After opening my gaming studio, I first needed perfect gaming motherboards capable of handling my gaming processors. I went for a non-Mac computer related to Apple operating system. It is known as Hackintosh. The system is perfect for gamers because of its more powerful video cards. The system knows about its target more than Windows operating system.
At that time, I shortlisted five motherboards of almost similar features with different sparks. I want to share my exclamatory experience with you all and want to enhance my knowledge as well. So let’s start with it, and here I am again, present with my practical experiences with the best motherboard for Hackintosh.
- ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (Wi-Fi)
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK
- ROG Crosshair VIII Hero
- Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO-P
- ROG Maximus XIII Hero
- How to Buy the Best Motherboard for Hackintosh?
Top Motherboard for Hackintosh with Thunderbolt
1) ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (Wi-Fi) Motherboard
Robust Power and Connectivity
Amazing Noise-canceling Microphone
Outstanding Thermal Solution
| Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| CPU socket | AM4 |
| Audio | 5 x 3.5 mm |
| Ethernet controller | 1 x Intel 1225-V 2.5 gigabit |
| WiFi | 2 x connector (WiFi 6) |
| Flashback | BIOS flashback |
| Memory slots | 4 x 288 pin |
| Memory support | DDR4 |
| Memory capacity | 128 GB |
| Channel | Dual channel |
| ECC support | Non-ECC |
| SATA | 6 x SATA III |
| Multi-GPU support | 2-way AMD CrossFireX |
| Lead header | 3 x RGB |
| Liquid cooling | 1 x 4 pin-pump |
| Audio support | 1 x speaker |
| BIOS ROM | 256 MB |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Operated system | Windows 10 |
While working in a gaming studio, most gaming motherboards were from ASUS. So I started my experience with one of them. The ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F is the best gaming motherboard with almost perfectly emphasized features.
It is wide in compatibility and can give extraordinary effects during gaming if used with perfection. I had a great experience while using it and its speed and design were all outstanding and beyond my expectations.
Robust Power and Connectivity
If a gaming motherboard has upper powers, it also has super connectivity. The same is the matter with ASUS B550-F. It features 12+2 power stages that enhance the working of the gaming processors that are connected with it. Apart from that, best motherboard for Hackintosh has multiple LAN connectivity options that increase the data speed of the gaming processors.
Amazing Noise-canceling Microphone
Another great feature of this great gaming motherboard is the special noise-canceling microphone software that helps the user focus on the game evenly. It can easily support USB or Bluetooth headsets. It can easily distract the noise in your surroundings and preserve your voice’s database.
Outstanding Thermal Solution
I have some knowledge about gaming motherboards, so while purchasing this motherboard, I also focused on its thermal solution because if the thermal resolution of a gaming motherboard is not perfect, it can affect the working of your gaming processor.
Luckily the gaming motherboard of ASUS B550-F is ideal by all means. The best motherboard for Hackintosh will easily control the overheating of the processor. It has customizable fanless VRM and chipset heatsinks that help the system run reliably.
Positive
Negative
- Absence of front USB 3.2
2) MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard
Wide Memory
Mystic Light
Outstanding Compatibility
Boosted Audio
| Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
| CPU socket | AMD AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| Maximum supported memory | 128 GB |
| DIMM slots | 4 |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory speed | 5100 MHz |
| SATA | SATA VI |
| Audio channels | 7.1 |
| Onboard audio chipset | Realtek ALC1200 |
| Onboard video | Displayport, HDMI |
I got a gift pack from one of my colleagues, and as per my thinking, she gave me an enhanced gaming motherboard. It has some amazing features that are compatible with personal computers. Because of its wide compatibility, I could use it for a long period without negatively affecting it’s working. I am lucky to have this best motherboard for Hackintosh by MSI in my gaming studio.
Wide Memory
Well, you will find it a bit unserious, but I must say that you should take the memory of this motherboard very seriously. Supported by dual-channel DDR4, this motherboard’s memory is extraordinary in every aspect. It can handle all your data and keep it safe for a long time. Apart from that space, it also has an effective memory speed of 4866 MHz.
