Six ATX/MATX/EATX Motherboards for Your BYO NAS Build
Building your own NAS (Network Attached Storage) offers unparalleled control over your storage solution, but choosing the right motherboard is crucial. While ITX motherboards are commonly used for compact builds, ATX motherboards excel in scalability and performance. This guide explores six top ATX motherboards suitable for DIY NAS builders and explains why ATX might be the right choice for your project.
ATX vs. ITX: Understanding the Differences for NAS Use
ITX motherboards have long been favored for NAS systems due to their compact size, lower power consumption, and often pre-included mobile CPUs. These features make them ideal for smaller, quieter builds with minimal hardware requirements. However, ITX boards typically offer fewer PCIe slots, fewer SATA ports, and limited M.2 storage options, which can restrict scalability for larger storage systems. In contrast, ATX motherboards shine in builds where storage and expansion are priorities. They offer multiple PCIe slots for RAID cards, network cards, and GPUs, along with extensive SATA and M.2 connectivity. While ATX motherboards tend to consume more power and require larger cases, they cater to the growing demands of NAS builders who need flexibility and performance. If you’re planning to scale your NAS system or integrate high-speed networking, ATX is often the better choice despite its higher price point and larger physical footprint.
Motherboard form factors play a critical role in determining a system’s size, expandability, and compatibility. mATX (Micro-ATX), ATX (Advanced Technology Extended), and E-ATX (Extended ATX) represent progressively larger sizes, each catering to different use cases. mATX motherboards are compact and typically measure 9.6 × 9.6 inches, making them ideal for small cases and builds that prioritize a smaller footprint. However, they often sacrifice expandability, offering fewer PCIe slots, SATA ports, and overall connectivity. Standard ATX motherboards, measuring 12 × 9.6 inches, strike a balance between size and functionality, providing ample room for multiple PCIe slots, more storage options, and better cooling configurations. Finally, E-ATX motherboards, measuring up to 12 × 13 inches, cater to high-performance builds such as workstations or enterprise systems. They offer additional PCIe lanes, memory slots, and connectivity options but require larger cases and often consume more power. The choice between these form factors depends on your specific needs for expandability, performance, and the physical constraints of your build.
1. MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
VALUE OPTION – AMD Ryzen Support, 6 SATA Ports, 2 M.2 NVMe Slots (Gen 4 + Gen 3), 2.5GbE + 1GbE LAN, DDR4 ECC Support, ATX, Multiple USB Ports – $160 (HERE)
The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a reliable and feature-rich entry-level motherboard that provides excellent value for small to medium NAS setups. Built on AMD’s B550 chipset, it supports Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series processors, giving builders access to high-performance CPUs. The board can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with ECC support ensuring data integrity for critical storage applications. This feature is particularly important for NAS systems, where even minor data corruption can lead to significant issues.
On the storage front, the B550 Tomahawk offers six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, providing ample options for both traditional hard drives and high-speed NVMe SSDs. The primary M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen 4, delivering up to 64Gbps of bandwidth, making it ideal for caching or handling high-speed data operations. The second M.2 slot, while limited to PCIe Gen 3, is still more than capable for secondary drives or less demanding workloads. Its two PCIe x16 slots enable expansion options, such as adding a GPU for transcoding or a RAID controller for additional storage management.
The networking setup includes one 2.5GbE and one 1GbE port, sufficient for home NAS systems or small-scale offices. While the board lacks advanced connectivity features like Thunderbolt or Wi-Fi, its affordability (around $160) makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious builders. Additionally, the board’s user-friendly BIOS and comprehensive I/O options ensure ease of setup and compatibility with a wide range of components.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| Max Memory | 128GB DDR4 (ECC support) |
| SATA Ports | 6 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 (1× Gen 4, 1× Gen 3) |
| PCIe Slots | 2× PCIe x16, 2× PCIe x1 |
| Ethernet Ports | 1× 2.5GbE, 1× 1GbE |
| Price | ~$160 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
2. ASRock IMB-X1314
Good Middle Ground Choice – Intel 12th-14th Gen Processor Support, 8 SATA Ports, 2 M.2 NVMe Slots (Gen 4), 3x 2.5GbE LAN, DDR4 ECC Support, Micro-ATX, TPM & USB Ports – $350 (HERE)
The ASRock IMB-X1314 is a professional-grade motherboard that provides exceptional features tailored for NAS and server builds. Designed to support Intel’s 12th to 14th Gen processors, it accommodates up to 128GB of DDR4 ECC memory, ensuring optimal reliability for storage applications. This board is particularly appealing for users who require a robust, scalable solution for high-capacity and data-intensive environments.
