In this post, we are covering the budget LGA 1200 motherboards that should cater to the Core i5 and Cire i3 comet lake CPUs. If you are looking for some budget centric recommendations, do check our article below.
The Intel 10th generation desktop CPUs have arrived and one of the unique features that the new processor comes with an LGA 1200 socket. The processors – labeled Z490 specifically come with the LGA1200 socket, and thus if you want to use the latest processor, you need to upgrade your motherboard. As you might already know, the LGA 1200 is a modified design of LGA 1151, with 49 more pins on it. It is expected to improve power delivery and extending support for future incremental I/O characteristics. The Pin 1 position remains the same as it was in preceding generation processors. Still, it has changed the socket keying to the left (previously it was right?), making the Comet Lake processors incompatible both electrically and mechanically with its predecessors.
Recommended Reading: Best LGA 1200 Socket Motherboards
The Z490 is the premium chipset targetted at the high-end enthusiast markets. It is designed to support Intel’s 10th generation Core i9 processors and all the way down till the 10th Gen Celerons. That would let you get access to an improved experience in terms of faster speed and optimum thermal levels. If you are looking to make use of the ultimate features of the new processor such as overclocking, it would be quite essential to go with a dedicated motherboard that is compatible with LGA1200 socket. Here is a quick look at the past and present premium chipsets in a side by side comparison table below –
| Feature | Z490 | Z390 | Z370 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1200 | LGA 1155 | LGA 1155 |
| PCH PCIe 3.0 Lanes (CPU/PCH) | 16/24 | 16/24 | 16/24 |
| PCIe Configuration | x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 | x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 | x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 |
| USB 3.2 (Gen2/Gen1) | 6/10 | 6/10 | 0/10 |
| Total USB | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| SATA 3.0 Ports | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| HSIO Lanes (CPU + PCH) | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Memory Channels | Dual (DDR4 2933) | Dual (DDR4 2666) | Dual (DDR4 2666) |
| Intel Optane | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Smart Sound | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intel RST Technology Port Count | 3 (PCH) | 3 (PCH) | 3 (PCH) |
| Integrated Intel WiFi 6 | Yes | Yes | No |
| DMI | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Overclocking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TDP | ? | 6W | 6W |
If you are looking for a budget focussed build based on Intel’s 10th Gen Comet Lake CPUs, here are some suggestions that could fit your needs:
Core i5 – Intel Comet Lake | |||||||||
| i5-10600K | 6/12 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.5 | – | – | – | 125 | 630 |
| i5-10600KF | 6/12 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.5 | – | – | – | 125 | – |
| i5-10600 | 6/12 | 3.3 | 4.8 | 4.4 | – | – | – | 65 | 630 |
| i5-10600T | 6/12 | 2.4 | 4.0 | 3.7 | – | – | – | 35 | 630 |
| i5-10500 | 6/12 | 3.1 | 4.5 | 4.2 | – | – | – | 65 | 630 |
| i5-10500T | 6/12 | 2.3 | 3.8 | 3.5 | – | – | – | 35 | 630 |
| i5-10400 | 6/12 | 2.9 | 4.3 | 4.0 | – | – | – | 65 | 630 |
| i5-10400F | 6/12 | 2.9 | 4.3 | 4.0 | – | – | – | 65 | – |
| i5-10400T | 6/12 | 2.0 | 3.6 | 3.2 | – | – | – | 35 | 630 |
Core i3 – Intel Comet Lake | |||||||||
| i3-10320 | 4/8 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.4 | – | – | – | 65 | 630 |
| i3-10300 | 4/8 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.2 | – | – | – | 65 | 630 |
| i3-10300T | 4/8 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 3.6 | – | – | – | 35 | 630 |
| i3-10100 | 4/8 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.1 | – | – | – | 65 | 630 |
| i3-10100T | 4/8 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 3.5 | – | – | – | 35 | 630 |
Pentium Gold – Intel Comet Lake | |||||||||
| G6600 | 2/4 | 4.2 | – | – | – | – | – | 58 | 630 |
| G6500 | 2/4 | 4.1 | – | – | – | – | – | 58 | 630 |
| G6500T | 2/4 | 3.5 | – | – | – | – | – | 35 | 630 |
| G6400 Amazon | Newegg | 2/4 | 4.0 | – | – | – | – | – | 58 | 610 |
| G6400T Amazon | Newegg | 2/4 | 3.4 | – | – | – | – | – | 35 | 610 |
Budget LGA1200 Motherboards in 2020
Now, here we have the latest chipsets in a side by side comparison table that is expected to support Intel’s 10th Gen Comet Lake CPUs.
