Are you thinking about buying a motherboard for i5 9600K? especially if the latest version of the Intel processor is frequently being used. This means that the processor you would be using would be of higher number, for example, you were using Intel Core i7 3rd generations processor.
Logically the next choice will be Intel Core i9 right! No that may be true in terms of the numbering of the processor but if you want to upgrade core i7 3rd generations then your choice should be Intel Core i5 9th generation. In terms of numbering, it seems like a downgrade but technically it is an upgrade.
Because the generation determines how the processor traverses and performs. So, shifting from Intel Core i7 3rd generation to Intel Core i5 9th generation is an upgrade and not a downgrade. The purpose of writing this article is to clear this misconception and study which motherboards are best for i5 9600K.
For the same reason, this idea came to my mind to pen down my thoughts and try to assist people. Who goes out on a limb without the slightest of knowledge of what predicament they may end up with? Several motherboards in the market are not only sophisticated but will also give you the pleasures of the latest gaming aspect.
Table of Contents
1. ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme
One of the high-end motherboards is ASUS Maximus XII Extreme. Why is it a high-end motherboard? It is not high-end because it belongs to a famous brand rather it features advanced elements that power the i5 processor.
What has been noticed, multiple user reports also suggest the same is the fact that ASUS ROG effortlessly offers spikes in the output. All the spikes have shown a positive interrelationship.
This motherboard offers some amazing features. Will be discussing some of the salient features of this motherboard. ASUS ROG offers maximum overclocking capability. The rising temperatures are brought down by water cooling. It has BIOS optimization, a temperature monitoring system, and assistance for DDR4 components (overclocked).
There is more to it, it does not end here. This motherboard utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide for the smallest of changes made by the system. For example, when the temperature increases from the given limit of 80°C then AI will record the temperature.
The AI will make sure the cooling system remains stable while repeating the loop till the time the temperatures decrease again.
Specifications
| CPU Support | Intel Socket 1511 for Intel Core 9000 Series 8th Generation Core i7/i5/i3, Pentium and Celeron processors |
| Chipset | Intel Z390 Chipset |
| Memory | 4/64 GB DDR4 4400+ MHz (O.C) |
| PCIe X16 Slots | 2 @ 16 or x8/x8 or x8/x4 +x4; “1 max @ 4” |
| Graphics | HDMI/DP |
| Audio | SupremeFX S1220A |
| 32Gb/s M.2 | 1 x M.2 2242-2280 (SATA + PCIe 3.0 x 4) “1 x M.2 2242-22110 (PCie 3.0 x 4)” |
| Wireless | 2×2 MU- MIMO 802.11ac |
| Aura Sync | Yes |
| Form Factor | ATX |
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2. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI
Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro is also offering a high-end experience but at a lower price. It is one of those motherboards which also has a lot to offer. It is one of the high-performing motherboards available in the market. It has been received very positively by users and apart from very high reviews from users. It has also exceeded in performance over flagship models.
For one of the smoothest overclocking in the 9th generation processors, it is equipped with an exceptional VRM. One of the surprising things is that the motherboard nominates distinct figuration for overclocking. In simple and easy terms if you want to bring down the frequency clock to enhance your system performance, then utilize profile X.
On the other hand, if you feel that by maximizing overclocking the temperatures will go sky high then you utilize profile Z. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro is equipped with three M.2 slots, it has six SATA III connectors, and also has a few USB ports for external connection. The maximum frequency for its DDR4 memory is 4400MHz.
It also has Multi-GPU support, has a Gigabit LAN port, and is equipped with sixteen PCIe ports.
For an amazing sound experience, it is adorned with the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec which has a glaringly clear voice.
It is crowned with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi. The AORUS Pro gives you a visible CMOS button located on the back panel. It has Q-flash assistance and Dual BIOS systems. No matter how you look at it, this motherboard has great quality features.
