We use technical words like data centers, hypervisor, containerization and motherboards all the time without knowing what they actually are and do. Now, some of you may have even physically used motherboards or servers, but if I asked you about their core functions, you wouldn’t be able to explain them.
In today’s post, we want to talk about the best server motherboard for different purposes but to get on the same page, let’s first get clear on its definition.
What Is a Server Motherboard & How Does It Work?
A server is a storage compartment for storing huge amounts of data. A server motherboard is where all the server components are intertwined and connected. A server motherboard is in charge of allocating different peripherals to the server so the server can function properly. Imagine that your server’s data is categorized; in order to access this data, you first need to connect to your server and then type in the right command in your system’s command terminal.
What happens when you put in the command? The server motherboard steps in to provide the server with the peripherals it needs to deliver what you asked.
Here’s a simple example to remember what a server motherboard is.
Imagine that you run a restaurant. You have a freezer filled with all the raw products you need to cook your recipes. Now since you’re living in the modern days of technology, you happen to have an automatic device (like a robot) installed in your freezer that can interpret your recipes, find the ingredients you need and then toss them into the kitchen.
The freezer is your server, your state-of-the-art device is the server motherboard, and the raw products are categorized data on your server, which you cannot access without the right command, i.e., the right recipe.
Best Server Motherboard for Different Purposes
Choosing the best server motherboard comes down to your specific expectations. Fortunately, we live in an extremely tech-driven era and there are experts who have enough knowledge and expertise to customize tech objects based on customers’ needs. So you would be happy to know that you can find the best server motherboard for different tech purposes.
Here are five key factors you need to keep in mind when choosing the best server motherboard:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Chipset (A set of integrated circuits)
- Form Factor (Design)
- MemoryÂ
- Memory Clock Speed
In the upcoming sections, we compare the top server motherboards in these categories so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Best Server Motherboard for Virtualization 2023
The best server motherboard for virtualization is one that has specific chipsets or peripherals that support the virtualization technology, is compatible with the best server processor, reduce CPU overhead, and increase overall performance. Depending on your processor and operating system, you should check the hardware compatibility list (HCL) to find the best server motherboard for virtualization.
| Product | CPU Model | Chipset | Form Factor | Memory Storage Capacity | Memory Clock Speed |
| Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master | 3rd and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen | AMD X570 | ATX | 128 GB | 2400 MHz |
| MSI MEG Z590 Ace | 11th and 10th Gen Intel | Intel Z590 | ATX | 128 GB | 5600 MHz |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X | 12th Gen Intel | Intel Z490 | ATX | 32 GB | 6000 MHz |
| MSI MEG Z490 Godlike | 10th Gen ‎Intel | Intel Z490 | ATX | 128 GB | 5000 MHz |
| Asus TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS | AMD Ryzen 3rd, 4th, and 5th Gen | AMD B550 | Micro ATX | 12 GB | 2133 MHz |
| Gigabyte MZ32-AR0 | AMD EPYC 7002 Series | AMD | Extended ATX | 32 GB | 2560 MHz |
Best Server Motherboard for Game Servers 2023
| Product | CPU Model | Chipset | Form Factor | Memory Storage Capacity | Memory Clock Speed |
| ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus | 3rd and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen | AMD 570X | ATX | Max 128 GB | 4400 MHz |
| MSI MPG Z690 Edge | 12th Gen Intel | Z690 | ATX | Max 128 GB | 5600 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD 570 | Mini-ITX | Max 64GB | 4800 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix B560-A | Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold | B560 | ATX | Max 128 GB | 5000 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix B550-A | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD B550 | ATX | Max 128 GB | 2666 MHz |
Best Motherboard for Plex Server 2023
| Product | CPU Model | Chipset | Form Factor | Memory Storage Capacity | Memory Clock Speed |