| Features | H410 | B460 | H470 | Q470 | Z490 | W480 |
| Overclocking | Not officially but ASRock offers CPU overclocking for some of its motherboards | No | Yes | No | ||
| CPU support | Desktop Comet Lake S | Comet Lake Workstation Xeon W | ||||
| Memory support (Max) | Dual-channel DDR4-2666, 2933, up to 128GB using 32GB memory modules per blank | |||||
| Maximum DIMM slots | 2 | 4 | ||||
| Maximum USB 2.0 ports | 10 | 12 | 14 | |||
| USB 3.2 ports configuration | Up to 4 Gen 1×1 (5Gb/s) | Up to 8 Gen 1×1 (5Gb/s) | Up to 4 Gen 2×1 (10Gb/s) Up to 8 Gen 1×1 (5Gb/s) | Up to 6 Gen 2×1 (10Gb/s) Up to 10 Gen 1×1 (5Gb/s) | Up to 8 Gen 2×1 (10Gb/s) Up to 10 Gen 1×1 (5Gb/s) | |
| Maximum SATA 3.0 ports | 4 | 6 | 8 | |||
| Processor PCI Express v3.0 configuration | 1 x 16 | 1 x 16 or 2 x 8 or 1 x 8+2 x 4 | ||||
| PCH PCI Express configuration | 6 | 16 | 20 | 24 | ||
| Independent Display Support (digital ports/pipes) | 2 | 3 | ||||
| Integrated Wireless (802.11ax) | No | No | Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) AX201 | |||
| SATA RAID 0/1/5/10 support | No | Yes | ||||
| Intel Optane Memory Support | ||||||
| Intel Smart Sound Technology | ||||||
| Chipset TDP (Power Consumption) | 6W | |||||
| Chipset lithography (Fabrication) | ||||||
| Release date | Q2 2020 | |||||
Well, now that we are aware of what an LGA 1200 socket motherboard can do and why you need to opt for a motherboard with an LGA1200 socket, we will check out the best options available for the purpose.
| ASRock | Z490 Extreme4 |
|
| ASRock | Z490 Steel Legend |
|
| ASUS | ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming |
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| Asus | TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) |
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| ASUS | Prime Z490-A LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard |
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| ASUS | Prime Z490-P LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard |
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| Asus | Prime Z490M-Plus |
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| Gigabyte | Z490 Aorus Elite AC |
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| Gigabyte | Z490 Vision G |
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| MSI | MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi |
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| MSI | MAG Z490 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard |
|
ASRock Z490 Extreme4
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ASRock Z490 Extreme4 is one of the excellent options from ASRock and provide you access to the enhanced budget performance. It comes with support for 10th Gen and future generation Intel Core TM Processors along with the LGA 1200 socket. With support for up to 2.5X bandwidth, you can be assured of enhanced and faster speed. Whether you are looking at file transfers, gaming, or even backup requirements, you would find that it offers you an excellent and improved speed performance beating the traditional options.
The motherboard offers enough number of ports viz two PCIe 3.0 x16, three PCIe 3.0 x1, and one M.2 (Key E) for WiFi. A massive full coverage heatsink is what should ideally make it one of the excellent options that you would find rather impressive.
