PC Motherboard Gaming Motherboard H81 M . 2 NVMe NGFF 6Gbs LGA 1150 Micro ATX High Speed Desktop PC
4.1Editor score
Supports LGA 1150 CPUs
Includes M.2 NVMe slot
Dual channel DDR3 memory
In this guide
Finding the right Haswell 1150 Motherboard is essential for building a reliable PC. These boards support Intel fourth and fifth generation processors, offering solid performance for gaming and productivity without breaking the bank.
We evaluated ten models based on connectivity, power delivery, and build quality. Each product was reviewed for its compatibility with Core i3, i5, and i7 CPUs. Our goal is to highlight the most reliable options available today.
Every pick shows specific strengths like M.2 support or Wi-Fi integration. Note that prices and availability change frequently. Always verify current listings before purchasing to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.
Top 3 Picks for Best Haswell 1150 Motherboard
B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th Gen Core i7 i5 i3/Pentium/Celeron Series Processors
4.4Editor score
B85 chipset support
Up to 32GB DDR3
Gigabit LAN included
MSI Intel Z97 LGA 1150 DDR3 USB 3.1 ATX Motherboard
4.3Editor score
Z97 chipset features
USB 3.1 ports
2-way CrossFireX ready
Top 10 Best Haswell 1150 Motherboard in 2026 Compared
The following table provides a side-by-side view of all ten selected motherboards. It highlights key specifications like chipset, memory support, and expansion slots to help you compare features at a glance.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Best Budget
LGA1150 H81 Mini ITX DDR3 Motherboard
H81 Chipset
16GB DDR3 Max
M.2 NVMe Support
Editor's Choice
Asus Micro ATX DDR3 LGA 1150 Motherboards H87M-E
H87 Chipset
Micro ATX Form
USB 3.0 Fast
3.8Editor score
Best Budget
PC Motherboard Gaming Motherboard H81 M . 2 NVMe NGFF 6Gbs LGA 1150 Micro ATX High Speed Desktop PC
H81 Chipset
16GB DDR3 Max
M.2 NVMe Slot
4.1Editor score
Gigabyte LGA 1150 Z97 ATX DDR3 1600 Motherboard
Z97 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
Dual BIOS Tech
4.1Editor score
B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th Gen Core i7 i5 i3/Pentium/Celeron Series Processors
B85 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
Solid State Caps
4.4Editor score
MSI Intel Z97 LGA 1150 DDR3 USB 3.1 ATX Motherboard
Z97 Chipset
USB 3.1 Support
CrossFire Ready
4.3Editor score
ASRock ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboards Z97 PRO3
Z97 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
6 SATA3 Ports
4.2Editor score
Gigabyte LGA 1150 H97 Wi-Fi Bluetooth HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
H97 Chipset
Wi-Fi Bluetooth
Mini ITX Size
3.9Editor score
H97M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th 5th gen Core i3 i5 i7/Pentium/Xeon Processor
H97 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
NVME M.2 Slot
3.2Editor score
ASUS ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboards H97-PLUS
H97 Chipset
M.2 Onboard
Crystal Sound 2
4.2Editor score
1. PC Motherboard Gaming Motherboard – Best Budget Option
PC Motherboard Gaming Motherboard H81 M . 2 NVMe NGFF 6Gbs LGA 1150 Micro ATX High Speed Desktop PC
H81 Chipset
16GB DDR3 Max
M.2 NVMe Slot
Micro ATX Size
This H81 motherboard offers an affordable entry into the Haswell ecosystem. It supports Core i3, i5, and i7 processors with a solid build. The inclusion of M.2 NVMe support is a standout feature at this price.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Includes M.2 slot
- Supports Haswell CPUs
- Solid state capacitors
Cons
- Limited USB 3.0
- No premium audio
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Key strengths include dual channel DDR3 memory support up to 16GB. It features SATA 3.0 ports for fast storage. The onboard Realtek audio delivers decent sound for daily tasks.
Trade-offs involve limited USB 3.0 ports compared to higher-end boards. Expansion slots are basic but sufficient for most users. The lack of premium features keeps the cost down effectively.
Budget builders should consider this for value. It handles gaming and productivity well. The value for money makes it a top pick for cost-conscious enthusiasts.
Compact Micro ATX Form Factor
The Micro ATX size fits small cases easily. This helps build compact desktops without sacrificing performance.
M.2 NVMe Storage Speed
Support for M.2 NVMe drives means faster boot times. You can enjoy quick load speeds for applications.
