Digital Advisor is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Modern problems need modern solutions, they say. And for present-day problems, the mini ITX motherboards make for the perfect solution as we strive to achieve greater functions from a smaller PC. If you, too, have been looking for a mini ITX motherboard but haven’t yet figured out the right one, then this is the perfect article. We will help you not only understand how to pick the ideal unit for yourself but also present you with the best options out there.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Mini itx Motherboard
- OUR TOP PICK: ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I
- RUNNER-UP: ASRock Z370M-ITX/AC
- BEST BUDGET MINI ITX MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE B360N WiFi
Comparison of the Best Mini ITX Motherboards
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
When Would a Mini ITX Motherboard Come in Handy
A mini ITX motherboard is one that is widely used these days. This is because these chipsets provide a number of features that users find useful in a number of situations. In case you are wondering how this motherboard could be useful for you, then here are a few advantages one can get.
Convenience
One of the most important features of a mini ITX motherboard is the convenience it provides alongside its compact size. A compact rig is highly preferable when building a processor meant to fit inside a small device. And this feature can be provided better by no other motherboard, in our opinion.
On a Budget
Other bigger motherboards might look fancier, but they are heavier in your pocket. A mini ITX is not only highly efficient but also pocket-friendly as it is highly affordable. It allows all users to experience high efficacy, without having to spend everything they have on just a motherboard.
A Powerful Unit
Just because this motherboard comes in a smaller size as compared to others and is cheaper, it does not imply that it works any less efficiently. It is an outstanding combination of power and convenience that allows you to experience the best of all features that it has to offer.
Characteristics of Our Favourite Mini ITX Motherboards
Of the number of products available in the market, we have picked a few that we consider being better than all others. And this selection is not a random one, but one that is based on a number of careful considerations. If you are wondering what the considered features were, here they are.
Speed and Performance
Speed and performance are the first and foremost aspects that need to be considered. The basic functioning of the motherboard is dependent upon these features, and without their sufficiency, a unit cannot be labeled as good enough for use. We ensured that the items we picked provided the best of speed coupled with an impressive performance to provide the users with a flawless experience.
ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I
Size and Compatibility
Yet another aspect of these units is their size. With a ‘mini’ in their name, one would expect these motherboards to be small enough to fit into about any smaller case. The units that we chose are all sufficiently compact to fit into a number of smaller devices, allowing greater compatibility.
Functionality
Lastly, we assessed these motherboards on their functionality. One would expect a high-end processor to be able to provide more than just one function. Processors that work faster may not be as effective at handling multiple tasks at the same time. The units we picked provide the users with varying combinations of both of these features.
Review of the Best Mini ITX Motherboards
With the basics of a mini ITX motherboard out of the way, we can now get down to the main task, which is picking the ideal unit. It may seem tricky, but in order to make it easier, we have reviewed the best of mini ITX motherboards out there to save you some time and effort.
Best Overall:
ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who invested in this unit will tell you that it is a little more expensive than they’d like it to be, but it also provides a functioning and a list of features that are absolutely worth the price. Users love this unit for the ideal clean look that it provides, paired with the sharp design and impressive compatibility.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For us, there were a number of features provided by this unit that just couldn’t be topped by the others. But what really stood out to us was the M.2 double-decker heat sink that this motherboard is equipped with. A heat sink is generally present in other units as well, but they do not function as well as this one.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit is not only ideally sized, shaped, and designed, but also provides great compatibility for various cases. Given these factors, we would say that it is one that is designed for just about anyone. It is designed to stand true to all its claims and provide more.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a mini ITX motherboard, no matter what your requirements are, this unit will meet all of them. It is one that is perfect for all sorts of users and simply designed to impress. It may cost a bit more than others, but it also justifies its price tag with the features that it provides.
Runner-up:
ASRock Z370M-ITX/AC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of users bought this unit after failed and disappointing attempts with other motherboards and found it to be a pleasant surprise. They claimed that this unit rectified all the issues that they had faced with the previous ones, providing them with an experience that was well above satisfactory.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit has a lot to offer for its users, but the feature that we think users can make the most out of is the ease of functioning that it provides. It is not only easy to configure but can also be done in absolutely no time, while a lot of other units require extensive manuals for their appropriate functioning
Who Will Use This Most
Since the most ideal feature of this unit is its simplicity, we highly recommend it to all those who are new to using these devices. Any beginner who has little to no experience working with motherboards would find it to be the perfect starting point.
Bottom Line
Professional or not, you will find absolutely no trouble dealing with this motherboard. It is designed to provide not only optimal functionality but also to ensure the convenience and comfort of the users. Needless to say, it is one of the best mini ITX motherboards that one could opt for.
Best Budget Mini ITX Motherboard:
GIGABYTE B360N WiFi
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users see this unit as one that is highly different from its likes. That is because not only does it save great money, but it also provides a functionality that is considerably better than a number of standard units. The combination of these two features makes this the choice of a number of users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Our favorite feature from this particular item is the convenience of use that it allows for its users. It comes with a manual that greatly explains the steps the users need to go through to use this motherboard, making it ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
Who Will Use This Most
Buying motherboards and working on them is a time-taking task that may be quite expensive. Not everyone can find the money to spare on such items, but this unit solves that problem. It is perfect for those that are on a budget and are looking to save themselves from complex configurations.
Bottom Line
Save money without compromising on the experience you gain with this motherboard. It will provide you with the functioning of a high-end unit, without making you pay for one. All of that is possible with little to no hassle of configuration. Isn’t that what we all ask for?
