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Motherboard Buying Guide: MicroATX B460 Motherboard for a Mid-Sized Gaming Build

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Intel just launched its latest 10th Gen desktop processors and offers Hyper-Threading Technology for all of them. This means that even entry-level 10th Gen Core i3 processors support Hyper-Threading Technology and will have better performance than the 9th Gen processors.

Among 9th Gen processors, the best processor for a Gaming PC may be the Core i5-9600, which is perfectly balanced between price and performance. If overclocking is not a focus among 10th Gen processors, the best choice for gaming is Core i5-10600. Other i5 series like Core i5-10400, i5-10500, and Core i7-10700 are also good choices depending on your budget.

Core i5-9600 and Core i5-10400/10600 all have 6 cores, but 10th Gen processors support Hyper-Threading. It’s not a surprise that Core i5-10400/10600 outperforms its predecessor Core i5-9600 in CPU intensive benchmarks, thanks to Hyper-Threading.

If you plan to go with a non-K 10th processor, a B460 motherboard is a bargain. You can spend less on motherboards and invest more on CPU and graphics cards. A microATX motherboard is quite a lovely choice because it has almost all the features you need at a more affordable price than Z490 motherboards. Its form factor is also the best choice for those who don’t want a big PC. So here I’ll focus on some attractive microATX B460 motherboards and try to find out the best one.

Core i5-10400/10600/Core i7-10700 is a worthy upgrade
Here we’ll be looking at the CPU and game performance of Core i5-9600 and Core i5-10400, Core i5-10600 and Core i7-10700.

For Cinebench R20, Core i5-10600 is 34% faster than Core i5-9600 and even Core i5-10400 is 22% faster. For Handbrake video transcoding, Core i5-10600 is 19% faster than Core i5-9600 and Core i5-10400 is faster by 9%. PCMark 10 benchmark shows Core i5-10400 and Core i5-10600 are faster in overall system performance too.

When it comes to gaming FPS, I ran 4 game benchmarks, and Core i5-10600 is faster than Core i5-9600 too. So it looks like the 10th Gen Core i5 is faster than 9th Gen Core i5 both in CPU and game performance. It looks like the 10th Gen Core i5 makes a good choice for your new gaming build.

The best choice of microATX B460 motherboards of $100 – $140
B460 motherboards are priced at $80-$170. At the price range of $100-$140, you can get almost every feature you like at an affordable price. Every motherboard manufacture offers microATX boards at this price range with both aesthetics and features.

At this price range, good-looks and efficient heat sinks are available on most motherboards. You can even find powerful VRM that can compete with some entry-level Z490 motherboards. Sufficient storage and the latest networking like 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6 should meet the demands of most consumers as well. B460 motherboard at this price range is a sweet spot of price, features, and aesthetics for budget gamers.

Powerful VRM unleashes CPU performance
Many may think that since B460 motherboards are not designed for overclocking, then why is VRM a concern? If you’ll be stuck at Core i3 processors, VRM may not be what you need to focus on. If you plan to buy an 8C/16T Core i7-10700 or even 10C/20T Core i9-10900, then you should consider VRM. This is because when you’re running Core i7-10700 or Core i9-10900 with a heavy workload, you may need powerful or at least sufficient VRM to keep it from overheating.

To avoid VRM from overheating, most motherboards have Intel stock power limit applied. But this may limit the performance of Core i7-10700 or Core i9-10900 while running heavy workload like rendering or video editing. This is why you can see ASUS marketing its APE (Asus Performance Enhancement) and ASRock marketing its BFB (Base Frequency Boost) features. APE and BFB both increase the power limit on the motherboards and make the CPU run at a higher frequency.

According to benchlife.info, ASUS has increased the power limit to 210W from Intel stock 65W on ROG STRIX B460F-GAMING and 125W on some B460 and H470 models. According to this article on the MSI website, MSI has 255W stock power limit, which is even higher than Asus and AsRock.

