But, is there a need to downgrade? For example, let’s suppose you have an Intel Core i7 3rd generation processor, and now you are looking forward to upgrading it. In terms of number, you’ll be degrading because i7 is superior to i5, right? No, you are wrong! Only the generation defines how withstanding a processor is. If I were to upgrade from i7 3rd generation to i5 9th generation, it would be an upgrade and now a downgrade. That’s the reason why today, we will be talking about the best motherboard for i5 9600K, and to be honest, this article is targeted at people who are willing to shift to Core i5 9th generation processors.
Well, the idea catapulted me to write such a well-thought-out piece because people take a leap of faith without realizing what sort of quagmire awaits them. In terms of giving you refined performance, there is an impressive number of motherboards that could bless you with every latest aspect of gaming. For example, 9th generation processors make use of either Z370 or Z390 motherboards. Both of these MOBOs have enchanting features; for instance, you get to hold an absolute RGB system, on-board Wi-Fi, and a couple of sensors for temperature monitoring. For making things easy for you, Z390 is an upgraded version of Z370. If you want exclusive features, then the Z390 motherboard can come in handy compared to its predecessor.
Generally speaking, although the article will be about Core i5 9600K, the motherboards can be put to use for Core i7 and Core i9, alike, as long as you are using 9th generation processors. Before we take a leap into enumerating all the fascinating products, I would like to pitch a couple of factors to consider before buying a motherboard
What factors to consider before buying the best motherboard for i5 9600k?
Form Factor: Most of the time, people overlook the need for having a compatible motherboard with the case. Imagine having a standard MOBO, but your case can only sustain a Mini-ITX form factor. What a bummer! So, it’s always better to pay heed to minute details, whether they are not as important as you think.
Overlocking: Although it’s not a necessity if you harbor components like RTX, and NVMe SSDs, then perhaps you need a decent and well-planned overclocking system. Do you know why people buy MOBOs with an overclocking option enabled? It’s because overclocking allows you to manage spikes and give you a smooth and transitioned frequency clock for your components. For instance, you overclock your RTX 2080 to its maximum potential. What will happen? Nothing, but your GPU will be processing more requests than ever; hence, making your system a couple of percent faster r than before.
Ports and slots: I’ll be honest while choosing a motherboard for myself, I deliberately overlooked the accessibility of ports, and now I’m regretting. I didn’t pay enough attention to USB 2.0 ports, and now I’m looking everywhere to get PCIe-USB 3.0 connectors. That says all about how ports and slots can play a vital role in giving you an edge over other users. Do make sure that you get an ample number of USB 3.0, 2.0, and PCIe slots for upgrading in the future. Will save you from spending on external card systems.
Chipset: Well, the chipset is nothing but the processor compatibility with your motherboard. I previously mentioned the 9th generation processors would only work with either Z370 or Z390 motherboards. Other options are ruled out, don’t even bother researching further than the two chipsets mentioned-above.
Perhaps, now is the time to proceed ourselves to the actual product review of top-quality motherboards that you can get hold of in 2021!
Top 6 Best Motherboards for i5 9600K (Overview)
| Award | Model | Form factor | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best high-end motherboard for i5 9600K | E-ATX | 5/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best performative motherboard for i5 9600K | ATX | 4.9/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best budget motherboard for i5 9600K | ATX | 4.7/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best mid-tier gaming motherboard for i5 9600K | ATX | 4.6/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Micro ATX motherboard for i5 9600K | m-ATX | 4.3/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best ITX motherboard for i5 9600K | ITX | 4.1/5 | Buy on Amazon |
Best high-end motherboard for i5 9600K
The high-end title goes to ASUS Maximus XII Extreme, not because the motherboard is from a renowned brand but also curtails advanced elements to power on your intel processor. Because of ASUS ROG, probably everything at your disposal. From the reports, people observed elegant spikes in performance, and they all showed a positive correlation.
Features
For the features, the motherboard offers you extreme overclocking capabilities, water cooling solutions to reduce the soaring temperatures, BIOS optimization, support for DDR4 modules (Overclocked), and temperature monitoring system. Don’t worry; it just doesn’t stop here! Because there’s something special waiting for you. The motherboard makes use of AI (artificial intelligence) to cater to smidgen changes made by your system. For example, let’s say the temperature exceeds the given threshold of 80 degrees. The AI will send the temperature and will store values. It will ensure that the cooling system remains intact when iterating the loop until the temperature decreases again (logic circuit).