Best Mini ITX Gaming Motherboard:
GIGABYTE B450 I AORUS PRO WiFi
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users that have recently bought and tested this unit have a lot to say about it, but all of it is positive feedback. Given the efficiency with which it performs and its sleek design, users have found very little to nothing to complain about. Perhaps that is why it has proven to be their favorite of all the motherboards they have used.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the features this unit comes with, what stands out the most to us is its high-quality audio capacitors along with noise guard. For a gaming unit where one wants to submerge in the experience completely, this feature, in particular, makes it ideal for use in such situations.
Who Will Use This Most
This mini ITX motherboard provides users with the ideal combination of speed and performance. This duo is the dream of every gamer, which is why it makes for the perfect gaming motherboard. Anyone looking to up their game would find it to be the ideal unit.
Bottom Line
The final word on this unit is that it is one of the absolute best. From day to day use to heavy gaming, it is ideal for one and all. With its high-end design and performance, it will greatly impress you. If you are looking for a unit that doesn’t disappoint, this is it.
Best AM4 Mini ITX Motherboard:
ASRock Mini-ITX Motherboard - AB350
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
What really impresses the users along with the great functionality of this motherboard is the excellent customer support that is provided by Asrock. Users also claim that they have found no other unit that works better than this with an appropriate BIOS, or provides an easier setup.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the great features that this unit offers, the one we find to be the best is the SATA ports that it features. The 4 SATA 3 ports that are designed into this unit are more than what other standard units offer, ensuring better functionality and better results.
Who Will Use This Most
The wide variety of AM4 mini ITX motherboards in the market can be overwhelming, making it hard to make the final decision. If you, too, find yourself baffled by this dilemma, then you can trust this unit to provide you with better features and functionality than any other out there.
Bottom Line
This unit is one that has won over a number of users, which ensures that it is designed to impress. It provides not only sufficient features but also guarantees outstanding functionality, which will not disappoint. If you are still looking for a mini ITX motherboard, then this can be the final stop for you.
Best Mini ITX Ryzen Motherboard:
ASUS ROG Strix B450-I
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Going by the words of a recent buyer will eventually convince you to invest in this unit since all they find to say about it is good words. Almost everyone that has used this unit has found themselves to be highly satisfied with its functioning and features, which for them are better than those provided by the rest.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This motherboard has more than enough features to deserve a place on this list, and the top feature of all those is its Aura Sync lighting that comes with 2 additional RGB headers. This provides the unit with a magnificent spectrum of colors that will be sure to leave one dazzled.
Who Will Use This Most
Finding a mini ITX Ryzen motherboard that performs according to one’s expectations can be a difficult task. If you too are one of such users, then this unit will be the perfect choice since it has everything that other Ryzen motherboards lack. It is one that does not disappoint with its performance and features.
Bottom Line
If you have been searching for a good mini ITX Ryzen motherboard, but have failed so far, then we’ve got some good news for you. This is the perfect motherboard for you. It has all the right features that make it into the exact unit you’d want for ideal functionality and satisfaction.
Best Z170 Mini ITX Motherboard:
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable GA-Z170N-WIFI
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have found this motherboard to be an impressive piece of work. They have been stunned by not only how well it performs with all the basic features but also by all the additional features that it has to offer, unlike all the other standard motherboards.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With this unit, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the features that it offers, but the one feature that caught our eye before any other was it’s Intel USB 3.0 with USB type C. With the addition of the world’s next universal connector, this unit has really set itself apart from the rest.
Who Will Use This Most
When it comes to technology, we all look for the newer and better. And there is a lot that falls under that category, including this mini ITX motherboard. It is designed for all those tech geeks that are looking for a motherboard that is one step ahead of all the others.
Bottom Line
Here, we conclude this list with one of the best Z170 Mini ITX motherboards the market has to offer. Investing in this unit could be the change you need for an experience better than you’ve had with any other motherboard before. With its efficiency and design, it is guaranteed not to disappoint.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Mini ITX Motherboard
While the technical aspects of a motherboard and its dimensions are very important, there are few other aspects that you need to be clear on before investing in a mini ITX motherboard. Here are a few other things that you need to consider other than the above-mentioned features.
RAM
The mini ITX is the smallest chipset out there. And while the small size makes these units highly convenient, it does, however, disables a higher RAM capacity. While using a mini ITX form factor, you will be restricted to no more than two DIMMs for your RAM, which may be a significant drawback for certain users.
Size of Case
While picking a motherboard, one must keep in mind the size of the case where it is supposed to fit. If the case is smaller than the chipset, it may not be able to fit in, and therefore not be used at all. But it is also important to remember that if the case is considerably bigger than the chipset, the motherboard just sitting in the corner of a big case does not look good aesthetically. So if you have more space, it is better to consider a bigger motherboard that fits well in the case.
Conclusion
Gone are the days when only bigger was better. This is the era of compact technology and convenience. Both of these features, along with outstanding performance, are the major features that a mini ITX motherboard provides. There is a lot more that you could get out of these units, given that you choose the right ones, with a keen consideration of all the important aspects.
People Also Ask
To be completely sure of your purchase, you can find clarification of any confusion you might have.
Is Micro ATX the Same as Mini ITX?
A micro ATX is smaller than an ATX, and so is mini ITX. In that respect, the two may be similar, but no, the micro ATX is not the same as mini ITX. A micro ATX is still bigger in size as compared to a mini ITX. While a mini ITX is ideal for smaller cases and provides better aesthetics too, a micro ATX is cheaper and provides a higher RAM capacity.
How Big is a Mini ITX Motherboard?
A mini ITX motherboard is the smallest that you can find. It is not only smaller than the standard ATX, which is 12.0” x 9.6”, but also smaller than a micro ATX, which is 9.6” x 9.6”. The dimensions of a mini ITX are 6.7” x 6.7” with only one PCIe lane, compatible with small form-factor cases.
Share to Pinterest
