Best DDR3 Motherboard
When you are assembling your dream gaming PC, choosing the right components becomes a necessity. Just as the CPU is considered as the brain of a computer, the motherboard is its nervous system because it acts as a career of information between different components and ensures that everything works in harmony.
DDR3 RAM promises fast speed transfer that are ideal for gaming. Now assuming that you are an avid gamer and have bought a DDR3 RAM to play a lag-free game and are looking for a DDR3 motherboard that is compatible with it, I have made a list of best DDR3 motherboard.
You might get confused with the numerous options available in the market, I hope my list will help you choose the best one. Let's move on to the list now.
Table of Contents
- 10 BEST DDR3 MOTHERBOARD REVIEW
- ASUS MICRO ATX DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 MOTHERBOARD
- ASROCK Z270 KILLER SLI1151
- MSI 970 - BEST DDR3 MOTHERBOARD FOR GAMING
- ASROCK 970 PRO3 - BEST BUDGET DDR3 MOTHERBOARD
- ASUS P8Z77-V LX - BEST BUDGET MOTHERBOARD
- GIGABYTE GA-B85M-D3H MOTHERBOARD
- ASUS M5A97 PLUS - BEST MOTHERBOARD FOR VIDEO EDITING
- INTEL DH67BL MOTHERBOARD
- BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST DDR3 MOTHERBOARD
- FAQ
- CONCLUSION
10 BEST DDR3 MOTHERBOARD REVIEW
1
ASUS MICRO ATX DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 MOTHERBOARD
Features
In general, MicroATX motherboards are perfect for building smaller PCs as they are budget-friendly than full-sized ATX boards. So now we are starting the list of the best DDR3 motherboards with Asus P8Z77 which is a microATX motherboard.
The most impressive thing about this motherboard is that it comes with a lot of display output options that give you the flexibility to use it with monitors, televisions, projectors, etc. Now let's check out other features as well.
RAM
Talking about memory, this motherboard comes with four memory slots where it can support a maximum of 32GB of DDR3 RAM. Also, it is recommended to place the RAM sticks in consecutive order than alternate slots. So by doing this, you can avoid booting issues.
CPU
This ASUS motherboard DDR3 mentioned in this list is compatible with Intel chips. Since it supports 4th generation Intel Core processors, it matches the processor's speed and delivers excellent performance. The Crash free bios feature helps you to restore the lost or crashed data from the USB storage. You can prioritize which software to use with the help of network bandwidth management.
Connectivity
On the connectivity front, there is a single PCI-Ex16 slot that can support a single graphics card. If in case, your graphics card is very thin, you can add another one on the PCIEx1. With four USB3 connectors, you can easily connect external devices. There is a small issue with removing the graphics card. Since it is a very compact motherboard, you need to access the lever to remove the card.
Overall: This ASUS Intel DDR3 motherboard is a basic microATX motherboard that is available for a decent budget. If you are in the mission of building a simple PC build, this motherboard would be a great choice.
Pros
Cons
2
ASROCK Z270 KILLER SLI1151
FEATURES
This Asrock motherboard is added to this list keeping in mind the needs of gamers. Aesthetically, it is a beautiful motherboard that comes with a white and black color combination which makes it stand out.
On the durability front, the motherboard is well-built with premium materials and is the first one on this list to come with PCI steel slots.
RAM
In terms of memory, the maximum RAM supported by this motherboard is 64GB DDR3. The technology used here is Dual-channel DDR4 memory technology. You will be able to increase the data transfer speed by adding more channels of communication between the memory and the memory controller.
CPU
This motherboard supports both 6th and 7th generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron processors with its 1151 socket. ASRock BCLK full range overclocking allows you to guard your system with the help of hardware monitor function, and you can overclock your hardware devices to get the ideal performance.
Intel K-series unclocked CPUs, you can change the CPU settings and improve the overall performance. The turbo boost 2.0 tech improves the performances of the processor and the graphics card for peak loads automatically by permitting the processor cores to run faster than the average operating frequency.
With ASRock's Digi power design, your CPU will get the most reliable computing power solution so that you can enjoy excellent performance.
Connectivity
You get 2xPCI3 Express 3.0 X 16 slots and 4x PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots allows you to upgrade the graphics cards and sound cards, storage and RAID controller cards. You can also add Wifi and fax functionality if needed.
Overall: No matter whatever your needs may be, this motherboard maxes out on them; whether it be high-frequency ram support, multi graphic card support, fast connectivity options, dedicated sound card, heatsinks, this motherboard has them all.
The only thing that one could miss on this motherboard is the lack of Wi-Fi which should have been added considering the price point, but anyways, a Wi-Fi dongle should make up for it. So if you are a gamer and want to make the most out of the raw CPU power and also don't want to compromise on the features, then this can be a great option to buy.
