Once, motherboard shopping meant matching a socket and calling it a day. Now, the Z370 category reflects a more demanding era, where platform support, expansion, and connectivity shape the whole build.
This comparison brings together the best z370 motherboards for different priorities, from practical everyday systems to feature-packed gaming rigs. Read on for a clear way to compare them.
Key Takeaways
- Check the LGA1151 socket and processor-generation support before comparing any other specification.
- Choose a board with four DDR4 slots if you want useful memory capacity and future upgrade room.
- Count the PCIe slots carefully if you plan to install multiple graphics cards, capture cards, or expansion hardware.
- Confirm the number and location of M.2 slots so fast storage does not compete with your other components.
- Match the rear I/O and internal headers to your peripherals, paying close attention to USB 3.1 support and display outputs.
| Practical Overclocker |  |
MSI Z370-A Pro ATX Board | Z370 overclocking support | Full ATX layout | DDR4 memory support | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Platform |  |
ASUS Prime Z370-A ATX Board | Multiple display outputs | M.2 storage support | USB 3.1 connectivity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Durable Gaming Base |  |
ASUS TUF Z370-Plus Gaming | Gigabit Ethernet | M.2 storage support | TUF durability focus | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Connectivity |  |
Gigabyte Z370 HD3 ATX Board | Intel LAN controller | M.2 storage support | HDMI output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mining Expansion |  |
ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Board | Six PCIe slots | Above 4G Decoding | 9th Gen support | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| RGB Gaming Hub |  |
ASUS ROG Strix Z370-H Gaming | ROG gaming design | DDR4 memory support | Full ATX layout | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Enthusiast Expansion |  |
ASRock Z370 Extreme4 ATX | Enthusiast ATX design | M.2 storage support | USB 3.1 connectivity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensible Workhorse |  |
ASRock Z370 Pro4 ATX | Practical ATX design | M.2 storage support | DDR4 compatibility | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Refined Coffee Lake |  |
ASUS Prime Z370-A II | Three display outputs | 9th Gen compatibility | Gigabit LAN | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Rich Gamer |  |
Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 3 | Dual M.2 slots | RGB Fusion lighting | Front USB 3.1 | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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MSI Z370-A Pro ATX Board
The MSI Z370-A Pro suits a budget-conscious builder who wants an ATX platform for an 8th-generation Intel Coffee Lake processor. Its Z370 chipset supports CPU overclocking, while DDR4 memory support, CrossFire compatibility, and VR-ready positioning cover the main needs of a straightforward gaming or productivity system.
You also get a familiar LGA1151 socket and a full-size ATX layout with room for expansion cards. The limitation is its relatively plain feature set, with fewer enthusiast-focused extras than higher-tier gaming boards.
- Brand:MSI
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe, CrossFire support
- Additional Feature:VR-ready design
- Additional Feature:CrossFire support
- Additional Feature:Coffee Lake processor support
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ASUS Prime Z370-A ATX Board
Choose the ASUS Prime Z370-A if you need a well-connected ATX motherboard for an 8th-generation Intel build. Display outputs include DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI, giving you useful flexibility for integrated-graphics setups and multiple monitor arrangements.
Its M.2 support, USB 3.1 connectivity, and DDR4 compatibility make it a balanced choice for gaming, office work, and general performance systems. The main drawback is that its LGA1151 platform is tied to an older Intel generation, so future CPU upgrades are limited.
- Brand:ASUS
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:DisplayPort output
- Additional Feature:HDMI and DVI outputs
- Additional Feature:8th Gen Intel support
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ASUS TUF Z370-Plus Gaming
The ASUS TUF Z370-Plus Gaming is aimed at builders who want a gaming-focused ATX board without moving into the most expensive enthusiast class. Its Gigabit LAN, M.2 support, USB 3.1 ports, and DDR4 memory support cover the core parts of a modern-for-its-era gaming system.
HDMI and DVI outputs add flexibility for systems using integrated graphics, while the TUF branding points toward a durability-oriented design. The honest tradeoff is its older 8th-generation CPU platform and more restrained expansion feature set compared with premium ROG models.
- Brand:ASUS
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:HDMI and DVI outputs
- Additional Feature:USB 3.1 connectivity
- Additional Feature:8th Gen Intel support
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Gigabyte Z370 HD3 ATX Board
The Gigabyte Z370 HD3 makes sense for a clean, conventional desktop build based on an 8th-generation Intel processor. It combines the Z370 chipset with an M.2 slot, Intel LAN, HDMI output, and an ALC892 audio codec, covering storage, networking, display, and basic audio needs in one board.
Its ATX format leaves room for add-in cards, and the layout is more useful for practical builds than flashy showcase systems. The limitation is its basic audio and feature package, which may feel sparse beside gaming-oriented alternatives.
- Brand:Gigabyte
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:ALC892 HD audio
- Additional Feature:Intel LAN
- Additional Feature:HDMI video output
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ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Board
The ASUS Prime Z390-P is the most specialized option here, built around cryptocurrency mining support and large numbers of PCIe devices. Above 4G Decoding and its six PCIe slots make it suitable for multi-card configurations, while USB 3.1 Gen 2 adds faster peripheral connectivity.
Be aware that this is a Z390 motherboard, not Z370, although it uses the same LGA1151 socket family and supports 8th- and 9th-generation Intel processors. Its mining-oriented slot layout is less compelling for a typical single-GPU gaming PC.
