PC Gamer's Hardware Awards have named the best gaming motherboard of 2025, reflecting a year rich with new feature sets and better build quality across the segment. Editors tested nearly 20 motherboards, focusing on sensible UX in BIOS/UEFI, robust storage options, and modern rear I/O. The report highlights Wi-Fi 7 as a recurring expectation, along with multiple fast M.2 slots, and user-friendly quick-release mechanisms for PCIe GPUs and M.2 heatsinks. The rear IO panels increasingly feature 10 Gbps or faster USB and Thunderbolt ports, underscoring a shift toward high-speed, future-proof connectivity. While modular improvements are common, the editors also noted that a few boards could jeopardize CPUs, a reminder that quality control remains crucial. The good news for builders is clear: you don't need to empty your wallet to land a motherboard that supports years of upgrades, with strong storage and expansion options.
Three boards rose to the top and are presented as equal nominees for 2025's best gaming motherboard. The final crown will be decided, and the winners will be announced on New Year’s Eve, with follow-up coverage and deals to come. Readers are encouraged to check back for the decisive results and to stay tuned for deals curated by the PC Gamer team.
The editors stress that the strongest boards in 2025 are not simply the fastest or the cheapest, nor the ones with the most ports or the flashiest VRMs. Instead, the award emphasizes balance: solid power delivery, broad and fast storage options, a BIOS that’s approachable, and a thoughtful overall design that remains reliable under gaming loads. The result is a family of boards that offer robust performance without compromising long-term value, letting gamers build rigs that adapt to evolving components and peripherals.
Across the year, PC Gamer tested a wide range of hardware, spotting many excellent options alongside several middling ones. The three standout boards are celebrated not for being the outright top in one metric, but for delivering a well-rounded package that consumers can depend on for modern gaming rigs.