Not to mention, you get hold of PRO COOL II power connectors, 16 power stage VRM, Multi-GPU SLI/CFX support, Intel Socket LGA 1200, 4x DIMM modules (OPTIMEM III and dual channel), and 4 x M.2 Sockets for slotting in fast SSDs. For design and layout, the motherboard offers you a multitude of heat sinks made from aluminum body. On top of that, you also get hold of RGB headers for synching light. One of the motherboard’s pioneering features is that you get hold of Aura Sync, RAM cache III, Livedash OLED, and Armoury crate.
For connectivity, your motherboard blesses you with dual Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5-ethernet, and 10G port to eliminate bottlenecks and SupremeFx for clear audio.
- Exceptional RAM storage
- Overclocking unlocked
- RGB system
- In-built Wi-Fi
- BIOS is upgradable
- Expensive
Best performative motherboard for i5 9600K
Well, Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master cuts to the same chase, but with a little subsidized cost. The motherboard offers high-end features and is considered a performative motherboard on the list. For real, the reason is nothing but positive reviews from users around the world. Not to mention, the recent reports showcase that the motherboard outperformed many flagship models. That is commendable, isn’t it?
Features
The MOBO features excellent VRM, potent enough for smooth overclocking on your 9th generation processor. Do you know what’s surprising? The motherboard proposes discrete profiles for overclocking. In layman terms, if you think that bringing the frequency clock down a notch can make your system performative, then sure tune in to profile X. Otherwise, if you think maximum overclocking gives you high temperatures, tune in to profile Z. That’s how to go about it.
On top of that, the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master offers three M.2 slots, six SATA III connectors, and a couple of USB ports for peripheral connection. In addition to that, the motherboard supports DDR4 memory with a maximum frequency of 4400MHz. Don’t worry; the base frequency can vary. It’s also worth mentioning that the MOBO comes with 16 PCIe ports, Multi-GPU support, and Gigabit LAN port
Gigabyte also blesses you with wireless connections, Bluetooth 5.0, and Realtek ALC1220-VB codec for crystal clear voice. On top of that, the AORUS master brings a clear CMOS button on the back panel, Dual BIOS systems, and Q-flash support. Seriously, even if you write a thesis/book on the motherboard’s beneficial aspects, it will turn out to be less. Verily, it’s an exceptional motherboard with quality features.
- Discrete overclocking profiles
- Multi-GPU support
- Uses aluminum heatsink and fins to protect from temperatures
- Q-flash and dual BIOS
- Lacks in-built Wi-Fi
Best budget motherboard for i5 9600K
Are you looking for a budget solution? If so, I would say, MSI Z390-A pro will work out to be a perfect match for your gaming setup. Since the motherboard belongs to MSI, you can expect the performance to reach the 7th sky-even the recent reports are positive with a 90% confidence level. Precisely speaking, the motherboard brings in high-quality features and helps you sustain your PC at least up to 10 years (which is astounding).
Features
For the features, the motherboard offers you extended heatsink for a remedied cooling solution, Intel CNVi, Core boost, DDR4 module boost, and turbo M.2 SSD slots. Don’t worry. These were just the highlights. In reality, the motherboard offers you a behemoth of features. Some of them include support for overclocked DDR4 modules, PCIe Gen3 x 4 slots for slotting in high-end SSDs, 8+4 pin CPU power, audio boost for clear audio, enhanced circuits, Intel LAN premium network (ethernet ports), and support for multiple GPU-insertion. Not to mention, the motherboard makes use of a platinum cooling solution to dilute the soaring temperatures and protect your PC from abnormal behavior. It is paramount only because of MSI’s proprietary cooling monitoring system.
On top of that, you also get hold of USB 3. 1 Gen2 ports for maximized connectivity. For the design and layout, the motherboard uses the metal (Aluminum) body to radiate heat at a larger rate; thus, reducing the soaring temperatures. In addition to that, Z390-A pro also offers multiple audio jacks, DisplayPort, DVI-D, and VGA support for variable monitor signatures. The only thing which the MOBO does not include is the RGB system. In my opinion, it’s still a decent choice because you are getting so much more at a subsidized cost. What else do you want, huh?
