8 Best Z170 Motherboard Under $200 to Buy

You may be familiar with the Z170 motherboard if you’re exceptionally tech-savvy, and especially if you’re a gamer. The Z170 chipset, which is part of Intel’s Skylake series, offers DDR4 memory, which is fantastic for gaming, and computers with the Z170 motherboard may occasionally gain Thunderbolt and USB 3.1 connectivity.

In general, the Z170 chipset will provide you with Intel Smart Response and Intel Rapid Storage Technology, both of which help to increase the performance of your computer system. Furthermore, the Z170 chipset allows for overclocking while gaming, which is vital to consider whether you’re building your own gaming rig or purchasing a PC or laptop with the chipset.

The Z170 motherboards also provide 20 HSIO lanes, allowing you to connect video cards or graphics cards to improve your gaming experience. Selecting the appropriate motherboard may be a time-consuming and costly process (especially if you’re building a gaming system and it’s only one of many pieces of technology you’ll need).

You’ll need a White Motherboard if you want an all-white setup. We’ve got you covered whether you’re trying to match a White Motherboard or create a clean, surgical theme for your gaming station. A list of all the options is available here. To read the entire evaluation, simply click Best White Motherboards.

However, if you’re diligent, you can do it for around 200 dollars and still get excellent results. Here are some of the best Z170 motherboards under $200.

GIGABYTE ATX LGA1151

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Any 6th generation Intel core processor will work with Gigabyte’s Z170X-Gaming 5, and the Intel USB 3.1, audio jacks controller provides you a lot more bandwidth and adaptability. The USB Type-C port also boasts a transmission speed of about 10 Gb/s, which is ideal for charging bigger devices.

This Gigabyte model also comes with the Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 software package, which will enhance your gaming experience with hi-fi audio technology, bringing sound effects during combat scenes and the power of background music to a whole new level.

Even if it is approaching the $200 level, this is still one of the Best Z170 motherboards under $200. However, you are paying for good quality, which will pay dividends once you begin gaming. The Z170X-Gaming 5 also has a multi-graphics setup, which means that better visuals and higher frame rates will almost certainly enhance your gaming experience.

Furthermore, the Gigabyte App Center enables you to manage everything from one location, with a simple user interface that gives you access to all of your Gigabyte applications. Convenient and efficient, with the extra bonus of assisting with overclocking while gaming thanks to the Easy Tune function.

Pros

  • It’s ideal for gameplay that requires a lot of speed and smoothness.
  • Connectors that are strategically placed.
  • It may also be updated to support Intel’s 7th generation CPUs.
  • GPU performance is good.
  • Wiring for LEDs is an added benefit.

Cons

  • The App Center might be more appealing.

Specifications

BrandGigabyte
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
PlatformNot Machine Specific
SeriesGA-Z170X-GAMING 5
Memory Storage Capacity64 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size16 GB
Graphics Card InterfacePCI-E
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ASUS Z170 PRO

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You can count on Asus to produce high-quality hardware, and they have one of the best z170 motherboards under $200 for you to consider whether you’re creating a gaming rig or a PC from the ground up. This is designed for Intel 6th generation CPUs and is a great option for professional gamers because to the built-in Pro Clock technology, which allows overclocked speeds to reach 400MHz.

You’ll have gaming performance unlike any other. However, it will be limited by your CPU’s capabilities. SupremeFX audio technology provides a near-lossless audio experience, ensuring that you hear all that there is to hear when gaming. The Sonic Radar II upgrade is also a fantastic tool that aids in spotting adversaries on the battlefield.

Asus also includes a dashboard that allows you to keep track of everything system-related, from LED management to cooling fan extensions. The BIOS menus are designed to be user-friendly even for novices, with EZ mode explaining everything for you, so here is a fantastic place to start if you’re new to the big terrible (and sometimes complex) world of computer technology!

Pros

  • Setup is simple thanks to clear instructions.
  • Features for overclocking that are good.
  • BIOS menus that are easy to navigate.
  • For those who aren’t extremely tech-savvy, this is a good option.
  • LEDs provide a variety of illumination choices.