- Brand:ASUS
- Chipset:Intel Z390
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:Six PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:Cryptocurrency mining support
- Additional Feature:USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Additional Feature:8th and 9th Gen support
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ASUS ROG Strix Z370-H Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix Z370-H is designed for a performance-focused gaming build using an 8th-generation Intel processor. Its ATX layout provides room for a dedicated graphics card and expansion hardware, while DDR4 support and the ROG Strix identity suit a system built around gaming aesthetics.
This board is a stronger fit for buyers who value gaming presentation and tuning features as much as basic connectivity. Its limitation is platform age, and the listing provides fewer confirmed storage and rear-I/O details than some competing models.
- Brand:ASUS
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:ROG Strix design
- Additional Feature:Gaming-focused layout
- Additional Feature:8th Gen Intel support
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ASRock Z370 Extreme4 ATX
The ASRock Z370 Extreme4 fits a feature-hungry enthusiast build that still uses Intel’s 8th-generation desktop platform. Its Extreme4 designation places it above basic office-oriented boards, with an ATX layout suited to multiple cards, M.2 storage, and a more involved component setup.
DDR4 memory, USB 3.1 connectivity, and the Z370 chipset provide a strong foundation for an unlocked processor. The drawback is straightforward: LGA1151 compatibility is limited, and the board’s value depends heavily on finding the right older CPU and components.
- Brand:ASRock
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:Extreme4 feature tier
- Additional Feature:M.2 storage support
- Additional Feature:8th Gen Intel support
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ASRock Z370 Pro4 ATX
The ASRock Z370 Pro4 is a good match for a straightforward ATX workstation or gaming PC built around an 8th-generation Intel processor. It keeps the key platform features in place, including DDR4 memory, PCIe expansion, and M.2 storage support, without aiming at an elaborate enthusiast presentation.
That practical approach makes it easier to pair with standard components and a conventional case. However, the Pro4 sits below premium ASRock models, so you should expect fewer luxury extras for cooling control, audio, and onboard customization.
- Brand:ASRock
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:8th Gen Intel support
- Additional Feature:M.2 storage support
- Additional Feature:Standard ATX layout
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ASUS Prime Z370-A II
The ASUS Prime Z370-A II is a strong choice for a flexible Coffee Lake system that may use either integrated or dedicated graphics. Its DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI outputs, combined with M.2 storage and USB 3.1 connectivity, give you a useful set of connections for workstations and gaming PCs alike.
Gigabit LAN and DDR4 support round out a balanced ATX platform, while the listing also identifies compatibility with 9th-generation Intel processors. Its limitation is that the upgrade path remains confined to Intel’s older LGA1151 ecosystem.
- Brand:ASUS
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe slots
- Additional Feature:DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI
- Additional Feature:M.2 storage support
- Additional Feature:USB 3.1 connectivity
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Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 3
The Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 3 is aimed at a gaming-focused builder who wants more storage and lighting flexibility than a basic Z370 board provides. Two M.2 slots support faster storage configurations, while RGB Fusion and front USB 3.1 help create a more polished, accessible desktop build.
Fan Stop can reduce unnecessary fan noise, and CrossFire support gives the ATX platform additional graphics-card flexibility. The compromise is the familiar older LGA1151 platform, which limits processor upgrades to compatible Intel generations.
- Brand:Gigabyte
- Chipset:Intel Z370
- Socket:LGA1151
- Form Factor:ATX
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Expansion Slots:PCIe, CrossFire support
- Additional Feature:Two M.2 slots
- Additional Feature:RGB Fusion support
- Additional Feature:Fan Stop feature
Frequently Asked Questions
Which processors work with a Z370 motherboard?
Z370 boards are designed for 8th-generation Intel Core processors, including compatible Core i3, i5, i7, and selected Pentium and Celeron chips. Many models also support 9th-generation Intel CPUs after a manufacturer-provided BIOS update. 6th- and 7th-generation processors are not compatible, even though they use a similar LGA1151 socket. Check the exact CPU support list for the motherboard before buying.
Can Z370 motherboards overclock the CPU?
Yes, Z370 supports CPU overclocking with an unlocked Intel processor, such as a K-series Core i5, i7, or i9. You also need capable cooling and a motherboard with suitable VRM power delivery. Memory overclocking through XMP profiles is supported as well. Keep temperatures and power limits in mind, since extra performance can bring extra heat quickly.
Does a Z370 motherboard support PCIe 4.0?
No. Z370 provides PCIe 3.0, which remains suitable for most graphics cards, NVMe SSDs, and expansion cards that fit this platform. A PCIe 4.0 device can usually operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds, provided the device and motherboard are otherwise compatible. Do not pay a premium for a Z370 board expecting newer PCIe standards. If PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0 storage is a priority, a newer platform is a better long-term choice.
Can I use an NVMe SSD with Z370?
Yes, most Z370 motherboards include at least one M.2 NVMe slot, and some include two or more. Check the manual for supported drive lengths, typically 2242, 2260, or 2280, along with any shared SATA-port restrictions. An M.2 heatsink is useful for sustained transfers, but it is not essential for every drive. If the board lacks a suitable M.2 slot, you can often use an NVMe drive with a PCIe adapter card, assuming an open slot is available.
Is buying a Z370 motherboard still worthwhile?
It can make sense if you already own a compatible 8th- or 9th-generation Intel CPU and find a reasonably priced replacement board. It is less appealing for a new build if the motherboard costs close to a newer platform with better connectivity, memory support, and upgrade options. Compare the full system cost, including the processor, memory, storage, and warranty. A low purchase price does not help much if the board is missing key features or comes with uncertain condition.
