Question Budget motherboard for $100 for an LGA 1700 i5 CPU ?

[NoobBuilder1]

I have put together a list of parts for my future build. The one part I am struggling to pick is the motherboard.
I think I will either use the i5-12600KF or i5-14400F CPU for my build. I want to prioritize a few different things for this motherboard.

• Full ATX is preferred
• Windows 11 Support, of course
• DDR 4 RAM
• VRM that could allow for an upgrade
• Multiple SSD slots
• Good Motherboard Audio

Most importantly, I am hoping that it will be close to 100 dollars.

 

[Aeacus]

Take your pick;
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/motherboard/#s=40&sort=price&f=2&X=0,20045&mt=ddr4

Cheapest ATX LGA1700, AsRock, has 7+1+1 VRM. 2nd one to it, 130 bucks, Gigabyte, has 8+1+1 VRM.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Okay, is the Gigabyte B760M DS3H DDR4 Micro ATX a good option? It seems to have a lot of what I'm looking for.

 

[Aeacus]

is the Gigabyte B760M DS3H DDR4 Micro ATX a good option?

For one, it isn't ATX but instead micro-ATX.
And for two, it has mere 6 main phase VRM (in 6+2+1 configuration). That's essentially the bottom of the barrel.

Now, i've seen some MoBos to have only 4 main phase VRM as well, so not the absolute worst. But given that with e.g Z790 chipset MoBos, the norm is 12 or 14 main VRM phases, while the most that you can get is 26 main phase VRM (MSI Z790 Godlike Max), your 6 main phase VRM is poor.

Good enough for Celeron or Pentium. Core i3 tops. But not enough for anything better. Like the Core i5 you're looking at, especially the K-suffix chip.
For CPU OC, you'd want to have the most stable power possible, not the cheapest.

For example, my MoBo, MSI Z170A Gaming M5, has 12 main phase VRM and i have it paired with i5-6600K. A good combination. But my MoBo is from 2016 (making my build 9 years old).
Though, i do plan upgrading my build as well and current plan is to go with R7 9800X3D, whereby i'll be pairing it with X870E chipset MoBo, with 20+2+1 VRM phases rated at 110A. High-end CPU with high-end MoBo is a good combo.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Here are three other motherboards in that price range. Which will have the best VRM?

• ASRock B660M Pro RS
• Asus PRIME B760M-A D4
• MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4

 

[Aeacus]

Which will have the best VRM?

Look the specs.

AsRock: https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B660m Pro RS/index.asp
8 main phase VRM. VRM conf isn't listed. But based on the chokes amount, it most likely is 8+1 conf.

Asus: https://www.asus.com/motherboards-components/motherboards/prime/prime-b760m-a-d4/
No VRM amount is listed at all.

MSI: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-B760M-P-DDR4
Again, no VRM amount is listed.

So, when official specs doesn't list VRM, 2nd source is review.

And if there isn't that info even in review (e.g MoBo doesn't have a review to begin with), then you can count the VRM chokes and make educated guess as well.

MSI MoBo has 8 VRM chokes visible (those shiny boxes around CPU socket, close to round capacitors). But not all of them are for CPU. At least one of them must be for GPU and rest of the system. Ideally, GPU and rest of the system should have their dedicated VRM phase. Hence the conf of e.g 8+1+1. Meaning 8 phases for CPU (vcore), 1 phase for GPU (vgpu) and 1 phase for everything else.

Based on the chokes amount, MSI MoBo most likely has 6+1+1 conf VRM.
7+1 seems plausible due to chokes layout, but CPU VRM is usually in even number (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 etc).
There are some rare uneven CPU VRM phases MoBos, like the ATX AsRock i talked in my initial reply.

As far as Asus MoBo goes, i did find review of it's Wi-fi version,
link: https://www.alktech.co/articles/review-asus-prime-b760m-a-wifi-d4-motherboard
Where Wi-fi version has 8 main phase VRM, in 8+1+1 configuration.

But since you asked about regular version and not Wi-fi version, it has less VRMs. That you can easily see when you count the VRM chokes. For Wi-fi version, there are 10 chokes, making the conf 8+1+1. But regular version has only 8 chokes, making possible conf 6+1+1. Or 7+1, same as MSI MoBo.

Out of the three, AsRock has most VRM phases but it lacks heatsinks on chokes. So, it isn't meant for mid-tier or even high-end CPU. Low-end CPU, Celeron, Pentium would do fine. Maybe even Core i3.
Asus does have heatsink on 5 chokes but other 3 are bare.
And MSI is the worst, no VRM heatsinks what-so-ever. For that MoBo, i'd only use Celeron CPU.


