If you want to add extra speed to your PC, then you will need to buy one of the best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs.
Being an owner of an Intel Skylake processor, we knew that the only thing that would make my system soar was an upgrade with appropriate parts. That included choosing the best model of the motherboard. If you are a tech-savvy person, then you must know the wide range of options that pop up when you look for the best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs.
I had quite a journey while looking for the best and most suitable model, which urged me to jot it all down. So, if there is anyone out there who is having a hard time finding a Z170 motherboard, we are sharing the 3 best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs in this article.
3 Best Z170 Motherboards For Skylake CPUs
1. Asus ROG MAXIMUS VIII FORMULA ATX Motherboard – Best Motherboard For Skylake
If you are looking for one of the best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs, then you are going to hear the name Asus quite often. Asus has proven to be one of the best brands when it comes to computers and their gizmos. We put the Asus ROG MAXIMUS VIII FORMULA ATX Motherboard to the test and was highly impressed with the features and the amazing performance of this model.
This model comes with some really nifty features that make it a great addition to any PC. First of all, the manufacturers have incorporated RGB light strips in the design of this motherboard which gives it an eye-catching look. Safe to say, this model is one of the high-end motherboards for Skylake CPUs, as it also comes with the best audio chip. Asus has added the Supreme FX audio chip along with the Sonic Studio II. This means that you will be able to enjoy clear audio without tolerating any distortion.
In addition to that, this model has an LGA 1151 CPU socket, PCI-E graphic card slots, 6 SATA slots, and has 4 DDR4 memory channels. The storage capacity of the RAM of this model is 64 GB, which gives you plenty of room for all kinds of games. A feature of this model that we loved is that it comes with CrossFire technology which has a great influence on the performance of this model. The perk of WiFi is also available in the design of this motherboard. Furthermore, this model has an ATX form factor, which is a blessing for those who love to overclock their CPUs.
Pros
- ATX form factor
- 64 GB RAM
- Supreme FX audio chip
- RGB lights
- CrossFire technology
Cons
- Expensive cost
If you are looking for high-end performance from your motherboard, then go for the Asus ROG MAXIMUS VIII FORMULA ATX Motherboard. This model has everything that will enhance the performance of your system and bring an extra oomph to the design. The ATX form factor of this motherboard makes overclocking easier, which makes this model one of the best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs.
2. Asus Optimized Z170 – Pro Gaming Motherboard
The second product on my list of the best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs also comes with the tag of Asus. From a sturdy construction which is also quite appealing to the eye to handy features, this model takes the crown. First of all, the manufacturers have made the design of this model in tones of black, with tinges of red. The combination really brings out the beauty of the motherboard and makes it aesthetically pleasing.
In addition to that, this model comes with an LGA 1151 CPU socket and DIMM RAM technology. A notable feature is that this model offers a 2133 MHz memory speed that goes as far as 3466 MHz. Furthermore, to enhance the user’s experience, the manufacturers have added none other than the Supreme FX audio chip in the design of this model. This audio chip takes care of all of your audio issues and provides a distortion-free experience. For gaming, the audio quality of this motherboard is unbeatable.
What made me pick this model is its user-friendly design. It has quite a simplistic installation process, which is definitely an extra perk. Furthermore, this model also offers a simple and easy overclocking process which adds an additional star to its long list of perks. The manufacturers have also added multiple other connection slots in the design of this motherboard that include 1 M.2 slot, 4 SATA III ports, 6 PCIe slots, and 1 USB 3.1 Type C port.
This model is compatible with Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium processors and comes with an Intel Z170 chipset. Furthermore, this model has an ATX form factor which brings a wide variety of perks to the table that includes lower power consumption and low heat production.
Pros
- Supreme FX audio chip
- 2133 MHz memory speed
- Overclocks easily
- ATX form factor
- Multiple connections slots
Cons
- Comes at a high cost
If investing a large sum of money is not an issue for you, then you should definitely go for the Asus Optimized Z170 Pro Gaming Motherboard. What makes this model the best Z170 motherboard for Skylake CPUs is that it has an ATX form factor and comes with multiple connectivity ports included in the design. In addition to that, this model also has the best audio chip, which is the Supreme FX.
3. MSI Performance Gaming Z170A ATX Motherboard – Best Motherboard For Skylake Processor
The MSI Performance Gaming Z170A ATX Motherboard is not a model that you want to take lightly. This model was manufactured with a single goal, to take the performance of the entire PC to a whole new level, and it is safe to say that it does that job really well. we know this from personally testing this motherboard.
The first feature of this model that makes it stand out is the physical appearance of the motherboard. It comes with a sleek design that has shades of black and gray. However, that is not all. This model has an RGB light strip added at one side that gives it an aesthetically pleasing look and brings oomph to the entire look.
