10 Best Z170 Motherboards For Overclocking in 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Nothing but the best Z170 motherboard for overclocking will do if you’re serious about building a gaming machine that will last you a while. Because we all know high-quality gaming motherboards last longer due to their high build quality.

Most importantly, they will allow your hardware to perform to its absolute best. This includes helping you to squeeze out every inch of performance from your processor by overclocking it.

Admittedly, choosing a motherboard for overclocking doesn’t sound as sexy and definitely sounds far more complicated than choosing a graphics processor or RAM.

So, if you’re in a hurry, then we recommend you - Gigabyte GA-170X Gaming 5 is the best motherboard for overclocking with the Z170 chipset. It supports 6^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. When it comes to performance, this board comes with 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot, 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x8 slot, 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x4 slot, and 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x1 slots.

Additionally, the Intel USB 3.1 controller provides you a lot more bandwidth to work with as a lot more versatility. While the USB Type-C connector offers about 10Gb/s transfer speed, which is excellent for charging larger devices.

Also, read our latest guide about Best B350 Motherboard For Overclocking

Best Z170 Motherboards For Overclocking in 2021 Reviews

1- Best Z170 Motherboards For Overclocking in 2021 | GIGABYTE GA-170X GAMING 5

2- Best Z170 Motherboard | ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING

3- Best Z170 Motherboard 2021 | GIGABYTE Z170 K3

4- Z170 Motherboards For Overclocking | ASUS Z170-K

5- Best MSI Z170 Motherboard | MSI Z170A GAMING M5

6- Best ASUS Z170 Motherboard in 2021 | ASUS Z170-AR

7- Best ASUS Motherboard For Overclocking | ASUS Maximus IX FORMULA

8- Best ASUS Z170 PRO Motherboard | ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING

9- Best Z170 Motherboard in USA | ASUS Z170 SABERTOOTH

10- Best Z170 PRO Motherboard | ASRock Z170 PRO4S

So, if you’re looking for the best motherboard for overclocking with the Z170 chipset, you’re going to love this post. Because in this article, we have reviewed the top 10 Z170 motherboards, including their features and specifications. We also provide a helpful buying guide which will help you to make better decisions.

GIGABYTE GA-170X GAMING 5

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As we all know, Gigabyte is a trendy brand that offers one o the best gaming and non-gaming motherboards to its loyal customers. And this GA-170X Gaming 5 motherboard is one of them. It supports 6^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory and has a maximum RAM capacity of 16GB. Plus, it comes with four DIMM sockets. When it comes to performance, this board comes with 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot, 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x8 slot, 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x4 slot, and 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x1 slots.

Additionally, the Intel USB 3.1 controller provides you a lot more bandwidth to work with as a lot more versatility. While the USB Type-C connector offers about 10Gb/s transfer speed, which is excellent for charging larger devices.

What’s more, this Gigabyte motherboard comes with a sound blaster X-Fi MB3 suite of software, which will make your gaming experience all more intense with Hi-Fi Audio technology. Not just this, this model offers a multi-graphics configuration which means that your gaming is likely to be infinitely improved by better graphics with high frame rates.

Furthermore, this GA-170X Gaming 5 motherboard from Gigabyte allows you to manage everything from a centralized space, with a solid interface that allows users to access all Gigabyte Apps.

Lastly, the convenient, effective, and Easy Tune features help with overclocking while you are gaming.

ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING

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You can trust ASUS to deliver some good tech products to you, and they have one of the best z170 motherboards for overclocking for you to consider. So, if you’re setting up your gaming rig or building a PC from scratch, then this ASUS Z170 Pro is perfect for you.

This ASUS motherboard support also supports 6^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz. Plus, it comes with 4 DIMM slots and has a maximum RAM capacity of 64GB.

When it comes to build quality, this board is made up of premium quality components and smart DIY features for maximum durability and performance. When it comes to performance, you will experience amazing gaming performance unlike any other. Although, it will depend upon what your gaming PC can handle.

Additionally, With SupremeFX Audio technology – this model gives you a close to the lossless audio experience so that you will hear everything as you game. Not just this, the Sonic Radar II is also an excellent feature that helps you to pick out enemies on the battlefield.

Furthermore, ASUS provides you a dashboard so you can keep track of everything system-related, from LED control to fan extensions for innovative cooling.

Lastly, the BIOS menus are built to be accessible even for beginners with EZ mode to spell some things out for you. So, this is also an incredible option if you are thinking of starting in the big bad world of computer tech!