Mystic Light
While reading the guide for MSI MAG B550, I was a little surprised to read about the lighting feature of the gaming motherboard. But once I started using it, I had a great experience. The RGB lighting modes of the MAG B550 have 16.8 million colors with 29 different effects. It also comes with extendable pin-headers that create a great impact on the gaming effects of the gaming motherboards and processors.
Outstanding Compatibility
As I was using this best motherboard for Hackintosh for the first time, I was a little tense about its compatibility. But after using it with multiple AMD Ryzen 3rd gen gaming processors, I was completely satisfied.
The most important part that I want to discuss here is that not only with recent Ryzen 3rd gen thread rippers, but it can also be used with future models of Ryzen Threadripper. All you have to do is to update the BIOS carefully.
Boosted Audio
While playing games, you need boosted audio that does not negatively affect your game. Fortunately, the MAG B550 gaming motherboard has a wonderful sound quality that creates a unique gaming environment for gamers.
Positive
- Mystic light with RGB headers and 16.8 million colors
- Fast data speed with M.2 shield Frozr
- Pre-installed I/O shield with 2.5 G LAN
- 4-pin fan header to control overheating
- Easy-to-use UEFI and premium thermal solution
- Studio-grade sound quality for better gaming
Negative
- HDMI port does not have a 4k option
3) ROG Crosshair VIII Hero ATX Motherboard
Lighting Fast Transfer Speed
Perfect Audio Solution
Friendly Design
Cooling System
| Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
| CPU socket | AMD AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD X570 |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory size | 128 GB |
| CPU processors | AMD Ryzen |
| Number of LAN | 4 |
| Audio | ROG supreme FX8 channel |
| Audio support | 120 Db SNR stereo playback |
| SATA | 4 |
| ROM | 256 MB |
| Operating system | Windows 10 |
I am a fan of ROG gaming motherboards, so the next gaming motherboard I installed in my gaming studio was ROG X570 crosshair VIII hero, and I must say it is as heroic in working as its name. Let’s explore it.
Lighting Fast Transfer Speed
The heroic and best motherboard for Hackintosh motherboard is supported by a dual PCle 4.0 M.2 slot that provides the user NVMe SSD RAID support. This support system boosts up the speed of transferring data in a great way and can easily save the time of the users.
Gaming motherboards need speed, and this gaming motherboard by ASUS is the best for the speedy transfer of data files. It levels up the performance of the gamer in an aesthetic way.
Perfect Audio Solution
Professional gamers mostly prefer this gaming motherboard’s Supreme FX audio solution as it can greatly impact the gaming environment. This audio solution of this heroic gaming motherboard makes sure that the sound that is listened to by the gamers is neutral and detailed. And to make it perfect, the front-panel output has dual OP amps that deliver the sound perfectly.
Friendly Design
The friendly design of the best motherboard for Hackintosh keeps the gamer in complete peace while playing games. Apart from that, it also impacts the working of gaming processors. It has a pre-mounted I/O shield and BIOS flashback that balances the gaming processors’ performance, cooling, and compatibility.
Cooling System
The active PCH heatsink of this great gaming motherboard keeps a complete check on the heating system of the gaming processors. To support it for absolute perfection, the M.3 aluminum heatsink and ROG cooling zone give an extraordinary performance for effective working.
Positive
- Multiple temperature sources
- AMD StoreMI to maximize connectivity and speed
- Smart protection with ASUS LANGuard
- Feature-rich BIOS and premium components
- Fast power delivery due to comprehensive thermal design
- Easy access to M.2 slots and ROG cooling zone
Negative
- Bulky motherboard utilities
4) Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO-P Motherboard
Powerful Design
Audio System
Heatsink System
Connectivity at its Peak
| Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
| CPU socket | AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| Flashback | BIOS |
| Memory slots | 4 x 288 pin |
| Memory support | DDR4 |
| Memory size | 128 GB |
| Channel architecture | Dual channel |
| Security | TPM module |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 |
| Form factor | Micro-ATX |
While I worked in previous gaming studios, I had a habit of doing compatibility tests of Gigabyte gaming motherboards, so while purchasing it for my studio, I did the compatibility test of I as well. And same as usual, it has outstanding compatibility with multiple AMD Ryzen 3rd gen thread rippers. The best motherboard for Hackintosh can also work with Radeon graphics processors and give special gaming effects.