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2. Asus Micro ATX DDR3 LGA 1150 Motherboards – Balanced Choice
Asus Micro ATX DDR3 LGA 1150 Motherboards H87M-E
H87 Chipset
Micro ATX Size
USB 3.0 Support
Easy EZ Mode
This Asus H87M-E board provides reliable protection and ease of use. It is designed for Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. The EZ Mode simplifies system setup for beginners effectively.
Pros
- All-round protection features
- EZ BIOS interface
- Quiet cooling controls
- Faster USB transfer
Cons
- Older design age
- Basic audio quality
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Strengths include comprehensive controls for cooling and noise. It offers 170% faster USB 3.0 speeds. The easy memory removal feature is convenient for upgrades.
Trade-offs include older design elements compared to new boards. Audio features are standard but not advanced. The age of the model limits modern connectivity options.
Users needing basic reliability should look here. It works well for office and light gaming. The protection features ensure long-term stability.
Advanced BIOS Management
EZ Mode makes BIOS settings easy to adjust. You can tweak performance without deep technical knowledge.
Durable Build Protection
All-round protection ensures quality and durability. This extends the life of your system components.
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3. B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard – Editor's Choice
B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th Gen Core i7 i5 i3/Pentium/Celeron Series Processors
B85 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
M.2 NVMe Support
Gigabit LAN
This B85M PRO board stands out with strong power delivery. It supports Intel 4th gen processors well. The 32GB memory capacity is ideal for multitasking needs.
Pros
- 4-phase power supply
- 32GB memory support
- Heat dissipation armor
- Solid state caps
Cons
- No user manual in box
- Battery sold separately
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Strengths include heat dissipation armor and stable power. It features M.2 protocol for fast storage. The 8-layer PCB design extends service life.
Trade-offs involve needing to download the manual. The battery is not included in the package. These are minor issues given the overall value.
Gamers and professionals will find this reliable. It handles heavy loads well. The balance of features and price makes it a top pick.
Robust Power Delivery
4-phase power supply ensures stability. This keeps your CPU running smoothly under load.
Enhanced Heat Management
Heat dissipation armor protects components. This ensures stable bus communication for gaming.
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4. Gigabyte LGA 1150 Z97 ATX DDR3 1600 Motherboard – Solid Performer
Gigabyte LGA 1150 Z97 ATX DDR3 1600 Motherboard
Z97 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
UEFI DualBIOS
Overclocking Support
This Gigabyte board supports high speeds and overclocking. It works with Core i7 and i5 processors. The Dual BIOS offers protection against updates.
Pros
- Dual BIOS feature
- High memory speeds
- Strong CPU support
- ATX form factor
Cons
- Older chipset design
- Limited modern I/O
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Strengths include support for DDR3 up to 3100MHz. It offers solid CPU compatibility for various needs. The ATX size fits standard cases easily.
Trade-offs include an older chipset design. Modern I/O ports may be limited. This is acceptable for classic builds.
Enthusiasts should consider this for speed. It handles overclocking well. The Dual BIOS ensures system recovery options.
Dual BIOS Safety
UEFI DualBIOS protects against updates. This adds a layer of system security.
High Speed Memory Support
Supports DDR3 speeds up to 3100MHz. This improves overall system performance.
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5. MSI Intel Z97 LGA 1150 DDR3 USB 3.1 ATX Motherboard – Powerhouse Option
MSI Intel Z97 LGA 1150 DDR3 USB 3.1 ATX Motherboard
Z97 Chipset
USB 3.1 Support
2-way CrossFireX
Dual PCI-E x16
This MSI Z97 board offers advanced connectivity options. It supports USB 3.1 for fast transfers. Dual PCI-E slots allow multi-GPU configurations.
Pros
- USB 3.1 included
- CrossFire ready
- Dual PCI-E slots
- Multiple display ports
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Requires strong PSU
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Strengths include VGA, DVI, and HDMI support. It is ready for 2-way CrossFireX setups. The chipset delivers robust performance for gaming.
Trade-offs involve higher pricing compared to others. It needs a strong power supply for full use. These are standard for high-end boards.
Gamers needing multi-GPU should consider this. It handles heavy workloads well. The USB 3.1 adds modern convenience.
Multi-GPU Capability
2-way CrossFireX support allows more power. This boosts graphics performance for demanding games.
Modern USB Standards
USB 3.1 ports offer fast data speeds. This makes external drives run efficiently.