GIGABYTE Z170 K3

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Here is another high-quality, powerful, and affordable motherboard for overclocking. So, if you’re looking for the best Z170 motherboard under $200, then this would be an excellent option to consider. This board supports 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, the CPU socket of this model is protected by gold plating, so it can take whatever you throw at it and won’t be damaged by anything in the wiring.

Additionally, the 4k support with Intel HD graphics is an excellent feature, particularly if you are using an HDMI connection. You are 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.

While the Japanese Chemicon Audio Capacitors are perfect for making your gaming sound effects realistic and clear so that you get caught up in the world of the game.

What’s more, this best LGA1151 motherboard for gaming comes with 2 SATA Express connectors that provide you fast data transfer speed. Not just this, the PCIe connectors are very well-protected with high-quality stainless steel to ensure that your graphics card receive adequate support.

Furthermore, the trademark Killer E2200 Ethernet controller of this board will make your online gaming smoother. Overall, this is an excellent motherboard for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators.

ASUS Z170-K

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If you’re ready to invest in a high-end motherboard for overlocking without worrying about the price point, then we highly recommend this ASUS Z170-K motherboard. According to experts, this is the best motherboard among socket 1151 motherboards and Z170 chipset in the entry class.

When it comes to build quality, ASUS made users very happy with the thickness of PCB, the power circuits, and the fasteners of all the components on the motherboard. Moreover, this board support DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

Additionally, there are PCI-E connectors for connecting video cards. But these connectors don’t work with the SLI mode – only CrossFire X (AMD Video Cards).

When it comes to performance – cooling is essential; that’s why this ASUS motherboard for overclocking comes with a stylish radiator for innovative cooling. Not just this, it also has a round radiator on the northbridge with the company logo.

Furthermore, this motherboard features dual intelligent processors 5 with a 5-way optimization feature for maximum overclocking performance. Plus, this model has M.2 and SATA Express support for maximum data transfer speeds.

Lastly, this motherboard features high-quality audio capacitors for crystal clear sound and several USB ports for extensive connectivity options.

However, the only downside of this board is that it is on the pricier side, around $250, which makes it less suitable for budget users.

MSI Z170A GAMING M5

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MSI is also a trusty brand that delivers one of the best motherboards for enthusiasts, gamers, and professional users. And this MSI Z170A Gaming M5 motherboard is one of them. It supports 6^th Gen Intel Core Processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory and comes with a maximum RAM capacity of 64GB. Plus, it comes with 4 memory slots.

When it comes to design, this MSI motherboard features sleek, ergonomic, and lightweight, which makes it a top-notch choice for many customers. Additionally, this board is equipped with an advanced thermal system that allows your system to stay cool while dealing with higher frequencies.

When it comes to performance, this gaming motherboard comes with 3 PCI-E 3.0 x16 and 4 PCI-E x1 slots for maximum speed. Not just this, it also comes with 1 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C, 6 USB 3.1 Gen1 and 6 USB 2.0 ports for maximum connectivity options.

Furthermore, this board comes with Audio Boost and Nahimic Audio Enhancer that deliver warm, immersive, and crystal clear sound.

Lastly, this model comes with DDR4 Boost and XMP LED for added performance and versatility.

ASUS Z170-AR

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If you’re an enthusiast or professional gamer looking for a high-end motherboard from a popular manufacturer, then this ASUS Z170-AR would be an excellent option to consider. This motherboard supports Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors for maximum speed and performance.

Moreover, this board support DDR4 memory and has a maximum memory storage capacity of 512MB.

When it comes to design, this best z170 motherboard from ASUS comes with white accents, which makes the whole chipset look quite premium.

When it comes to performance, this best Intel motherboard comes with 5-way optimization features, which is great for performing several functions, including efficient management of energy consumption, overclocking, and cooling.

What’s more, the BIOS menus of this board include EZ mode for beginners and an advanced mode for those who are already well-versed in sorting through features. In general, this Z170-AR motherboard is an excellent choice for gamers and professional users.

Furthermore, with 5X Protection II – this model ensures that you won’t have to deal with any disasters like over-voltage that might damage your system.

Lastly, this ASUS Z170-AR motherboard comes with a total of 8 USB ports for maximum connectivity options.

ASUS Maximus IX FORMULA

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If you’re willing to buy the best Z170 motherboard for overclocking, then this ASUS IX Formula is one of the most trusted names. This motherboard is exclusively designed for 7^th Gen Intel Core processors to maximize connectivity and speed with dual M.2 connectors, front panel USB 3.1, Intel Optane Memory compatibility, and onboard 802.11ac WIFI.

With such a bunch of power, this board is able to serve you the best gaming experience, and you will get a fresh and excellent experience of high-end gaming.

