Looking Beyond the ASRock Steel Legend LGA 1200 Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these alternatives compare

ASRock Phantom Gaming LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard

The ASRock H570 Phantom Gaming 4 supports 11th Gen Intel CPUs, while the Steel Legend is limited to 10th Gen. This H570 board uses a larger ATX form factor, measuring 13.5 by 10.5 inches, compared to the Steel Legend’s compact 11.2 by 11.9 inches. It targets gamers needing reliable ATX performance without extra expansion slots or wireless features. If you are building with newer 11th Gen processors or require more physical space for components, this ATX option provides a stable platform. You give up the compact micro-ATX size for broader compatibility with standard cases and potentially better airflow for larger components.

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

This MSI Z790 Edge WiFi moves you to the modern LGA 1700 socket, supporting 12th and 13th Gen Intel chips, whereas the Steel Legend uses the older LGA 1200. It adopts DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 standards, offering significantly higher bandwidth potential than the Steel Legend’s DDR4 and PCIe 3.0. It includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet for faster networking. The board is designed for users ready to adopt the latest technology standards. You trade the budget-friendly, older-generation setup for a high-performance foundation suitable for new builds. This is ideal if you want future-proof connectivity and faster memory speeds for gaming or productivity.

MSI Tomahawk ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi also uses the LGA 1700 socket for 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors, moving away from the Steel Legend’s LGA 1200. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, providing a modern upgrade path. This ATX board includes Wi-Fi 6E, offering wireless connectivity that the Steel Legend lacks. It is a strong choice for gamers wanting reliable modern specs without the premium price tag of higher-end models. You gain support for the latest CPU generations and faster memory types. The trade-off is the larger ATX size and the need for DDR5 compatible components, which may increase your overall system cost.

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

This MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi targets new Intel 12th Gen builds with LGA 1700, contrasting with the Steel Legend’s 10th Gen LGA 1200 support. It features DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 for enhanced performance. The board includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, providing robust wired and wireless connectivity options. It is designed for gamers seeking a reliable foundation with modern features. You benefit from the latest CPU and memory technologies, ensuring better longevity for your build. The main difference is the shift to a newer platform. If you are starting a fresh build, this option offers superior speed and connectivity compared to the older Steel Legend specifications.

GIGABYTE AORUS LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard

The Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 supports 8th Gen Intel CPUs on the LGA 1151 socket, which is two generations older than the Steel Legend’s LGA 1200. It is an ATX board, larger than the Steel Legend’s micro-ATX design. This motherboard is tailored for users sticking with 8th Gen processors who value multiple M.2 slots and dedicated gaming networking hardware. It offers a different expansion profile focused on storage and networking for older platforms. You gain access to specific features for 8th Gen builds but lose compatibility with newer CPUs. This is a niche choice for those maintaining or upgrading legacy 8th Gen systems rather than seeking modern performance.

ASUS Prime LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS Prime Z490-P supports 10th Gen Intel CPUs on LGA 1200, matching the Steel Legend’s socket but using an ATX form factor. It features a 10+1 power design, which may offer more stable power delivery than the Steel Legend’s 9-phase design. This board includes dual M.2 slots, providing more storage expansion options. It prioritizes stable power delivery and wired connectivity over wireless features. If you need dual M.2 drives or a larger ATX board for better cooling, this is a solid alternative. You gain more storage slots and potentially better power stability, but you lose the compact size of the Steel Legend and do not get built-in wireless connectivity.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASRock Steel Legend LGA 1200 Motherboard

Best for: Compact 10th Gen Intel builds

CPU Socket

Socket 1200

Memory Type

DDR4

Power Phases

9 Phase

Dimensions

11.9 × 11.2 × 2.8 inches

View on Amazon: ASRock Steel Legend LGA 1200 Motherboard Affiliate link

The ASRock B460M Steel Legend is a Micro-ATX motherboard for 10th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1200 socket. It features a 9-phase Dr. MOS power design and supports DDR4 memory up to 2933MHz. This board offers two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and one M.2 slot for WiFi connectivity. It is a practical option for users building a compact system with older Intel hardware.

