5 cheap mini‑ITX motherboards under $200

Do you want to build a small form factor (SFF) PC on a tight budget?

You’re probably hunting for a mini‑ITX motherboard that costs less than $200 but still delivers solid performance, decent thermals, and essential features like M.2 storage, Wi-Fi, and future upgrade compatibility.

Right?

In this guide, I’ve personally researched and compiled 5cheap mini‑ITX motherboards under $200 by comparing real-world benchmarks, power delivery, BIOS features, and build quality.

I think this list will definitely help you build your SFF PC.

Ready? Let’s begin.

Quick Checklist

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Budget Mini‑ITX Boards: What to Look For?

Choosing a cheap yet powerful Mini‑ITX board takes some research, like finding the right balance between features, stability, and upgrade potential.

Here’s what you should look for in a Mini‑ITX motherboard:

CPU Socket & Chipset

Make sure the board you choose supports your processor out of the box.

• For AMD: A520/B550 for Ryzen 3000-5000.
• For Intel: H610/B860 for 12th-14th Gen or new Core Ultra (LGA1700/LGA1851).
  

Also, look for easy BIOS flash options like Q‑Flash or USB Flashback for easy setup.

VRM Quality

Look for VRM quality, because this decides if your board remains cool or not during operation.

• Cheap boards come with 4-6 phase VRMs
• Look for better options like B550I AORUS PRO AX: 8+2 phase with heatsinks.

Motherboards that come with good VRMs provide better CPU stability and longevity.

RAM (DDR4 vs DDR5) and Storage Support

Memory support matters a lot in computer performance.

DDR4 boards are more affordable and widely compatible, and ideal for most users. If you’re building for the future and don’t mind paying more for RAM, go for DDR5 support-as seen on some newer B860I boards.

If we talk about storage, an ideal ITX board should offer at least 1 M.2 NVMe slot (preferably PCIe 4.0) and a couple of SATA ports.

Networking

Don’t overlook networking, as it’s another important factor in a PC.

Onboard Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 5 or 6) saves you from buying a separate adapter, and if you are in gaming, having Gigabit or 2.5 GbE Ethernet is great for fast downloads.

So, always look for a motherboard that has a good networking option.

Rear I/O & Headers

Rear I/O and internal headers provide you with a healthy mix of USB ports, HDMI/DisplayPort, and reliable onboard audio. Realtek ALC887 or better is good enough in this range.

So look for 4–6 USB ports, HDMI/DP, front panel headers, and decent onboard audio.

Tip: Prioritize compatibility and stability over flashy features. A stable $130 board with solid VRMs will outlast a feature-packed board that overheats.

5 Cheap Mini‑ITX Motherboards Under $200

Now let’s compare our 5 cheap Mini-ITX Motherboards.

The first one is,

1. Gigabyte A520I AC

If you want to build a compact AMD rig on a tight budget, the Gigabyte A520I AC is one of the best-value Mini‑ITX motherboards. It comes under $120, which is a very reasonable price point for a motherboard.

Apart from other entry-level A520 chipsets, it keeps its weight with surprisingly capable VRMs, decent connectivity, and support for Ryzen 3000 to 5000 series processors.

For small form factor builds, especially HTPCs or budget gaming setups, this board is a great option.

It’s a 6-phase VRM with 55 A DrMOS that is surprisingly robust, enough to even handle a Ryzen 9 5950X. According to The Tech Revolutionist, these VRMs make it one of the best power solutions in entry-level ITX boards.

Storage options are solid: a single 4 PCIe 3.0 slots and 1 NVMe M.2 slot with 4 SATA ports ensure you have space for both a fast SSD and additional drives.

Features:

• CPU Support: AMD AM4 socket (Ryzen 3000/4000G/5000 series)
• Power Delivery: 6-phase VRM with 55A DrMOS that can handle Ryzen chips reliably
• Memory: 2× DDR4 DIMMs up to 64GB @ 5100MHz (OC)
• Storage: 1× M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 + 4× SATA III
• Networking: Intel Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2, and Gigabit LAN
• Audio: Realtek ALC887 with decent onboard sound
• BIOS Flashing: Q-Flash Plus (no CPU needed for BIOS update)

For a price point of around $120, the Gigabyte A520I AC is as best Mini ITX motherboard. It delivers clean performance, solid power delivery, and comes with essential features ideal for small, affordable Ryzen builds.

If PCIe 4.0 and ultra-fast networking are not your priority, this is one of the smartest budget ITX boards available today.

