6 Best Motherboards for Graphic Design: Reviewed for 2024
Motherboards are the foundation of every computer system. When it comes to graphic design, having the right motherboard is essential for optimal performance. Finding the best motherboard for your needs can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll explore the best motherboards available on the market today that are ideal for graphic design work. We’ll look at the features, specs and performance of these motherboards to help you make an informed decision when shopping for your next rig.
That said, let’s dive into our reviews for the best Intel as well as AMD motherboards for graphic design!
Best Intel Motherboards for Graphic Design
1. Best Overall: Gigabyte Z790 UD AC
To ensure that your PC is able to handle the demands of graphic design, the best Intel motherboard is the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC.
With its 16+1+1 Twin Hybrid Phases Digital Power Design and 60A DrMOS, it provides a sturdy and efficient power source for all your components.
Its PCIe 5.0 and Triple NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots offer next-gen connectivity for powerful GPU compatibility and RAM capacity.
The RGB FUSION 2.0 feature allows you to customize your system with addressable LED and RGB LED strips for maximum aesthetic appeal.
And with its 2.5GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi, BT, Smart Fan 6, and Q-Flash Plus technology, you’ll have an optimized network connection and hassle-free BIOS updating experience.
This motherboard offers a comprehensive thermal design with fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, M.2 Thermal Guard, and Ultra Durable Armor to keep your components at optimal performance levels even under heavy loads.
A reliable choice for any graphic design setup!
Reasons to Buy
- 16+1+1 power design for efficient performance
- PCIe 5.0 and Triple NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots
- RGB FUSION 2.0 customization for aesthetics
- Comprehensive thermal design for optimal performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Relatively expensive compared to other motherboards
2. Runner Up: Gigabyte H610m S2H
The GIGABYTE H610M S2H is an excellent runner-up for those looking for a reliable and powerful Intel motherboard for graphic design. It features the Intel LGA 1200 socket, which supports 10th Gen Intel Core series processors. This allows users to easily upgrade their processor while maintaining compatibility with the existing motherboard.
Also, DDR4 RAM is supported, providing plenty of performance and stability. The GIGABYTE H610M S2H also boasts great graphics optimization capabilities. It has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 processor, allowing users to enjoy smooth visuals even on demanding applications like video editing and 3D modeling.
Moreover, it comes with two M.2 slots for storage expansion, so you can quickly store your important design files and documents. Furthermore, cooling options are available on this motherboard including a hybrid fan header and PWM fan headers to ensure optimal temperatures during heavy workloads.
The GIGABYTE H610M S2H provides reliable performance at an affordable price, making it a great choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade their graphic design system.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price
- Intel UHD Graphics 630 processor
- Two M.2 slots for storage expansion
- Cooling options available
Reasons to Avoid
- Only supports 10th Gen Intel Core series processors
3. Budget Pick: Gigabyte B760m Ds3h Ax
The GIGABYTE H610M S2H is a great Intel motherboard for graphic design, offering an impressive feature set and performance. But if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, this GIGABYTE B760M DS3H AX may be the perfect choice.
This board offers similar features at a fraction of the price point, making it an ideal pick for those wanting to save some cash without compromising on features.
The B760M DS3H AX has plenty of features to satisfy any graphic designer’s needs. It comes with dual channel DDR4 memory support, M.2 Thermal Guard, PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports for fast data transfer speeds, as well as 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity options.
Plus, it also supports RGB FUSION 2.0 with addressable LED & RGB LED strips, along with Smart Fan 6 and Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating capabilities. All these features make this board a great option for anyone looking to build their own graphic design PC on a budget.
Reasons to Buy
- Dual channel DDR4 memory support
- PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports
- 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- RGB FUSION 2.0 with addressable LED & RGB LED strips support
Reasons to Avoid
- May not support high-end processors
- Limited expansion options compared to higher-end motherboards
Also, see our guide on the best motherboards for Intel Core i5 1200F in case you have this processor. We also have a guide for the best Core i5 9400F motherboards if that’s your CPU.