For Core i5, i'd look towards at least 12 main phase VRM MoBo, IF you want stable power for CPU. While more would be better.
For Core i7, 16 main phase minimum, while more is better.
And for Core i9, i'd only look 20 main phase VRM MoBos, if not the best that can be get (26 main phase MoBo from MSI).

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Okay, what is the best price for a motherboard that will offer good VRM and heatsinks for an i5? I'm fine raising the price to get a good motherboard. I think MATX would be fine, I am just worrying about how it will look in an ATX case.

 

[Aeacus]

I think MATX would be fine, I am just worrying about how it will look in an ATX case.

Completely depends on which case you have, but the just of it would be like so:

Direct link if image doesn't load: https://voltcave.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/fm2-build.webp

And here's micro-ATX in ATX case with mid-tower air cooler and GPU:

Direct link if image doesn't load: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Gabinete99.jpg

what is the best price for a motherboard that will offer good VRM and heatsinks for an i5?

~$200.

Looked around and you have options regarding chipsets: B660 and Z690 are older (paired with Intel 12th gen), while B760 and Z790 are newer (paired with 13th gen). All 4x chipsets do support 14th gen as well with latest BIOS.

Within B660 chipset, MoBos are running either 5, 6 or 8 main phase VRM and not more.
Z690 chipset MoBos start out at 10 main phase VRM, but price goes up fast and availability is an issue.
B760 chipset MoBos are similar to B660 chipset, mostly 6 main phase VRMs. Some may even have 8 main phases.
Z790 chipset MoBos start out at 8 main phase, while the bulk of them have 12/14/16 main phase VRM. Also, avability isn't an issue and MoBos start out cheap-ish.

E.g ~$200, MSI Pro Z790-P Wifi DDR4, with 14 main phase VRM (in 14+1+1 conf) and heatsink is covering all chokes.
specs: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-P-WIFI-DDR4
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/rL...-atx-lga1700-motherboard-pro-z790-p-wifi-ddr4

That would be the cheapest option for Core i5, while having enough VRM phases and heatsink cover over VRMs.
For reassurance, you can count the chokes. There are 16 chokes on MoBo, confirming the 14+1+1 VRM configuration.

 

[thestryker]

Anything with at least 7 phases (as long as there's a heatsink on the VRM) should be perfectly fine for up to a 12700K (190W) when running stock CPU power profiles.

If you're on a budget and trying to save money this is the best choice for ATX board I'm aware of: https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B760 Pro RSD4/index.asp

Midrange DDR4 boards are quite frankly overpriced to the point that you could get a DDR5 model for enough less it would cover the cost difference between buying DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Anything with at least 7 phases (as long as there's a heatsink on the VRM) should be perfectly fine for up to a 12700K (190W) when running stock CPU power profiles.

The motherboard has been by far the most difficult component to pick since it has so many different options and features to consider. I also went into this not knowing much about how a VRM works, and even what it looks like. I think that your recommendation of the B760 Pro RS/D4 sounds good. It has a good VRM and heatsinks that surround the VRM, as well as most of the other features I was looking for.

I'll see what Aeacus has to say about this choice for a 12600KF since it has less than a 12-phase VRM.

Do you have any tips regarding which Amazon seller to buy this board from?

 

[Aeacus]

Anything with at least 7 phases (as long as there's a heatsink on the VRM)

Thing is, with AsRock B760 Pro RS D4, the heatsink doesn't cover the chokes fully, but only partly.

This is easy to see from the MoBo images, like this close-up shot:

Direct link of image: https://www.cowcotland.com/images/test/asrock/b760m-pro-rs-d4/asrock-b760m-pro-rs-d4-09.jpg

Once the basic heatsinks are removed, one can see the thermal pads covering only half of each choke:

Direct link of image: https://www.cowcotland.com/images/test/asrock/b760m-pro-rs-d4/asrock-b760m-pro-rs-d4-14.jpg

Source, MoBo review in French: https://www.cowcotland.com/articles...ck-b760m-pro-rs-d4-du-matx-pour-pas-cher.html

And same review also states (translated to English):

The controller is a Richtek RT3628AE for 7+1+1 phases and 50A Vishay SIC654 MOSFETs. There are fewer phases than on the B760 Pro RS, but that should be more than enough for most processors, especially if you're targeting non-K processors.

Since OP is looking at K-series chip (i5-12600KF) and also possible CPU upgrade as well (which can also be K-series chip), that MoBo VRMs doesn't have enough cooling and also lacks on main VRM phase amount.

The motherboard has been by far the most difficult component to pick since it has so many different options and features to consider.

True.

I also went into this not knowing much about how a VRM works, and even what it looks like.

Well, if you would've asked off the bat why VRMs are so important or what their job is, i would've explained it to you. But since you initially started out with one of the conditions as good enough VRM for CPU upgrade, i thought you already knew what VRM is and why it is so important.

