best Z370 Mini ITX motherboards

Best Z370 Mini ITX Motherboards For Intel Coffee Lake 8700K and 8600K

717

Looking for the best Z370 Mini ITX motherboards for your brand new Intel Coffee Lake, Intel 8th generation CPU? If yes then check out our first top picks before you settle your mind. Right now, only a handful exist today. However, we hope to see many more new motherboards to support the platform.

Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our affiliate disclosure statement.

Also Read: Best Gold & Bronze Rated Mini ITX Power Supply 

It’s been a month since Intel moved one generation up by launching its 8th generation chips. Their 7th gen chips were code-named Kaby (Cabby) Lake where this new 8th generation CPU’s are codenamed Coffee Lake. Following are some highlights about these processors:

  • Much faster (20-40%) compared to 7th gen Kaby Lake processors
  • Extra number of cores allowing superior multitasking
  • Expensive compared to Ryzen CPUs [equivalent] if you take the entire build into consideration
  • You will need new z370 chipset motherboard which is not backward compatible

Also Read: Best Z370 Chipset ATX Motherboards

Best Z370 Mini ITX motherboards for Intel Coffee Lake CPU’s

So as the last point above indicates, you will need to purchase a new motherboard, which in some cases means that you will require building an entirely new rig. There are not many motherboards launched for coffee Lake Chipset yet. Today, we will be talking about mini ITX motherboards with Z370 chipset. Currently there Asus, MSI, and ASRock are the only ones to launch the Z370 motherboard with mini ITX form factor. Two of them are available on various online marketplaces where MSI one is yet to be released. We recommend bookmarking this page as we will keep updating the article as new models will be released. Following is a brief discussion:

1. ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I Gaming:

[button_link size=”medium” src=”http://amzn.to/2xxbUuK”]Buy From Amazon[/button_link]

Right now, this one is the only motherboard from Asus designed for 8th gen Intel Coffee lake processors with mini ITX form factor. It maximizes the connectivity speed to an entirely new level. There is a lot to look forward to including dual M.2 slots (RAID Configurable), 802.11ac Wi-Fi, gigabit lane and IOM technology compatibility. It delivers dynamic system cooling, auto-tuning, FanXpert 4 and 5-way optimization, making it suitable for various types of builds. It comes with ASUS AURA compatibility and additional RGB header, allowing a lot of customization and personalization to your rig. The PCIe slots features on this board are quite sturdy and thus compatible with heavyweight graphics cards. Here is a quick look at some important specs:

ChipsetIntel Z370 Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 8th generation core processors from Intel
Form Factor /Socket TypeMicro ITX form factor

Intel Socket 1151

Power Connections 24 pin EATX main power connector

8 pin ATX12V power connector

RAM slots 2x DIMM DDR4 slots

Supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 main memory

Storage interface1x M.2 socket 3 with M key support

[SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 mode]

1x M.2 socket 3 with M key support

[PCIe 3.0 x4 mode]

4x SATA 6 GB/sports

With RAID 0/1/5/10 support

Expansion slots 1x CPU

2x DIMM 288 pin

1x PCIe 3.0 x16

Networking Intel i219V network controller

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth V4.2

LAN Guard, GameFirst Technology

Audio Supreme FX audio Coded S1220A

High definition 8 channel audio

Sonic Radar III, Sonic Studio III

USB Ports1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port

6x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports

6x USB 2.0 ports

Dimension12 x 1 x 8.6 inches
Weight1.5 pounds

2. ASRock Z370M ITX/ac:

[button_link size=”medium” src=”http://bit.ly/2yVSEDr”]Buy From Newegg[/button_link] [button_link size=”medium” src=”https://amzn.to/2r00jyf”]Buy From Amazon[/button_link]

Important things first, this is a Virtual reality ready motherboard. Since your motherboard is key components that link all your components together, you must look for a VR compatible one to take full advantage of your VR rig. It squeezes most out of your DDR4 memory sticks with hyper DDR4 technology. It comes with dual LAN port with teaming function support allowing plugging two LAN cables at once. For wireless connectivity, it features 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v4.2. With M.2 slots, you can push our transfer speed up to 32 GB/s. Storage and transfer speed is further enhanced with Intel Optane Storage Technology. High-density glass fabric design is used with less gap between PCB layers to protect against electrical shorts from humidity. Following are some important specs:

ChipsetIntel Z370 chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 8th gen Intel core processors

Supports Intel K-series unlocked CPUs

Form Factor /Socket TypeMini ITX form factor

Intel Socket 1151

Power Connections 24 pin ATX main power connector

8 pin ATX 12V power connector

RAM slots 2x DDR4 DIMM 288 pin slots

Supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM

Supports ECC + non-ECC memory [operates only in non-ECC]

Storage interface6x SATA 6 GB/s connectors

Supports RAID 0/1/5/10

1x Ultra M.2 socket

Supports M key

Expansion slots 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot

1x Vertical M.2 socket for bundled Wi-Fi module

Networking Intel 802.11 ac Wi-Fi module

A dual band at 2.4/5 GHz

Bluetooth 4.2 / 3.2 + High-speed class II

Giga PHY Intel i219V controller

LAN 100/100/1000 Mbps

Audio Realtek ALC 892 audio coded

7.1 channel high definition audio

Blue-ray audio support, surge protection

USB PortsRear:

6x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A

2x USB 2.0

Internal:

1x USB 2.0 header

1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header

Dimension6.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
WeightNot specified

3. MSI Z370-I Gaming Pro Carbon AC:

best Z370 Mini ITX motherboards[amazon_link asins=’B0778N6CFK’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ad036df0-4895-11e8-aedc-913a38f62b58′] on Amazon

[button_link size=”medium” src=”http://amzn.to/2yaVqWB”]Buy From Amazon[/button_link]

If you are planning a fully custom build look wise, this motherboard is exactly what you are looking for. It offers 16.8 million colors and 17 effects with RGB LED. MSI claims that this mobo is capable of taking out the most from 8th gen Coffee Lake processors from Intel. It has various features that give you the slight advantage while gaming such as gaming hotkey support, gaming device port, multi GPU support, 1 second OC, MSI game boost mode, etc. It is equipped with suitable technology and hardware for smooth virtual reality experience. Along with this, it delivers impressive audio quality with MSI audio boost-4 technology. Following are some important specifications:

ChipsetIntel Z370 Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 8th generation processors from Intel including Pentium and Celeron processors
Form Factor /Socket TypeMini ITX form factor

Intel LGA 1151 socket

Power Connections 24 pin ATX main power connector

8 pin ATX 12V power connector

RAM slots 2x DIMM DDR4 288 pin slots

Supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 dual channel main memory

Supports non-ECC, unbuffered memory

Storage interface4x SATA 6 GB/sports

With RAID 0/1/5/10 SATA supports

1x M.2 slot with Key M and M2_1 support

Expansion slots 1x M.2, 2242 / 2260 / 2280, PCIe 3.0 / SATA

1x PCIe 3.0 x16

SATA3 / M.2 support

Networking Intel Dual-band Wireless AC Card

802.11 ac Wi-Fi / WLAN

Bluetooth 4.2

Intel i219V network controller

Gigabit LAN [10/100/1000]

Audio Realtek ALC 1220 Codec

7.1 Channel high definition audio

S/PDIF output support

USB Ports1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C port on back

1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type A port on the back

4x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports

4x USB 2.0 ports

Dimension6.7 x 6.7 x 1 inches
WeightNot specified

4. Gigabyte Z370N Wi-Fi:

[amazon_link asins='B076VD4XV4' template='PriceLink' store='foi04-20' marketplace='US' link_id='6141a8e6-4895-11e8-b69a-4134e6f4cac1'] on Amazon

[button_link size=”medium” src=”https://amzn.to/2HRHIPt”]Buy From Amazon[/button_link] [button_link size=”medium” src=”https://bit.ly/2HOfKEc”]Buy From Newegg[/button_link]

This motherboard from Gigabyte comes with support to all 8th gen Intel core processors. It has two DIMM slots supporting dual-channel non-ECC, unbuffered DDR4 memory modules. This model is Intel Optane Memory technology compatible. The PCIe x16 slot can be bifurcated in 2 x8 slot mode using a compatible PCIe riser card. The motherboard offers integrated HDMI 2.0 support. You might feel a bit troubled while assembling the build since it offers tight constraints, being a mini ITX board. However, once the build is set up and ready, it just runs flawlessly without any issue, if everything is done right. Following table summarizes all the important specifications and technical details:

ChipsetIntel Z370 Express Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 8th generation processors from Intel including Pentium and Celeron processors
Form Factor /Socket TypeMini ITX, 17 x 17 cm Dimension

Intel LGA 1151 “v2” for 8th generation core CPUs

Power Connections 1x 24 pin ATX main power connector

1x 8 pin ATX 12V power connector

RAM slots 2x DIMM DDR4 slots

Supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 main memory

Supports 4400 MHz + Clock speed with Overclocking

Storage interface4x SATA III 6 GB/s

1x M.2 PCIe 32 GB/s or SATA III 6 GB/s

1x M.2 PCIe 32 GB/s

Expansion slots 1x PCIe x16 slot (running at x16)
Networking 2x Intel GBe LAN Chips (10/100/1000 Mbit)

Intel Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, supporting 2.4 / 5 GHz dual band

Bluetooth 4.2, 4.1, BLE, 4.0, 3.0, 2.1+ EDR

Support for 11acwireless standard and up to 867 Mbps data rate

Audio Realtek ALC 1220 Codec

High Definition Audio

2 / 4 / 5.1 / 7.1 Channel Audio

Support for S/PDIF Out

USB Ports2x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports available through the internal USB header

8x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports (6 on back, 2 ports through USB header)

1x USB Type C port on back with 3.1 gen 1 support

Dimension8.74 x 7.44 x 3.07 inches
Weight2.08 pounds

Conclusion

Asrock is the undisputed king of manufacturing pony motherboards. Apart from Asrock, we expect more mini ITX designs from other motherboard manufacturers soon. As on when they are available, we hope to update our list as well.

We hope you like our article on the best Z370 Mini ITX motherboards available on the market. For any questions or suggestions, please feel free to drop us a comment below.

Affiliate Disclosure: Faceofit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.


I have over 15 Years of Experience in IT & Software. I love Technology & Gadgets. Yes, I am a so called "Millennial" and this is my creation.