MSI also shows on its website, with 255W power limit on B460M MORTAR and B460 Tomahawk, the Core i9-10900K Cinebench performance is much better than Intel’s stock 65W power limit.

For microATX motherboards at this price range, MSI B460M MORTAR stands out with an impressive 12-phase VRM. Its VRM is even more powerful than some entry Z490 motherboards. It’s awesome that this board even runs cool with an overclocked Core i9-10900K and i7-10700K.

If you’ll pair the motherboard with a Core i5 or higher CPU, then choose at least a 6-phase motherboard with a “Frequency Boost” feature. On the other hand, if you plan to go with a Core i7 or even an i9 processor, it’s suggested to pick a motherboard with powerful VRM and unlocked CPU performance, such as the MSI B460M MORTAR.

2.5GbE LAN & Wi-Fi 6 available on B460 motherboards
Other features you should consider are storage and connectivity. Here is the comparison of microATX B460 motherboards, including VRM, storage, and connectivity.

It’s always good to have more USB ports, more M.2 slots, and higher network speed. Motherboards of the segment offer very similar storage and connectivity. All the boards listed here offer at least 6 USB 3.2 GEN 1 ports/ headers and 6 USB 2.0 ports/ headers.

ASRock B460M Steel Legend, MSI B460M MORTAR, and MSI B460M MORTAR WIFI are the 3 boards that offer 7 USB 3.2 GEN1 ports. ASRock and Gigabyte offer 1 rear Type C port, and MSI offers more with 1 rear Type C port and 1 front Type C header. ASUS doesn’t have any Type C ports. All the boards have two M.2 slots and one of the M.2 Slots with a heat sink.

For networking, Asus TUF Gaming B460-PLUS (WI-FI) and MSI B460M MORTAR WIFI offer Wi-Fi 6 connection. ASRock and MSI provide 2.5GbE LAN connection. Spec-wise, MSI provides the best storage and network connectivity.

Best buy- MSI B460M MORTAR / B460M MORTAR WIFI
MSI B460M MORTAR / B460M MORTAR WIFI stands out from this microATX price tag with the most powerful VRM, highest out-of-box power limit, most Type C USB ports, and 2.5GbE LAN/Wi-Fi 6.

If you’re looking for a microATX B460 motherboard to pair with Core i5 or higher CPU, go for B460M MORTAR or B460M MORTAR WIFI if you need Wi-Fi connection. If you plan to purchase a Core i3, then any motherboard listed there can meet your demand. However, since the money you spent is nearly the same, why not go with the one with the most powerful specs?

Test Configurations
CPUIntel Core i5-9600 / Core i7-10700 / Core i5-10600/ Core i5-10400
MotherboardMSI Z390 Gaming Edge / MSI B460M MORTAR
MemoryADATA 3200MHz 8GBx2, running at 2666MHz
Graphics CardMSI RTX 2080 Ti Duke 11G OC
SSDSeagate FireCuda 520 1TB M.2
Operating SystemWindows 10 Pro x64 1909
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Acer Updates Predator BiFrost and Nitro GPUs with AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series

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Acer has unveiled its latest Predator BiFrost and Acer Nitro graphics cards, powered by the next-generation AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series GPUs. This cutting-edge line-up includes six models designed to elevate gaming and creative experiences with next-level performance and visual fidelity. The models include the Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 9070 XT OC 16GB, Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 9070 OC 16GB, and two Nitro graphics cards: Acer Nitro Radeon RX 9070 XT OC 16GB, Acer Nitro Radeon RX 9070 OC 16GB.

The new GPUs are engineered for ultra-fast gaming and demanding tasks, leveraging AMD RDNA 4 compute units and up to 16 GB of memory to deliver immersive 8K visuals. The advanced cooling technology, featuring three FrostBlade 4.0 fans, and reinforced designs ensures systems can be pushed to their limits while maintaining peak performance. DIY gamers will appreciate new software features such as Acer Intelligence Space, which offers intuitive AI system detection, and Acer Game Assistance’s adaptive aim system to give players a competitive edge.