- Affordable
- Use aesthetics for good looks
- Lacks in-built Wi-Fi
- Do not have an RGB system
Best mid-tier gaming motherboard for i5 9600K
It’s a blissful sight to see ASUS prime Z390 making its ostentatious entry into the list. The motherboard is epic in terms of sliding in remarkable features for the users. Since the motherboard belongs to ASUS, you can expect it to outperform flagship models, predominantly. Not to mention, the prime version seeks ultimate salvation and provides the user with perfect customizability. Hence, bringing in everything at your disposal.
Features
Before taking a leap of faith, I would recommend to sieve through the given manual with the motherboard, which is easily available online. Regardless, I’ll enumerate the cornerstone features of the motherboard. For example, you get to hold AI overclocking capabilities, DDR4 4266MHZ (Overclocked) RAM modules, dual M.2 slots for SSDs, HDMI, and DisplayPort support. Not to mention, the motherboard offers an array of enhanced features like OptiMem II (for the careful tracing of signals), enhanced power solution, UEFI BIOS, industry-leading cooling solutions, and M.2 heatsinks.
In my opinion, these heatsinks provide your motherboard with a protective layer. It’s necessary since you will be using the 9th generation processor, which tends to run hotter. On top of that, you also get hold of a proper RGB system-illuminating your case in the night light. It’s a mesmerizing sight, as you can now flaunt and have performative solutions together.
For the ports, you get hold of a surfeit of USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, which is enough to power on your peripherals at their best.
- Efficient
- Beautiful design
- Lacks in-built Wi-Fi
Best Micro ATX motherboard for i5 9600K
When considering the micro ATX form factor, Gigabyte Z390-M turns out to be the best choice for your system. Not because the motherboard entails the gigabyte brand name, but because of the enhancements used to make it an exceptional entity. From the recent reports, users were able to mingle with the motherboard at the earliest without needing to read the manual deftly.
Features
The motherboard offers you an advanced thermal design, 2-way CrossFire, Multiple GPU slotting, Intel GBE LAN with cFosSpeed, and smart fan five customizations. These features are just a piece of a larger puzzle. You also get to hold a dual-channel Non-ECC unbuffered DDR4, dual NVMe PCIe Gen3 x 4, ultra-durable LAN protection, support for RGB system (for aesthetics), and thunderbolt three support. Verily, the features are commendable!
Not to mention, Gigabyte Z390-M offers exceptional and durable heatsinks and layout for protection against soaring temperatures. On top of that, you also get to hold a couple of USB ports for multiple connectivity purposes.
- Affordable
- Use of on-fleek design
- Light-weighted
- Lacks in-built Wi-Fi
- Dull skin color
Best ITX motherboard for i5 9600K
The last spot is taken by ASRock Z390 phantom gaming (ITX). The reason for implementing an ITX model was nothing but to give a variety of options to the users to choose from. Since the motherboard is from ASRock, you can expect it to outperform many flagship models.
Features
The MOBO brings in the support for DDR4 (4500MHZ+ in overclocking mode), 1 PCIe 3.0 x 16, HDMI and DisplayPort support, 7.1 CH HD Audio, 4 SATA3, 2 Ultra M.2, 4 USB 3.1 Gen2, 4 USB 3.1 Gen1, and Intel Gigabit LAN. Not to mention, the motherboard also offers ASRock polychrome sync, which is nothing but RGB support. On top of that, you get a sleek design, with aluminum heat sinks spread all over the motherboard. These heatsinks make sure that your MOBO remains functional in summers when the temperatures are an all-time high. It’s worth mentioning; you can tweak BIOS settings and bring in probable and discrete profiles as per your will. All in all, it’s a decent ITX model that you can rely on for years to come. Do give it a shot if you think smaller MOBOS are your kink.
- RGB system
- High overclocking potential
- Lacks in-built Wi-Fi
- Less room for upgrading
Final thoughts
The final choice, undoubtedly, depends on you. But before you go all head over heels for a single entity, it’s always better to have a look at other products as well. For example, if you like standard form factor, then MOBOs like Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master might cater to your needs. Similarly, if you think ITX is a way to go, ASRock Z390 phantom gaming (ITX) can come in handy. We assure you that all the products are tested on different systems, so don’t worry about the Bias. We are trusted, and so our recommendations.
I hope the guide was enough to clear your doubts regarding the selection criterion of a motherboard. If you think there was something amiss, or couldn’t pen down properly, feel free to comment and enlighten us. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.