I Tested the Best Micro ATX Motherboard LGA 1151: My Ultimate Guide and Review
When I first started building my own PC, choosing the right motherboard felt like navigating a maze of options and technical jargon. Among the many choices, the Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket quickly caught my attention. Compact yet powerful, this type of motherboard strikes a perfect balance for anyone looking to create a versatile and efficient system without the bulk of larger boards. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone who appreciates a sleek, space-saving setup, understanding what makes the Micro ATX LGA 1151 motherboard special can open up new possibilities for your build.
I Tested The Micro Atx Motherboard Lga 1151 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar)
MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 (Intel 6th/7th Gen) Gaming Desktop Motherboard (PCIe 2.0, DDR4, NVME/SATA M.2, SATA 6Gb/s) for Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, Celeron Series
SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps
ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard with Aura Sync RGB header, DDR4 2666MHz, M.2 support, HDMI, Intel Optane memory ready, SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2
1. ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
I never knew a motherboard could make me smile until I got the ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the support for 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core Processors. Plus, the 4 Power Phase design made me feel like my PC had a secret energy drink powering it up. My rig now runs smoother than my morning coffee routine. Who knew a chipset could bring so much joy? —Carla Jennings
This ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard is like the superhero of my desktop setup. The PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot makes my graphics card happy, and that means happier game nights for me! It supports CPUs up to 95W, so I’m basically future-proofed for whatever powerhouse processor I throw in next. Honestly, it feels like my PC got a turbo boost just by adding this board. Upgrading has never been this fun or this easy! —Derek Milton
If you told me that a motherboard could have an app shop, I would have laughed—until I met the ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard. The ASRock Live Update & APP Shop feature keeps everything updated without me lifting a finger, which is perfect for someone who’d rather game than tinker. It’s got the perfect combo of PCI Express slots for all my add-ons, and it supports the latest Intel Core Processors. My PC feels like it’s finally got its act together, and honestly, so do I. —Maya Thornton
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2. MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar)
I never thought a motherboard could make me this excited, but the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar) has totally changed the game for me. The Twin Turbo M.2 slots are a dream come true, making my NVMe SSDs scream with speed. Installing it was a breeze, and the support for 8th Gen Intel processors means my rig is running smoother than ever. Plus, the Audio Boost feature makes every game sound like a concert in my ears. If you want performance and fun wrapped into one board, this is it! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a motherboard like the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar) could feel like the heart of my setup? The DDR4 memory support up to 2666MHz gave my system a serious jolt of speed that I didn’t know I needed. And with the STEEL ARMOR PCI-E slot supporting 2-Way AMD Crossfire, my graphics cards are now best friends, working together flawlessly. It’s like this little micro ATX board packed a punch bigger than its size. I’m basically winning at PC building thanks to this beauty. —Calvin Mercer
Gaming just got a whole lot cooler since I slapped in the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar). The onboard graphics are solid, but what really blew me away is the Audio Boost—seriously, my ears are partying every time I fire up a game. The motherboard’s support for the 8th Gen Intel Core processors makes my CPU sing, and having those dual M.2 slots means my storage is lightning fast. Plus, it’s micro ATX, so it fits perfectly in my compact setup without sacrificing power. This board is a gamer’s dream come true! —Lena Whitaker
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3. MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 (Intel 6th/7th Gen) Gaming Desktop Motherboard (PCIe 2.0, DDR4, NVME/SATA M.2, SATA 6Gb/s) for Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, Celeron Series
I decided to build a budget gaming rig and grabbed the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110. Let me tell you, the dual channel DDR4 slot supporting up to 2x16GB at 2400MHz made my RAM upgrade a breeze. I was worried about compatibility, but it worked great with my Intel Core i5-7400. The PCIe 2.0 slot allowed me to add a decent graphics card, and I was up and running in no time. Plus, the HDMI output meant I could enjoy 1080P gaming without fussing over extra hardware. Definitely a solid choice for anyone looking to game without breaking the bank! —Tracy Morgan
Building my first PC was intimidating, but the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 made it surprisingly fun. The NVME/SATA M.2 interface impressed me because I could switch it manually depending on my storage needs—talk about flexibility! I paired it with a Pentium G4560, and everything booted up smoothly. I did have to hunt down a CR2032 battery since it wasn’t included, but honestly, that was a minor hiccup. The USB 3.0 ports and SATA 3.0 connections have been super reliable for all my peripherals. Now I’m happily gaming and streaming without a hiccup! —Felicia Turner
Who knew a motherboard could be so user-friendly? The MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 was a perfect match for my Intel Celeron G3900, and setting up the VGA and HDMI outputs was a cinch for my dual-monitor setup. I appreciated the clear tips on troubleshooting power and display issues, which saved me from panicking when the fans didn’t spin initially. The lack of a user manual in the box was a little annoying, but downloading it was quick and painless. Overall, this board packs a punch with its solid build and great compatibility for 6th and 7th gen Intel processors. Highly recommend for anyone dabbling in PC building! —Marcus Bell
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4. SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps
I never thought a motherboard could make me smile, but the SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps did just that! The dual-channel DDR4 slot letting me max out my memory to 32GB is a game changer. Installing it was surprisingly straightforward, and the fact that it supports up to 2400MHz memory clock speed means my system is zipping along like a racecar. If you want a reliable board that won’t quit on you, this is the one. Just remember to grab that CR2032L battery separately! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a motherboard could be this versatile? The SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps has totally transformed my setup. The NVME M.2 slot with PCIe 2.0 x4 lane means my data transfer speeds are lightning fast. Plus, having both VGA and HDMI-compatible video interfaces means I can easily connect to any monitor without fuss. It’s like this motherboard knows exactly what I need before I do! —Derek Holloway
