and RGB headers. This is a great mini-ITX motherboard for building a mid-range small form-factor compact gaming using Ryzen 2000 series processors and a powerful mid-range graphics card. 

MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type AM4
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset AMD B450
Processor support AMD RYZEN 1st and 2nd Generation / Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics Processors for Socket AM4
RAM support DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory, up to 32GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-E x16 x 1, M.2 x 1
Ports SATAIII x 4, USB 3.1 Gen 2 x 6, USB 2.0 x 2, PS/2
Features Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168 module & Bluetooth, VR Ready, UEFI BIOS, Audio Boost, DDR4 Boost, EZ Debug LED, RGB Headers, PCI-E Steel Armor, Gaming heatsinks,
Display Output HDMI, DisplayPort

Buy MSI B450I GAMING PLUS AC Motherboard

Socket FM2+/FM2

These FM2+/FM2 Mini-ITX motherboards support AMD FM2+/FM2 A-series APU. They are generally used for building an HTPC or entry-level low-budget gaming PC for playing less demanding games.

Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini-ITX Motherboard

This is an FM2+ Socket mini-ITX motherboard for older generation AMD A-series APU. If you want to build a budget SFF AMD PC or HTPC then you can use this motherboard. The motherboard comes with PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot and supports DDR3 2400 RAM (up to 64GB).

Gigabyte-GA-F2A88XN-WIFI-Mini-ITX-Motherboard

Other features include onboard dual-band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, UEFI Dual BIOS, Onboard 8-channel audio & Gigabit LAN. Unlike other Mini-ITX motherboards in this list, this motherboard includes support for up to Windows 8.1 only. So if you want to build a budget gaming build using AMD A-series APUs (FM2+) then you won’t find anything better than this.

Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Motherboard Specifications
Socket Type FM2+
Form Factor Mini-ITX
Chipset AMD A88X
Processor Support AMD FM2+/FM2 A-series APU
RAM Support DDR3 2400 (OC), up to 64GB, Dual Channel
Slots DIMM x 2, PCI-Express x16 x 1
Ports SATA III x 4, USB 3.0 x 4, USB 2.0 x 6, PS/2, HDMI x 2, DVI
Features 8 channel onboard audio, Gigabit LAN, Gigabyte UEFI Dual BIOS, Dual-Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, IR Digital 4+2 phase APU power design

Buy Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Motherboard

Final Words

Mini-ITX motherboards may not be that much popular compared to Micro-ATX or ATX motherboards but they have a special place in the PC market. Users who want to build an SFF Gaming PC or HTPC have to use mini-ITX motherboards. Also, these motherboards do require lesser power and can be as powerful as their bigger brothers. Above, I have listed the best Mini-ITX motherboards for popular Intel and AMD CPU Sockets. If you have got any queries or questions regarding them then you can ask me by leaving a comment below.

(*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!)

8 Comments

  1. Geass May 12, 2019
    • Akshat Verma May 12, 2019
  2. Bhaskar December 18, 2019
    • Akshat Verma December 18, 2019
  3. Yannis November 3, 2020
    • Akshat Verma November 4, 2020
  4. Yannis November 4, 2020
    • Akshat Verma November 4, 2020

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