2. ASUS PRIME H610I-PLUS D4 LGA 1700

For Intel lovers, this ASUS PRIME H610I‑PLUS D4 is a great choice with solid LGA1700 support, PCIe 4.0 GPU compatibility, and essential features-without bloating your budget.

LGA1700 socket supports Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Alder Lake and Raptor Lake CPUs, so this Mini‑ITX motherboard is ideal for budget-conscious PC builders who want a reliable platform without overspending.

However, it does not have some high-end extras like built-in Wi‑Fi or advanced audio chips, but it has all the essentials: PCIe 4.0 GPU support, decent VRM design, and rock-solid compatibility.

This motherboard is perfect for pairing with a Core i3-12100 or i5-12400 to give you plenty of performance for gaming, office work, or light content creation in an ultra-compact form.

Also, this board benefits from ASUS’s excellent BIOS, Fan Xpert control, and dependable build quality.

Whether you’re building in a small case like the NZXT H1 or Cooler Master NR200, this board offers a highly compatible solution for your Intel-based Mini‑ITX build.

Key Features:

• Socket & CPU Support: LGA1700 socket compatible with Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors
• Chipset: Intel H610 chipset with PCIe 4.0 x16 for GPUs (via CPU lanes)
• Memory: 2× DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 64GB at 3200MHz
• Storage: 1× PCIe 3.0, 1x M.2 slot and 4× SATA III ports for SSDs and HDDs
• Networking: Intel Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE), M.2 E-key slot for optional Wi‑Fi card
• Audio: Realtek ALC897 7.1-channel audio codec
• VRM Design: 5+1+1 DrMOS power stages with compact heatsinks
• Cooling & Utilities: 1× CPU fan header, 1× chassis fan header, ASUS Fan Xpert software
• BIOS: ASUS UEFI BIOS with EZ Mode for first-time users

If you’re building a compact PC keeping in mind Intel’s 12th or 13th Gen CPUs, this ASUS PRIME H610I‑PLUS D4 motherboard gives you everything you need.

It is a simple, stable, and surprisingly feature-rich motherboard for average builds. Well, if you need Wi‑Fi or plan to run an i9, just skip it. However, for most everyday users, it’s a rock-solid ITX choice.

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• Gaming PC Build Checklist for Beginners

3. GIGABYTE H610I 

Are you a minimalist? If yes, then you would like GIGABYTE H610I because it is a minimalistic Mini‑ITX motherboard designed for users building compact Intel 12th, 13th, or even 14th Gen systems without stretching their budget.

Priced under $165, it offers all the essential features required for a small form factor PC build. It comes with PCIe 4.0 GPU support, DDR4 compatibility, NVMe storage, and other essential features.

While it’s an entry-level option, it’s surprisingly capable for light gaming, media consumption, and some light productivity tasks.

Actually, this board is especially great for pairing a Core i3-12100, i5-12400F, or even an i5-13400 with a dedicated GPU in compact chassis like the Cooler Master NR200, Fractal Ridge, or SilverStone SG13.

It has a clean PCB layout, Intel Gigabit LAN, and Smart Fan 6 thermal control that gives H610I a balance of practicality with affordability.

Keep in mind that it doesn’t include onboard Wi‑Fi or high-end VRM cooling, so it’s not meant for overclocking or enthusiast-grade builds.

Key Features:

• LGA1700 socket supporting Intel 12th-14th Gen CPUs
• 4+1+1 hybrid VRM (60A DrMOS) on an 8-layer PCB
• 2× DDR4 DIMMs up to 64 GB @ 3200 MHz
• 1× PCIe 4.0 x16 GPU slot, 1× PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2, 4× SATA III ports
• Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed internet accelerator
• Realtek ALC897 7.1-channel HD audio codec
• Smart Fan 6: multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers
• HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA ports support

GIGABYTE H610I is a great pick for you if you are building a simple, efficient, and affordable Intel-based Mini‑ITX PC. It’s not built for power users or intensive tasks, like gaming and video editing in HD.

But if you’re using an i3 or i5 CPU and want reliable performance in a compact case, it gets the job done.

With PCIe 4.0 GPU support and Smart Fan 6, it offers just enough features to be relevant in 2025 without exceeding your budget.

4. B550I AORUS PRO AX

Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX is known as one of the most capable Mini‑ITX motherboards for AMD Ryzen builds.

Especially for those who want high performance without jumping to premium ones like X570 or X670 boards.

It is designed for the AM4 socket that supports Ryzen 3000, 4000G, and 5000 series processors with high-end features rarely seen under the $200 budget.

