Best Budget Motherboards for Intel i3-12100F and GTX 1660 Super

When building a budget-friendly gaming or productivity PC with an Intel i3-12100F and GTX 1660 Super, finding the right motherboard is crucial. Here are some top recommendations:

Popular Recommendations

ASRock B660M-HDV

Form Factor: Micro ATX

Chipset: B660

Features:

Supports 12th Gen Intel CPUs (LGA 1700) DDR4 memory support M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for integrated graphics if needed

Price Range: Typically around $100-$120

Gigabyte B660M DS3H

Form Factor: Micro ATX

Chipset: B660

Features:

Supports LGA 1700 socket for 12th Gen Intel CPUs DDR4 support with decent memory overclocking Multiple PCIe slots for expansion Good VRM design for budget builds

Price Range: Similar to the ASRock, around $100-$120

MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI

Form Factor: Micro ATX

Chipset: B660

Features:

Wi-Fi 6 support Strong build quality with good VRM cooling Multiple USB and M.2 slots

Price Range: Slightly higher around $120-$140, often on sale

ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-PLUS

Form Factor: Micro ATX

Chipset: B660

Features:

Durable build quality Good thermal performance Supports high-speed memory and decent I/O options

Price Range: Generally around $140-$160

Key Considerations

When choosing a motherboard, ensure it meets the following criteria:

Socket and Chipset: LGA 1700 and B660 chipset to support the i3-12100F Memory Compatibility: Check motherboard compatibility with your RAM type and speed Expansion Slots and Ports: Ensure enough PCIe slots and USB ports for your needs

Long-Term Considerations

While a GPU like the GTX 1660 Super is likely future-proof, you might want to consider a motherboard that can accommodate a more powerful CPU in the future. For example:

ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-PLUS (for decent VRM performance and I/O options) MSI B660M Bazooka (for budget picks with good VRM performance) MSI B660M Mortar (for integrated audio)

There are also some affordable Z690 motherboards, but look for those with strong VRM quality like the MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4, priced around $160.

Ultimately, the best motherboard depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider future upgrades when making your choice to ensure your PC remains future-proof.