But i digress.

This short video explains what VRM is, what it consist of (hardware wise) and why it is important:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOHkJtUkj8Y


Also, here's good Q&A about VRM,
link: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/vrm/

 

[thestryker]

Thing is, with AsRock B760 Pro RS D4, the heatsink doesn't cover the chokes fully, but only partly.

They don't need to be fully covered for the heatsinks to be effective.

Since OP is looking at K-series chip and also possible CPU upgrade as well (which can also be K-series chip), that MoBo VRMs doesn't have enough cooling and also lacks on main VRM phase amount.

It's still going to be totally fine for up to a 12700K without issue. It's 7x 50amp mosfets so issues really only come in with the >200W parts.

None of this changes the fact that low-midrange DDR4 boards are overpriced though. 14 phase DDR5 ATX boards can be had for as low as $150 so the reason behind going DDR4 would probably be important.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Thanks for the video Aeacus.

I am likely going to go with the 14400F, which is not a K-series chip. I still want to have the ability to upgrade my CPU without upgrading my motherboard. One i7 option would be the 13700F, which is locked. Would the B760 Pro RS be enough for that?

For thestryker's comment on DDR5 RAM...
I want to keep my build under 900. Paying 50 dollars more for a DDR5 mobo (100+50) and paying 40 dollars more for DDR5 RAM (45+40) would mean spending almost 100 dollars more for 5% better performance. I think I'll stick with DDR4 RAM. DDR5 RAM might be useful for some people, but I don't think I'm one of them.

 

[thestryker]

I am likely going to go with the 14400F, which is not a K-series chip. I still want to have the ability to upgrade my CPU without upgrading my motherboard. One i7 option would be the 13700F, which is locked. Would the B760 Pro RS be enough for that?

13700F is 219W which I think would be pushing it. Sure it would probably be okay if timed boost was being used instead of unlimited, but it's still going to be a performance limiter that a better board simply won't have. If you're seriously considering going to anything 200W+ down the road I think it makes sense to buy a better motherboard now.

For thestryker's comment on DDR5 RAM...
I want to keep my build under 900. Paying 50 dollars more for a DDR5 mobo (100+50) and paying 40 dollars more for DDR5 RAM (45+40) would mean spending almost 100 dollars more for 5% better performance. I think I'll stick with DDR4 RAM. DDR5 RAM might be useful for some people, but I don't think I'm one of them.

If you end up needing a better motherboard for long term plans it pays for itself to move up. There are plenty of good enough DDR5 boards in the $150-175 range whereas better DDR4 boards are going to be $200+.

 

[DSzymborski]

Honestly, if this is a future budget build, your best bet would be *not* to build a parts list ahead of time. When you're ready to make a purchase, $20-$30 sales or price drops can be a pretty big change, so you should see what things look like then.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Anything with at least 7 phases (as long as there's a heatsink on the VRM) should be perfectly fine for up to a 12700K (190W) when running stock CPU power profiles.

If you're on a budget and trying to save money this is the best choice for ATX board I'm aware of: https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B760 Pro RSD4/index.asp

I think the B760 Pro RS will be good for my needs right now. If I want to upgrade to an i7 on a limited budget, the 13600KF would work since it has a boost TDP of 181W. I just need a well-priced board to get me going. When I have a bigger budget and greater needs when gaming, I'll upgrade to a stronger board. I am thanking you both for helping me pick a motherboard that suits my needs.

Honestly, if this is a future budget build, your best bet would be *not* to build a parts list ahead of time. When you're ready to make a purchase, $20-$30 sales or price drops can be a pretty big change, so you should see what things look like then.

I'm building this list ahead of time because I am bored and have nothing else to do at the moment. I will remain open to better options in the future and want to get familiar with what to look for in the different components.

 

[DSzymborski]

I think the B760 Pro RS will be good for my needs right now. If I want to upgrade to an i7 on a limited budget, the 13600KF would work since it has a boost TDP of 181W. I just need a well-priced board to get me going. When I have a bigger budget and greater needs when gaming, I'll upgrade to a stronger board. I am thanking you both for helping me pick a motherboard that suits my needs.



I'm building this list ahead of time because I am bored and have nothing else to do at the moment. I will remain open to better options in the future and want to get familiar with what to look for in the different components.

OK, just making sure. Sometimes people get too committed to parts ahead of time, and I'd hate to see you miss out on a good deal that upgrades your parts whenever!

 

[Aeacus]

If I want to upgrade to an i7 on a limited budget, the 13600KF would work since it has a boost TDP of 181W.

Or it may not work.

Btw, 13600(KF) is Core i5, not Core i7.
Core i7 is 13700(KF).