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6. ASRock ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboards Z97 PRO3 – Versatile Pick
ASRock ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboards Z97 PRO3
Z97 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
6 SATA3 Ports
Multiple USB 3.0
This ASRock board offers rich storage and memory options. It supports Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processors. Six SATA3 ports allow extensive drive setups.
Pros
- 6 SATA3 ports
- RAID support
- High memory capacity
- Rich I/O options
Cons
- Design is dated
- Audio is standard
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Strengths include RAID support for data safety. It supports up to 32GB memory. USB 3.0 ports provide fast external connectivity.
Trade-offs include dated design features. The audio is standard but not high-end. This is acceptable for storage-heavy systems.
Users needing many drives should look here. It offers flexible storage choices. The memory capacity suits heavy multitasking.
Storage Flexibility
6 SATA3 ports support many drives. This is ideal for large data needs.
Data Safety Features
RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support. This ensures data integrity and speed.
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7. Gigabyte LGA 1150 H97 Wi-Fi Bluetooth HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard – Compact Wi-Fi
Gigabyte LGA 1150 H97 Wi-Fi Bluetooth HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
H97 Chipset
16GB DDR3 Max
Wi-Fi Bluetooth
Mini ITX Form
This Mini ITX board is ideal for small builds. It includes onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Dual HDMI ports support up to three displays.
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual HDMI ports
- Compact size
Cons
- Limited memory support
- Few expansion slots
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Strengths include compact size and connectivity. It supports Core i7 and i5 processors. The Gigabit LAN ensures fast wired options.
Trade-offs involve limited memory to 16GB. Expansion slots are minimal due to size. This is standard for small form factors.
Home theater PC builders will love this. It fits small cases easily. The Wi-Fi makes cabling simple.
Wireless Connectivity
Onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are included. This simplifies your setup without cables.
Multi-Display Setup
Support up to 3 displays with DVI and HDMI. This aids productivity with multiple screens.
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8. H97M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard – Balanced Feature Set
H97M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th 5th gen Core i3 i5 i7/Pentium/Xeon Processor
H97 Chipset
32GB DDR3 Max
M.2 NVMe Support
Dual Gigabit LAN
This board offers unique networking options. It supports Intel 4th and 5th gen CPUs. Dual Gigabit LAN ports are rare in this class.
Pros
- Dual Gigabit LAN
- NVME M.2 slot
- Heat dissipation armor
- Supports Xeon CPUs
Cons
- Lower rating average
- Basic build quality
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Strengths include M.2 NVME support for speed. It supports Xeon processors for specific needs. The heat armor ensures stable performance.
Trade-offs involve basic build quality. Ratings reflect some mixed reviews. This is a niche option for networking needs.
Network enthusiasts will appreciate the LAN. It handles heavy traffic well. The M.2 slot adds storage speed.
Advanced Networking
Dual Gigabit LAN ports for speed. This supports high traffic workloads.
Fast Storage Options
M.2 NVME slots for quick access. This improves boot and load times.
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9. ASUS ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboards H97-PLUS – Reliable Pick
ASUS ATX DDR3 2600 LGA 1150 Motherboards H97-PLUS
H97 Chipset
M.2 Onboard
Crystal Sound 2
5X Protection
This board offers reliable protection and audio quality. It supports Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processors. Crystal Sound 2 provides clear audio for games.
Pros
- Crystal Sound 2 audio
- M.2 onboard support
- 5X Protection
- UEFI BIOS
Cons
- Basic chipset features
- No Wi-Fi onboard
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Strengths include M.2 onboard for fast storage. 5X Protection ensures quality. The UEFI BIOS is responsive.
Trade-offs include lack of onboard Wi-Fi. The chipset is basic. This is acceptable for stable home PCs.
Users valuing audio will enjoy this. It is stable and durable. The protection features offer peace of mind.
Immersive Audio
Crystal Sound 2 makes you part of the game. It delivers flawless audio quality.
System Protection
5X Protection ensures quality and reliability. This extends the system's life.
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10. Asus Micro ATX DDR3 LGA 1150 Motherboards H87M-E – Final Alternative
Asus Micro ATX DDR3 LGA 1150 Motherboards H87M-E
H87 Chipset
Micro ATX Size
USB 3.0 Support
Easy EZ Mode
This board provides reliable protection and ease of use. It is designed for Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. The EZ Mode simplifies system setup for beginners effectively.