Additionally, this ASUS motherboard features 5-way optimization with Auto-Tuning and Fan Xpert 4, which automatically tailors overclocking profiles to your unique PC build for maximum overclocking performance.

What’s more, it supports ASUS AURA Sync and RGB lighting, which gives nearly an endless spectrum of colors with an amazing ability to synchronize lighting effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem. Not just this, it also offers multi GPU-NVIDIA Support 2-way SLI and AMD 3-way CrossfireX^TM technology.

Furthermore, the wireless connectivity that this model support is WIFI 802.11ac, dual-band frequency 2.4/5 GHz Supports MU-MIMO and Bluetooth V4.1.

ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING

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Here is another high-end motherboard for overclocking from the house of ASUS. So, if you’re looking for a decent motherboard for normal gaming or overclocking, then this Z170 PRO Gaming is the perfect option to consider. This motherboard supports the latest Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron Processors for maximum speed and performance.

Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory technology and comes with four DIMM slots. Additionally, this motherboard features a durable heatsink for innovative cooling. Because cooling is essential when it comes to performance.

When it comes to performance, this board comes with M.2 connectors and SATA 3 connectors for maximum data transfer speed. Not just this, it also comes with several USB ports for maximum speed and connectivity.

Furthermore, this ASUS motherboard comes with Intel’s exclusive Turbo Boost technology 2.0 for maximum OC performance.

Lastly, it comes with high-quality audio capacitors that deliver warm, immersive, and crystal clear sound.

ASUS Z170 SABERTOOTH

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If your budget isn’t your primary concern, then we highly recommend you this ASUS Z    170 SABERTOOTH Motherboard. This motherboard support 6^th Gen Intel Core desktop processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory technology and has a maximum RAM capacity of 64GB.

Plus, this board comes with 4 four memory slots. When it comes to design, this board features sleek, ergonomic, and appealing to eyes design which makes it a top-notch choice for many customers.

Additionally, when it comes to performance – cooling is essential; that’s why this ASUS motherboard comes with high-quality Thermal Armor and TUF Fortifier that provides ducted cooling and structural rigidity.

What’s more, the TUF Ice and Thermal Radar 2 provides customizable total system cooling. Not just this, the TUF Detective 2 feature of this motherboard places system information at your fingertips.

Furthermore, this model comes with USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports for maximum connectivity. Lastly, it also comes with M.2 connectors for maximum data transfer speed.

ASRock Z170 PRO4S

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Finally, we have another motherboard for overclocking. ASRock makes its name in the motherboard industry by offering one of the best quality and cheap motherboards to its loyal customers. This motherboard support 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core Processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory technology and has a maximum RAM capacity of 64GB. Plus, it comes with four RAM slots.

Additionally, this board features a 10 phase power design for maximum power delivery to the processor. The motherboard support AMD Crossfire which can take your gaming experience to the next level.

When it comes to performance, this ASRock motherboard comes with 2x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, 3x PCI-Express 3.0 x1 for maximum data transfer speed. Not just this, it also comes with several USB ports, including 8x USB 3.0 Ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports, 1x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port, 1x HDMI Port, 1x DVI-D port, and Audio I/O jacks.

Furthermore, this motherboard features high-quality audio capacitors, which provide warm, immersive, and crystal clear sound while you are gaming.

Ultimate Buying Guide For The Best Z170 Motherboard For Overclocking

In this section, we are going to discuss what sets Z170 motherboards apart and how you can choose the right one for yourself.

How To Choose The Best Motherboard For Overclocking

If you’re in the market or online for the best motherboard, then there are factors that you should need to consider before clicking the “add to cart†button.

Form Factor:

Form factor determines both compatibility and expansion. The smaller the form factor, the more the compatibility and vice versa. There are three types of form factor, which are as follows:

Standard ATX:

Motherboard with this type of form factor generally has 5-6 PCIe slots with some occasionally sacrificed for M.2 drives. It also has 4 to 8 RAM slots and 6 or more SATA ports. Although, the M.2 capacity never exceeds three, with one or two being more common.

Micro ATX (mATX):

Motherboards with this form factor usually have 3-4 PCIe slots with occasionally losing one or two for dedicated NVMe M.2 slots. They also have 2 to 4 RAM slots and 4 to 6 SATA ports. While the M.2 capacity never exceeds two.

Also, read our guide about Best mATX Motherboard For i5 9600k

Mini ITX:

Motherboards with this form factor are the smallest. Usually limited to 2 PCIe slots and has 2 RAM slots with 2-4 SATA ports. While the M.2 capacity never exceeds two.

Storage:

When it comes to storage, the M.2 and SATA are two terms that you will see pop-up frequently.