Best AMD Motherboards for Graphic Design
4. Best Overall: Asus Rog Strix B550-F
The Asus ROG Strix B550-F is one of the best AMD motherboards for graphic design on the market. It features an AM4 socket ready for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series, plus 5000 and 4000 G-series desktop processors, Bluetooth v5.2 and PCIe 4.0-ready connectivity with dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.2 output.
The robust power solution includes 12+2 teamed power stages with ProCool power connector, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors, plus two-way AI Noise Cancelation for industry-leading gaming audio. Additionally, it has a DIY-friendly design that includes pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack and Q-LEDs for easy installation as well as ASUS exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting and addressable Gen 2 RGB headers to customize aesthetics according to your preferences.
With optimal cooling options including CPU cooling fan headers and optimized water pump control header to maximize performance during intense gaming sessions, you can rest assured that your graphics card and CPU will remain cool while working on graphic design projects on the Asus ROG Strix B550-F motherboard.
Reasons to Buy
- Strong power solution with 12+2 teamed power stages
- Dual M.2 slots and PCIe 4.0-ready connectivity
- Optimal cooling options to maximize performance
- DIY-friendly design with pre-mounted I/O shield and Q-LEDs
Reasons to Avoid
- More expensive than other AMD motherboards
5. Runner Up: Asus AM4 Tuf Gaming X570-Plus
As a runner-up to the best AMD motherboard for graphic design, the ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus is nothing short of amazing! It’s like having two motherboards in one – offering incredible stability and performance without compromising on reliability.
From its military-grade components and Pro Cool socket to its comprehensive cooling features, this motherboard will give your graphics designs an edge like never before.
This powerhouse also comes with next-gen connectivity options such as dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A/Type-C ports for faster transfer speeds. Plus, it has exclusive Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet and Intel 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, Bluetooth 5.0, TUF LANGuard and technology to ensure a rock solid connection while you work on your projects.
With this motherboard in your arsenal, you’ll be able to create stunning graphics designs that stand out from the crowd – all with reliable brands like Asus!
Reasons to Buy
- Military-grade components for durability
- Comprehensive cooling features for optimal performance
- Next-gen connectivity options for faster data transfer
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited addressable RGB headers
- No integrated Wi-Fi 6
6. Budget Pick: Gigabyte B550m Ds3h
For those looking for an AMD motherboard to support graphic design projects, the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H is an ideal budget-friendly choice.
It is equipped with a 5+3 Phases Pure Digital VRM Solution and Low RDS(on) MOSFETs which help ensure stable power delivery to the GPU selection and RAM capacity.
This motherboard also supports Dual Channel ECC/ Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs and has Ultra Durable PCIe 4.0 Ready x16 Slot as well as Dual Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe 4.0/3.0 M.2 Connectors that enable users to expand their storage capabilities and computer speed with ease.
All of these features make it a great value for those looking for an affordable yet powerful AMD motherboard for graphic design projects.
With its advanced features and suitable price point, the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H is an excellent choice for any budget-conscious user looking to build a system optimized for graphic design projects.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price point
- Stable power delivery
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Expandable storage options
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited expansion options
- No built-in Wi-Fi
Also, see our guide on the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600G if that’s the AMD processor you have. We also have a guide for the best Ryzen 5 3500 motherboards.
PC Requirements For Graphic Design
When it comes to choosing the best motherboards for graphic design, it’s important to consider your personal workflow.
A good quality motherboard will allow you to get the most out of your gaming performance and creative output.
The right motherboard should offer plenty of ports and connectivity options, so you can easily connect all of your necessary peripherals.
Additionally, look for a motherboard that supports multiple graphics cards and offers plenty of memory and storage space.
This will ensure that you have enough power and capacity to handle complex tasks like CAD software or 3D modelling.