Powerful Design
Gigabyte motherboards are famous for their strong structure, and I must say that this gaming motherboard strongly impacted my mind because of its power structure and design. It has a twin power design capable of doing great gaming work, and due to that, it can also give amazing gaming responses.
Audio System
The audio system of this gigabyte gaming best motherboard for Hackintosh I perfect in all aspects. Supported by AMP-UP audio, it has a premium capacitor that enhances the audio delivery system of the gaming processors. This audio system creates a wonderful gaming environment and helps the user focus on the game more effectively.
Heatsink System
The thermal solution of this gaming motherboard is my favorite feature. This thermal solution is supported by 50A Dr. MOS advanced thermal design that keeps the processor cool and does not lead it towards overheating.
Connectivity at its Peak
I love this thing the most. It is best if the gaming motherboard has complete and enhanced connectivity options. And I must say that I go towards this gigabyte gaming motherboard because of its connectivity support.
It has multiple connectivity options to help the gamer transfer data with complete perfection and boost speed. This superb connectivity is supported by ultra-durable PCle 4.0 with ready-to-go 16 slots. Apart from that, it also has DisplayPort and HDMI support with 2.5 GbE LAN with bandwidth management.
Positive
- Wide compatibility with 3rd Gen Ryzen processors
- Advanced thermal solutions and VRM heatsinks
- Durable and sturdy due to amazing construction
- The larger amount of USB ports, Dual channel ECC, and 4 DIMMS
- Strong audio with AMP-UP audio capacitors
- Addressable LED and RGB LED strips
Negative
- No built-in WiFi
5) ROG Maximus XIII Hero Gaming Motherboard
Controlling Motherboard
High Power Networking and Connectivity
Optimized Thermal Design
Power solution
| Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory size | 126 GB |
| Memory speed | 460 MHz |
| Memory architecture | Dual channel |
| SATA | VI SATA channel |
| LAN | 2.5 GB Ethernet |
| USB port | 10 |
As stated above, I love ROG gaming motherboards, so I installed another ROG gaming motherboard in my studio. While purchasing it, the thing that clicked in my mind was once again its heroic name. The ROG Crosshair XIII hero gaming motherboard is now the hero of my gaming studio.
Controlling Motherboard
As we all know the controlling ways of our mother, we also understand that some motherboards are also controlling. They can easily control the bad effects of your processors. In the same way, the heroic ROG XIII Maximus is a controlling motherboard that can easily grip the main features of your gaming processors.
The best motherboard for Hackintosh has special software that is simple to set up and can easily improve the performance of compatible gaming processors. Supported by AI overlocking, AI networking, and two-way AI noise cancellation, it holds the grip of each effective gaming feature that may distract the users.
High Power Networking and Connectivity
This heroic motherboard has a built-in WiFi 6E with dual Ethernet and ASUS LANGUARD. It boosts networking and connectivity with PCle 4.0, quad M.2, and dual USB type C port. It can easily enhance the transfer speed of the data.
Optimized Thermal Design
This amazing motherboard has a perfect audio design. It has enlarged VRM heatsinks with integrated aluminum I/O cover, with high connectivity thermal pad. This heating solution and thermal design also boost the working of the gaming processors.
Power solution
The 14+2 teamed power system of this best motherboard for Hackintosh enhances the working of the gaming processors. And this boosted work helps the gamer in getting an outstanding result. This power system of 90 Amps is supported by ProCool II power connectors, alloy chokes, and black metallic capacitors. It easily enhances the gaming effects of the gaming processors and creates a great impact on my mind.