Cons

  • RAM slots might be put more strategically.

Specifications

BrandASUS
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Compatible Processors6th Generation Intel Core, Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium
RAM Memory TechnologyDIMM
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
Memory clock speed2133 MHz
PlatformNot Machine Specific
Series90MB0MD0-M0AAY0
CPU modelXeon
Memory storage capacity64 GB
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ASROCK EXTREME 6+

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The Z170 Extreme6+ from ASRock is the best motherboard that can handle both 6th and 7th generation Intel CPUs. It also comes at a low price, making it accessible to those who don’t have a large budget but yet want a capable chipset to manage their gameplay. The Extreme612-phase +’s power architecture is ideal for heat control and overclocking, ensuring that you have a smooth and continuous gaming experience.

Both NVidia and AMD Crossfire are supported, allowing you to get the most out of your gaming experience. ASRock also offers Full Spike Protection, which protects all of your ports from harm. Furthermore, the utilization of 60A Power Chokes ensures that your system will remain stable and capable of overclocking. The Japanese-made Nichicon 12K caps are also excellent in helping you to reach the height of gaming performance.

With this model, you may connect up to three monitors, and Realtek audio will enhance your gaming experience. At this price, you receive a vast package of generous features that will enable you to handle practically any game genre (depending, of course, on the components of the rest of your machine).

Pros

  • Very cost-effective
  • The setup is simple.
  • Setting up a gaming setup is a wonderful alternative for novices.
  • The heatsink is efficient.
  • Excellent BIOS

Cons

  • SATA slots are oddly placed.

Specifications

BrandASRock
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
PlatformWindows 8, Windows 7
Memory Storage Capacity64 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size64 GB
Graphics Card InterfacePCI-E
Memory Slots Available4
System Bus Standard SupportedSATA 3
Number of USB Ports2
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GIGABYTE ATX GAMING K3

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The GA-Z170-Gaming K3, another Gigabyte motherboard, is also a perfect choice if you’re seeking the best z170 motherboard for around $200. This may be used with Intel 6th and 7th generation CPUs, and it has two SATA Express ports for rapid data transmission. The gold coating protects the CPU socket, ensuring that it can withstand everything you throw at it and will not be harmed by anything in the wiring.

Also, 4K capability with Intel HD graphics is a fantastic bonus, especially if you’re connecting through HDMI. Realtek ALC1150 also ensures a comprehensive audio setup, with two integrated stereo ADCs allowing a variety of cutting-edge technologies to run seamlessly. The Chemicon audio capacitors from Japan are ideal for making your gaming sound effects as realistic and crisp as possible, allowing you to immerse yourself in the game’s environment.

The PCIe connections are also made of stainless steel, which ensures that your graphics cards are adequately supported. If you love engaging in the gaming community in this manner, the Killer E2200 Ethernet controller will make it a fantastic experience. Despite the fact that it is close to $200, this Gigabyte model is a must-have.

Pros

  • The appearance of red LED is appealing.
  • Overclocking is well handled.
  • The BIOS menu is simple to use.
  • Very dependable.
  • It is quite simple to set up.

Cons

  • The firmware could be improved upon.

Specifications

BrandGigabyte
CPU SocketLGA 1151
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
Memory Storage Capacity64 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size64 GB
Graphics Card InterfacePCI-E
Memory Slots Available4
System Bus Standard SupportedSATA 3
Number of USB Ports2
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MSI PRO SOLUTION INTEL Z170A SLI PLUS

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Because MSI is a well-known brand for laptops, you can trust that its motherboard chipsets will be just as well-made. Memory signals are optimized for optimal performance using DDR4 Boost technology, and you get a range of PCI-Express slots so you can set up graphics cards without a hitch. Both NVidia and AMD Crossfire are supported, ensuring that you always have the fastest framerate and most flashy visuals.

If you choose the MSI SLI Plus, one of the great boards under 200 dollars that delivers excellent performance under 200, you can say goodbye to playing Assassin’s Creed on the lowest resolution with periodic lags. Everything will be high quality and seamlessly playable. Despite the fact that you aren’t spending as much as you would for a high-end chipset, you are still getting a high-end product with Military Class 4 components, Dark Choke (to efficiently regulate heat), and CAPs (to extend the chip’s lifetime).

