Best Z170 Motherboard Under 200

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.

Best z170 Motherboard Under 200

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 - BEST Z170 MOTHERBOARD UNDER 200

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:

  • 16 GB RAM
  • 4 DIMMs for quick data transfer
  • PCIe Gen3 x4 connectors with metal shielding over the slots
  • Up to 16 Gb/s data transfer available with SATA connectors
  • Memory storage 64 GB
  • Supports NVidia and AMD Crossfire
  • Ethernet controller support via Killer E2200

PROS

  • Great for fast, smooth gaming
  • Well-located connectors
  • It can also be upgraded for 7th generation Intel processors
  • Good GPU performance
  • LED wiring is a bonus

CONS

  • The App Center could be better-designed





2) ASUS Z170 PRO - BEST GAMING Z170 MOTHERBOARD

ASUS Z170 - BEST Z170 MOTHERBOARDS UNDER 200

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:

  • 64 GB RAM size
  • DDR4 3400 MHz memory supported
  • Easily manageable 5-way optimization
  • RAMCache to make your gaming faster
  • Gigabit Ethernet from Intel for enhancing gameplay
  • GameFirst III for better bandwidth performance
  • USB 3.1 for way better read/write speeds

PROS

  • Great instructions make setup easy
  • Good overclocking features
  • Intuitive BIOS menus
  • Good for beginners who aren’t very tech-savvy
  • Several lighting options with LEDs

CONS

  • RAM slots could be better-placed





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:

  • 64 GB memory available
  • Made for Windows 7 and 8
  • DDR4 can go up to 3866 (for overclocking)
  • Built-in Intel HD graphics
  • 7.1 CH HD Audio with Realtek, but Blu-Ray Audio (Premium) is supported
  • Several SATA ports
  • 4 USB 3.1

PROS

  • Very budget-friendly
  • Easy to set up
  • A good option for beginners setting up a gaming rig
  • Heatsink is effective
  • Good BIOS

CONS

  • SATA slots are oddly placed





4) GIGABYTE ATX GAMING K3 - BEST 1151 Z170 MOTHERBOARD

Gigabyte - Best z170 Motherboard Under 200

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:

  • 64 GB RAM and memory storage
  • USB 3.1
  • Audio amplifier to help the overall audio setup
  • Easy Tune app helps to manage system settings
  • SATA Express gives you 16Gb/s speeds of transfer
  • LED lighting modes available
  • AMD Crossfire supported

PROS

  • Red LED is a nice look
  • Handles overclocking very efficiently
  • BIOS menu is very easy to navigate
  • Very reliable
  • Installation is quite easy

CONS

  • Firmware could be better





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:

  • 32 GB memory, 64 GB RAM
  • 2133 MHz is the memory speed
  • HDMI port is supported
  • Total Fan Control feature allows you to monitor all fan settings
  • MSI M-Cloud stores all data
  • LEDs help with troubleshooting
  • Multiple ports for greater connectivity

PROS

  • Reliable crashes are rare
  • BIOS is very easy to manage
  • SATA cables included
  • Dual monitor support
  • Good matte black look

CONS

  • No integrated graphics available





6) ASUS Z170-A ATX DDR4 MOTHERBOARD

ASUS Z170-A - BEST Z170 MOTHERBOARDS UNDER 200

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:

  • 64 GB RAM
  • USB 3.1 enabled
  • ASUS Pro Clock feature manages to overclock up to 400 MHz and beyond
  • Crystal Sound 3 for clear audio when gaming
  • SATA at 64Gb/s transfer speeds
  • Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet makes lag-free online gameplay a breeze

PROS

  • It runs great for Windows
  • Can run a whole bunch of games without breaking a sweat
  • Overclocking is simple and effective
  • Supports water-cooling

CONS

  • LED lights don’t go off




7) MSI PERFORMANCE GAMING INTEL Z170A

MSI Z170

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:

  • 32 GB RAM and memory
  • XMP LEDs present
  • SATA with 64Gb/s transfer speeds and SATA Express
  • Gaming hotkey available
  • VGA armor helps to support the PCI slots
  • MSI Apps control settings

PROS

  • Very reliable and well-made
  • Great handle on overclocking
  • LEDs create a polished look
  • Great audio features

CONS

  • SATA ports are awkwardly placed
  • More USB ports could be available



8) ASROCK ATX DDR4 LGA 1151 MOTHERBOARD Z170 PRO4S

ASROCK ATX 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:

  • 64 GB RAM
  • Multi-graphics support via AMD
  • DDR4 can run up to 2400 MHz
  • SATA slots and an M2 slot
  • Full Spike Protection provided from ASRock

PROS

  • Great user interface
  • Instructions for setup are very clear
  • Overclocking is easy to manage
  • BIOS very easy to navigate

CONS

  • The firmware could use some updates




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

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