If you’re particularly tech-savvy, and especially if you’re a gamer, you might be aware of the Z170 motherboard. Part of Intel’s Skylake series, the Z170 chipset has DDR4 memory, which is good for gaming, and you can sometimes get Thunderbolt and USB 3.1 support for machines that feature the Z170 motherboard.
Generally, the Z170 chipset will also give you the benefit of Intel Smart Response and Intel Rapid Storage Technology, both of which work to improve your computer system’s performance. Additionally, the Z170 chipset is also good for overclocking while gaming, so this is important to consider if you’re looking to set up a gaming rig yourself or investing in a PC or laptop that features the chipset.
The Z170 motherboards also feature 20 HSIO lanes, so you can add video cards or graphics cards to enhance your gaming. Selecting the right motherboard can be a difficult and expensive affair (particularly if you’re setting up your gaming system and it’s just part of so many other pieces of tech you need to acquire).
However, it can be done for under 200 if you’re careful, and you can still get really good results. Here are some of the best Z170 motherboard under 200.
8 BEST Z170 MOTHERBOARD UNDER 200 review
1) GIGABYTE ATX LGA1151 - BEST Z170 MOTHERBOARD FOR OVERCLOCKING
Gigabyte’s Z170X-Gaming 5 will support any 6th generation Intel core processor, and the Intel USB 3.1 controller gives you a lot more bandwidth to work with as a lot more versatility. The USB Type-C connector also has about 10Gb/s transfer speed, which is good for charging larger devices.
This particular model from Gigabyte also includes their Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 suite of software, which will make your gaming experience all the more intense with hi-fi audio technology, taking sound effects during fight scenes and the power of background music to a whole new level.
At nearly the $200 mark, this is still one of the Best Z170 Motherboard Under 200, even though it is a bit steep. But you are paying for quality, and it’ll pay off when you start gaming. The Z170X-Gaming 5 also offers a multi-graphics configuration, which means that your gaming is likely to be infinitely improved by better graphics with high frame rates.
Additionally, the Gigabyte App Center allows you to manage everything from a centralized space, with a solid user interface to allow you to access all your Gigabyte apps. Convenient and effective, and the Easy Tune feature’s added benefit will also help with overclocking while you game.
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
2) ASUS Z170 PRO - BEST GAMING Z170 MOTHERBOARD
You can trust Asus to deliver some good tech to you, and they have one of the best z170 motherboard under 200 for you to consider if you’re setting up your gaming rig or building a PC from scratch. This is made for Intel 6th generation processors and is a great option if you’re a pro gamer because of the built-in Pro Clock technology, which extends overclocked frequencies up to 400MHz.
You’ll experience gaming performance unlike any other, although it will depend upon what your CPU can handle. SupremeFX audio technology gives you a close to the lossless audio experience, and you’ll hear everything there is to hear as you game. The Sonic Radar II enhancement is also a great feature that helps you pick out enemies on the battlefield.
Asus also provides you with a dashboard so you can keep track of everything system-related, from LED control to fan extensions to help with cooling. The BIOS menus are built to be accessible even to beginners, with EZ mode to spell some things out for you, so this is a great option if you’re thinking of starting in the big bad (and often confusing) world of computer tech!
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
3) ASROCK EXTREME6+ - BEST CHEAP Z170 MOTHERBOARD
ASRock specializes in good motherboards, and the Z170 Extreme6+ can support both 6th and 7th generation Intel processors. Also, it comes at a bargain price, so this is easily affordable for people who don’t have a huge budget and want a competent chipset to handle their gaming. The 12-phase power design of the Extreme6+ is great for heat management and handling overclocking, so you can experience seamless and uninterrupted gameplay.
Both NVidia and AMD Crossfire are supported so that you can get the most out of your gaming with high-quality graphics. ASRock also provides Full Spike Protection, so all your ports can be protected from any damage. Also, the use of 60A Power Chokes means that your system will stay stable and manage to overclock quite well. The Nichicon 12K caps, which are made in Japan, are also effective for allowing you to achieve that pinnacle of gaming performance.
You also have triple monitor support with this model, and audio from Realtek will make your gaming experience very enjoyable. At this price, you get a huge pack of generous features that will allow you to tackle almost everything across the gaming spectrum (depending, of course, on the components of the rest of your machine).
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
4) GIGABYTE ATX GAMING K3 - BEST 1151 Z170 MOTHERBOARD
Another one from Gigabyte, the GA-Z170-Gaming K3, is also a very good option if you’re looking for the best z170 motherboard under 200. This can run on 6th and 7th generation Intel processors, and 2 SATA Express connectors give you very fast data transfer speeds. The CPU socket is protected by gold plating, so it can take whatever you throw at it and won’t be damaged by anything in the wiring.