Specifications
| CPU Support | 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core Processors |
| CPU Power Phase | 12 + 1 Phase IR Digital VRM |
| Memory Type | Dual – Channel DDR4 |
| Memory DIMMs | 4*DIMMs |
| Graphic Interface | 1*PCIe 3.0 x16 + 1*PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Expansion Slots | 1*PCIe 3.0 x4 + 3*PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 | 2(M.2 Heatsink *2) |
| Display Interface | HDMI |
| WIFI | Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless |
| Audio | ALC1220-VB |
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3. Gigabyte Z390 – M Gaming Motherboard
Gigabyte Z390 – M emerges as the best selection for your system if you are contemplating on micro ATX form factor. Although this motherboard belongs to a well-known brand name, because of intensifications it has become an unprecedented system. From the users’ feedback, it came to light that they could easily gel in with the system by going through the manual.
This motherboard is equipped with many great elements. It boasts an advanced thermal design. It has multiple slots for GPU. It comes with 2-way CrossFire, GBE LAN with cFOSpeed, and five combinations for a smart fan. It offers ultra-long-lasting LAN safety.
It is equipped with DDR4 which is Non-ECC and unbuffered, dual-channel. Four Dual NVMe PCIe Gen3 are also packed in this motherboard. It has assistance for the RGB system and Thunderbolt 3 support. It has been provided with many USB ports for multiple connectivities. It also has an excellent long-life heatsink and configurations to protect from skyrocketing temperatures.
Specifications
| Brand | Gigabyte |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Memory Speed | 4400MHz |
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| CPU Support | 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core Processors |
| Chipset | Intel Z390 Express Chipset |
| Memory DIMMs | 4*DIMMs |
| Display Interface | HDMI |
| WIFI | Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless |
| Audio | ALC892 Codec |
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4. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS MASTER LGA1151
Gigabyte AORUS Z390 is designed with user satisfaction in mind. To offer the best advantage on Intel 9th generation processors. This motherboard is designed with the view to enhance speed and provide strong thermal protection. It is packed with lots of high-end features. It provides excellent performance and also value for money.
Gigabyte AORUS Master motherboard is manufactured using Ultra long-life materials. It has a faultless symmetry between performance and style. It is equipped with a Fins-Array heatsink. A heat pipe and thermal base plate ensure lower temperatures.
It is equipped with Intel’s next-gen Wi-Fi with speeds up to 1.73Gbps. It has a complete audio suite. It is equipped with ALC1220 Codec, which gives the user the option to play surround sound.
The SSD devices are provided with thermal security. The SSDs are protected by M.2 Thermal Guard.
The motherboard is connected to a Type–A chassis cable which is connected with USB 3.0. With this, you can recharge android and apple devices. To provide users with a strong foundation to assemble their system for gaming, AORUS motherboards are fortified with Ultra Durable shielding. The I/O, memory, and PCIe are layered with this shield.
Specifications
| CPU Support | 9th and 8th Generation Intel Core Processors |
| CPU Power | 12 + 2 Phase IR Digital VRM |
| Memory Type | Dual-Channel DDR4 |
| Memory DIMMs | 4*DIMMs |
| Graphics Interface | 1*PCIe 3.0 x16 + 1*PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Expansion Slots | 1*PCIe 3.0 x4 + 3*PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 | 3(M.2 Heatsink *3) |
| Display Interface | HDMI |
| WIFI | Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless |
| Audio | ALC 1220-VB + ESS9118 |
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5. ASUS Prime Z390-A Motherboard LGA1151
The ASUS Prime Z390 is ideal for 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors. It gives maximum performance and has a customizable design. Artificial Intelligence overclocking is provided by 5-Way Optimization. Maximum data transfer speed via USB 3.1 Gen2, M2, and dynamic fan calibration keep the system cool.
You can design your computer with Aura Sync RGB using addressable headers. It is designed to provide maximum speed and connectivity. Overclocking is AI optimized with foxy forecasting and temperature telemetry. It is equipped with a 5-way optimization AI suite.
It also has superfast connectivity with 32Gbps data-transfer speed supported by M.2. Provision of x4 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 bandwidth makes communication seamless and ultrafast. Multiple options for USB connectivity give you an extra edge. High personalized T-Topology layout which ensures delivery of signals perfectly time-aligned.