SATA refers to Serial ATA, which is the standard storage connection for the past two decades. However, revisions over time have resulted in speed boosts of up to 6Gb/s. Though, this applies to simultaneous read & write. You could not get a hard drive with this reading speed on SATA because it would need bandwidth for writes as well.

Mechanical hard drives or HDDs fall well under the maximum speed of SATA. However, if you don’t care about storage speed, then a high number of SATA ports should be your main priority. Because many SSDs can be used with SATA too, but you won’t achieve the high-speed the technology allows in this way.

In order to use the fastest SSDs (M.2) on the market, you need to use PCI-Express bandwidth. And to do this, you need to use an M.2 SSD, which is comparable to a wafer-thin USB drive in size. The M.2 SSD also needs to support NVMe as well; otherwise, you will be restricted to SATA speeds and bandwidth.

We highly recommend investing in M.2 SSDs if you can afford them.

RAM:

Nowadays, RAM slots in a motherboard start as low as 2 and can go as high as 8. In general, the number of RAM slots corresponds to the RAM configuration that you are able to run.

The motherboards we have reviewed above comes with RAM 4 slots.

• Single-Channel – When only a single RAM slot is present, it can only run at half of its rated speed. We highly unrecommend it!
• Dual-Channel – This is the ideal configuration of RAM slots. With two RAM sticks with the same speed & capacity present, they can efficiently pool their resources and run at their full speed.
• Quad-Channel – This is a bit extra and unnecessary, at least for gaming. This configuration will provide you a marginal speed boost over dual-channel. The main reason to use this configuration is with 4 RAM sticks, pushing your RAM capacity as high as it can go.

PCIe Slots:

There are two types of PCIe slots which are as follows:

• x16 Slots: These are full-size slots so that you mount graphics cards within these slots.
• x1 Slots: These are smaller slots that can be used for other expansion options.

Extra Features:

Now, let’s talk about additional features that you can notice in a motherboard before purchasing.

RGB Lights:

RGB Lights or LED lights are common in a high-end or gaming motherboard especially. Even some mid-range or budget motherboards have connectors and software for controlling RGB lights, fans, and other components.

The presence of RGB lights is ultimately a cosmetic flair and is totally up to the user’s personal preference.

Bluetooth & WIFI:

Bluetooth and WIFI have become common, especially in Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards. Because motherboard with these form factors have fewer PCI-Express slots and features like WIFI & Bluetooth are common needs.

Conclusion:

We think that Gigabyte GA-170X Gaming 5 is the best motherboard for overclocking with the Z170 chipset. It supports 6^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. When it comes to performance, this board comes with 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot, 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x8 slot, 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x4 slot, and 4x PCI-Express 3.0 x1 slots.

Additionally, the Intel USB 3.1 controller provides you a lot more bandwidth to work with as a lot more versatility. While the USB Type-C connector offers about 10Gb/s transfer speed, which is excellent for charging larger devices.

Second, we have ASUS Z170 PRO Gaming; this ASUS motherboard support also supports 6^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz. Plus, it comes with 4 DIMM slots and has a maximum RAM capacity of 64GB.

With SupremeFX Audio technology – this model gives you a close to the lossless audio experience so that you will hear everything as you game. Not just this, the Sonic Radar II is also an excellent feature that helps you to pick out enemies on the battlefield.

Last but not the least, we have Gigabyte Z170 Gaming K3; this board supports 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, the CPU socket of this model is protected by gold plating, so it can take whatever you throw at it and won’t be damaged by anything in the wiring.

While the Japanese Chemicon Audio Capacitors are perfect for making your gaming sound effects realistic and clear so that you get caught up in the world of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Z170 Motherboard For Overclocking

Which is motherboard support overclocking?

All the motherboards that we have reviewed support overclocking.

In Intel motherboard, their Z Series motherboards like Z170, Z270, Z370, Z390, and Z490 support overclocking feature. While in AMD motherboards, almost all their motherboard supports overclocking to increase the performance of your CPU.

Do you need a good motherboard for overclocking the CPU?

Yes! You need a decent motherboard to effectively supply the additional voltage needed to overclock and to keep the voltage related to components cool under a heavy workload.

Which Intel motherboard is best for overclocking?

Intel Processors are the best processors in the market right now, and almost every customer wants to go with a motherboard that supports Intel processors. As we mentioned earlier, the Z Series in Intel motherboards support overclocking feature.

Is it worth buying an expensive motherboard?

Expensive motherboard will have more USB ports, newer performance standards, additional room for drives, and many more amazing features. Usually, expensive motherboards are equipped with premium quality components for maximum longevity. Overall, it is really worth buying an expensive board if your budget allows you.