Pros
Cons
3
MSI 970 - BEST DDR3 MOTHERBOARD FOR GAMING
Features
When making this list of best DDR3 motherboards, there were a lot of options to choose from, but considering a motherboard that best suits the needs of the gamers, this was the one that had all the right bells and whistles. If you know anything about the AMD FX line of processors or consider yourself an “AMD Fanboy,” then chances are that you must already know about the MSI 970 Gaming motherboard and no list of best DDR3 motherboard is complete without it.
This motherboard is an offering by the company dedicated to gaming enthusiasts who don’t want to spend a lot and are looking for a value for money proposition. I personally like the red and black color scheme that this DDR3 gaming motherboard comes with, which I find quite stealthy.
Along with the aesthetics, this motherboard also comes with sufficient heatsinks and overclocking capabilities which makes it suitable for people who like pushing their machines to the limit.
CPU
Aforementioned, this MSI motherboard model supports AMD FX and several other versions with its AM3+ socket. The notable part here is the iconic MSI gaming Dragon heatsink. This heatsink is pretty oversized and can provide you the best thermal transfer and heat dissipation functions.
RAM
Like the other motherboard given in the list, this one is also equipped with 4x DDR3-2133(OC)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 DIMM Slots and Dual Channel technology. This tech helps in delivering smooth functioning of the motherboard. But the difference here is it can only support a maximum of 32GB RAM. But it is quite reasonable for the budget offered.
Connectivity
Other features to look for are the fast USB and SATA ports that allow for fast read and write speeds and the ability to use two graphic cards together, which makes it a great option not just for gamers but also for editors.
Overall: The only thing that I don’t like about this motherboard is the fact that it can’t be used without a graphic card but seriously, who buys a gaming motherboard without a graphic card. No matter howsoever you may decide to use this motherboard, to say the least, you won’t be disappointed. Grab this good DDR3 motherboard!
Pros
Cons
4
ASROCK 970 PRO3 - BEST BUDGET DDR3 MOTHERBOARD
Features
This is the second Asrock on this list. Similar to ASUS, Asrock is also a Taiwan-based company founded in 2002 that is into making some good quality motherboards, and the Asrock 970 PRO3 is no different. At first glance, the motherboard doesn't look much but dig a little deeper, and you will get impressed by the price to feature ratio that this motherboard offers.
RAM
The DDR3 memory type delivers a maximum speed of 2133MHz, and the 4 DDR3 slots allow a maximum of 64GB of RAM. If you plan to upgrade to maximum memory capacity, you need to upgrade the memory modules with at least 16GB capacity.
CPU
This best ddr3 CPU for gaming uses an AMD socket AM3+ CPU socket, and so it is compatible with AMD 8 core processors. The more the power phases, the more stability your CPU would be acting at high voltages. That said, this one has a 4+ 1 power phase design that gives you decent stability to your CPU. The praise-worthy feature is that this motherboard supports AMD's Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, so there will be low power consumption when the processor remains idle.
Connectivity
It comes with two dedicated PCI slots that support dual graphic cards simultaneously, multiple SATA ports, fast USB data transfers, high-frequency ram, and whatnot. Combine this motherboard with your all-white setup with the white or RGB G Skill Trident, and see this machine work wonders for you.
Overall, for the price, it is a great motherboard with all the necessary features, which makes it a value-for-money option and also one of the best DDR3 motherboards that you can buy right now.
But before buying, know the fact that this motherboard is not meant for overclocking, and once passing a certain threshold, it can put your motherboard in jeopardy. So, before going for it, make sure to install a dedicated CPU cooler to protect your system from any mishaps. Still, this precaution is a general guideline for most non-gaming motherboards, so there isn't anything serious to worry about.
Pros
Cons
5
ASUS P8Z77-V LX - BEST BUDGET MOTHERBOARD
Features
This is the second Asus offering mentioned in this list that is compatible with Intel chips. Continuing with the signature Asus color scheme, this motherboard is targeted towards productivity users who use their systems for light gaming and work.
The most impressive thing about this motherboard is that it comes with a lot of display output options that give you the flexibility to use it with monitors, televisions, projectors, etc.
It also comes with fast connectivity option both for internal and external storage. The motherboard also has an easy-to-operate BIOS interface which comes with features like real-time power management, GPU boost, etc., that lets you make little tweaks to maximize the performance.
It comes with anti-surge protection that protects the motherboard from voltage fluctuations giving it a long life. As a complete package, this motherboard is one of the best to pair with 2nd and 3rd generation intel processors and adds to their overall functionality.
When I was curating this list of best DDR3 mobo, I had no reasons not to include this motherboard because it offers so much for the price and when it comes to Asus motherboards, they are well known for their longevity which makes it a must-have.
Pros
Cons
6
GIGABYTE GA-B85M-D3H MOTHERBOARD
FEATURES
Gigabyte is another Taiwan-based company that has major operations in motherboards and computer hardware. It is a fairly old company established in 1986, which is well known throughout the world not just for its legacy but the kind of quality that it offers.