Pros

• Supports 10th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1200 socket
• 9-phase Dr. MOS power design for stable operation
• Dual PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU setups
• Includes an M.2 (Key E) slot for WiFi modules

Cons

• Limited to DDR4 memory speeds up to 2933MHz
• Micro-ATX form factor offers less expansion room than ATX
• Lacks support for newer 11th, 12th, or 13th Gen Intel CPUs

Good fit if

• You are building a compact PC using 10th Gen Intel hardware
• You need a reliable budget-friendly board with solid power delivery
• You want to utilize existing DDR4 memory modules

Skip if

• You plan to upgrade to 12th or 13th Gen Intel processors
• You require ATX size for maximum expansion slots
• You need support for faster DDR4 memory speeds above 2933MHz

Verdict: The ASRock B460M Steel Legend LGA 1200 is a solid choice for builders sticking with 10th Gen Intel CPUs who need a compact form factor. It provides adequate power delivery and expansion for standard gaming or productivity tasks.

2 Also great

ASRock Phantom Gaming LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard

Best for: 11th Gen Intel gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel H570

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

PCIe Version

PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0

Power Phases

8

View on Amazon: ASRock Phantom Gaming LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard uses the Intel H570 chipset with an LGA 1200 socket. It supports both 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors. The board features an 8-phase power design and DDR4 memory support up to 4800MHz overclocked speeds. You get one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and graphics outputs via HDMI and DisplayPort. It is a solid option for gaming builds requiring reliable power delivery.

Pros

• Supports 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors
• 8-phase power design for stable performance
• DDR4 support up to 4800MHz (OC)
• Includes PCIe 4.0 x16 slot

Cons

• Only one PCIe 4.0 slot available
• No mention of built-in Wi-Fi
• Limited to HDMI and DisplayPort outputs

Good fit if

• You need support for 11th Gen Intel CPUs
• You prefer ATX form factor for larger cases
• You want DDR4 memory with high overclocking speeds

Skip if

• You require built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
• You need multiple PCIe 4.0 slots
• You are using AMD processors

Verdict: ASRock H570 Phantom Gaming 4 ATX delivers solid 11th Gen support and strong power phases. It fits gamers who need reliable ATX performance without needing extra expansion slots or wireless features.

3 Also great

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: new 12th/13th Gen Intel gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Ethernet Speed

2.5Gbps LAN

View on Amazon: MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 expansion for future-proofing. You get integrated Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port for reliable connectivity. The board is designed for gaming and modern desktop builds. It is sold as a renewed product that has been professionally inspected and tested to ensure functionality.

Pros

• Supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors
• Uses DDR5 memory for high-speed performance
• Features PCIe 5.0 expansion slots
• Includes integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN

Cons

• Sold as a renewed product rather than new
• Lacks support for older 10th or 11th Gen CPUs
• Uses DDR5 memory which is not backward compatible

Good fit if

• You are building a new PC with 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPUs
• You want the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 speeds
• You need built-in Wi-Fi 6E and fast wired networking

Skip if

• You already own 10th or 11th Gen Intel processors
• You prefer DDR4 memory for budget reasons
• You require a brand-new item with full manufacturer warranty

Verdict: MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX is a solid choice for builders using 12th or 13th Gen Intel chips who want modern connectivity. It fits users ready to adopt DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 standards.

4 Also great

MSI Tomahawk ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: 12th/13th Gen Intel gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Use Case

Gaming

View on Amazon: MSI Tomahawk ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors. It uses the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR5 memory. You get PCIe 5.0 for fast storage and Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity. This board suits gamers who want modern standards. It fits standard cases well. The design focuses on performance for current Intel chips.

Pros

• Supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors via LGA 1700 socket
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E for reliable wireless networking
• Features PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfer
• Uses DDR5 memory for improved bandwidth

Cons

• Only supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs, not newer models
• ATX form factor requires a mid-tower or full-tower case
• No mention of USB-C rear port connectivity in specifications

Good fit if

• You are building a PC with 12th or 13th Gen Intel processors
• You need Wi-Fi 6E without using a separate card
• You have a mid-tower case that fits ATX boards

Skip if

• You use an older LGA 1200 or LGA 1151 CPU
• You need a smaller micro-ATX or mini-ITX board
• You are building a system with DDR4 memory

Verdict: MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX delivers solid modern specs for 12th and 13th Gen Intel builds. It is a strong choice for gamers who want Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 support.

