Best Gaming Motherboards South Africa: 2024 Buyer's Guide
Find the best gaming motherboards South Africa has to offer. From budget AM5 options to high-end Z790 beasts, we review the top picks to power your rig. 🚀 Upgrade your PC setup with our expert advice today! 🎮
Choosing the right motherboard feels like a massive task, doesn't it? It's the literal foundation of your PC, connecting every pricey component you’ve saved up for. Get it wrong, and you could bottleneck your new GPU. Get it right, and you unlock your rig's true potential. This 2024 buyer's guide cuts through the noise to help you find the best gaming motherboards in South Africa, ensuring you get maximum performance for every Rand spent. 🚀

MAG B860M Mortar WiFi Motherboard, mATX - Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), LGA 1851 - DDR5 Memory Boost 9200+ MT/s OC, 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x M.2 Gen5, 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7 / 911-7E40-002

ASRock Phantom Gaming B550 WiFi 4/AC AMD Ryzen Motherboard / Supports AMD Socket AM4 Ryzen™ 3000, 3000 G-Series, 4000 G-Series, 5000 and 5000 G-Series Processors / AMD B550 Chipset / 90-MXBDZ0-A0UAYZ

MSI B860M Gaming Plus WiFi Intel Motherboard / Micro-ATX Motherboard / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra (Series 2) / Dual Channel DDR5-8800+ (OC) / 12+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with P-PAK / Intel® Killer™ 5G LAN & Wi-Fi 7 / PCIe 5.0 Slot / Lightning Gen 5 x4 M.2 / Front USB Type-C / 911-7E42-003

MSI PRO H810M-B DDR5 Micro ATX Motherboard (Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) for LGA 1851, DDR5, 5.0, M.2, 2.5G LAN, mATX) / 911-7E64-001

ASRock Phantom Gaming B850 Riptide WIFI AMD Ryzen Motherboard / Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors / AMD B850 Chipset / USB4 Type-C (10Gbps) Connectivity / 90-MXBQT0-A0UAYZ

ASRock B850 Challenger WiFi AMD Motherboard - White / Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors / AMD B850 Chipset / PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2) / Dual Channel DDR5 / 90-MXBTF0-A0UAYZ
Why Your Motherboard Choice is Critical in 2024
Think of a motherboard as the central nervous system of your gaming PC. It dictates what CPU you can use, how fast your RAM can run, and how many high-speed SSDs you can install. A cheap, low-quality board can lead to unstable performance and limit future upgrades, while a well-chosen one provides a stable, powerful base for years of gaming.
Finding the best gaming motherboard in South Africa isn't just about the flashiest RGB lighting; it's about securing features like PCIe 5.0 for next-gen graphics cards and DDR5 support for lightning-fast memory. It’s the unsung hero that ensures your processor and graphics card can communicate without lag.
Choosing Your Team: Intel vs. AMD Platforms
Your first major decision is picking a side: Intel or AMD. This choice determines your CPU options and the motherboard socket and chipset you'll need. Each has its strengths, and the best platform for you depends entirely on your budget and performance goals.
The Case for Intel LGA Sockets
Intel has long been a powerhouse in the gaming scene, known for incredible single-core performance that often translates to higher frame rates in many games. Their latest Z790 and B760 chipsets support both cutting-edge DDR5 and more budget-friendly DDR4 RAM, offering great flexibility for builders. If you're looking for top-tier gaming horsepower or a flexible upgrade path, exploring the latest Intel motherboards is a fantastic starting point. ⚡

MSI PRO B850M-P WIFI AMD Motherboard / Supports AMD Ryzen™ 9000 / 8000 / 7000 Series / Dual Channel DDR5-8200+ (OC) / Direct 7+2+1 Power System (P-PAK) / 8-pin CPU Power Connector / PCIe 5.0 Slot & Lightning Gen 5 x4 M.2 / 5G LAN & Wi-Fi 7 / 911-7E71-001

MSI MPG Z890 EDGE TI WI-FI Intel Motherboard / LGA 1851 / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / 4x DDR5 UDIMM Slots / ATX Form Factor / 911-7E19-002

MSI Z890 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi Intel Motherboard / ATX Form Factor / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / LGA 1851 CPU Socket / 4x DDR5 UDIMM Supporting up to 256GB / 911-7E34-002

ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Nova WiFi Intel Motherboard / ATX Form Factor / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / LGA 1851 CPU Socket / 4x DDR5 DIMM Supporting up to 256GB / 90-MXBPS0-A0UAYZ