Also, 4K support with Intel HD graphics is a great additional feature, particularly if you’re using the HDMI connection. You’re also guaranteed a sophisticated audio setup with Realtek ALC1150, and two integrated stereos ADCs allow for a lot of cutting-edge technologies to function smoothly. The Japanese Chemicon audio capacitors are perfect for making your gaming sound effects as realistic and clear as possible, so you get caught up in the world of the game.
The PCIe connectors are also very well-protected with stainless steel to ensure that your graphics cards receive adequate support. The trademark Killer E2200 Ethernet controller will make online gaming a great experience if you happen to enjoy participating in the gaming community in that way. Although the price hits close to the $200 mark, this Gigabyte model is a must-buy.
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
5) MSI PRO SOLUTION INTEL Z170A SLI PLUS
MSI is a very reliable brand, well-known for their laptops, so you can trust that their motherboard chipsets will be just as well-built. With DDR4 Boost technology, memory signals are optimized for best performance, and you get a variety of PCI-Express slots so you can set up graphics cards without a hitch. Both NVidia and AMD Crossfire are supported, so you’ll always have the highest framerate and the flashiest graphics at your disposal.
Say goodbye to playing Assassin’s Creed on the lowest resolution with intermittent lags because everything will be high quality and smoothly playable if you go for the MSI SLI Plus, one of the best z170 motherboard under 200. Although you’re not paying as much as you would for a high-end chipset, you still get a high-end make with Military Class 4 components with Dark Choke (to effectively manage heat) and CAPs to increase the lifespan of the chip.
The 12-phase power design is also good for handling overclocking, as is the OC Genie 4, MSI’s hardware built to manage to overclock. The card itself is quite large, with protection from any overvoltage. It’s also totally compatible with Windows 10, so if you’re planning to install that on your new PC, you’re absolutely good to go.
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
6) ASUS Z170-A ATX DDR4 MOTHERBOARD
This best z170 motherboard under 200 from Asus comes with white accents, which makes the whole chipset look quite premium. Made for 6th generation Intel processors, the 5-way optimization this Z170 motherboard provides is great for performing many system functions, including efficient management of energy consumption and overclocking and cooling.
The BIOS menus include an EZ mode for beginners and an Advanced Mode for those who are already well-versed in sorting through the features, so this is a perfect choice for gamers and techs across the board, regardless of experience level.
With 5X Protection II, Asus also ensures that you won’t have to deal with any disasters like overvoltage that might damage the setup. Stainless steel protects the hardware from any accidents.
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
7) MSI PERFORMANCE GAMING INTEL Z170A
MSI gets repeated again here. This is another one of the best z170 motherboard under 200, which is made of very strong Military Class stuff, so this isn’t a chipset that will flake on you after a couple of months. The Titanium core is great for managing high temperatures, and the Dark CAPs ensure durability.
DDR4 Boost technology also contributes to good memory signals for this model, and the CPU has overvoltage protection. You also get to experience a high-quality audio system with Audio Boost technology, which will make your games sound amazing and truly transport you into the world of your game.
This Z170 motherboard is a bit on the expensive end, but MSI is well-known for its quality products, so this will be a real winner for your new gaming rig.
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
8) ASROCK ATX DDR4 LGA 1151 MOTHERBOARD Z170 PRO4S
Finally, one of the best z170 motherboard under 200 is another option from ASRock, which supports both 6th and 7th generation Intel processors, and the 10-power phase design is good for heat distribution. It also supports AMD Crossfire, which can make your gaming experience a dozen times better, and it runs very well with Windows.
FEAtures:
PROS
CONS
Conclusion
If you’re setting up your PC and it’s primarily dedicated to gaming or other graphics-intense activities, you must consider these, as they’re some of the best z170 motherboard under 200. Not only do you get good quality, but you also get affordable products, so you won’t have to empty your bank account just by buying a chipset.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gamer, you should find something on this list to help you out when you start building your new gaming rig or making alterations to your existing setup. 4
I’m Peter, a freelance writer, researcher and part of the EnterTheUnderWorld team. Writing intrigues me a lot and it is also fun. I believe that I am good at researching different varieties of products from different categories. My aim is to help people who are looking for any product under a specified budget. So you can find different articles covered under varied budgets on this website. All the products are tested and used by me so that I can write the review precisely.