It’s equipped with a robust 6+2 phase VRM powered by premium 90 A Intersil ISL99390 DrMOS stages, the B550I AORUS PRO AX that can easily handle a Ryzen 9 5900X or even a 5950X under sustained load without flinching.

Apart from other compact boards, this one maintains VRM temps well under 65°C due to a well-designed heatsink with a direct-touch heat pipe.

It’s not just the VRM that keeps it cool during operation, but Gigabyte includes dual M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 + PCIe 3.0), Intel Wi‑Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.5 GbE LAN, and full PCIe 4.0 x16 support for high-performance GPUs that sets it apart from others in this price range.

Key Features:

• 6+2 phase with 90 A Intersil ISL99390 power stages
• Heatsinks and heat pipe covering VRM, M.2, and chipset
• Dual M.2 slots (1× PCIe 4.0, 1× PCIe 3.0) + 4× SATA III
• Intel Wi‑Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.0 + Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN
• PCIe 4.0 x16 GPU slot
• 2× DDR4 DIMMs (up to 64 GB, 5200 MHz OC)
• HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A & Type-C), Q‑Flash Plus button
• Realtek ALC1220 7.1-channel HD audio codec

Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX is a complete Mini‑ITX motherboard in this segment.

From its premium VRM design and rock-solid thermal performance to its fast storage and connectivity features, it’s actually built to support powerful AMD Ryzen CPUs in small ITX enclosures.

It is ideal for performance-focused gamers, streamers, and creators who are looking to build a future-proof compact system under $200. If you are one of them, then you can definitely get this.

5. ASRock Core Ultra B860 LGA1851 B860I

ASRock B860I Core Ultra B860 LGA1851 B860I is the trailblazer for Intel’s new LGA1851 socket.

It is designed to support Core Ultra (Arrow Lake) processors in a compact Mini‑ITX format and also offers cutting-edge features, like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Thunderbolt 4 in a Mini-ITX form factor.

It packs an impressive power stage, robust cooling, and modern I/O, ideal for small form factor gaming, high-performance office builds, and even content creation.

Powered by a 8+1+1+1+1 SPS power phase design with 110 A stages and active VRM cooling, it easily handles Core Ultra chips for long sessions without throttling.

DDR5 support up to 8933 MHz (OC) in two DIMM slots gives it a serious memory bandwidth, while PCIe 5.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0/x4 M.2 lanes ensure your GPU and SSDs stay lightning-fast.

Key Features:

• Supports Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) on LGA1851
• 8+1+1+1+1 SPS power phases with active heatsink fan
• Dual DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128 GB and 8933 MHz (OC)
• PCIe 5.0 x16 GPU slot, PCIe 5.0 M.2 and one PCIe 4.0 M.2
• Intel Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN
• Rear I/O: HDMI, Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, multiple USB ports
• Realtek ALC1220 audio codec

ASRock B860I Lightning WiFi is a great option for Mini‑ITX boards. It offers bleeding-edge connectivity and power in a compact form.

If you’re upgrading to a Core Ultra CPU and want PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and Thunderbolt 4 support in a small build under budget, then this one is built for you.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Best Picks Based on Use Case

• Best Budget AMD: Gigabyte A520I AC
• Best Budget Intel (12th/13th Gen): ASUS PRIME H610I-PLUS D4
• Best All-Rounder Ryzen: B550I AORUS PRO AX
• Best for Intel Core Ultra Builds: ASRock B860I WiFi
• Best for Office HTPC: GIGABYTE H610I

Benchmarks and Testing

FAQs

Conclusion

These 5 motherboards are best if you’re building a compact PC without breaking the bank. They strike a great balance between performance, features, and price.

No matter you’re running a Ryzen 5000 processor or Intel’s latest Core Ultra chips, there’s a board here that fits your needs mentioned in this list.

From the future-proof ASRock B860I WiFi to the budget-friendly Gigabyte A520I AC. Each one provides unique strengths. Some of them excel in thermal efficiency, others in connectivity or upgrade potential.

If you are a gamer, creator, or HTPC builder looking to save space without sacrificing reliability, these Mini ITX motherboards are the way to go.

But before proceeding, make sure the motherboard you choose matches the right CPU, RAM, and cooling, because with the right setup, a small form factor can still provide serious power.

Ready to build your SFF rig? Choose the board that fits your platform, budget, and feature set, and start building smarter today. All the best.

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Gautam Ray

Gautam Roy is the founder of PCBuildHQ.Com and StartHomeStudio.Com. He has over 20 years of experience in web development, creative technology, system architecture, audio recording, music production and video editing.

www.pcbuildhq.com