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ASUS H81M E Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£55
  • Avg. price in US: ~$60
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel H81
  • Form factor: microATX

ASUS H81M E review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.3

Technical Score

10.0%

8.6

User score

Poor
3.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

2.0

Memory

16.0%

4.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

2.9

Storage

15.0%

5.5

Network

13.0%

1.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.2

Expansion

8.0%

3.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

5.7

Audio

Poor
8.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(135)
amazon
4.3
(84)
amazon
4.1
(83)
amazon
4.2
(16)
amazon
3.3
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(134)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(109)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(83)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(19)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.1

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    1.0

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • asus-h81m-e
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  • asus-h81m-e
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Asus H81M-E is a compact Micro-ATX motherboard based on the Intel H81 Express chipset, designed to support 4th generation Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors via the LGA1150 socket. Key specifications include two DIMM slots supporting up to 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 1600MHz memory, a PCIe 2.0 x16 slot for discrete graphics, and four SATA ports (two 6Gb/s and two 3Gb/s). Its primary advantages include '5X Protection' for enhanced hardware durability, a user-friendly UEFI BIOS with EZ Mode, and USB 3.0 Boost for faster data transfers. However, its budget-oriented design is limited by the presence of only two RAM slots, a lack of an internal USB 3.0 header for front-panel cases, and high VRM temperatures during overclocking.

Technical Specifications of ASUS H81M E

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

2.0

Memory

16.0%

4.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

2.9

Storage

15.0%

5.5

Network

13.0%

1.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.2

Expansion

8.0%

3.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

5.7

Audio

3.3
ASUS H81M E has a technical score of 3.32 points, which is lower than that of 99.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(135)
amazon
4.3
(84)
amazon
4.1
(83)
amazon
4.2
(16)
amazon
3.3
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(134)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(109)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(83)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(19)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.6
ASUS H81M E has a user score of 8.63 points, which is higher than that of 75.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
10
ASUS H81M E has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.7
ASUS H81M E has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 97.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1150
ASUS H81M E uses the LGA 1150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel H81
ASUS H81M E uses the Intel H81 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 97.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

microATX
ASUS H81M E has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
ASUS H81M E uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.4% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

2
ASUS H81M E has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

16 GB
ASUS H81M E supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 98.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.6% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS H81M E supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

1,600 MT/s
ASUS H81M E supports memory speeds up to 1600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

0
ASUS H81M E has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

2
ASUS H81M E has 2 SATA 3 connectors, which is fewer than 95.3% of motherboards and equal to 3.9% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS H81M E supports RAID levels no, which is narrower than 92.3% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
ASUS H81M E does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS H81M E has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS H81M E has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

1
ASUS H81M E has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.7% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x1/x1
ASUS H81M E uses x16/x1/x1 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 61.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 8% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS H81M E does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

6
ASUS H81M E has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

8
ASUS H81M E has 8 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 97.9% of motherboards and equal to 1.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS H81M E has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
ASUS H81M E has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS H81M E has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
ASUS H81M E supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
ASUS H81M E has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS H81M E does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC887
ASUS H81M E uses the Realtek ALC887 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 89% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS H81M E offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

97 dB
ASUS H81M E has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 67.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.8% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

no
ASUS H81M E does not support a headphone amp. 63% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

3
ASUS H81M E has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 38.2% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

3
ASUS H81M E has 3 VRM phases, which is fewer than 99.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

1
ASUS H81M E has 1 CPU power connectors, which is equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

2
ASUS H81M E has 2 fan headers, which is fewer than 91.7% of motherboards and equal to 8.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS H81M E does not have a pump header. 77% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