The latest Predator BiFrost and Acer Nitro Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics cards are powered by up to the new AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Graphics, featuring unified AMD RDNA 4 architecture with powerful raytracing capabilities, AI accelerators and up to 16 GB of memory. Gamers can enjoy the latest gaming displays and experience increased visual quality for video streaming and editing as these next-generation designs activate AMD HYPR-RX to instantly enable all supported performance-boosting and latency-reducing technologies across thousands of games. Expect deep immersion with higher quality and clarity thanks to AI-powered AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 image upscaling with advanced frame generation technologies, which boost framerates in supported games. Players can showcase their skills with enhanced multimedia and streaming experiences using the AMD Radiance Display Engine.

The Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 9070 XT OC 16GB graphics card boasts a boost clock of up to 3,100 MHz and game clock of up to 2,570 MHz, while the Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 9070 OC 16GB graphics card offers boost and game clock speeds of up to 2,700 MHz and up to 2,210 MHz respectively for ultra-smooth responsiveness.

The Acer Nitro Radeon Series provides gamers and creators the tools to enhance their digital experiences, featuring maximum boost clock speeds of up to 3,100 MHz and game clock speeds of up to 2,570 MHz for balanced performance and efficiency. All models come equipped with the latest advancements from AMD Radeon™ technology and 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM, pushing the graphics cards to their maximum processing prowess.

These GPUs are equipped with Acer’s advanced cooling systems, which provide added support in reaching peak performance. Featuring state-of-the-art cooling technology with triple FrostBlade 4.0 fans, counter-spin designs for smoother airflow, and oxygen-free thermal pipes, the Predator BiFrost and Acer Nitro Radeon™ graphics cards maintain optimal heat dispersion to keep temperatures in check. Supported by dual-ball bearing systems and lubricating oil, the fans are engineered to reduce noise, withstand elevated temperatures, and minimize friction on the fan bearings.

These graphics cards are also built for lasting durability and dominance, crafted with an aluminum backplate and a metal anti-bending design, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of continuous use. Heat-dissipating vents and a reinforced copper base efficiently absorb heat from the GPUs, which is expelled quickly through oxygen-free heat pipes.

Acer Intelligent Space serves as the central hub for the device’s AI features, identifying system hardware, suggesting compatible AI applications to optimize performance, and helping players identify more gaming tools. Acer Game Assistance provides a competitive edge by automatically adjusting colors and offering a sniper mode for precise targeting in shooting games. Additionally, Acer ProCam automatically detects and records gameplay highlights to capture key moments in the game.

The multi-display capabilities allow users to connect to four displays, with each graphics card equipped with three DisplayPorts, one HDMI 2.1 port, and up to a PCIe 5.0 bus, providing a seamless and immersive experience across gaming, streaming, and creative applications.

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AMD Launches AMD RDNA 4 Architecture with New Radeon RX 9000 Series Graphics Cards

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AMD today unveiled the highly-anticipated AMD RDNA 4 graphics architecture with the launch of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards as a part of the Radeon RX 9000 Series. The new graphics cards feature 16GB of memory and extensive improvements designed for high-quality gaming graphics, including re-vamped raytracing accelerators and powerful AI accelerators for ultra-fast, cutting-edge performance, and breakthrough gaming experiences.