The Gigabyte B85 is a small micro-ATX motherboard that packs in a lot of punch for the price. Surely, it’s a small motherboard, so you can’t expect it to have it all, but there isn’t anything major that is missing here. I really like the fact that it comes with four RAM slots which generally isn’t the case with most micro-ATX motherboards.
It also comes with VGA, HDMI, and DVA video outputs that give you added flexibility. As a whole, it is a decent offering that anyone who’s setting her/his first pc can opt for. Surely, when it comes to a decent budget offering, this DDR3 compatible motherboard is the best.
Pros
Cons
7
ASUS M5A97 PLUS - BEST MOTHERBOARD FOR VIDEO EDITING
Features
When it comes to producing high-quality motherboards that are rich in features and are durable, then Asus is the “name of the game.” Asus is a Taiwanese company established in 1989 and is majorly known for producing computer components and smartphones.
Since its inception, the company has made great leaps forward, and that is the reason why their motherboards are so talked about. When it comes to Asus M5A97, the blue and brown color combination is something significant to the company.
At this price point, the motherboard comes with almost all the necessary features that one may look for when buying a motherboard which is one of the reasons that gets this motherboard through in the list of “best motherboard for DDR3 RAM” and something worth considering.
It includes a VGA port that allows for display output even without the need for a dedicated graphics card which is a blessing in disguise for budget buyers. It also comes with solid capacitors that ensure the smooth flow of current between various components.
The few things that are lacking in this board are the lack of a fast USB port and the inability to use Crossfire and SLI to make the most out of gaming or editing, but anyways this board isn’t meant for that.
Pros
Cons
8
INTEL DH67BL MOTHERBOARD
FEATURES
Another micro-ATX motherboard on this list comes from a well-known Intel brand. Even though their motherboards aren’t considered the best in the market but when it comes to DH67BL, it surely is the best of all worlds.
The best part of this motherboard is the fact that it packs in a lot of features irrespective of its small size.
It is a future-proof motherboard as it supports the current-gen intel processors with an optical port for good sound quality, making it a great option for people assembling their budget pcs. On the aesthetics front, it’s a basic motherboard and something that isn’t meant to be used in gaming setups. This Intel dh67bl graphics card support is perfect.
If you pair this 1151 motherboard DDR3 with decent components, it should have no issues whatsoever when it comes to performance. So when you use Intel dh67bl motherboard supported graphics card, then you can expect splendid performance.
When looking at the bigger picture, there are certain things that this motherboard misses out on but nothing that can make it a deal-breaker. So, go for it, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pros
Cons
BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST DDR3 MOTHERBOARD
Before you decide to invest in the best DDR3 motherboard, you must check certain features to ensure that it is compatible with the DDR3 RAM.
Form factor
The form factor refers to the hardware design aspect that defines the size, shape, and other physical specifications. That said, you need to check the architecture of your motherboard. In general, the ATX motherboard consists of multiple expansion slots for power users and high-end gaming. On the other hand, the Mini ATX comes with few expansion slots, and the micro ATX DDR3 motherboard has the least available expansion slots. So choose the motherboard according to your needs.
RAM
Another crucial factor to check is the type and the number of slots available for RAM. We recommend you to choose the RAM with a capacity of 8GB at least or 16GB if you play some demanding games.
PCI Slots
Your motherboard must consist of expansion ports so that you can easily install some additional components like sound cards, Wi-Fi adaptors, graphics cards.
SATA
If you want to expand the storage of your system, then your motherboard must come with the required SATA ports so that you can connect the storage drives like an SDD or HDD.
Processor socket
Lastly, you need to check the processor socket. Intel uses an LGA socket, whereas AMD uses PGA processor sockets.
FAQ
1. Are DDR4 motherboards compatible with DDR3?
No DDR4 motherboard is not backward compatible with DDR3. So even if you insert DDR3 RAM in the DDR4 motherboard, it won't work. Likewise, you cannot fit the DDR3 module in a DDR2 socket as the former is not compatible with the DDR2.
2. Is Am4 DDR3 good for gaming?
Yes, the AM4 DDR3 motherboard is a good choice for gaming as this motherboard is equipped with greater memory capacity, which can support multitasking and some demanding games.
3. Can you use DDR3 with Ryzen?
No, DDR3 doesn't support advanced processors like Ryzen as it is not fast enough like DDR4. Both DDR3 and DDR4 memory consists of different memory sizes, but again, DDR4 has more capability and power and doesn't fluctuate. That said, Ryzen needs more memory to deliver the best performance, so DDR4 suits Ryzen better than DDR3.
CONCLUSION
I hope this list of “best DDR3 motherboard” has helped you in making the right decision. When concluding on buying a motherboard, understanding your needs as well as your user type is a must.
For example, if you are an enthusiast and like overclocking your machine to make the most out of the raw power, then buying a motherboard that comes with a dedicated heatsink along with a CPU cooler becomes a necessity.
So, consider these things when buying in order to ensure the longevity of your components.