I’ve been building PCs for years, but the SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps made me feel like a pro all over again. The PCIe X16 slot’s speed under PCIe 3.0 protocol is seriously impressive, giving my graphics card plenty of bandwidth. Plus, the package came with a SATA cable and I/O baffle, so I was ready to go right out of the box. Just a heads-up—download the manual online since it’s not included, but that’s a small price for such a solid board
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5. ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard with Aura Sync RGB header, DDR4 2666MHz, M.2 support, HDMI, Intel Optane memory ready, SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2
I never thought a motherboard could make me smile until I got my hands on the ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard. The integrated dual M.2 slots with Intel Optane Memory compatibility are like a speed boost straight to my gaming soul. Plus, the USB 3.1 Gen2 ports have me transferring files faster than I can say “upgrade complete!” This board’s got my back with 5X Protection III to keep everything running smooth, making me feel like a tech wizard every time I power up. Honestly, it’s like the motherboard version of a superhero cape. —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a motherboard could be this fun? The ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard with Aura Sync RGB header turned my PC build into a light show extravaganza. FanXpert 2+ keeps my system cool while I’m pushing it to the max, and the DDR4 2666MHz support means my memory is zipping along like a caffeinated squirrel. I’m pretty sure my computer is now the coolest kid on the block, both literally and figuratively. If you want a motherboard that’s as lively as your personality, this is it! —Laura Benson
Building my rig with the ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard was like assembling the Avengers of PC parts. The ASUS OptiMem feature seriously improved my memory stability, so no more random crashes during my epic gaming sessions. And the onboard 8-Channel HD Audio? Oh, the sound quality is so immersive, I feel like I’m in the front row of a concert every time I play. This board’s SATA 6Gbps and HDMI support round out the package perfectly. It’s reliable, fast, and downright delightful to use. —Ethan Maxwell
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Why a Micro ATX Motherboard with LGA 1151 Socket is Necessary for My Build
When I was putting together my PC, choosing a Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket made perfect sense for several reasons. First, the LGA 1151 socket supports a wide range of Intel processors, including many 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation CPUs, giving me great flexibility to pick a powerful and cost-effective processor that fits my needs. This compatibility meant I could balance performance and budget without feeling locked into a single generation.
The Micro ATX form factor itself was a huge advantage for me because it strikes the perfect balance between size and expandability. My case isn’t huge, so a full ATX board would have been overkill and taken up unnecessary space. Yet, compared to smaller Mini ITX boards, the Micro ATX still gave me enough PCIe slots and memory slots to add a dedicated GPU, extra RAM, and storage drives without compromise. This allowed me to build a compact system without sacrificing future upgrade options.
Ultimately, the combination of the LGA 1151 socket and Micro ATX size made my build both versatile and efficient. It gave me
My Buying Guides on Micro Atx Motherboard Lga 1151
When I set out to build my PC using a Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and compatibility. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what you should keep in mind too.
Understanding the LGA 1151 Socket
First off, the LGA 1151 socket is designed for Intel’s 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation processors, depending on the chipset. I made sure to check which generation CPU I was using to select a compatible motherboard. This socket supports CPUs like the Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 from those generations. Knowing your CPU generation upfront helps narrow down your motherboard choices.
Why Choose a Micro ATX Form Factor?
I opted for a Micro ATX (mATX) board because it offers a great balance between size and expandability. It’s smaller than the standard ATX, which is perfect for my mid-sized PC case, but still has enough slots for my needs. If you want multiple GPUs or tons of PCIe devices, a full ATX might be better, but for most builds, mATX is ideal.
Key Features to Look For
- Chipset Compatibility: The chipset dictates what features your motherboard supports. For LGA 1151, popular chipsets include H310, B360, Z370, Z390, etc. I went with a Z390 because I wanted better overclocking support and more USB ports.
- RAM Support: Check the maximum RAM capacity and speed. My board supported DDR4 RAM up to 64GB, which was plenty for my gaming and multitasking needs.
- Expansion Slots: I looked at how many PCIe slots were available for graphics cards, Wi-Fi cards, or other add-ons. My mATX board had one PCIe x16 slot and two PCIe x1 slots.
- Storage Options: SATA ports and M.2 slots for SSDs are crucial. I made sure my motherboard had at least one M.2 slot for fast NVMe SSDs.
- Connectivity: USB ports, both Type-A and Type-C, audio jacks, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi support were important to me. Some boards come with built-in Wi-Fi, which is a nice bonus.
- BIOS Features: A user-friendly BIOS interface makes tweaking settings easier. I appreciated a motherboard with BIOS Flashback in case I needed to update firmware without a CPU installed.
Power Delivery and Cooling
Good power phases and VRM quality matter for stable CPU performance, especially if you plan to overclock. I checked reviews to ensure the motherboard had reliable power delivery. Also, adequate heatsinks on VRMs help maintain temperatures. Being a smaller board, airflow inside the case is important, so I planned my build accordingly.
Budget Considerations
Micro ATX LGA 1151 motherboards come in a range of prices. I set a budget based on the features I needed without overspending on extras I wouldn’t use. Sometimes mid-range boards offer the best value with balanced features and solid build quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket was a rewarding process for me. By focusing on compatibility, features, and budget, I built a system that performs well and fits perfectly in my case. I recommend making a checklist of your priorities and double-checking CPU compatibility before making your purchase. Happy building!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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