When making a budget gaming setup, the most overlooked part is often the motherboard. Getting a high-end processor or graphics card is more tempting, but a good motherboard is the base of a good gaming pc build and would ensure whether other parts of the computer are working well or not. So if you are on a budget and looking for the best DDR3 motherboard, here are your top choices.
Intel LGA 1155 DDR3 1600 ATX Motherboard
DDR 3 intel motherboards are always a great option, and the LGA1155 model has everything you would need from a budget motherboard. It is compatible with Intel processors and has a memory bandwidth of 32 GB/s.
At its price, the gaming performance is truly remarkable, and the H77 Chipset has been tried and tested, and it is safe to say it will last you for some time.
With support for DisplayPort and HDMI, the IO choices are more than you need. Another feature that sets Intel LGA1155 DDR3 apart is the inclusion of hyper-threading AMD turbo boost technologies.
It also comes with Intel’s Smart Response Technology which reduces the time for your computer to wake up from sleep. At these prices, we did not expect Intel to include these advanced features, which allow overclocking of your processor.
Overall, the LGA1155 is a great opinion if you are looking for a DDR3 motherboard, but one thing to note is that the motherboard is a bit compact, and there is not too much real estate for all your components to sit freely.
I did not like how the CPU cooler blocked a RAM slot when installed or how the graphic card саn blocked the rear fan socket. But these limitations are expected from a sub $100 motherboard, so it gets our full recommendation.
If you are trying to decide between an Intel motherboard or an AMD motherboard read our article comparing AMD to Intel.
MACHINIST X79 Desktop AMD DDR3 Motherboard
If you are looking for a premium quality motherboard at an affordable price, MACHINIST X79 DDR3 will be the right option for you. It has all the bells and whistles like support for overclocking, nvme m.2 SSD, and much more. It supports Xeon e5 processors, so clearly, it is intended for a premium gaming setup.
We also have to take special notice of its gaming looks, and if aesthetics is important to you, MACHINIST is worth checking out.
Other features include RAID technology which allows the motherboard to back up and restore data even if it gets physically damaged. You can get your data back in case of a cyberattack or virus infection.
Supports nvme m.2 SSD memory in a DDR3 motherboard is rare, and MACHINIST supports high-speed data transfers and is compatible with the latest SSDs.
For a sub $100, MACHINIST is a great option, especially with the support for SSD and the wide array of x79 processors it supports. It also has a clean look and feels that rivals even the most modern motherboards. We recommend MACHINIST, if you manage to get your hands on it.
MSI AMD FM2+ A68H DDR3 Motherboard
On to team red now, the MSI AMD FM2+ A68H DDR3 Motherboard is an excellent choice if you want to mount an AMD processor. This motherboard is very reliable with enhanced quality and can be bought for an affordable price.
MSI AMD FM2+ A68H DDR3 Motherboard uses an AMD socket at 2332 MHZ speed and supports a maximum of 32 GB ram. It is also extremely portable, and you won’t have any problems fitting it to an ATX case with lower volumes.
The port selection supported on the motherboard is also quite extensive. It has support for USD 3, which is rare for a DDR3 motherboard. The transfer speeds are also quite comparable to any modern machine, with a maximum of 5 Gbit when using the USB 3 slots.
The motherboard also has a unique cooling system that helps improve energy and save power. The dual cooling technology enables effective frequency control, which is a fancy way of controlling the power output to the processor to control its throttle and ensure better efficiency.
However, one small issue we have with the motherboard is it’s just limited to two ram slots. Dual-channel memory will surely work, but the convenience of having four slots is missing. Any hardware is suitable for external damages, so we would ideally want four ram slots. Other than that, the MSI DDR3 motherboard performs well and has our recommendation.
ASUS Micro ATX DDR3 Motherboard AMD
If you are looking for an Asus DDR3 motherboard, the ASUS Micro ATX DDR3 Motherboard AMD can be considered. Asus is a major brand when it comes to high-quality gaming motherboards, and the Micro ATX DDR3 does not disappoint. It is durable and feels sturdy on hand. It also has a stainless steel shield which should help it against physical wear and tear.
In terms of IO ASUS, Micro ATX supports USB 3.0 with a blazing-fast transfer speed, and you can be sure that most peripherals can be connected to your computer. The motherboard also comes with DIGI+VRM support, allowing the board to control the power supplied to the process for longevity.
Asus also offers extensive control over your processor fan, which you can control to unlock even for performance from your computer. However, despite all these amazing features, it misses out on SSD, which is a real bummer.
Having the SSD would have sealed the deal, but if you are planning for gaming and prefer mechanical hard drives, you will love what ASUS Micro has to offer.
Gigabyte AM3+ AMD DDR3
Gigabyte is another popular name for motherboards among gamers. Gigabyte is reputed for making some of the most durable motherboards with exceptional features at an affordable price. Gigabyte AM3+ builds on that reputation and features advanced dual BIOS, humidity protection, humid protection, high-temperature alert, and so much more. We love how you have sensors to monitor the core CPU temperature and control fan settings to ensure that your system does not overheat.
In terms of IO, Gigabyte AM3+ is packed with support for up to 6 SATA connectors, four slots from RAM, 2 VGA ports, USB 3.0 ports, and so much more. If you need the best DDR3 motherboard for IO (input devices), Gigabyte AM3+ will be a perfect fit for you.
The Gigabyte AM3+ AMD motherboard also supports 1333MHz DDR3 memory that helps enhance physical memory usage and ensures high performance during heavy load. Like playing games or during 3D rendering. The motherboard also boosts and enhances memory frequency while requiring less electricity from other competitors.
Overall, it is really hard to find a flaw in the Gigabyte AM3+ DD3 motherboard, but if we are nitpicking, the design could be a bit better, but that’s about it. If you are looking for an all-around motherboard, here’s your best fit.
Bonus Review:
Fosa 4-core Desktop DDR3 Motherboard
All the above motherboards are great options, and depending on your favorite brand and preference, any of them would be a great choice. But their prices vary and are typically between $100 to $150. But what if you want something even cheaper? If you are really tight on budget, the Fosa 4-core Desktop DDR3 Motherboard can be a great option.
It has all the bells and whistles from the more expensive motherboards on the list but at a fraction of the price. It supports both 1333 and 1066 channel memory for faster data transfers. The IO options are great, too, with USB ports that support USB 3.0. It also comes equipped with a fully functional sound card, so you do not require to buy one off the market for it to work.
Overall Fosa 4-core Desktop DDR3 Motherboard is the best value for many options on the market, it will not outperform any of its competition, but it will stay on par with most of them at a fraction of the price. The only complaint we have is with availability, as it often runs out fast, so act fast if you want to purchase it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iѕ DDR3 compatible wіth DDR2?
NO, DDR3 and DDR2 are NOT compatible as they use a different pin, voltage, and key notch positions.
Cаn a DDR3 motherboard support DDR4?
No, they have different sizes and work in different frequencies, so they do not work together.
Does Ryzen support DDR3?
No, Ryzen supports the faster DDR 4 and does not support DDR3.
What price are DDR3 gaming motherboards?
Prices can vary between $100 to $150; if you have a lower budget, you can try getting a used product for half that price.
Can I uѕе DDR3 memory in a DDR4 motherboard?
The short answer is yes, you can, but it is not recommended because different motherboards work at different frequencies, like some work at 2000 MHz and some at 3200 MHz, so it is best not to use DDR3 memory in a DDR4 motherboard.
Read more motherboard-related content
