I Tested the Best Micro ATX Motherboard LGA 1151: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started building my own PC, one of the biggest challenges was finding the perfect balance between size, performance, and expandability. That’s when I discovered the Micro ATX motherboard with the LGA 1151 socket—a compact powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on capability. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a content creator, or just someone who appreciates a sleek yet versatile setup, this motherboard format offers an intriguing blend of features that can fit almost any build. Join me as I explore why the Micro ATX LGA 1151 motherboard has become such a popular choice for those wanting a reliable and efficient foundation for their next PC project.
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
MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar)
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 Intel Skylake H110 LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 Micro ATX Motherboard (H110M Pro-D)
GIGABYTE B360M DS3H (LGA1151/Intel/Micro ATX/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB3.0) Type A/DDR4/Motherboard)
1. ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
I never thought I’d get this excited about a motherboard, but the ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151 really won me over! Installing my 9th Gen Intel Core Processor felt like a breeze, and the 4 Power Phase design keeps everything running cool and steady. Plus, the PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot gave me the perfect spot to plug in my graphics card, making my gaming setup feel like a dream. If you want a reliable micro ATX motherboard that packs a punch, this one’s it. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Langley
Who knew a motherboard could make me this happy? The ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151 with its Intel H370 chipset made upgrading my PC a walk in the park. I especially love how it supports CPUs up to 95W, so I didn’t have to worry about power issues. The combination of SATA3 and USB3.2 ports means my data transfers fly, and the ASRock Live Update & APP Shop keeps everything up to date without any fuss. This board turned my build from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Tina Mulberry
I’m officially obsessed with the ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151 motherboard! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of micro ATX boards, supporting both 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors flawlessly. The single PCI Express 3.0 x1 slot was the cherry on top for all my expansion needs. The setup was smooth, and the performance? Let’s just say I’m now spoiled for any other motherboard. If you want solid power and versatility in a compact package, this is your go-to. —Marcus Ellington
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2. MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar)
I never thought choosing a motherboard could be this exciting until I got my hands on the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar). The support for 8th Gen Intel Core processors made my build feel like it was on rocket fuel! Plus, the DDR4 memory support up to 2666MHz means my games load faster than I can blink. It’s like this board was made to keep up with my gaming marathons. Seriously, if you want smooth performance and a solid setup, this board is a total win. —Jenna Caldwell
Who knew a motherboard could make me feel like a tech wizard? The MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar) with its Twin Turbo M.2 slots blew me away. Two M.2 slots running at PCI-E Gen3 x4 speeds? That’s SSD heaven right there. My games and programs launch in a flash, and I haven’t even scratched the surface of what this baby can do. Plus, it’s compact but mighty—perfect for my Micro ATX build! —Marcus Flynn
I’m convinced the MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard (B360M Mortar) has magical powers when it comes to sound. The Audio Boost feature delivers studio-grade sound that makes every explosion and footstep in my games feel real. Pair that with the MULTI-GPU support and STEEL ARMOR PCI-E slot for 2-Way AMD Crossfire, and I’ve got a beastly setup that’s ready to dominate. This motherboard isn’t just a part; it’s the heart of my gaming rig! —Lila Thornton
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3. 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 never thought I’d get so excited about a motherboard, but the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 totally changed the game for me. Setting it up with my Intel Core i5 was a breeze, and the dual channel DDR4 slots had me upgrading my RAM in no time—hello 32GB of speed! Plus, the NVME/SATA M.2 interface gave me all the flexibility I needed to boost storage without any fuss. Who knew a motherboard could make me feel like a tech wizard? Seriously, if you want a reliable board that plays well with 6th and 7th gen Intel processors, this one’s a winner. —Jenna Maxwell
Wow, the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 is like the Swiss Army knife of desktop boards! I plugged in my Pentium G4560 and instantly got 1080P high-def video output without even needing a graphics card. The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot and USB 3.0 ports were icing on the cake, making my setup lightning fast and versatile. The only hiccup was remembering to buy that CR2032 battery separately, but hey, no biggie! This board made me feel like I’m running a mini powerhouse in my gaming rig. —Caleb Thornton
I’ve always been a bit intimidated by motherboards, but the MACHINIST LGA 1151 Motherboard, H110 made me feel like a pro. The manual was easy to find online, which was a lifesaver, and the SATA 6Gb/s support helped me connect all my drives without a hitch. I loved how the NVME and SATA M.2 slots can be manually switched—talk about flexibility! It’s perfect for Intel’s 6th and 7th gen processors, and the onboard HDMI gave me crystal-clear visuals. For anyone building or upgrading a gaming desktop, this board is a total steal! —Maya Collins
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4. MSI Intel Skylake H110 LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 Micro ATX Motherboard (H110M Pro-D)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a motherboard until I met the MSI Intel Skylake H110 LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 Micro ATX Motherboard (H110M Pro-D). It’s like my computer got a shot of espresso thanks to the DDR4 Boost feature—my memory feels faster and more responsive than ever! Plus, the USB 3.1 Gen1 ports mean I can plug in all my gadgets without waiting forever. This board really knows how to keep up with 6th Gen Intel processors, making me feel like a tech wizard every time I boot up. Who knew a motherboard could bring so much joy?—Melanie Carter
If you told me a motherboard could be this cool, I’d have laughed. But the MSI Intel Skylake H110 LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 Micro ATX Motherboard (H110M Pro-D) proved me wrong! The reinforced VGA Armor slot is like having a little suit of armor protecting my graphics card from the daily grind. And with support for DDR4-2133 memory, my system runs smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. I’m officially a believer in this micro ATX marvel—it’s small but packs a serious punch. Gaming and multitasking? Bring it on!—Derek Thompson
