Best Z270 Motherboards Under $200 in 2021 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Are you a gamer who is planning to build a dream gaming PC that will enhance your gaming? If yes! Then to do that, you will need a strong foundation to build from; you are going to encounter performance. Fortunately, the best Z270 motherboards under $200 are here to save you from this hassle.

These motherboards will take you from zero to hero in a matter of seconds. But now the question here is, which Z270 motherboard is best for your gaming to build? Because there is a huge variety of motherboards with z270 chipset available in the market.

That’s why, in this article – we are going to review the top 10 best Z270 motherboards under 200, including their features and specifications. We also provide a helpful buying guide which will also help you to make better decisions.

So, if you’re looking for a motherboard exclusively designed for modern-day computing, then look no further than these!

Also, read our guide about Best Z390 Motherboard For Overclocking

MSI Z270 GAMING PRO Carbon

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We all know, MSI is a trendy motherboard that offers one of the best budget gaming and non-gaming motherboards to its loyal consumers. And this Z270 Gaming PRO Carbon motherboard is one of them. This motherboard supports the latest 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory technology for maximum speed and performance. Additionally, this board supports all the latest storage standards for maximum data transfer speed. It allows you to connect ultra-fast storage devices while providing you maximum in-game benefits.

Plus, it starts your game faster, load levels faster, and provide a real advantage on your enemies. With the exclusive Intel Optane memory of this mode, you will receive an ultra-fast storage cache.

When it comes to performance, cooling your system is essential – that’s why this MSI motherboard is equipped with enough fan headers with fan controls that allow you to cool your system in any way you want.

The world’s fastest SSD’s can slow down when they get heated. This is where the M.2 Shield FROZR of this board comes into play. It features cooling pads to lower the temperature of your M.2 devices while avoiding any possible throttling.

Furthermore, with MSI Mystic Light utility – you can control RGB LED solutions from other brands such as CPU coolers, keyboards, and mice. Besides, it offers multiple GPU support fo4 a maximum gaming experience.

ASUS ROG Strix Z270F GAMING

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ASUS is also a trendy brand that delivers one of the best and high-quality motherboards to its loyal customers. This motherboard is exclusively designed for the latest Intel Core processors for maximum speed and performance. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

Additionally, this board features ASUS Exclusive one-click overclocking and cooling technology which dynamically optimizes essential aspects of your system based on real-time use. So, you will get superb CPU performance, cool and quiet fans, efficient energy savings, and ultra-stable digital power.

Plus, this ASUS motherboard also features a 5-way optimization feature with Auto-Tuning and Fan Xpert4 that automatically tailors overclocking profiles to your unique build for maximum overclocking performance and dynamic cooling.

What’s more, the ROG’s patent-pending pre-mounted I/O shield offers increased protection against electrostatic discharge. Not just this, this model comes with industry-leading 8-channel HD audio with ASUS SupremeFX S1220A technology to reward your ears with warm, immersive, and crystal clear sound.

Furthermore, this best z270 motherboard provides unmatched personalization with ASUS Exclusive AURA Sync RGB lighting feature.

MSI Z270 A-PRO

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Here is another high-quality, durable, and yet affordable motherboard from the house of MSI. This motherboard support 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed 2133MHz.

When it comes to building quality, this board is made up of military-grade components for maximum durability and longevity of the motherboard. Additionally, this board comes equipped with Intel Optane ready; this latest technology brings game-changing performance to the memory & storage devices.

Plus, the optimized traces and fully isolated memory circuitry ensures perfect stability and performance. So, you never have to worry about your system crashing. Not just this, the technical enhancements of the DDR4 boost allow for more stability at higher memory speeds as compared to other motherboards out there.

Furthermore, the X-Boost feature of this model optimizes your devices for even more better data transfer speed and can provide up to a 30% increase in USB performance. Besides, this handy feature is easy to use and automatically detects and optimizes the USB connection to your computer system.

ASUS Prime Z270-A

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If you’re ready to invest in a high-end motherboard without worrying about the price point, then this ASUS Prime has got you covered. This motherboard 7^th Gen Intel Core processor for LGA 1151 CPU socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

When it comes to design, this board features a sleek, ergonomic, and lightweight design which makes it a top-notch choice for many customers. It is known for its Artic white highlights. ASUS combined both beauty and power into a totally redefined gaming experience.

Additionally, this Z270-A motherboard delivers a one-click overclocking and features a dynamic cooling system for maximum OC performance.  Plus, this motherboard features dedicated 3D mounts that makes fitting of 3d-printed part easier.

With PCI-Express 3.0/2.0 x4 bandwidth, the M.2 supports up to 32Gb/s data transfer speed. Not just this, the AURA Sync RGB lighting features an endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem of AURA Sync enabled products.

Furthermore, with its USB 3.1 – you will experience ultimate connection flexibility and blazing-fast data transfer speed of up to 10Gb/s. Overall, this Z270-A motherboard would be an excellent choice for gaming, overclocking, and other demanding tasks.