ASRock Z490 Steel Legend
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The motherboard is one of the most low-end motherboards coming from the house of ASRock. It is essentially the same ASRock Z490 Extreme4 but offers you some compromises in terms of aesthetics. The motherboard should be an excellent option for Intel 10th Gen and other future options of upcoming processors from Intel. The motherboard does support the DDR4 4266MHz memory modules.
The number of ports available on the motherboard would include two 3.0 x16, three PCIe 3.0 x1, and one M.2(Key E) For WiFi. The onboard M.2 socket can support PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3 M.2 SSD. You also have access to a massive full coverage heat sink for an efficient thermal cooling efficacy. Up to 2.5X bandwidth in comparison to the traditional gigabit ethernet, should further be an added advantage.
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming
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There are not many micro-ATX motherboards released yet. The ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming is one of the rare microATX motherboards with the LGA 1200 socket. Just like most of the Asus Strix Z490 models, the Z490 E Gaming also comes with a 12+2 power system. You would also get a WiFi 6 enabled motherboard with the above specification.
You may not get the M.2 Key E slot and the WiFi connectivity on the non-Wi-Fi version while the WiFi version will come with the Intel WiFi 6 AX201 controller integrated into the motherboard. The motherboard features high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors that ensures a constant level of power when you push the motherboard to its limits. The optimized thermal design should be yet another added advantage. Support for HDMI 1. 4 and DisplayPort 1. 4 output along with dual M. 2, front panel USB 3. 2 Gen 2 Type-C connectors should be yet another advanced option for improved gaming connectivity.
Asus TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (WiFi)
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This is yet another great option if you are looking for the best quality experience for the budget Z490 motherboard. Despite being a low budget offering, the product does offer you a wide range of features and functions. M.2, 14 DrMOS power stages, Intel WiFi 6, HDMI, and DisplayPort, should be just a few of the perfect options you would find rather impressive in every aspect. You can also get access to Thunderbolt 3 support, and Aura Sync RGB lighting functionality.
Availability of VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4 utility further enhances the level of a comprehensive cooling. Integrated Intel WiFi 6 AX201 module provides a great degree of WiFi connectivity option, making it one of the most preferred options ever. The Dual M.2 slots support data transfer speeds of up to 32 Gbps
ASUS Prime Z490-A LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard
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This is an excellent option for power users and content creation professionals. However, if you are someone looking for a gaming PC, it may not be the right one for your needs. One of the best Z490 motherboards that have been shipped so far, it comes with Intel 2.5Gbps Ethernet controller and a 12+2 power system.
The motherboard does not have an integrated WiFi chip on it. However, you would get access to Thunderbolt 3 header support and a pair of M.2 slots. The boosted memory performance with an improved overclocking functionality should be something that would make it an excellent option to go with. The robust power design would further make it a great choice.
ASUS Prime Z490-P LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard
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The power system on this Z490 motherboard is one of the best options for the budget motherboards ever. However, you would find that the power system on the motherboard is a less powerful 10+1 power system. The motherboard features the Realtek ALC887 audio codec and a Realtek 8111H Gigabit NIC in place of the Intel ethernet controller.
You can get access to a truly perfect and efficient cooling with the VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4 utility. The ASUS OptiMem II proprietary trace layout comes with an efficiently boosted memory performance. Get access to faster connectivity with Dual M.2, 1 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and Thunderbolt 3 support. Thunderbolt 3 Support offers bidirectional support for the best possible transfer.
Asus Prime Z490M-Plus
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The power system is further cut down to an 8+1 configuration. Then the Thunderbolt 3 has also been removed from the product. ASUS OptiMem is yet another perfect option for improving the best possible memory overclocking. The motherboard comes with multiple connectivity options in the form of Dual M.2, 1 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and Type-C support.
The Dual M.2 slots provide you access to a better degree of access to high degree data transfer with 32 Gbps via x4 PCI Express 3.0 bandwidth. The SafeSlot Core+ should be yet another additional option that offers you a one-piece stainless-steel brace.