Moving towards the technical feature of this motherboard, it comes with 4 DDR4 memory channels that offer a total of 64 GB storage capacity. Furthermore, it also has 6 PCI slots that include 3 PCI 3.0 x16 slots and 3 PCI 3.0 x1 slots. Moreover, this model also has 6 SATA3 ports, and multiple USB ports. In addition to that, MSI has also added the famous 3-way CrossFireX technology along with the NVIDIA 2-way SLI technology into this motherboard. The addition of these technologies takes the graphics of this model to another level.
Furthermore, this model has an ATX form factor which is a perk on its own. The ATX form factor makes this Z170 motherboard less likely to overheat and also takes down the overall power consumption. The model comes with the Intel Z170 chipset which makes it compatible with Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium processors.
Pros
- Comparatively low cost
- ATX form factor
- Multiple connectivity slots
- Advanced graphics technology
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons
- Low cooling fans
The MSI Performance Gaming Z170A ATX Motherboard is what wecall an all-rounder. This model has everything, from handy technical features to an amazing-looking design. The ATX form factor reduces the power consumption of this model, and the advanced graphics technology enhances the user’s experience. The best part is that it comes at a comparatively lower price, so enjoying the amazing perks will not cost you an arm and a leg.
Buying Guide
Looking for the best Z170 motherboard for Skylake CPU is a job that will have you highly annoyed due to the wide variety of options present in the market. However, if you know exactly what to look for, then your options will get narrowed down. This is why we have shared a few factors below that will help you choose the best model for yourself.
Chipset Of The Motherboard
The chipset of the motherboard is the most critical factor that you need to check. If you are looking for the best Z170 motherboards, then you need to make sure that the chipset of the model you opt for is also Intel Z170. Otherwise, the model of the motherboard will not be compatible with your CPU, which only means one thing, money and time wasted.
Form Factor
The form factor of a model of motherboard is another important factor that you need to check before purchasing a model of motherboard. There are two types of form factors, ATX form factor, and Micro ATX form factor. The ATX form factor is a normal-sized motherboard that comes with a wide variety of connectivity slots and also has lower power consumption.
On the other hand, as the name indicates, the micro ATX form factor has a smaller body. Moreover, it also comes with a fewer number of expansion slots and other connectivity slots as compared to the ATX form factor. The ideal form factor for Skylake CPUs is the ATX form factor. Make sure that when you are searching for the best model, you should buy one that has an ATX form factor.
Memory Slots
The memory slots of a motherboard seem like a small feature, but this feature is a big deal. The higher the number of memory slots in a model of motherboard, the faster its entire system will run. On the other hand, a lower number of memory slots means it will run slower.
Moreover, if you are planning on running your CPU on overclocking, then this factor is critical for you, as overclocking requires more memory. Therefore, when you are looking for the best Z170 motherboard for Skylake CPU, it is crucial that you go for a model that comes with a higher number of memory slots.
Connectivity Slots
This may not seem like a big deal, but the number and the type of connectivity slots present in the design of a motherboard is kind of a big deal. There are many types of connectivity slots, including PCI expansion slots, USB slots, SATA ports, and M.2 slots. The number of these slots vary in different types of motherboards; however, their presence in a model is very critical. Therefore, you need to make sure that the model of the Z170 motherboard you go for at the end should come with all of these different types of connectivity slots.
Cooling System
The cooling system of a motherboard is an essential point as it keeps the motherboard cool, which makes it possible for the entire system to run smoothly. If the model of motherboard you go for does not come with enough cooling fan slots, then your motherboard will heat up quickly, especially on overclocking. This will slow down your PC, which will then slow down your games and other activities.
FAQs
What processors are compatible with the Z170 motherboard?
There are many types of processors that are compatible with the Z170 motherboard. The list includes Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium, 6th Gen Skylake, Intel Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3. When you are buying a Z170 motherboard, you need to make sure that it is compatible with your processor. Otherwise, you may end up with the wrong model of motherboard.
Does Z170 support 8th gen?
No, the Z170 motherboard does not support the 8th gen processor. This model of motherboards only supports 6th gen processors and 7th gen processors. Even though the 8th gen also uses the same CPU socket, the Z170 motherboard does not support 8th gen processors.
Conclusion
When you are searching for the best Z170 motherboards for Skylake CPUs, you will find a multitude of options in the market. The real problem is picking one from the hundreds of options, where many users make the wrong decision. To help you make the right one, we have shared the 3 best models in this article. we are also sharing my top recommendation to help you decide.
Asus ROG MAXIMUS VIII FORMULA ATX Motherboard has an ATX form factor, 64 GB memory, an advanced audio chip, and an appealing exterior.