GIGABYTE GA-Z270-HD3P

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GIGABYTE  is also a trusty brand that delivers high-quality motherboards to its loyal consumers. This GA-Z270 motherboard from Gigabyte supports 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 CPU socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory and comes with 4 DIMM slots.

When it comes to design, this model is engineered using premium quality components for maximum durability and reliability. Additionally, it offers 2-way Crossfire multi-Graphics support for the maximum gaming experience.

When it comes to performance – cooling your PC is essential; that’s why this Gigabyte motherboard features an advanced cooling solution that allows your computer to maintain its performance while dealing with higher frequencies.

For maximum data transfer speed, it comes with ultra-fast M.2 with PCIe Gen3 x4 and a SATA interface. Not just this, it also comes with a triple display interface, including a High-definition multimedia interface.

Besides, it comes equipped with a smart fan 5, which features multiple temperature sensors with Hybrid fan headers. Furthermore, this model is equipped with onboard Intel GbE LAN with cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator Software for next-generation networking and speed.

Lastly, this GA-Z270-HD3P motherboard is equipped with high-quality audio capacitors that deliver incredible sound quality while you game.

MSI Gaming M7

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If you’re one who loves to show off their gaming rig and looking for a good-looking motherboard with RGB lighting, then this MSI M7 would be an ideal option to consider. This motherboard support 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors for maximum speed and performance.

Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory and comes with 4 memory slots. When it comes to design, this board features a sleek, ergonomic, and appealing to eyes design, which makes it a top-notch choice for many customers.

Additionally, this board comes with high-quality steel armor that protects your memory and memory slots from both physical damage and electrical overcurrent by adding extra ground points. Plus, it also ensures a clean data signal for your memory by shielding it from electromagnetic interference for a smooth gaming experience.

Using MSI Mystic Light Sync, you can control RGB LED solutions from other brands such as coolers, keyboards, and mice. It also works with certified Mystic Light products.

Furthermore, the MSI Audio Boost delivers the highest sound quality through the use of high-quality audio capacitors. This will let you to enjoy breathtaking, game-changing sound to experience the most exciting gameplay.

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

ASRock Z270 EXTREME4

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If you’re an enthusiast or hardcore gaming, looking for a high-performance motherboard for demanding tasks such as photo & editing video editing, then this Z270 Extreme4 motherboard is perfect for you. It supports 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors for LGA 1151 CPU socket.

Moreover, this board support 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz. When it comes to design, this model is designed using a combination of two colors, black & white. These colors give it such as gorgeous that everyone will fall in love. Additionally, it features extended heatsinks that allow your computer system to stay cool during heavy workloads.

When it comes to performance, it comes with dual M.2 slots that provide you maximum data transfer speed. For next-generation connectivity, it comes with several USB ports, including HDMI and Displayport.

Furthermore, it also comes with high-quality audio capacitors that deliver high-quality, warm, and crystal clear sound while you game. Lastly, it comes with onboard Intel Gigabit Ethernet for next-generation networking and speed.

ASUS TUF Z270 Mark2

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Here is another ASUS motherboard with a Z270 chipset. This motherboard support 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 CPU socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

When it comes to design, this motherboard is made up of military-grade TUF components for maximum system durability. Additionally, it features high-quality thermal armor and thermal radar core plus that provide superior cooling controls during intense overclocking sessions.

While the dual patent-pending safe slots featuring an injection molding process that integrates metal framing for a stronger, firmer PCIe slot designed for heavy-weight GPUs.

For maximum performance, it comes with dual M.2 slots with Intel Optane memory compatibility. For maximum connectivity, it comes with a USB 3.0 and rear USB 3.1 Type-A port.

Lastly, it comes with high-quality audio capacitors to reward your ears with studio-grade sound quality.

One of the great things about this motherboard is that it comes with a 5-years limited manufacturer’s warranty for customer’s peace of mind.

GIGABYTE AORUS Z270X GAMING K5

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Here is another affordable z270 motherboard from the house of Gigabyte. This motherboard support 6^th and 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 CPU socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory technology and comes with 4 DIMM slots.

Additionally, this board comes equipped with smart fan features that allow users that their gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool. This utility also users to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the motherboard.

Plus, with this feature – more hybrid fan headers support both PWM and Voltage mode fans that have been designed to make the motherboard more liquid and cooling friendly.

What’s more, this motherboard comes with ultra-fast NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2, delivering up to 32Gb/s data transfer speed per connector. While the M.2 and onboard U.2 provide the ideal storage solutions for RAID configurations for maximum data transfer speeds.

Not just this, this model also comes with a high-performance adaptive Ethernet Controller that offers priority network bandwidth delivery for unrivaled gaming optimization & media performance.

Furthermore, this Gigabyte motherboard comes with ALC1220, which is a high-performance multi-channel High-Definition Audio Codec with up to 120dB SNR for crystal clear audio.

Overall, this Z270X AORUS motherboard offers incredible gamer-centric features like smart fan 5 for advanced thermal detection and RGB Fusion that introduces the first-ever RGB+W/UV LED strips support for true & brighter illuminations.