5

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: New Intel 12th Gen builds with DDR5

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi uses an LGA 1700 socket for 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel processors. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfer. You get built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet for reliable connectivity. This ATX board targets gamers who need modern standards without unnecessary bulk.

Pros

• Supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity
• Features 2.5GbE Ethernet port
• Uses DDR5 memory modules

Cons

• LGA 1700 socket does not support 10th or 11th Gen Intel CPUs
• Requires DDR5 RAM, which is more expensive than DDR4
• ATX form factor is larger than mATX options

Good fit if

• You are building a new PC with 12th Gen Intel or newer
• You want Wi-Fi 6E built into your motherboard
• You need DDR5 memory support for future-proofing

Skip if

• You already own 10th or 11th Gen Intel processors
• You are using DDR4 memory and want to save money
• You need a smaller mATX board for a compact case

Verdict: MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi ATX is a solid choice for new builds using 12th Gen Intel processors or newer. It delivers modern connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 support for gamers who want a reliable foundation.

6 Best budget

GIGABYTE AORUS LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard

Best for: 8th Gen Intel gaming builds with multiple SSDs

CPU Socket

LGA1151

Chipset

Z370

Form Factor

ATX

M.2 Slots

3

Ethernet Speed

Gigabit LAN

Use Case

Gaming

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 uses the LGA 1151 socket for 8th Gen Intel Core processors. It features an ATX form factor and three M.2 slots with thermal guards. You get Killer E2500 gaming networking and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports. This board suits gamers who need robust connectivity and storage options for older Intel platforms.

Pros

• Supports 8th Gen Intel Core processors via LGA 1151 socket
• Includes three M.2 slots with M.2 Thermal Guard
• Features Killer E2500 Gaming Network and Intel Gigabit LAN
• Provides USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C connectivity

Cons

• Only supports 8th Generation Intel Core processors
• Lacks WiFi capability in the listed specifications
• No mention of integrated audio DAC beyond ESS Sabre DAC

Good fit if

• You are building a system with 8th Gen Intel CPUs
• You need multiple M.2 storage drives for your setup
• You prefer wired gaming networks with Killer E2500

Skip if

• You require support for 10th Gen or newer Intel processors
• You need built-in wireless connectivity for your network
• You are looking for a motherboard with LGA 1200 or newer sockets

Verdict: The Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 ATX is a solid choice for users sticking with 8th Gen Intel processors who value multiple M.2 slots and dedicated gaming networking hardware.

7 Best premium

ASUS Prime LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard

Best for: 10th Gen Intel builds needing dual M.2

CPU Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

M.2 Slots

2

Ethernet Speed

1 Gb Ethernet

View on Amazon: ASUS Prime LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The ASUS Prime Z490-P is an ATX motherboard built for 10th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1200 socket. It features a 10+1 power phase design and supports DDR4 memory up to 4600 MHz. You get dual M.2 slots and 1 Gb Ethernet for connectivity. This board suits users who need reliable power delivery and solid storage options for mainstream builds.

Pros

• 10+1 DrMOS power stages for stable voltage
• Supports DDR4 memory up to 4600 MHz
• Dual M.2 slots for fast storage
• 1 Gb Ethernet connectivity

Cons

• Only includes 1 Gb Ethernet, not 2.5 Gb
• No built-in Wi-Fi module listed
• Limited to 10th Gen Intel processors

Good fit if

• You are building with a 10th Gen Intel CPU
• You need dual M.2 storage options
• You prefer a standard ATX form factor

Skip if

• You require built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
• You are using 11th Gen or newer Intel CPUs
• You need 2.5 Gb Ethernet speeds

Verdict: The ASUS Prime Z490-P ATX Motherboard offers a solid 10+1 power design and dual M.2 slots for 10th Gen Intel builds. It fits users who prioritize stable power delivery and wired connectivity over wireless features.

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