NZXT is best known for PC cases and coolers. Its motherboards are a small side range, the N7 and the cheaper N5, designed to match those cases with a clean, covered look. They are built with a manufacturing partner rather than in NZXT's own factories. If the appearance is what you want, they are a reasonable choice; if you are buying purely on features for the money, compare carefully. Current listings are on our NZXT motherboard deals page.
Cheapest NZXT boards right now
All 9 NZXT motherboards, with price drops and price history
Amazon Warehouse offers on NZXT boards
What makes an NZXT board different
The selling point is appearance. An N7 board has a metal cover over almost the whole surface, in black or white, leaving only the slots, sockets and headers exposed. In a white NZXT case with a glass side panel the effect is tidy and uniform, and that is the reason most people choose one.
The second difference is software. NZXT boards build in the fan and lighting control that the company otherwise sells as separate controllers, managed through its CAM application. If you already use NZXT coolers, fans or lighting, everything sits in one program. If you do not, this is of little benefit.
Underneath, the board follows the same AMD or Intel chipset specification as any other maker's. An NZXT board on B650E takes the same AM5 processors as any B650E board, and a Z790 model takes the same LGA1700 processors as any Z790 board. Our guide to motherboard chipsets covers what each chipset allows.
The range and how the names work
The naming is the simplest of any maker: a range name, then the chipset.
- N7: the main range, with the full cover. Examples over the years include N7 Z490, N7 B550, N7 Z690, N7 Z790 and N7 B650E.
- N5: a cheaper board with a reduced feature set, offered on a few chipsets only, such as N5 Z690.
Boards are usually sold in a black and a white version, shown as a colour option or a suffix on the listing. NZXT's boards have been ATX size, so there is no micro-ATX or mini-ITX option to look for, but confirm the form factor on the listing. NZXT releases a model on only one or two chipsets per generation, so you will not find an NZXT equivalent for every chipset, and entry-level chipsets are generally not covered.
Most recent N7 boards include WiFi, and the memory type follows the platform. Check both on the listing, along with the number of M.2 slots and rear USB ports, because these vary by model.
BIOS updates without a CPU
Some NZXT boards have a button for updating the BIOS from a USB stick with no processor fitted, similar to the features the larger makers offer, but do not assume every model does. Check the specification or manual for the exact board. It matters when older stock meets a newer processor, for example an AM5 board made before Ryzen 9000 was released, or a 600-series Intel board paired with a 13th or 14th gen chip. Our guide to BIOS updates and CPU compatibility explains how to check.
Warranty and support in the UK
NZXT states a warranty period for each product on its own site, and you should confirm the current term for the specific board instead of assuming it matches other makers. As with any brand, the retailer is your first port of call for a fault. With Amazon that means a return or replacement through your order page.
A board bought from Amazon Warehouse comes under Amazon's returns policy and does not necessarily carry the full manufacturer warranty of a new board. Read the offer terms. With a covered board, inspect what you can on arrival: check the CPU socket for bent pins, confirm the WiFi antenna and accessories are in the box, and test promptly. Our used motherboard checklist sets out the steps.
What to look for when buying
- Be clear that you are paying partly for appearance. Compare the ports, M.2 slots and power delivery with boards from other makers on the same chipset before deciding.
- Because the range is small and models are not refreshed often, an NZXT board on sale may be from an older generation. Check the chipset and socket against the processor you plan to use, starting with how to choose a motherboard.
- The full cover makes it harder to see the board's condition and to reach some connectors. Read the manual for header locations before you build.
- Pick the colour deliberately. Black and white versions are separate listings and can be priced differently.
See what is available now on the NZXT deals page. If the list is short, that reflects the size of the range.
Questions people ask
Does NZXT make its own motherboards?
NZXT designs the look and features of its boards and has them built with an established manufacturing partner. The boards follow standard AMD and Intel chipset specifications, so CPU and memory support is the same as for other boards on that chipset.
What is the difference between the NZXT N7 and N5?
The N7 is the main range with the full metal cover and the fuller feature set. The N5 is a cheaper board with fewer features, sold on only a few chipsets. Compare the specifications of the exact models, because details vary.
Do I need an NZXT case to use an NZXT motherboard?
No. The boards are standard ATX and fit any ATX case. They are styled to match NZXT cases, and the built-in fan and lighting control works with NZXT’s CAM software, but neither is required.