| MSI MPG Z690 EDGE | Intel 12th Gen, Intel Z690 | Intel Z690, Intel 12th Gen CPU, LGA1700 | ATX | 128 GB | 5200 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix B560-A | Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold | Intel B560 | ATX | 128 GB | 5000 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix B550-A | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD B550 | ATX | 128 GB | 2666 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix X570-I | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD 570 | Mini ITX | 64 GB | 2133 MHz |
| MSI MPG B560I Gaming | 10th, 11th Gen Intel Processors, Pentium Gold and Celeron | Intel B560 | Mini ITX | 64 GB | 5200 MHz |
Best Motherboard for Small Business Server 2023
Depending on the size of your business and the amount of data you process daily, you can find the best motherboard for small business server from the table below:
| Product | CPU Model | Chipset | Form Factor | Memory Storage Capacity | Memory Clock Speed |
| MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD B550 | Micro ATX | 128 GB | 4400 MHz |
| GIGABYTE Z590 | 10th Gen Intel Core | Intel Z590 | ‎ATX | 128 GB | 2133 MHz |
| MB ASRock B450 | AMD Ryzen | AMD B450 | Mini ITX | 32 GB | 3200 MHz |
| GIGABYTE X570 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi | AMD 2nd and 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD X570 | ‎Mini ITX | 64 GB | 2666 MHz |
| ASUS ROG Strix X570-I | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | AMD 570 | Mini ITX | 64 GB | 2133 MHz |
Best Motherboard for Home Server 2023
| Product | CPU Model | Chipset | Form Factor | Memory Storage Capacity | Memory Clock Speed |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B | Quad core Cortex-A72 | BCM2711 | 32 GB | 1500 MHz | |
| Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H | AMD Ryzen 7 | AMD A320 | Micro ATX | 32 GB | 3200 MHz |
| SuperMicro MBD-X11SAE-M-O | Intel Xeon | Intel C236 | Micro ATX | 16 MB | 2133 MHz |
| Gigabyte X399 Aorus Pro | AMD Ryzen 7 | AMD X399 | ATX | ‎128 GB | ‎2400 MHz |
| Gigabyte TRX40 Designare sTRX4 | AMD Ryzen 7 | AMD TRX40 | ATX | ‎128 GB | 2133 MHz |
All of these motherboards are great options for a home lab.
Best Motherboards for NAS 2023
NAS is short for Network-Attached System, a multi-user and high-speed digital device for storing and managing various data types. A NAS connects to a wireless network, enabling users to store, share, and back up data effortlessly and quickly.
What makes NAS unique is its durability and ease of use compared to traditional hard drives. Now, you can either buy a NAS or build one; the latter option requires a motherboard for data processing. Check out the table below to find the best server motherboard for your specific needs:
| Product | CPU Model | Chipset | Form Factor | Memory | Memory Clock Speed |
| ASUS Prime B450M-A II | AMD Ryzen | AMD B450 | Micro ATX | ‎128 GB | 4400 MHz |
| ASUS PRIME A520M-K AMD AM4 | AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen | ‎AMD A520 | ‎Micro ATX | 64 GB | 2133 MHz |
| ASRock X570 Pro 4 | AMD Ryzen 2000 Series, AMD Ryzen 3000 Series | AMD X570 | ATX | 64 GB | 2400 MHz |
| GIGABYTE C246-WU4 | Intel 1151 Xeon E processors, 9th/8th Gen | Intel Core/ Pentium/ Celeron processors | Intel C246 | ATX | 128 GB | ‎2133 MHz |
| ASRock Rack C236 WSI | Intel Xeon E3-1200 v5 | Intel C236 | Mini ITX | 32 GB | 2133 MHz |
FAQ
What is the best server motherboard for virtualization?
A powerful processor is the most important feature of the best motherboard for virtualization. “Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master” is compatible with AMD Ryzen 2000 and 3000 Series; both give a higher performance at a much lower cost than Intel.
What is the best motherboard for Plex server?
Choosing the best motherboard for a plex server comes down to 2 things:
- The type of content you want to stream
- The number of users
There are other factors to consider, but as speed is a significant factor in choosing the best motherboard for Plex server, our top pick would be “MSI MPG B560I Gaming.”
What is the best motherboard for small business server?
The best motherboard for small business server is one that offers high memory clock speed and memory storage. From the table we provided in this article, “MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries” is the best option.
What is the best motherboard for a home lab?
It depends on your specific needs but the “Raspberry Pi 4 Model B” motherboard is easily assembled and super budget-friendly for a home lab.
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