For storage, the IMB-X1314 features eight SATA III ports and two M.2 slots. The SATA ports allow for large-scale HDD arrays, perfect for archival storage or bulk data retention, while the M.2 slots provide fast NVMe SSD options for caching or active data operations. Both M.2 slots support PCIe Gen 4, ensuring maximum performance for modern SSDs. Its PCIe layout includes a x16 slot for GPUs or RAID controllers, a x8 slot for additional expansion, and two x4 slots for networking cards or storage accelerators.
Networking is a strong point for the IMB-X1314, with three 2.5GbE ports. These ports enable link aggregation for increased throughput or allow the board to handle multiple subnets, catering to advanced network setups. Security and management features, including onboard TPM 2.0 and Intel vPro support, make this board suitable for enterprise-grade use cases.
Despite its $350 price point, the IMB-X1314 offers excellent value for its advanced features. The robust design and wide range of I/O options ensure compatibility with modern components, while its efficient power delivery system minimizes energy costs for 24/7 operation.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel W680 |
| Max Memory | 128GB DDR4 (ECC support) |
| SATA Ports | 8 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 |
| PCIe Slots | 1× PCIe x16, 1× PCIe x8, 2× PCIe x4 |
| Ethernet Ports | 3× 2.5GbE |
| Price | ~$350 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
3. ASRock Z890 NOVA WiFi
Good Affordable Flash Solution – Intel Z890 Chipset, 4 SATA Ports, 5 M.2 NVMe Slots (Gen 5 + Gen 4), 5GbE + 2.5GbE LAN, DDR5 Support, ATX, Thunderbolt 4 + WiFi 7 – $450 (HERE)
The ASRock Z890 NOVA WiFi is a state-of-the-art motherboard designed for high-performance NAS setups. Featuring Intel’s Z890 chipset, it supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, offering unmatched performance for memory-intensive applications. Its compatibility with the latest Intel processors ensures builders can harness cutting-edge technology for their NAS.
In terms of storage, the Z890 NOVA boasts five M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe Gen 5, delivering exceptional speeds for NVMe SSDs. The other four slots utilize PCIe Gen 4, making this board ideal for hybrid storage configurations that balance speed and capacity. Additionally, it includes four SATA III ports, accommodating traditional HDDs for bulk storage needs. The robust PCIe layout allows for additional networking cards, RAID controllers, or GPUs, giving builders the flexibility to tailor their system to their specific requirements.
Networking options include a 5GbE and a 2.5GbE port, ensuring reliable, high-speed data transfer. Its Thunderbolt 4 connectivity further enhances its utility, allowing seamless integration with external storage devices or high-speed peripherals. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide additional wireless options, making the Z890 NOVA suitable for modern, connected environments. At approximately $450, this motherboard offers a perfect blend of performance, scalability, and connectivity for demanding NAS builds.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | 1851 |
| Chipset | Intel Z890 |
| Max Memory | 256GB DDR5 |
| SATA Ports | 4 |
| M.2 Slots | 5 (1× Gen 5, 4× Gen 4) |
| PCIe Slots | 1× PCIe 5.0 x16, 1× PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Ethernet Ports | 1× 5GbE, 1× 2.5GbE |
| Price | ~$450 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
4. BKHD-2011-mATX (Refurbished)
Budget Refurbished Option – Intel Xeon E5 Support, 10 SATA Ports, 2 M.2 NVMe Slots, 4x 2.5GbE LAN, DDR4 ECC Support, Micro-ATX, PCIe 3.0 Slots – $320 (HERE)
The BKHD-2011-mATX is a robust, enterprise-oriented motherboard tailored for high-capacity storage and demanding workloads. It is compatible with Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4 processors and supports up to 256GB of DDR4 memory, making it a solid choice for users building NAS systems that require exceptional multitasking and performance. Its support for ECC memory further ensures data integrity, a key requirement for enterprise-grade storage solutions.
This motherboard excels in storage flexibility, featuring ten SATA III ports and two M.2 slots that support NVMe SSDs. The SATA configuration allows for vast storage arrays, ideal for archival or bulk storage purposes, while the M.2 slots provide high-speed access for caching or active workloads. For expansion, it offers two PCIe x16 slots and one PCIe x8 slot, which can be utilized for additional storage controllers, advanced GPUs, or network accelerators.