Three thermal sensors are referenced by headers through Fan Xpert 4 which allow you to map temperatures of ASUS GPU for optimal cooling. Realtek S1220A gives you crystal clear audio output. Built-in RGB LED lights give the motherboard a beautiful look.
Specifications
| CPU Support | Intel Socket 1511 for Intel Core 9000 Series 8th Generation Core Pentium and Celeron processors |
| Chipset | Intel Z390 Chipset |
| Memory | 4/64 GB DDR4 4266 + MHz (O.C) |
| PCIe X16 Slots | 2 @ 16 or x8/x8 or x8/x4 +x4; “1 max @ 4” |
| Graphics | HDMI/DVI-D ports |
| Audio | Realtek S1220A featuring Crystal Sound 3 |
| 32Gb/s M.2 | 1 x M.2 2242-22110 (SATA + PCIe 3.0 x 4) “1 x M.2 2242-2280 (PCie 3.0 x 4)” |
| Wireless | Intel I219-V |
| Aura Sync | Yes |
| Form Factor | ATX |
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6. ASRock Motherboard (Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/AC)
This motherboard comes at a very cool price. It presents a very high-quality Mini-ITX motherboard packed with 8 layers PCB. The cooling is great keeping its size in mind. It is equipped with Sound Blaster Cinema 5. It also has dual M.2 slots, Intel 2T2R Dual-Band Wi-Fi.
This product line is having black, red, and grey styling. The motherboard boasts a 10-phase VRM that is cooled by a heatsink.
Specifications
| CPU Support | Intel Core 9000 Series and 8th Gen Intel Core |
| Chipset | Intel Z390 |
| Integrated Graphics | Dependent on installed CPU |
| Memory | 4x DIMM, Support Dual Channel |
| Memory | 4x DIMM, Support Dual Channel |
| BIOS | Dual AMI UEFI BIOS |
| Expansion Slots | 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
| Storage | 8x SATA 6 Gb/s port 3x M.2 port (SATA3/PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| Networking | 1x Intel 802.11ax (WiFi 6) |
| Audio | 1x Realtek ALC1220 Codec |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor |
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7. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO (Intel LGA 1151/Z390/ATX)
These motherboards are designed with user satisfaction in mind. Gigabyte is focusing on the ideology that the users can get the most out of the motherboard’s performance. It is equipped with a variety of extraordinary components.
This motherboard is equipped with a dual ATX connector which means strong VRM, this motherboard has a digital power phase of 12 + 1. Intel is capable of boosting the turbo frequencies towards 5GHz. Intel with this feature has a great advantage over AMD.
Specifications
| CPU Support | 9th and 8th Generation Intel Core Processors |
| CPU Power Base | 12 + 1 Phase Digital VRM |
| Memory | Dual-Channel DDR4 |
| Memory DIMMs | 4*DIMMs |
| Graphic Interface | 1*PCIe 3.0 x16 + 1*PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Expansion Slot | 1*PCIe 3.0 x4 + 3*PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 | 2(M.2 Heatsink *2) |
| Display Interface | HDMI |
| WiFi | Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless |
| Audio | ALC1220-VB |
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8. GIGABYTE Z390 Gaming X (Intel LGA 1151/Z390/ATX/2x M.2)
Gigabyte Z390 is a must-have for overclocking Intel’s processors. It is equipped with an enhanced 10 + 2 phase PWM + Lower RDS (on) MOSFETs layout to assist the newest 8-Core Intel CPU. To ensure long-life it is provided with a heat protection solution for M.2 SSD devices. A smart fan has been installed which ensures continuous performance and monitored cooling. Dual BIOS protects the user from BIOS unserviceability due to virus or hardware malfunction. A strong shield provides extra strength and protects from twisting and bending.
Specifications
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Chips | Intel Z390 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Voltage Regulator | 12 Phases |
| Video Ports | HDMI 1.4 |
| USB Ports | 10Gbps Type A5Gb/s Type A USB 2.0 |
| Network Jack | Gigabit Ethernet |
| DIMM Slots | 4 DDR4 |
| Audio | ALC892 |
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9. GIGABYTE Z390 UD, Intel LGA 1151/Z390/ATX/M.2
Gigabyte Z390 UD has very good VRM and can run the i9-9900K. The motherboard can push memory speed up to 4266MHz. Black and grey coloring adds flavor to the motherboard’s look.