ASRock Z270 Gaming K4

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Lastly, we have another ASRock motherboard with a Z270 chipset. This motherboard support 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory and comes with 4 DIMM slots.

When it comes to design, this board features an extra-large aluminum alloy heatsink that effectively takes away heat from the MOSFET and chipset so that your computer system will stay stable while dealing with higher frequencies.

Additionally, this ASRock motherboard features supreme 12k capacitors with a lifespan of at least 12,000 hours as compared to other models that merely have a lifespan of around 10,000 hours. Plus, ASRock has applied Nichicon 12k platinum caps that offer 20% longer lifespans and provide additional stability & reliability.

What’s more, this motherboard features a newly designed protective cover for all of the essential components near the motherboard’s rear I/O unit. So that these components won’t be easily damaged by static electricity.

For maximum data transfer speed, this model features 2 SATA Express, 6 SATA 3, 1 Ultra-fast M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 slot. For extensive connectivity options, it has 8 USB 3.0 ( 5 Type-A, 1 Type-C, and 2 front) ports.

Ultimate Buying Guide For The Best Z270 Motherboard Under $200

As we promised, here is the buyer’s guide for the best motherboard with a z270 chipset under 200. In this guide, we have covered almost everything that you should need to consider before clicking the “add to cart†button.

Features of Z270 Motherboards

Below there are few notable features that make this motherboard ideal for handling demanding tasks.

Intel Optane Ready Support:

Optane is an ultra-fast type of caching storage that Intel is currently working on. In general, this technology will allow users to get SSD-type performance for their entire drive by simply having a 16-32GB drive.

We have seen something like this before with Intel’s Smart Response technology. However, this technology aims to do what that the previous one couldn’t.

Offers More Storage Options:

Another great thing about the z270 motherboards is the increase in PCI-E 3.0 lanes, with an extra four PCIe lanes as compared to the Z170 chipset. These lanes will allow for additional high-bandwidth connections to be used, such as extra Thunderbolt, USB 3.1 port, or graphics cards.

Moreover, the z270 motherboard can support a maximum of three M.2 slots which is the same as motherboards with a z170 chipset.

Kaby Lake Features:

Kaby Lake is a 7^th Gen Intel Core processor, succeeding the Skylake line of CPUs. These processors have fast clock speed and higher turbo frequencies than Skylake processors. The i7-6700K is the top processor of Skylake, and the i7-7700k is the top CPU of Kaby Lake. While Kaby Lake’s Core i5-7600k is the direct replacement of Skylake’s i5-6600k.

USB 3.1 Gen2, Thunderbolt 3, and Improved Graphics Card:

Kaby Lake features a number of improvements over Skylake processors. With fully integrated support for USB 3.1 Gen2 enabling a bandwidth of up to 10Gb/s rather than 5Gb/s. While the native Thunderbolt 3 support was added too.

In addition, the HDCP 2.2 support has been added to Kaby Lake processors along with new graphics architecture that improves performance that improves performance in 3D graphics & 4k video playback.

Conclusion:

We think that MSI Z270 Gaming PRO Carbon is the best z270 under $200. This MSI motherboard supports 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors for maximum speed and performance. Not just this, this motherboard offers support for all the latest storage standards for flexibility.

Moreover, it comes with Exclusive Intel Optane Memory so that you will receive an ultra-fast storage cache.

Second, we have got ASUS ROG Strix Z270F Gaming; this gaming motherboard, under $200, supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

Moreover, this ASUS motherboard comes with ASUS’s Exclusive one-click overclocking & cooling feature, which automatically optimizes all the essential aspects of your computer system based on real-time use.

Last but not the least, we have MSI Z270 A-PRO; this motherboard supports 6^th & 7^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 CPU socket. Moreover, it is made up of premium quality and military-grade components to ensure the maximum longevity of the motherboard.

In addition, it also comes with a special X-Boost feature, which optimizes your system for even better data transfer speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Z270 Motherboards Under $200

What is the main difference between Z170 & Z270 motherboards?

Both Z170 & Z270 motherboards are made for different processors. The Z170 motherboards are made for Kaby lake CPUs, while the Z270 is specially designed to run with Skylake. However, it also works well with Kaby Lake also.

The main difference between them is the number of PCI lanes, the Z170 has 20 lanes, and Z270 has 24.

Will Z270 work with skylake?

Yes! The Z270 is compatible with all the Skylake CPUs. So, it will definitely work with Skylake processors regardless of which version you’re using. Moreover, this chipset will also work with other Kaby lake processors too.

Is Z270 overclockable?

Whether you use Z270 or Z170, both these chipsets support overclocking. This feature makes them stand out in the crowd.

What is Z270?

Basically, the Z270 is a chipset launched by Intel. It is designed to run with Syk lake and Kaby Lake CPUs. Moreover, this chipset can divide PCI-E lanes across multiple graphics cards, allowing more memory & storage options.