Networking is another highlight of the BKHD-2011-mATX. Equipped with four 2.5GbE LAN ports, it can handle large data transfers across multiple networks or subnets. This makes it an excellent choice for virtualization environments or NAS systems supporting multiple clients. Despite its older architecture, it remains a compelling option due to its affordability, typically priced around $320. For users looking to build a NAS with enterprise-level capabilities on a budget, the BKHD-2011-mATX delivers outstanding value.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 2011-3 |
| Chipset | Intel C612 |
| Max Memory | 256GB DDR4 (ECC support) |
| SATA Ports | 10 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 |
| PCIe Slots | 2× PCIe x16, 1× PCIe x8 |
| Ethernet Ports | 4× 2.5GbE |
| Price | ~$320 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
5. MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
Premium Flash Solution – Intel Z790 Chipset, 6 SATA Ports, 7 M.2 NVMe Slots (Gen 5 + Gen 4), 10GbE + 2.5GbE LAN, DDR5 Support, E-ATX, Thunderbolt 4 Ports – $800 (HERE)
The MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE is a premium motherboard designed for builders seeking top-tier performance and scalability. Powered by Intel’s Z790 chipset, it supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors and accommodates up to 256GB of DDR5 memory. With its ECC memory support and robust power delivery system, this board is well-suited for high-performance NAS systems handling mission-critical data.
The GODLIKE excels in storage, offering seven M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe Gen 5 for unmatched NVMe SSD speeds. The remaining six slots are PCIe Gen 4, ensuring fast and efficient data access. Additionally, six SATA III ports provide ample options for traditional HDDs, making this board suitable for hybrid storage configurations. Its PCIe layout includes two x16 Gen 5 slots, enabling seamless integration of GPUs or advanced RAID controllers.
For networking, the Z790 GODLIKE features dual Ethernet ports—a 10GbE and a 2.5GbE—ensuring ultra-fast data transfers and high reliability. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity expands its utility, supporting high-speed peripherals and external storage devices. Priced at approximately $800, this motherboard targets professionals and enterprise users who require cutting-edge technology and unparalleled scalability.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 |
| Max Memory | 256GB DDR5 (ECC support) |
| SATA Ports | 6 |
| M.2 Slots | 7 (1× Gen 5, 6× Gen 4) |
| PCIe Slots | 2× PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| Ethernet Ports | 1× 10GbE, 1× 2.5GbE |
| Price | ~$800 |
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
6. ASUS Pro WS WRX80E-SAGE SE WiFi
POWERHOUSE VM SERVER – AMD Threadripper PRO Support, 8 SATA Ports, 3 M.2 NVMe Slots (Gen 4), 2x 10GbE LAN, 2TB DDR4 ECC Support, E-ATX, Remote Management – $1,300 (HERE)
The ASUS Pro WS WRX80E-SAGE SE WiFi is the ultimate workstation motherboard for enterprise-grade NAS systems. Built for AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors, it supports up to 2TB of DDR4 ECC memory across eight channels, making it ideal for memory-intensive tasks like virtualization, large-scale data analytics, or multi-user NAS setups. This level of scalability is unmatched, ensuring future-proofing for years to come.
Storage options are equally impressive, with three M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots, eight SATA III ports, and two U.2 slots capable of supporting NVMe drives. The M.2 slots are optimized for high-speed SSDs, while the SATA and U.2 ports provide bulk storage options, making it ideal for hybrid setups. Its seven PCIe 4.0 x16 slots allow for maximum expansion, accommodating GPUs, high-speed networking cards, and RAID controllers simultaneously.
Networking is handled by dual 10GbE LAN ports, ensuring seamless data transfer even under heavy loads. For remote management, the board includes ASMB9-iKVM, enabling hardware-level control through IPMI. Priced at $1,300, the WRX80E-SAGE SE WiFi is a high-end solution designed for enterprise users who demand unparalleled performance, reliability, and scalability.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | sWRX8 |
| Chipset | AMD WRX80 |
| Max Memory | 2TB DDR4 (ECC support) |
| SATA Ports | 8 |
| M.2 Slots | 3 |
| PCIe Slots | 7× PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Ethernet Ports | 2× 10GbE |
| Price | ~$1,300 |
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
Each of these motherboards offers unique features and configurations tailored to specific NAS requirements, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-performance enterprise solutions. Selecting the right board depends on your specific needs for scalability, storage, and networking capabilities. With the detailed specifications provided, you can confidently choose the best motherboard for your DIY NAS project.
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