The 12-phase power architecture, as well as the OC Genie 4, MSI’s overclocking gear, are both ideal for managing to overclock. The card itself is rather huge, with overvoltage protection. It’s also fully compatible with Windows 10, so you’re good to go if you’re going to install it on your new PC.

Pros

  • It’s uncommon to have a reliable crash.
  • BIOS is relatively simple to use.
  • SATA cables are included in the package.
  • Support for two monitors.
  • It has a matte black finish.

Cons

  • There is no visuals built-in.

Specifications

BrandMSI
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Compatible ProcessorsIntel Celeron, Intel Pentium
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
Memory Speed2133 MHz
PlatformPlayStation VR
SeriesZ170A PC MATE
CPU ModelPentium
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ASUS Z170-A ATX DDR4

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The white accents on this Asus best z170 motherboard under 200 make the whole chipset seem rather nice. The 5-way optimization of this Z170 motherboard, which is designed for 6th generation Intel CPUs, is ideal for a variety of system operations, including energy management, overclocking, and cooling.

The BIOS menus contain an EZ option for novices and an Advanced Mode for those who are already familiar with sifting through the features, making this a perfect choice for gamers and technologists of all levels. The build quality is excellent, ASUS made us very happy with the thickness of the PCB, the power circuits, and the fasteners of all the components on the board. 

Asus also assures that you won’t have to deal with any calamities like overvoltage that might harm your system with 5X Protection II. Stainless steel protects the hardware from damage in the event of an accident. The main advantage is the stiffening plate, which will prevent your graphics cards from tearing out the PCI-E slot. 

Pros

  • It works flawlessly on Windows.
  • Without breaking a sweat, I can run a large number of games.
  • Overclocking is a simple and efficient method of increasing performance.
  • Supports the cooling of water.

Cons

  • LED lights don’t go off

Specifications

BrandASUS
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
Memory Speed2133 MHz
PlatformNot Machine Specific
SeriesFBA_90MB0LS0-M0EAY0
RAM Memory Maximum Size64 GB
Graphics Card InterfaceIntegrated
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MSI PERFORMANCE GAMING INTEL Z170A

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MSI gets repeated again here. This is another one of the best z170 motherboards under 200, which is built of highly robust Military Class material, so this isn’t a chipset that will flake on you after a few of months. The Titanium core is perfect for controlling high temperatures, while the Dark CAPs assure longevity.

DDR4 Boost technology also helps to strong memory signals for this model, and the CPU features overvoltage protection. You also get to enjoy a high-quality audio system with Audio Boost technology, which will make your games sound great and fully transport you into the world of your game. An additional XMP LED shows an active Extreme Memory Profile for the greatest memory speed and stability setting.

This Z170 motherboard is a touch on the costly end, but MSI is well-known for its excellent goods, so this will be a genuine winner for your new gaming system. With its aluminum core construction, Dark CAPs has been a fixture in high-end motherboard designs and delivers reduced Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) as well as its over-10-year lifetime.

Pros

  • Very dependable and well-made.
  • Great handle on overclocking.
  • LEDs offer a sleek effect.
  • Great audio features.

Cons

  • SATA ports are oddly positioned
  • More USB ports might be offered

Specifications

BrandMSI
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Compatible ProcessorsIntel Celeron, Intel Pentium
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
SeriesZ170I GAMING PRO AC
Memory Storage Capacity32 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size32 GB
Graphics Card InterfacePCI-Express x16
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ASROCK ATX DDR4 LGA 1151

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If you are using Windows 10, 8, and 7, the ASRock ATX DDR4 Z170 motherboard that comes with the LGA 1151 CPU socket works perfectly. It will bring your gaming experience to a whole new level, and you get a terrific experience.

The query that arises in your mind is why is this motherboard considered the best for gamers? So, it relies on numerous aspects. The RAM you get to view inside this motherboard comes with technologies like unbuffered, dual-channel, and non-ECC. This motherboard’s maximum capacity is 64GB, which proves to be plenty for your everyday routine work or even gaming.

