For CPUs, motherboards & memory, the hardest choice is not simply spending less or more; it is avoiding a socket, memory, or form-factor mismatch. These four boards cover Intel LGA1151, Intel LGA1200, and AMD AM5, with DDR4 or DDR5 depending on the model. Start with the processor and memory already planned, then narrow by system fit, condition, and price. That approach makes the Dell-specific board easy to separate from the general Intel and AMD choices.
Quick take
- Compact Intel LGA1151 build: ASUS Intel PRIME H310M-A R2.0 offers MicroATX sizing, DDR4 support, and DVI/VGA outputs.
- Dell XPS 8940 replacement: Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard is the model-specific choice for LGA1200 and 10th/11th Gen Intel Core processors.
- AMD AM5 gaming build: ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI uses AM5 and DDR5 with ATX expansion.
- Intel 8th/9th Gen ATX build: NEW MSI Z390-A PRO pairs LGA1151 and DDR4 with M.2 and USB 3.1.
Listed-price comparison
The prices run from USD 43.96 to USD 172.21, a USD 128.25 spread. Compatibility should decide first, with price serving as a tie-breaker after the socket and memory standard match.
| Board | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS Intel PRIME H310M-A R2.0 LGA1151 DDR4 mATX Motherboard + I/O Plate | USD 43.96 | |
| Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard Intel 10th 11th Gen LGA1200 DDR4 K3CM7 427JK | USD 161.58 | |
| ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI AM5 ATX Motherboard | USD 124.99 | |
| NEW MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard LGA 1151 for 9th/8th Intel ATX M.2 USB 3.1 DDR4 | USD 172.21 |
Decision matrix
- Socket: LGA1151 appears on the ASUS H310M-A and MSI Z390-A PRO. The Dell board uses LGA1200, while the ASUS ROG STRIX uses AM5.
- Memory: The ASUS H310M-A, Dell XPS 8940 board, and MSI Z390-A PRO specify DDR4. The ASUS ROG STRIX specifies DDR5. Match the board to the memory already planned rather than treating one standard as automatically superior.
- Form factor: MicroATX is specified for the ASUS H310M-A. ATX is specified for the ASUS ROG STRIX and MSI Z390-A PRO, giving those boards a different case-planning profile.
- Condition: The ASUS H310M-A is used, the Dell board is new, and the ASUS ROG STRIX is certified-refurbished. That distinction can break a tie after platform compatibility is settled.
Product notes
ASUS Intel PRIME H310M-A R2.0 LGA1151 DDR4 mATX Motherboard + I/O Plate
The ASUS PRIME H310M-A R2.0 is the direct match for a compact Intel build using LGA1151 and DDR4. Its MicroATX form factor, DVI and VGA outputs, and included I/O plate give it a clear parts-planning profile. The concrete trade-off is the used condition, plus two memory slots. Choose it when an existing LGA1151 processor and DDR4 plan are staying in place. It is not the route for an AM5 processor or DDR5 memory, so those requirements point elsewhere in this comparison. The combination of MicroATX and the lower listed price makes it the simplest focused choice here.
Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard Intel 10th 11th Gen LGA1200 DDR4 K3CM7 427JK
The Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard is the specialized choice for a Dell XPS 8940, with LGA1200 and 10th- and 11th-generation Intel Core processor support around an H470 chipset. Connections include RJ-45, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, M.2, SATA, PCIe, and headset ports. That named-system fit is the reason to choose it for an XPS 8940 replacement. The limitation is equally specific: it is not the natural match for an AM5 build or an LGA1151 board swap. Its maximum memory configuration is 128GB, which may matter when planning a system around that Dell platform.
ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI AM5 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI is the clearest fit for an AMD AM5 desktop using DDR5. Its ATX form factor and expansion choices include M.2 and PCI Express 4.0 x16, while the title names GAMING WIFI. Features include on-board audio, dual LAN, multi-GPU support, and an on-board video chipset. The limitation is the certified-refurbished condition and ATX form factor, so it does not mirror the used MicroATX ASUS or the Intel boards here. Choose it when AM5 and DDR5 define the build and the listed expansion features suit the planned layout.
NEW MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard LGA 1151 for 9th/8th Intel ATX M.2 USB 3.1 DDR4
The MSI Z390-A PRO suits an Intel ATX build centered on 8th- or 9th-generation processors and DDR4. M.2 and USB 3.1 are named alongside the LGA1151 socket, giving a concrete reason to choose it when those parts define the build. Its limitation is platform scope: it is not the direct match for the Dell XPS 8940's LGA1200 setup or for AMD AM5. The ATX form factor also separates it from the MicroATX ASUS H310M-A. Choose this board for the specific Intel generation and connection mix rather than for a numeric memory-speed comparison.
Final recommendation by use case
- Choose the ASUS PRIME H310M-A R2.0 for an Intel LGA1151 and DDR4 system where MicroATX, DVI, or VGA are useful.
- Choose the Dell XPS 8940 board when the target machine is specifically a Dell XPS 8940 and LGA1200 compatibility is required.
- Choose the ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI for an AMD AM5 and DDR5 gaming build with ATX, M.2, and PCI Express 4.0 x16 requirements.
- Choose the MSI Z390-A PRO for an Intel 8th/9th Gen LGA1151 build that calls for ATX, M.2, USB 3.1, and DDR4.
The winning match is the board whose socket and memory type already agree with the rest of the build. Once that is settled, form factor and condition provide the next useful filters.
