Edward Clayton 
DDR4 has taken the market by storm, but DDR5 is on its way. If you’re considering upgrading to DDR5 in 2021 or 2022, here are some of our favorite affordable options for your PC build.
The “best motherboard 2021” is a difficult task to accomplish. With so many motherboards available, it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs.
What is the minimum budget for a DDR5 motherboard?
The least expenditure you’ll need for your DDR5 motherboard will decrease as more DDR5 motherboards become available. The Z690 series is presently the only motherboard chipset that supports DDR5 RAM, and they are mostly high-end solutions for enthusiast gamers and PC builders, with the most features and the only means to overclock the latest Intel 12th Gen series of CPUs. You should only purchase a Z690 motherboard if you intend to use it with an Intel Core i9-12900K/KF, Core i7-12700K/KF, or, at the very least, an i5-12600K/KF processor.
If your budget won’t allow it, we recommend waiting till the H670, B660, and H610 motherboards become available. Having said that, we’ve included a budget DDR5 motherboard pick in our guide, which is the lowest you can acquire right now.
DDR4 vs. DDR5: Which is Better?
If you want a more in-depth look at the differences between DDR5 and DDR4 RAM, see our dedicated DDR5 and DDR4 versus DDR5 sites. In brief, DDR5 will provide faster clock speeds and data rates, lower power consumption, more memory per stick, and better file corruption prevention than its predecessor. A comparison table may be seen below.
| Feature | DDR4 | DDR5 | The Benefits of DDR5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rates of data | 3200Mhz | 4800-6400mhz | Increased bandwidth and performance |
| VDD/VDDQ/VPP | 1.2 | 1.1 | Reduced power |
| Densities of devices | 16GB Max | 64GB | Monolithic devices that are larger |
| Prefetch | 8n | 16n | Maintains a low internal core clock. |
| CRC | Write | Read/Write | Protects read data, which improves the RAS of the system. |
| duration of a burst | BL8 | BL16 and BL32 | With just one DIMM subchannel, it’s possible to retrieve 64B cache lines. |
Form factor of the motherboard
When creating a PC, regardless of the chipset you choose, you must consider the form factor. Motherboards are available in a number of sizes, ranging from the huge E-ATX versions to the tiny Mini-ITX variants. The case you choose has a lot to do with the option you choose, although the great majority of builders end up in the mid-tower, ATX range.
We normally choose ATX since it has more functionality and allows you to fully push your new hardware without having to spend a lot of money on an E-ATX. If you’re on a limited budget, you’re probably not going to buy a Z690 in the first place, therefore it’s worth waiting for the other chipsets and searching for a board with a mATX form size.
Socket LGA 1700
DDR5 is currently only compatible with Intel 12th Gen CPUs, with the forthcoming AMD Zen 4 CPUs still a long way off. Because all Intel 12th Generation Alder Lake CPUs utilize the LGA 1700 socket (which replaces the previous-generation LGA 1200), all current DDR5 motherboards must have this socket.
In comparison to the LGA 1200, the LGA 1700 has 500 more contact points and a larger footprint, measuring 45mm x 37.5mm instead of 37.5mm x 37.5mm.
This implies that unless you purchase an LGA 1700 mounting bracket from the vendor, your present cooler will not work with your new system. Fortunately, most manufacturers will provide the supporting bracket for free on suitable coolers if you can produce proof of purchase.
Don’t worry if you misplaced your receipt or can’t wait any longer; the LGA 1700 mounting bracket kits are already widely available. They may cost anything from one penny to five dollars.
Is it worthwhile to invest in a DDR5 motherboard?
If you intend on purchasing an Intel 12th generation CPU as soon as they become available, such as the 12900K, 12700K, or 12600K, most Z690 motherboards will be DDR5 capable. Unless you’re desperate to save money in the near run, we recommend skipping the few DDR4 Z690 alternatives in favor of a DDR5 motherboard, which will allow you to upgrade in the future. Sticking to a DDR4 motherboard may be worth it if you’re waiting for the non-K Intel Alder Lake CPUs to be released in 2022, or the lower-powered Intel 12400, but if you’re waiting for an AMD Zen 4 Ryzen CPU, DDR5 is likely the way to go, as AMD processors are notoriously bottlenecked by the RAM they use.
The “asus z690 motherboard release date” is a motherboard that will be released in 2021. It has been designed with overclocking and budget in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will current motherboards support DDR5?
A: Sadly, no. The current motherboard that is on the market will support DDR4 which was released in 2013 and not DDR5 which launched just last year.
What is the best future proof motherboard?
A: The best motherboard for the price is a MSI Z370-G Pro.
What is the strongest motherboard?
A: The strongest motherboard is the Asus ROG Maximus IX Apex. This board has a maximum OC of 4.5GHz with single- and dual-socket support, as well as an onboard power button for easier overclocking
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