Pros
- All-round protection features
- EZ BIOS interface
- Quiet cooling controls
- Faster USB transfer
Cons
- Older design age
- Basic audio quality
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Strengths include comprehensive controls for cooling and noise. It offers 170% faster USB 3.0 speeds. The easy memory removal feature is convenient for upgrades.
Trade-offs include older design elements compared to new boards. Audio features are standard but not advanced. The age of the model limits modern connectivity options.
Users needing basic reliability should look here. It works well for office and light gaming. The protection features ensure long-term stability.
Advanced BIOS Management
EZ Mode makes BIOS settings easy to adjust. You can tweak performance without deep technical knowledge.
Durable Build Protection
All-round protection ensures quality and durability. This extends the life of your system components.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Haswell 1150 Motherboard
Choosing the right motherboard requires attention to specific technical details. This guide breaks down the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Chipset Compatibility
The chipset determines which CPUs and features the board supports. For Haswell 1150, chipsets like B85, H81, H97, and Z97 offer different levels of overclocking and connectivity. Z97 boards allow overclocking for K-series CPUs.
Always match your CPU needs with the chipset capabilities to avoid bottlenecks.
Form Factor
Form factor dictates case compatibility. ATX boards offer more slots, while Micro ATX and Mini ITX save space. Consider your case size before selecting the motherboard.
Choose the right size to ensure your build fits without issues.
Memory Support
DDR3 memory is standard for this platform. Check maximum capacity and speed limits. Most boards support up to 32GB, but some lower-end models limit to 16GB.
Verify memory slots and capacity to plan your upgrades.
Storage Options
Look for SATA 3.0 and M.2 support. M.2 NVMe drives offer significantly faster speeds. Some newer models include these slots, which is vital for modern OS performance.
Prioritize M.2 support for better storage performance.
Connectivity and I/O
Check the rear panel for USB 3.0 and video ports. HDMI, DVI, and VGA options vary. USB ports should match your peripherals. Gigabit LAN is standard for fast networking.
Ensure enough USB ports and video outputs for your setup.
Power Delivery
A stable power supply is crucial for CPU performance. Look for solid state capacitors and adequate phase counts. High-quality VRMs ensure stable voltage and longevity.
Select a board with robust power phases for reliable performance.
Audio Quality
Onboard audio chips vary. Some boards offer dedicated sound codecs for better output. If audio is important, check the specific model features.
High-quality audio codecs improve your gaming experience.
Additional Features
Features like built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Dual BIOS add value. These can save on extra hardware costs. Consider what extras you truly need for your build.
Evaluate extra features to find the best value for money.
How to Use and Care for Your Haswell 1150 Motherboard
Install the motherboard in a static-free environment. Use an anti-static wrist strap to protect sensitive components from electricity damage.
Connect power cables securely. Ensure the 24-pin and CPU power connectors are fully seated to avoid boot issues.
Keep the system clean and dry. Dust buildup can cause overheating. Clean vents periodically to maintain airflow and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs are compatible with Haswell 1150 motherboards?
These boards support Intel 4th and 5th generation Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. They also support Pentium, Celeron, and E3 V3 series CPUs. Always check the specific CPU list on the product page.
Can I use DDR4 memory with these motherboards?
No, Haswell 1150 motherboards only support DDR3 memory. Using DDR4 memory will not fit or work with these slots.
Do all models support M.2 drives?
Not all models support M.2. Some include NVMe slots, but lower-end boards may only have SATA ports. Check the product specs carefully.
Can I overclock on any of these boards?
Only boards with Z97 chipsets support CPU overclocking. H81, B85, and H97 boards are generally locked for overclocking.
What is the maximum RAM capacity supported?
Most boards support up to 32GB of DDR3 memory. Some compact ITX models may be limited to 16GB.
Do these boards come with Wi-Fi built-in?
Only select models include onboard Wi-Fi. Many require adding a separate wireless card or using a wired connection.
Is the CMOS battery included in the package?
Most packages do not include the CMOS battery. You will need to purchase a CR2032 battery separately.
How do I update the BIOS on these boards?
Download the latest BIOS from the manufacturer website. Use the provided utility or UEFI interface to flash the update safely.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Haswell 1150 Motherboard
We have reviewed ten top options for the Haswell 1150 platform. Each board offers different strengths to suit various building needs.
Prioritize your requirements such as memory capacity or connectivity. Match the chipset to your intended CPU usage.
Always check current prices and stock before ordering. Availability may vary by region.