Sure, 181W is max TDP with max turbo. But remove power limits and you'll see 200W. Or if you OC it, then easy 277W,
review: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i5-13600k/22.html

Since when you go with K-series chip, idea would be to OC it.
Else-ways, go with non-K chip, like i5-13600, which has lower base clock and is limited to 65W TDP. But has nearly the same turbo clock.

One i7 option would be the 13700F, which is locked. Would the B760 Pro RS be enough for that?

PL1 (default power limit) is 65W, but PL2 (turbo boost power limit) is 219W. So... there's that.
Specs: https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/core-i7-13700f.c2996

As said above, 200+W CPU doesn't do well with low VRM amount.

When I have a bigger budget and greater needs when gaming, I'll upgrade to a stronger board.

Replacing a MoBo is the most tedious component replacement of them all. Since you have to rip everything apart and assemble it afterwards again.
Heck, many people even doesn't want to upgrade their CPU, since they would need to take CPU cooler off, clean thermal paste, re-paste it and put it back together.
Other component replacements, which are easy, like RAM and GPU (sometimes PSU too), people are more willing to do.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

I apologize for mistaking an i5 for an i7. I might have to give up upgradability to remain under budget. This will be a big purchase for me, and I am not sure when I will be compelled to upgrade again. I was hoping that an i7-worthy motherboard would not be much more expensive, and I could think ahead without paying much more, but I think I might have to go with the lesser option. The 13600 will likely be a great upgrade from a 12600KF or 14400F. Thank you for your help. I am still open to suggestions, but I think I have my answer.

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Update:
How would the Gigabyte Z790 S WIFI DDR4 compare to the ASRock B760 Pro RSD4?

 

[Aeacus]

How would the Gigabyte Z790 S WIFI DDR4 compare to the ASRock B760 Pro RSD4?

Gigabyte MoBo has 8+1+1 VRM conf,
specs: https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-S-WIFI-DDR4-rev-10

If you pay peanuts - you will get monkeys. Up to you if you want to deal with the monkeys.

As i said earlier;

E.g ~$200, MSI Pro Z790-P Wifi DDR4, with 14 main phase VRM (in 14+1+1 conf) and heatsink is covering all chokes.
specs: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-P-WIFI-DDR4
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/rL...-atx-lga1700-motherboard-pro-z790-p-wifi-ddr4

Cheaper options, with full heatsink cover over chokes, and excluding 8 main phase VRM MoBos, include;
$199 - 12+1 (50A) - Asus ProArt B660 Creator D4: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Lq...tx-lga1700-motherboard-proart-b660-creator-d4
$197 - 12+1+1 - MSI Pro B760-P DDR4 II: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/84...ii-atx-lga1700-motherboard-pro-b760-p-ddr4-ii
$171 - 17 (70A) - Biostar B660GTA: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/ThxRsY/biostar-b660gta-atx-lga1700-motherboard-b660gta
$166 - 12+1+1 - MSI Pro B760-P Wifi DDR4: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/yM...-atx-lga1700-motherboard-pro-b760-p-wifi-ddr4
$155 - 12+1+1 - MSI Pro B760M-A Wifi DDR4: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/VV...atx-lga1700-motherboard-pro-b760m-a-wifi-ddr4

While Biostar MoBo seems great, it actually has VRM cooling issues.
Biostar review: https://www.hwcooling.net/en/otherness-everywhere-you-look-biostar-b660gta-review/35/
But it looks fancy.

And that's it. I looked all LGA1700 MoBos with sub $200 price point and i was able to find only these 5. So, you have a decent selection.

 

[thestryker]

Update:
How would the Gigabyte Z790 S WIFI DDR4 compare to the ASRock B760 Pro RSD4?

In theory it should be better, but I cannot find any information on what they mean by "Hybrid" with regards to the VRM and there are no pictures of the board without a heatsink on the VRM. Even with good enough mosfets it's still possible the design isn't going to deal with power delivery well.

 

[Aeacus]

but I cannot find any information on what they mean by "Hybrid" with regards to the VRM

It could be the same as Asus'es "twin 8 phase", which in actuality, is just doubled 4 phase.

In-depth video about that Asus twin 8 phase;
(Also a good learning video for more in-depth about VRMs.)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLO-vYjJN-I

 

[NoobBuilder1]

Thank you.

The PRO B760M-A WIFI DDR4 seems adequate for my needs while providing good VRMs.

 

[Aeacus]

The PRO B760M-A WIFI DDR4 seems adequate for my needs while providing good VRMs.

Well, it's the cheapest, DDR4, 12 main phase VRM MoBo, with full VRM cooling heatsinks, that i was able to find in regards of current availability.
MoBo specs: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-B760M-A-WIFI-DDR4/Specification

It should suffice. Audio part of it may be lacking but you can always install dedicated PCI-E sound card for better audio if you want.