0 A
ASUS H81M E supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS H81M E vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more SATA 2 connectors
    ASUS H81M E has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 3Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you still use older SATA devices.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASUS H81M E has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 2.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare older full-length expansion options.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.1 vs 0
  • 2.91x cheaper
    ASUS H81M E is cheaper than the average motherboard (£55 vs £160).
    ASUS H81M E is cheaper than the average motherboard (£55 vs £160).£55 vs £160
  • 79 mm shorter
    ASUS H81M E is shorter than the average motherboard (226 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    What it is: The physical height of the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E is shorter than the average motherboard (226 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.226 mm vs 305 mm
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASUS H81M E has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: The number of DVI video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use older compatible monitors.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASUS H81M E has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O includes an analog VGA display output.
    When it matters: When you need compatibility with older displays or projectors.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS H81M E has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS H81M E has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS H81M E has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 2.0 ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many basic USB peripherals.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.4 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 2 connectors
    ASUS H81M E has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASUS H81M E has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS H81M E has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASUS H81M E has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASUS H81M E has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS H81M E has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 79 mm shorter
    ASUS H81M E is shorter than the average motherboard (226 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
  • 18 mm narrower
    ASUS H81M E is narrower than the average motherboard (226 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.

Total
Overall
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS H81M E has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel H81 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASUS H81M E does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Not suitable for gaming
    ASUS H81M E is not suitable for gaming, while the average motherboard is. 86.3% of motherboards are suitable for gaming.
  • Older CPU socket
    ASUS H81M E has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,150 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    ASUS H81M E is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    ASUS H81M E does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.8% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • No automatic overclocking
    ASUS H81M E does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
    memory auto-OC only
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASUS H81M E has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 8 years older release date
    ASUS H81M E is older than the average motherboard (2,013 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    August 2013
  • Less versatile form factor
    ASUS H81M E has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS H81M E does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS H81M E has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASUS H81M E has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASUS H81M E has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 65.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS H81M E has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 67.6% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS H81M E has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,600 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS H81M E has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS H81M E does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Fewer RAID options
    ASUS H81M E has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (no vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASUS H81M E does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    ASUS H81M E does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    ASUS H81M E has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 7 fewer total USB connections
    ASUS H81M E has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (8 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS H81M E has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS H81M E has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS H81M E has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS H81M E has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    ASUS H81M E has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS H81M E has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS H81M E does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • More basic audio codec
    ASUS H81M E has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    ASUS H81M E has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • No headphone amp support
    ASUS H81M E does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS H81M E has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    ASUS H81M E does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.7% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    ASUS H81M E has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (3 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS H81M E has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    ASUS H81M E does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 3 fewer fan headers
    ASUS H81M E has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASUS H81M E does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASUS H81M E has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS H81M E has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS H81M E has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel H81 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS H81M E has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel H81 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel H81 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS H81M E has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    ASUS H81M E has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS H81M E has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    ASUS H81M E has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.16 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS H81M E has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASUS H81M E has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.0 vs 2
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASUS H81M E has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS H81M E has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.2 vs 4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS H81M E does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS H81M E does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    ASUS H81M E has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASUS H81M E has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.6 vs 8
  • 7 fewer total USB connections
    ASUS H81M E has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (8 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
    When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=14

    ASUS H81M E has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (8 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.8 vs 15
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
135 Reviews
amazon
4.3
84 Reviews
amazon
4.1
83 Reviews
amazon
4.2
16 Reviews
amazon
3.3
13 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
134 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
109 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
83 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
19 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS H81M E?

  • Excellent value for budget-conscious builds and basic home/office use
  • Solid build quality with high-quality 5K solid capacitors for durability
  • User-friendly UEFI BIOS with easy-to-use basic and advanced interfaces
  • Compact micro-ATX form factor fits well in smaller cases
  • Reliable stability and performance for 4th generation Intel processors
  • Includes essential modern connectivity like USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s

What customers dislike about ASUS H81M E?

  • Limited expandability with only two DIMM slots (maximum 16GB RAM)
  • VRMs can run quite hot during overclocking compared to competitors
  • Lacks internal USB 3.0 headers for front-panel case ports
  • Missing HDMI output on this specific 'E' variant (uses VGA and DVI)
  • Occasional reports of hardware failures over time (LAN or audio issues)
  • Slower boot and BIOS post times compared to higher-end chipsets

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