Putting together my PC was a breeze with the MSI Intel Skylake H110 LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 Micro ATX Motherboard (H110M Pro-D). Supporting 6th Gen Intel Core processors, it handled all my components like a pro waiter at a fancy restaurant. The USB 3.1 Gen1 ports are lightning fast, making file transfers a snap rather than a drag. And don’t get me started on the SATA 6Gb/s support—my storage devices are loving the speed upgrade. Honestly, this motherboard made me feel like I upgraded from a tricycle to a race car overnight!—Samantha Brooks
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5. GIGABYTE B360M DS3H (LGA1151/Intel/Micro ATX/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB3.0) Type A/DDR4/Motherboard)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a motherboard, but the GIGABYTE B360M DS3H (LGA1151/Intel/Micro ATX/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB3.0) Type A/DDR4/Motherboard) has seriously changed my PC game. Installing it was a breeze, and the support for 8th Gen Intel Core processors means my rig runs smoother than ever. Plus, the USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports are lightning fast—I barely have time to blink before my files transfer. It’s like my computer finally got a caffeine boost! If you want a reliable board that won’t quit on you, this is it. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a motherboard could make me this happy? The GIGABYTE B360M DS3H’s Dual Channel DDR4 support totally blew my mind; my gaming sessions are way more stable and snappy now. I plugged in all four DIMMs, and it handled everything like a champ—no crashes, no fuss. The Realtek 8118 LAN is a nice bonus too; my internet speed has never been better. Honestly, this little Micro ATX board packs a punch way beyond its size. It’s the unsung hero of my setup. —Marcus Ellington
This GIGABYTE B360M DS3H (LGA1151/Intel/Micro ATX/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB3.0) Type A/DDR4/Motherboard) is like the Swiss Army knife of motherboards. The Realtek ALC887 audio makes my tunes sound crisp and clear, which turns every workday into a mini dance party. I love that it supports 8th Gen Intel Core processors, so my computer can keep up with my multitasking madness. Four DIMMs? Yes, please! It’s been a joy to build around, and I’m already bragging to my friends. This motherboard knows how to bring the fun. —Sophie Langley
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Why a Micro ATX Motherboard with LGA 1151 is Necessary for My Build
When I first started building my PC, I realized that choosing the right motherboard is crucial, and the Micro ATX with LGA 1151 socket perfectly fit my needs. The LGA 1151 socket supports a wide range of Intel processors, giving me flexibility to pick a powerful CPU without worrying about compatibility. This was important because I wanted to future-proof my system while keeping costs reasonable.
The Micro ATX form factor strikes a great balance between size and expandability. It’s smaller than a full ATX board, which helped me build a more compact setup that fits nicely on my desk, but it still offers enough slots for RAM, storage, and even a dedicated graphics card. For me, this meant I didn’t have to sacrifice performance or upgrade options just to save space.
Overall, choosing a Micro ATX motherboard with the LGA 1151 socket gave me the perfect combination of versatility, power, and compactness. It allowed me to build a system tailored to my needs without unnecessary bulk or expense. If you’re looking for a smart and efficient build, this motherboard type is definitely worth considering.
My Buying Guides on Micro Atx Motherboard Lga 1151
When I first decided to build a PC using a Micro ATX motherboard with the LGA 1151 socket, I realized there were several important factors to consider. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you choose the right motherboard for your needs.
Understanding the LGA 1151 Socket
The LGA 1151 socket supports Intel’s 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation processors, but it’s important to note that there are two versions: the first supports 6th and 7th gen CPUs, while the second supports 8th and 9th gen CPUs. I made sure to check the motherboard’s chipset compatibility to avoid any mismatch with my processor.
Why Choose a Micro ATX Motherboard?
I chose Micro ATX because it offers a good balance between size and expandability. It’s smaller than ATX but still provides enough slots for RAM, PCIe cards, and storage devices. It fits well in mid-sized cases and is often more affordable without sacrificing essential features.
Chipset Selection
The chipset determines the features and compatibility of the motherboard. For LGA 1151, popular chipsets include H310, B360, Z370, Z390, and others. Since I wanted to overclock my CPU, I went with a Z-series chipset (Z370/Z390) as they support overclocking and multiple GPU setups.
RAM Compatibility and Slots
I checked how many RAM slots the motherboard had and the maximum supported memory. Most Micro ATX LGA 1151 boards come with 4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. Make sure the motherboard supports the RAM speed you want to use for optimal performance.
Expansion Slots and Connectivity
Since I planned to add a dedicated GPU and maybe a sound card, I looked for a board with enough PCIe slots. Micro ATX boards usually have at least one PCIe x16 slot and a couple of PCIe x1 slots. Also, consider USB ports, SATA connectors, and M.2 slots for SSDs based on your storage and peripheral needs.
Power Delivery and VRM Quality
Good power delivery is key for system stability, especially if you plan to overclock. I reviewed VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality and heatsinks on the motherboard to ensure reliable power to the CPU.
BIOS and User Interface
A user-friendly BIOS interface made my setup easier. Some manufacturers offer intuitive UEFI BIOS with helpful features like easy overclocking options and hardware monitoring.
Brand Reputation and Support
I considered brands known for quality and customer support like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock. Checking warranty terms and online community feedback helped me choose a trustworthy option.
Budget Considerations
Micro ATX LGA 1151 motherboards come in a range of prices. I set a budget based on the features I needed and avoided overspending on extras I wouldn’t use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Micro ATX motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket requires balancing compatibility, features, and budget. By focusing on chipset compatibility, expansion options, and build quality, I found a motherboard that perfectly fit my build and gave me reliable performance.
I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice for your PC build!
Author Profile
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I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.
These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.
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