As you know, this motherboard comes at a cheap price, so you receive an incredible feature. This motherboard specifically contains several PCI-E slots that include 2 PCI-Express 3.0 x 16 and 3 PCI-Express 3.0 x 1. One additional major aspect of this motherboard is that it features six SATA 3 ports inside. This motherboard’s distinctive characteristic that distinguishes it from others is that it supports Blu-ray audio, widely recognized as this motherboard’s plus point. In the end, as a gamer, the ASRock ATX DDR4 Z170motherboard proves to be a wonderful option for you.

Pros

  • Great user interface.
  • Instructions for setup are fairly straightforward.
  • Overclocking is straightforward to control.
  • BIOS is really simple to navigate.

Cons

  • The firmware might need some upgrades.

Specifications

BrandASRock
CPU SocketLGA 1151
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR4
Chipset TypeIntel Z170
PlatformWindows 8.1
Memory Storage Capacity1792 MB
RAM Memory Maximum Size64 GB
Graphics Card InterfacePCI-E
PCI-E Slots Available4
System Bus Standard SupportedSATA 3
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Conclusion

I hope you are aware of all the finest z170 motherboards under $200 stated above. All of these motherboards fulfill your demands and give exceptional performance. As a gaming aficionado who has a low budget, everything on this motherboard proves to be suitable for you. It gives the greatest overclocking function that will boost the overall performance of the games.

Last but not least, hope this guide proves to be useful and profitable for you, and you can quickly come to a decision as to which motherboard proves to be ideal for you.

Top 3 Z170 Motherboards Comparison Video

Source: Phenom Builts Youtube

Quick Shopping Tips for the Best z170 motherboard under $200

So, as usual here, we are with the purchasing guidance portion. In this area, we will let you know all the crucial elements that you should check for before you make the buy.

CPU Compatibility

The major issue you need to take notice of is whether the motherboard is compatible with your CPU or not. In this article, I have included all of the motherboards that are compatible with 7th and 8th generation Intel Core processors.

Socket

Last but not least, hope this guide proves to be useful and profitable for you, and you can quickly come to a decision as to which motherboard proves to be ideal for you.

The LGA, PGA, and BGA play a vital role in the connection of the motherboard. So opt for the socket that is accepted by your CPU. We urge you to acquire the LGA socket since it is the newest socket from Intel.

Features of Good Motherboards

Some motherboards come with functionality like inbuilt Wi-Fi Audio features. So, you anticipate certain built-in features such that built-in Wi-Fi, superb Audio, and a lot more so that you don’t need to bother about things in the future.

SATA slots

The SATA slots play a crucial function in connecting to external optical drives and other storage devices such as HDD and SSD. So, when you purchase a motherboard, confirm that it contains SATA ports that will later aid you in connecting all essential disks.

Form Factor

Another key element you have to consider is the form factor of the motherboard you’re searching for. Form Factor, in other words, maybe fundamentally described as the form or you’re attempting to discover. Mostly, ATX form factor and Micro ATX, and Amplified ATX form factors are utilized in motherboards. On the off chance that you’re uncertain about the form factor you require, compare it with the products available with the more the previous one you utilized to acquire a fair concept.

PCI Slots

To connect expansion cards, PCI slots must be present in your motherboard. Accordingly to your needs, you should pick the motherboard with Supported expansions slots. On the off chance, if you’re purchasing a motherboard strictly for gaming reasons, you should acquire a motherboard with at least one supporting a PCI slot with at least x16 space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Which brand has the most dependable motherboards?

It isn’t simple to pick just one, since all of them have their benefits and qualities. Asus, ASRock, MSI are prominent brand.

Q) What does a decent motherboard do?

Every function of your computer relies on motherboards, thus you need a decent motherboard for better performance.

Q) What is the primary difference between a gaming motherboard and a normal motherboard?

The gaming motherboard is more efficient and provides you with more performance capacity and overclocking potential. You don’t get to see them in a conventional motherboard.

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