In a YouTube livestream, David McAfee, CVP and GM, Ryzen CPU and Radeon Graphics, AMD, was joined by Andrej Zdravkovic, SVP of GPU Technologies and Engineering, AMD and Chief Software Officer, as well as Andy Pomianowski, CVP of Silicon Design Engineering, AMD, to discuss the outstanding performance and value proposition of the Radeon RX 9000 Series. In a related event in Zhuhai, China, Jack Huynh, SVP of the Client and Graphics Group, AMD, led a regional event for the new products. Huynh was joined by David Wang, SVP of GPU Technology and Engineering, AMD, and Lanzhi Wang, Senior Director of Product Management, AMD. The celebration was also marked by a customer celebration with Darren Grasby, EVP and AMD Chief Sales Officer, AMD; Spencer Pan, President of AMD China, and partners including Asrock, ASUS, Gigabyte, Sapphire, Tul, Vastamore, Veston, and XFX.

“Today, we’re thrilled to unveil the AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series, a significant leap forward in graphics performance powered by our next-generation AMD RDNA 4 architecture,” said McAfee. “These GPUs are designed to meet the demands of today’s games, delivering enthusiast-class gaming experiences to gamers everywhere, while ready to support tomorrow’s innovations. Through the power of advanced AI and Raytracing accelerators, we’re not just improving frame rates – we’re fundamentally enhancing the gaming experience. Offering incredible performance, AI-powered features, and next-gen display support at competitive price points, the Radeon RX 9000 Series delivers exceptional value for gamers looking to upgrade their systems.”

The RX 9000 Series, powered by the new AMD RDNA 4 architecture, offers gamers and creators a powerful blend of performance, visuals, and value. These advanced graphics cards redefine incredibly fast, high-resolution gaming with third-generation raytracing technology enabling realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections to deliver immersive gaming experiences while integrating a suite of AMD features to maximize hardware utilization. Beyond gaming, the RX 9000 Series GPUs leverage new second-generation AI accelerators with up to 8x INT8 throughput per AI accelerator (for sparse matrices) to enhance creative applications and effectively run generative AI applications (vs. RDNA 3). The RX 9000 Series GPUs also implement the newly redesigned AMD Radiance Display Engine & Enhanced Media Engine for broad display support and elevated quality in both recording and streaming.

The Radeon RX 9000 Series unlocks new levels of performance while delivering a suite of new and enhanced features that improve the gaming experience. The Radeon RX 9070 Series offers 16GB of GDDR6 memory, allowing gamers to render the most exciting games of today and tomorrow at max settings. Compared to the previous generation RX 7900 GRE, the latest AMD Radeon RX 9070 is able to deliver over 20% more performance on average when gaming at 1440, with the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT extending that lead to over 40% on average.

Both graphics cards make smart upgrades for gamers looking to future-proof their systems with a suite of next-gen features that will keep their experiences feeling fresh for years to come. Key features include:

  1. Unified AMD RDNA 4 Compute Units – Features up to 64 advanced AMD RDNA 4 compute units delivering up to 40% higher gaming performance than the previous-generation AMD RDNA 3 architecture.
    High-Performance Raytracing – With 3rd generation Raytracing Accelerators, AMD RDNA 4 is able to deliver over 2x the Raytracing throughput per compute unit when compared to our previous generation. Gamers with the latest AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series are ready for immersive gaming experiences with high-quality graphics, including realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.
  2. Supercharged AI Acceleration – 2nd Generation AI Accelerators received several enhancements, allowing AMD RDNA 4 to efficiently process advanced AI models much faster than what was possible with RDNA 3, through a combination of additional math pipelines for AI calculations, expanding the capabilities of the AI Accelerator to support new emerging data types such as FP8, and support for inference optimization techniques such as structured sparsity. These changes deliver up to 8x INT8 throughput per AI accelerator (for sparse matrices) per compute unit vs the previous generation.
  3. AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution Technology 4 (FSR 4) – AMD’s new cutting-edge ML-powered upscaling technology delivers high-quality boosted frames under even the most demanding workloads, such as 4K gaming with maximum raytracing settings and will be supported in over 30 games at launch.
  4. Innovative suite of features through HYPR-RX – Gamers can instantly improve their experience by activating AMD HYPR-RX and the suite of features within AMD Software, including AMD Radeon Super Resolution, AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1, AMD Radeon Anti-Lag, and AMD Radeon Boost. These features can all be tailored to gamers’ hardware and preferences within AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to drive increased FPS, responsiveness and efficiency.
  5. AI-Enhanced AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition Application – A new suite of software and resources designed to deliver an industry-leading AI user experience with AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics cards. Keep your drivers and AI software up to date with the new Software Manager. Find the answers to your questions about all things AMD or create free and private text and images with AMD Chat. Discover, download and install new and exciting AMD-partnered AI applications with the App Portal, and leverage AI to improve software quality with the AMD Image Inspector.
  6. Ready for Next-Generation Displays – AMD Radiance Display Engine supports the latest DisplayPort 2.1a and HDMI 2.1b connections, enabling ultra-high resolutions and refresh rates up to 8K 144Hz, with 12-bit HDR and full REC2020 Color Space for incredible color accuracy. Paired with AMD FreeSync technology, gamers can enjoy tear-free, stutter-free gaming experiences on over 4000 compatible displays, including upcoming 4K 240Hz and 8K 144Hz DisplayPort 2.1 monitors.