Positive
- Exceptional DPC performance for 11th Gen Intel Core processors
- Solid power consumption with optimized thermal design
- AI overlocking, AI cooling, and AI networking
- Two-way noise cancellation
- Premium audio and quad M.2 heatsink
- Dual ports with ROG water cooling zone
- Built-in WiFi 6E and high-performance networking
- High-quality VRM and ProCool II power
Negative
- The very high price makes it unapproachable for many customers.
How to Buy the Best Motherboard for Hackintosh?
Buying the best Z490 motherboard for Hackintosh is not a piece of cake. However, there are some things to consider when building a high-performance device before buying a motherboard. Chipsets, sockets, DIMM functions, and other functions come into play, and sometimes this may seem like an impossible task. However, I consumes the time to put together essential aspects of motherboards that should be considered when buying the best motherboard for Hackintosh 2023. So let us get to the topic.
Always Buy A New Motherboard:
If you want to buy a high-quality motherboard, you must buy from a reliable supplier to get a suitable product. Then, if something goes wrong, you can take advantage of the warranty and get a replacement product. However, when you buy a second-hand best hackintosh motherboards, there may be many reasons for the problem, such as someone else’s arm.
Socket:
Not all motherboards are the same because different generations of mobile devices have different chipsets and CPU sockets. For example, if you build a system and choose the Intel 9thgen processor, you need to find a motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket. For 10th generation processors, you also need a motherboard with an LGA1200 socket and Z490 chipset. Likewise, if you choose an AMD component, you will need a suitable motherboard compatible with the processor you intend to use in the component. In short, make sure you research and buy a motherboard compatible with the processor you want to buy.
Form Factor:
Motherboards come in many sizes and shapes, but you can only purchase one motherboard compatible with your PC case. If you move the ATX case, you can easily install an ATX-sized motherboard. However, if you have a compact case, you need to purchase a microATX to install the motherboard without redesigning the case easily.
Reliability:
Motherboards from manufacturers such as ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI are pretty reliable and quite expensive. To save a few dollars, people often buy motherboards from unreliable manufacturers but do not know that doing so will destroy their hardware. Overclocking your internal devices with weak VRM may fail. Therefore, it is recommended to buy goods from reliable suppliers.
RAM:
RAM stands for random access memory. Remember, you have to determine the type and amount of RAM you need. So it would help if you considered this before buying a motherboard. It can hold at least a 16 GB motherboard. So even if you don’t want to use that much memory, you can use it later.
Also, look for motherboards with at least four memory slots. In the beginning, you can install 2 RAM modules and leave free space for future upgrades.
PCI Slots:
The PCI slot is a port on the motherboard. They have long been the standard type of expansion slots and provide space for inserting expansion cards. To use your computer, you may need to consider whether the motherboard has a suitable slot for you.
Function:
If you have purchased a motherboard specially designed for Hackintosh, your motherboard should have features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and M.2 slot. These functions can be of great help in building an ideal Hackintosh system.
However, suppose you will not spend hundreds of dollars to install these features on your motherboard. In that case, we recommend that you purchase WiFi card and Bluetooth adapters separately because you will need them. Furthermore, build for your Hackintosh, the features such as DIMM function, USB connector, NVMe compatibility, and slim I/O panel are also starting to come into play. You should pay attention to these. Conversely, if you plan to play games, you should consider these details before buying the best motherboard for Hackintosh Mojave for your dream build.
Motherboard for Hackintosh is essential for power management. But thanks to bootloaders such as Clover and OpenCore, MoBo compatibility will not be a big issue.
You should choose the right components. The main parts of Hackintosh include motherboard, power supply unit, CPU, GPU, CPU cooler, RAM, SSD, WIFI card, and chassis.
Apple does not want you to install macOS on your PC, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are many tools to help you create an installer that allows you to install any version of macOS on a non-Apple PC, starting with Snow Leopard. This will lead to the so-called Hackintosh.
To run Hackintosh, you need to know if your motherboard has a specific driver for Mac. You should aware of whether your GPU is accepted and recognized. I strongly recommend that you continue to use Windows or switch to Linux. So easy to use.
