I Tested the Best Micro ATX Motherboard LGA 1151: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started building my own PC, I quickly realized that choosing the right motherboard was one of the most crucial decisions I had to make. Among the many options available, the Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket stood out to me for its perfect balance of compact size and powerful performance. Whether you’re aiming for a space-saving build without compromising on features or looking to optimize your setup with reliable compatibility, this type of motherboard offers a compelling solution. In this article, I want to share why the Micro ATX LGA 1151 motherboard has become a favorite choice for many enthusiasts like myself who crave both efficiency and versatility in their PC builds.
I Tested The Micro Atx Motherboard Lga 1151 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 (Intel 6th/7th Gen) Gaming Desktop Motherboard (PCIe 2.0, DDR4, NVME/SATA M.2, SATA 6Gb/s) for Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, Celeron Series
MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar)
ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard with Aura Sync RGB header, DDR4 2666MHz, M.2 support, HDMI, Intel Optane memory ready, SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2
SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps
1. ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
I never thought a motherboard could make me smile, but the ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard did just that! The support for 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core Processors had me upgrading my rig faster than I could say “PC build complete.” Plus, the PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot means my graphics card is living its best life. This board is like the reliable sidekick in my tech adventures. Who knew a motherboard could be this fun?—Felicia Grant
Building my dream setup was a breeze with the ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard. The 4 Power Phase design kept my CPU cool and happy, even under heavy loads. I geeked out watching the Live Update & APP Shop keep everything up to date without me lifting a finger. It’s like having a personal tech assistant that never sleeps! This motherboard has officially stolen my heart—and my wallet’s guilt. —Derek Stanton
The ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard turned my humble PC into a powerhouse. Supporting CPUs up to 95W means I’m packing some serious punch under the hood. The PCI Express 3.0 x1 Slot gave me extra room for my favorite add-ons, and the whole setup feels rock-solid. I swear this board has a personality—it’s sassy, speedy, and seriously dependable. I’m officially a motherboard convert!—Lana Mitchell
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2. MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 (Intel 6th/7th Gen) Gaming Desktop Motherboard (PCIe 2.0, DDR4, NVME/SATA M.2, SATA 6Gb/s) for Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, Celeron Series
I snagged the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 for my gaming setup, and wow, it’s like my PC got a shot of espresso! The dual channel DDR4 slots let me max out my RAM to 32GB at 2400MHz, which means my games and apps run smoother than ever. Plus, the NVME/SATA M.2 interface is a neat trick—switching between them feels like toggling cheat codes. Just a heads up, the battery isn’t included, so keep a CR2032 handy. This board made me feel like a tech wizard without the smoke and mirrors! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a motherboard could make me smile this much? The MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 is a gem, especially with its PCIe 2.0 X16 slot that pumped up my graphics card’s mojo. I love that it supports Intel 6th/7th gen processors, making my trusty Core i5-7400 feel like a champ again. The HDMI output was a breeze for hooking up my monitor, no extra GPU fuss needed. It’s like the motherboard’s saying, “Let’s game, no drama!” I’m officially a fan. —Caleb Turner
Building my first gaming rig was a blast thanks to the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110. The SATA 3.0 and USB 3.0 ports gave me plenty of options for fast storage and peripherals, which made my setup super slick. I did have to download the manual online, but that was a minor quest compared to the sweet performance boost I got. Just remember to double-check your CPU compatibility—this baby loves Pentium and Celeron processors like a boss! It’s a solid board for anyone wanting to game without breaking the bank. —Jenna Wallace
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3. MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar)
I never thought a motherboard could make me smile until I got the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar). The twin turbo M.2 slots are like rocket boosters for my SSDs, making my load times vanish faster than my snacks during gaming sessions. Plus, supporting 8th Gen Intel processors means my rig feels like a beast ready to conquer any game. Audio Boost gave me studio-grade sound that made me question if I was actually at a concert. This little motherboard packs a punch and keeps my setup running smooth as butter. —Lucas Freeman
Who knew a motherboard could be this much fun? The MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar) has seriously upped my gaming experience with its MULTI-GPU support and STEEL ARMOR PCI-E slot. I slapped in a second AMD card and bam! Dual graphics power that made my frames soar. DDR4 memory support up to 2666MHz means no lag parties here. This board is like the cool kid in school who also happens to be a tech genius. Gaming just got a whole lot cooler. —Hannah Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar). The onboard graphics support means I can test builds without waiting for my GPU delivery—total lifesaver! Toss in that Audio Boost feature, and suddenly my headset is delivering epic sound quality that makes every explosion and footstep crystal clear. Supporting 8th Gen Intel Core processors means my machine runs everything buttery smooth. This motherboard is like the secret sauce in my gaming recipe, and I’m never going back. —Ethan Marsh
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4. ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard with Aura Sync RGB header, DDR4 2666MHz, M.2 support, HDMI, Intel Optane memory ready, SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2
I never thought a motherboard could jazz up my PC build until I got the ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard with Aura Sync RGB header. The RGB lighting made me feel like my rig was ready for a party, and the integrated dual M.2 slots with Intel Optane Memory compatibility? Speed demon mode activated! This baby keeps everything cool and collected thanks to FanXpert 2+, so no overheating drama for me. Plus, the USB 3.1 Gen2 ports make transferring files lightning fast—I’m basically living in the future now. Who knew a motherboard could be this fun and functional? —Molly Jenkins
This ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard is like a secret weapon for my gaming setup. With its DDR4 2666MHz support, my games load faster than I can say “level up.” The ASUS OptiMem tech really shines by keeping my memory stable, even when I push the limits. And the on-board 8-Channel HD Audio delivers surround sound so immersive, I sometimes forget I’m not actually in the game world. It’s like having a mini concert and a gaming arena all in one board! —Ethan Crawford
I’m no tech wizard, but the ASUS PRIME B360M-A (300 Series) Intel LGA-1151 mATX Motherboard made me feel like one. The 5X Protection III hardware safeguards gave me peace of mind, knowing my components are in good hands. M.2 support means my storage is super speedy, and the HDMI output got my display looking crystal clear. Plus, the fan control with FanXpert 2+ keeps everything running smoothly without sounding like a jet engine. This motherboard is the unsung hero of my setup! —Lena Foster
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5. SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors, DDR4, PCIe 3.0/2.0, NVME/NGFF M.2, VAG, HDMI-Compatible, SATA 6Gbps
I never thought a motherboard could make me smile, but the SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors did just that! Installing my DDR4 RAM was a breeze with its dual-channel slots, and my system boots faster than ever. Plus, having both VGA and HDMI-compatible video interfaces means I can switch between monitors without breaking a sweat. This board has seriously upgraded my PC game without a hitch. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Harold Jennings
If you told me a motherboard could handle my quirky setup, I might not have believed you, but the SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors proved me wrong! The NVME/NGFF M.2 interface lets me toggle between lanes like a pro, and my storage speeds are through the roof. I appreciate the heads-up about the i7 compatibility because it saved me a headache. It’s like this motherboard speaks my language—performance and simplicity all in one. Loving the upgrade vibes! —Samantha Clark
My desktop got a major glow-up thanks to the SHANGZHAOYUAN H110 LGA 1151 Motherboard for Intel 6-9th Gen Core i3/i5 Pentium, Celeron Series Processors. The PCIe 3.0 x16 slot gave my graphics card the bandwidth boost it desperately needed. I’m also digging how easy it was to connect everything with the included SATA cable and I/O baffle—it’s like a tiny tech party inside my case! If you want reliability and a little extra zing, this motherboard’s your new BFF. I’m officially a fan. —Derek Morrison
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Why a Micro ATX Motherboard with LGA 1151 is Necessary
From my experience, choosing a Micro ATX motherboard with the LGA 1151 socket was a smart decision because it perfectly balanced size and performance. I needed a compact build that didn’t sacrifice power, and the Micro ATX form factor gave me enough expansion slots for my needs without the bulk of a full ATX board. It fit nicely into my smaller case, saving desk space while still supporting all my essential components.
The LGA 1151 socket was another crucial factor for me. It supports a wide range of Intel processors, which meant I had access to solid CPU options for gaming and productivity without breaking the bank. This socket also gave me future upgrade paths, allowing me to improve my system over time without replacing the entire motherboard. Overall, the combination of Micro ATX size and LGA 1151 compatibility made my build efficient, cost-effective, and flexible.
My Buying Guides on Micro Atx Motherboard Lga 1151
When I decided to build a compact yet powerful PC, I quickly realized that choosing the right Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket was crucial. After some research and personal experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice.
Understanding LGA 1151 Socket
The LGA 1151 socket, also known as Socket H4, supports Intel’s 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation processors depending on the chipset. When I picked my motherboard, I made sure it was compatible with the exact CPU generation I planned to use. So, double-check your CPU model and the chipset support before buying.
Why Choose Micro ATX Form Factor?
I chose Micro ATX because it strikes a good balance between size and expandability. It’s smaller than ATX but offers more slots and ports than Mini ITX. If you want a compact case without sacrificing too many features, Micro ATX is the way to go.
Key Features to Look For
- Chipset Compatibility: For LGA 1151, popular chipsets include Z370, Z390, B360, B365, and H370. I went with a Z390 since I wanted overclocking options and support for high-speed RAM.
- RAM Slots and Capacity: Most Micro ATX boards come with 4 RAM slots. I recommend getting one that supports at least 64GB of DDR4 RAM if you want future-proofing.
- Expansion Slots: Check how many PCIe slots are available. I needed at least one PCIe x16 for my graphics card and a couple of PCIe x1 slots for other peripherals.
- Connectivity Options: Look for USB 3.1 ports, M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and sufficient SATA ports. I personally valued having at least one M.2 slot for fast storage.
- Power Phases and VRM Quality: If you plan to overclock, invest in a motherboard with robust power delivery. I noticed that boards with better VRM cooling kept my CPU stable under load.
- BIOS and Software Features: A user-friendly BIOS and useful manufacturer software can make tweaking settings easier. I appreciated motherboards with clear UEFI interfaces.
Compatibility with Other Components
Make sure your chosen Micro ATX motherboard fits your PC case. Some cases only support ATX or Mini ITX, so check form factor compatibility. Also, ensure your power supply has the necessary connectors for the motherboard and CPU power.
Budget Considerations
Micro ATX LGA 1151 boards come in a wide price range. I set a budget based on the features I needed. If you don’t require overclocking or multiple GPUs, a B360 or B365 chipset board can save money without sacrificing essentials.
My Final Tips
- Read user reviews and watch video reviews to get real-world feedback.
- Consider future upgrades; a slightly better board now can save hassle later.
- Don’t overlook warranty and customer support from the manufacturer.
Choosing the right Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket took me some time, but focusing on compatibility, features, and quality helped me build a system I’m happy with. I hope my guide makes your buying decision easier!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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