Budget LGA 1200 Motherboards – Asus
| ASUS TUF Z490-Plus | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| ASUS TUF Z490-Plus WiFi | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| ASUS Prime Z490-A | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| ASUS Prime Z490-P | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| ASUS Prime Z490M-Plus | mATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| ASUS ProArt Z490-Creator 10G | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Elite AC
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You can be assured of an excellent option for a power-efficient motherboard with the direct 12 Phase Digital VRMs with 50A DrMOS Stages. You can also be assured of an improved and enhanced thermal efficiency with Optimized Surface Heatsink. The screwed mounted heatsinks and thick thermal pads can be an excellent choice for enthusiasts, overclockers, and gamers.
You can be assured of unparalleled performance, thanks to Intel Dual Band 802.11ac WIFI and Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN. The Shielded Memory Routing goes a long way in promoting noise and electrical interference. The ultimate MOSFET cooling performance is something we found incredibly perfect for most of your needs.
Gigabyte Z490 Vision G
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Vision G is one of the low-end models among the Z490 motherboards launched by Gigabyte. However, the slick, yet wonderful slick industrial design should be something that should be what should make it one of the excellent options ever. The Aluminium M.2 heat spreaders further enhance your experience and perhaps makes the motherboard one of its unique options.
You can also get access to a Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4 memory option that further enhances your experience. The Smart Fan 5 Hybrid Fan Headers with smart fan functions perfect for efficient cooling efficiency. The multi graphics card support and dual-mode M.2 design are a few other options that would make it one of the prime options ever. The Shielded Memory Routing is what would make it one of the great options for your needs in getting access to a wonderful faster memory profile.
Budget LGA 1200 Motherboards – Gigabyte Options
| GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| GIGABYTE Z490M Gaming X | mATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Vision D | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi
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Are you looking for the best WiFi experience ever? Well, MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi is of the best possible WiFi 6 with the MU-MIMO technology. Get access to one of the excellent options for a high definition audio processor ever. The high-quality audio boost would provide you access to a truly enhanced performance ever.
You can get access to a truly perfect experience in terms of an extremely high-quality build and an ideal cooling experience. The Power phase 12+1+1 Duet Rail Power System and DDR4 Boost are what would provide you with a truly enhanced experience ever. The Aluminium Cover with Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr further adds more value to high temperature non-stop gaming efficiency.
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard
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A clean looking motherboard with the Z490 functionality, you would get access to black and grey color options. The motherboard comes with two PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots and supports CrossFire. You have access to two M.2 slots with thermal guards or heatsinks installed. The motherboard offers you access to a 12+1+1 VRM power phase power system. The motherboard also comes with 2.5G LAN for fast ethernet connectivity along with other connectivity options that include USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, USB Type-C port, and an optical S/PDIF out port.
The motherboard also provides you access to a pre-installed IO shielding. This would help you handle your motherboard slightly easier, faster, and safer. You also have access to a slight level of RGB lighting. In fact, it comes with almost all the critical features you have always been looking ahead to in high efficiency and expensive Z490 motherboards.
| MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge WIFI | mATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
| MSI Z490-A Pro | ATX | Amazon | Newegg |
Budget LGA 1200 Motherboards – ASRock
| ASRock Z490 Steel Legend | ATX |
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| ASRock Z490 Extreme4 | ATX |
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| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/2.5G | ATX |
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| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ac | ATX |
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| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax | ATX |
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| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4 | ATX |  |
| ASRock Z490 Pro4 | ATX |
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| ASRock Z490M Pro4 | mATX |
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| ASRock Z490M-ITX/ac | mITX |
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| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4SR | ATX |
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The Closing Thoughts
Well, that was all we have had with respect to the best budget motherboards with LGA 1200 socket. We are sticking to the budget Z490 motherboards under the price of $200, and that should precisely explain why this list includes only budget options.
Do check out the best options outlined in this compilation and pick the ones that are best meant for you.