Storage has one M.2 slot with six SATA III connectors. The PCIe x16 slot on this motherboard works beautifully at the speed of x16. It also carries two secondary slots x16 PCIe. There are 3 PCIe x1 slots.
The audio on this motherboard is Realtek ALC887 codec. It supports channel setups of 7.1.
Specification
| CPU Support | 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core Processors |
| CPU Power Phase | 12 + 1 Phase IR Digital VRM |
| Memory Type | Dual – Channel DDR4 |
| Memory DIMMs | 4*DIMMs |
| Graphic Interface | 1*PCIe 3.0 x16 + 2*PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Expansion Slots | 2*PCIe 3.0 x16 + 3*PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 | SATA III |
| Display Interface | HDMI |
| Audio | Realtek ALC887 codec |
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10. MSI Z390 – A PRO LGA 1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen)
MSI Z390 has very good VRM and can function the i9-9900K. It supports DDR4 memory with a speed of up to 4000MHz. It has an all-black design but it still is catchy. The storage is one M.2 with six SATA III connectors. It also provides an additional M.2 slot and hosts a Wi-Fi module.
The x16 speed of the main PCIe slot on the motherboard is very good yet the secondary works at x4 speed. There is only one secondary x16 PCIe slot and is equipped with 4 PCIe x1 slots. The audio is Realtek ALC892 Codec. It has been equipped with HDMI, DVI-D, and DisplayPort on the back panel.
Specifications
| Chipset | Intel Z390 |
| Memory | 4 x DDR DIMM |
| Storage | 1 x M.2 6 x SATA III |
| Multi GPU | AMD CrossFire |
| Expansion | 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 4 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Wi-Fi | No |
Components to Consider Before Buying the Most Suited Motherboard for i5 9600K
There are many factors that we need to ponder before we start discussing the most suitable motherboard. These factors would help you to understand the situation and matters more clearly. Hopefully, you as a reader would be able to make the right decision in buying the motherboard most suited to i5 9600K following the requirements.
1. Form Factor
People do not think that it may be necessary to have a compatible motherboard with the case. Just visualize you have a standard motherboard, but the case you have can only accommodate a Mini-ITX form factor. It is all the more advisable to focus on the smallest of details, even if you think that they are not very important.
2. Ports and Slots
It seems to be a minor thing but overlooking the availability of ports would result in inconvenience and cause frustration. If you miss out on USB 2.0 or other ports at the start, then you would end up looking for connectors and other methods to make the thing do. A sufficient number of USB 3.0, 2.0, and PCIe slots should be provided.
This would be a great help for future upgrading as well. Apart from upgrading it will save the extra cost of arranging external card systems. This would also give you more edge over other users since you would be operationally ready to take on any task.
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3. Overclocking
Do you know for what reason people buy motherboards enabled with overclocking options? The reason is that overclocking gives you the option to manage spikes. It also gives a fluid and transformational frequency clock for the components. For example, if the RTX 2080 is overclocked to its peak capacity, then what will take place? Nothing serious, only that the GPU will be juiced, and its speed will increase a few percent more.
4. Chipset
The processor’s congeniality with the motherboard is called the chipset. The 9th generation processor only equates with Z370 or Z390 motherboards. There are no other options, therefore it is pointless to do further research on other chipsets. Only Z370 and Z390 are compatible with Intel Core i5 9600K.
Now we will proceed towards looking at different motherboard products available in the market which are compatible with Intel Core i5 9600K.
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Conclusion
After going through the 10 best motherboards for i5 9600K we can easily reach a conclusion. The best motherboard for i5 9600K is definitely from the Gigabyte family. Gigabyte has attuned their Z390 line of motherboards for this generation of processors. They offer great cooling, super excellent VRM quality (12 + 1 phase digital VRM), and a handful of good overclocking features.
The best bet for your dollar is Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO, it is equipped with good VRM quality and VRM cooling is conducted with heatsinks, same cool M.2 drives. Internal and external com components everything you need is available.
FAQ’s