It’s also important to make sure that your chosen motherboard is compatible with your operating system, as well as other vital components like processors and graphics cards.
Choosing the right motherboard for graphic design requires research and thought; but with the right foundation, you can create a powerful PC setup that’ll help take your projects to the next level.
That said, here’s an overview of PC specs you need for graphic design:
| Specs | Recommended | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 | Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 570 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD | 256GB SSD |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte Z790 Ud Ac or Asus Rog Strix B550-F | Gigabyte B760m Ds3h Ax or Gigabyte B550m Ds3h |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Monitor | 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) | 24-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) |
| Peripherals | Wacom Intuos Pro or Huion H610 Pro V2 | Wacom One CTL-472 or Huion HS64 |
| Recommended Power Supply Unit | 750W | 500W |
| Cooling System | Air Cooling or AIO Liquid Cooling | Air Cooling |
Importance Of CPU, RAM, and GPU For Graphic Design
The importance of having a strong CPU, RAM and GPU for graphic design can’t be understated.
Get an Up-to-Date CPU
CPUs are the brains of the device and when it comes to graphic design, their performance is absolutely key. The faster your processor, the quicker you’ll be able to render images and perform other taxing tasks such as video editing or animation.
When picking out a motherboard for graphic design, it’s important to make sure that the CPU is up-to-date so that you have the best possible performance.
Go for a Decent Graphics Card
GPU specs are also incredibly important for graphic design work and having a powerful graphics card will help ensure that your images render quickly and look great. When it comes to selecting a motherboard for graphic design, make sure that it has plenty of slots for multiple GPUs so you can take full advantage of their power.
Ensure You Have Sufficient RAM
On top of this, make sure there’s enough RAM available to support multiple applications running at once. Having enough RAM will allow you to work more efficiently and keep your workflow moving smoothly.
A great motherboard with top-of-the-line components is essential if you want to get the most out of your graphic design projects. Make sure you take time to research each component carefully before purchasing so you get exactly what you need for your particular setup.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Motherboard For Graphic Design
First of all, you need to make sure that the motherboard you’re considering is compatible with the processor you want to install.
Secondly, you’ll want to look at the expansion capacity – how many RAM slots, PCIe slots, ports and other features are available.
Thirdly, you’ll want to consider the overall quality of the motherboard – is it durable, reliable and compatible with your software?
Finally, you’ll want to factor in any extras, such as support for overclocking or SLI technology.
Processor Compatibility
When selecting the best motherboard for graphic design, it’s important to consider processor compatibility.
Before making a purchase, make sure that the processor type is compatible with your GPU power and PC specs. This will ensure that you won’t have any issues with performance when running graphically demanding programs.
Also, you’ll want to check out reviews of motherboards with processors similar to yours to get an idea of how well they perform in various scenarios. Without doing this research beforehand, you could end up spending more money than necessary on a motherboard that doesn’t fit your needs.
Ultimately, researching processor compatibility before buying a motherboard can save you from unnecessary headaches and frustration down the line.
Expansion Capacity
Once you’ve checked processor compatibility, the next thing to consider is expansion capacity. Motherboards have PCIe slots that are designed to accommodate additional hardware like graphics cards and RAM.
It’s important to ensure that the motherboard you choose has enough of these slots for your current and future needs. Additionally, take note of the RAM speed on the motherboard, as this will determine how quickly data can be processed by your system.
If you’re looking for top performance, then opting for a motherboard with faster RAM speeds is a must.
Final Words
The right motherboard is the foundation of any great graphic design setup. It’s important to carefully consider both your budget and the components you’ll need before investing in a motherboard.
Ultimately, you want to invest in a motherboard that will support your hardware and provide enough power for your graphics-intensive applications.
When it comes to finding the best motherboards for graphic design, there are plenty of options on the market today. From Intel boards like GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC to AMD boards such as Asus ROG Strix B550-F, you can find a board that meets your needs and stays within your budget.
So don’t settle for second best, go out there and find the perfect motherboard for you!
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