Available exclusively on AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition adds a new easy-to-use AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (AMD FSR 4) Upgrade feature that helps maximize performance at maximum quality in over 30 games at launch, with 75 coming later this year. AMD FSR 4 delivers a substantial image quality improvement over AMD FSR 3.1 upscaling, with the new ML-based algorithm helping to improve temporal stability, better preserve detail, and reduce ghosting.

Utilizing features already built into the AMD FidelityFX API added when game developers integrate AMD FSR 3.1 into their games, AMD FSR 4 enables an easy upgrade for supported FSR 3.1 games and can be combined with existing in-game AMD FSR 3.1 advanced frame-generation and AMD Radeon Anti-Lag 2 for ultra-smooth, ultra-responsive gaming at incredible frame rates on AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series graphics cards.

The new ML-accelerated AMD FSR 4 upscaling algorithm is trained using high-quality ground truth game data on AMD Instinct Accelerators and uses the hardware-accelerated FP8 Wave Matrix Multiply Accumulate (WMMA) feature of the AMD RDNA 4 architecture to ensure maximum upscaling quality while still providing a substantial game performance boost.

AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards are expected to be available from leading board partners including Acer, ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, PowerColor, Sapphire, Vastarmor, XFX, and Yeston beginning March 6th, 2025. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT has an SEP of $599, while the AMD Radeon RX 9070 has an SEP of $549.

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Users Claim That Nvidia GPUs Are Melting Power Cables

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Early adopters of Nvidia’s new GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card are reporting issues with melting power cables, with at least one report on YouTube and another on Reddit. This situation mirrors an earlier problem with the RTX 4090, where power connectors melted or caught fire, damaging GPUs and power supplies.

Investigations revealed that the 4090’s connector issues were largely due to user error, with 12VHPWR connectors not being fully inserted or bent, creating stress and heat. The PCI-SIG, the standards body for the connector, stated the design was sound and blamed implementation issues. An updated connector, 12V-2×6, which ensures proper seating before delivering power, replaced the 12VHPWR connector in the RTX 50-series cards.

Both connectors aim to deliver significant power to high-end GPUs via a single cable, reducing the need for multiple 8-pin connectors and saving board space. While Nvidia, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, Arm, and others are PCI-SIG members, Nvidia is the primary user of these connectors in its GPUs. AMD and Intel continue using 8-pin connectors, with some Nvidia partners doing the same for lower-end cards like the RTX 4060 and 4070 series.

The two reported RTX 5090 incidents involved third-party cables, one from MODDIY and another from an FSP power supply, rather than Nvidia’s provided 8-pin adapter. It’s too early to determine if the problem lies with the cables, Nvidia, the connector design, or user error, or if it’s simply a coincidence.

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