ASRock Z890 Pro RS WiFi Intel Motherboard / ATX Form Factor / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / LGA 1851 CPU Socket / 4x DDR5 DIMM Supporting up to 256GB / 90-MXBQC0-A0UAYZ

ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Lightning WiFi Intel Motherboard / ATX Form Factor / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / LGA 1851 CPU Socket / 4x DDR5 DIMM Supporting up to 256GB / 90-MXBPG0-A0UAYZ
The Power of AMD's AM5 Socket
AMD has made huge strides with its Ryzen processors, offering incredible multi-core performance that's brilliant for gaming, streaming, and content creation. Their new AM5 platform is built for the future, exclusively using DDR5 memory and promising long-term socket support, meaning you could potentially upgrade your CPU in a few years without needing a new motherboard. For powerhouse productivity and gaming, check out our range of powerful AMD motherboards.
Socket Check! 🔧
Always double-check that your chosen CPU is compatible with your motherboard's socket (e.g., LGA 1700 for Intel 12th 13th 14th Gen, AM5 for AMD Ryzen 7000 series and newer). A simple mismatch is the most common and heartbreaking mistake a new PC builder can make. When in doubt, the CPU and motherboard product pages on Evetech will list compatibility.
Key Features for a Modern Gaming Motherboard
Beyond the brand, several key specs determine a board's quality and suitability for your build.
- Chipset: This is the board's brain. High-end chipsets (Intel Z790, AMD X670) offer CPU overclocking and more connectivity, while mid-range options (Intel B760, AMD B650) provide the best value for most gamers who don't need to tweak every setting.
- VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules): Quality VRMs deliver clean, stable power to the CPU. Better VRMs with good cooling are essential for high-end processors, preventing performance throttling under heavy load.
- Connectivity: Look for essentials like Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet for faster downloads, and plenty of USB ports. Multiple M.2 slots are also crucial for installing ultra-fast NVMe SSDs for near-instant game loading times. ✨

MSI B860 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard, ATX - Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), LGA 1851 - DDR5 Memory Boost 8600+ MT/s (OC), PCIe 5.0 x16 x16, M.2 Gen5, Intel Killer 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7 / 911-7E41-003

MSI MAG B860 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard, ATX - Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), LGA 1851 - DDR5 Memory Boost 9200+ MT/s OC, 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x M.2 Gen5, 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7 / 911-7E39-001

ASRock X870 Steel Legend WIFI AMD Ryzen Motherboard / Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors / AMD X870 Chipset / USB4 Type-C (10Gbps) Connectivity / 90-MXBPJ0-A0UAYZ

ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua Intel Motherboard / E-ATX Form Factor / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / LGA 1851 CPU Socket / Dual Channel DDR5 / Thunderbolt™ 4 & USB4 Type-C (40 Gb/s) / Marvell 10G LAN & Realtek 5G LAN / 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 / 90-MXBPL0-A0CAYZ

ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Nova WiFi Intel Motherboard / ATX Form Factor / Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) / LGA 1851 CPU Socket / 4x DDR5 DIMM Supporting up to 256GB / 90-MXBPS0-A0UAYZ

MSI A520M-A PRO AMD Ryzen M-ATX Motherboard / 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Desktop Processors / Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series, 5000 G-Series, 4000 G-Series, 3000 Series, 3000 G-Series, / Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 4600(OC) MHz / AMD Socket AM4 / AMD A520 Chipset / Studio Grade Sound Quality / A520M-A-PRO
Even if you're on a tight budget, you don't have to settle for a board that will hold you back. You can find some fantastic cheap Intel and AMD based motherboards that deliver all the core features you need for a brilliant 1080p or 1440p gaming experience.
Ready to Build Your Ultimate Rig? Choosing the right foundation is the most important step. Whether you're Team Intel or Team AMD, the perfect board is waiting to unlock your PC's potential. Explore our massive range of motherboards and find the perfect match for your next build.
The best board depends on your CPU. For Intel, the Z790 is top-tier, while AMD users should look at X670E or B650 chipsets for peak performance.
Not necessarily. A B760 motherboard offers great gaming performance at a lower price point if you don't plan on overclocking your CPU.
Yes, DDR5 prices in South Africa have dropped. It provides future-proofing and faster speeds, making it the smart choice for new builds.
ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte are top contenders. Look for specific features like VRM quality and USB ports rather than just brand loyalty.
Size (ATX, mATX) affects case compatibility and expansion slots but doesn't directly impact FPS. Choose based on your PC case size.
Generally, yes. As long as your motherboard has a PCIe x16 slot, it will support modern GPUs, though PCIe gen versions may slightly affect speed.





