In 2018, Intel launched another sequel to its predecessor known as 9th generation processors, which uses coffee lake architecture. Its presence stimulated an odd enigma that forced contemporary gamers to dive into a new environment. As the title suggests, this article will discretely focus on the i9-9900K processor, where “K” represents the unlocked processor (overclocking). The 9th generation processor requires extremely competitive hardware, which can support the high-end features of the processor.
For example, you will be in dire need to have a motherboard that harbors the process of sufficient overclocking (boasting core speed) and incorporating the latest hardware and sustainability over time.
Since these unlocked processors run hotter, you will have to ensure decent airflow into the system. For that, your motherboard should have slots for coolers, availability of SATA to IDE expansions, and system fan slots. The key element here is “Cooling.” The reason is quite fathomable because whenever you boast a component that exceeds its manufactured value, it will simmer. To reduce the simmering, what you will have to do is find the best compatible motherboard for the processor. Before that, we will be talking about a couple of things to bear in mind before pushing ourselves to the checkout. Click Here to Read what factors to consider before buying a MOBO for i9 9900k.
We will proceed to the most-awaited session of finding the best gaming motherboards for Intel Core i9 9900K.
Top 7 Best Motherboards for i9 9900K (Overview)
| Award Rewarded | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best flagship motherboard for core i9 9900K | 4.9/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best enthusiast motherboard for core i9 9900K | 4.7/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best RGB motherboard for core i9 9900K | 4.6/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The Best Gaming motherboard for core i9 9900K | 4.5/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best budget-friendly motherboard for core i9 9900K | 4.4/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best alternative gaming motherboard for core i9 9900K | 4.4/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best alternative budget-friendly motherboard for core i9 9900k | 4.3/5 | Buy on Amazon |
Best Flagship Motherboard
There is a surfeit of variants for the Z390 motherboard catering to different formulas and withstanding the profuse overclocking phenomena. On top of the list is the “Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme”. For a fleeting moment, you might consider comparing against flagship models, which is entirely understandable, but this motherboard has its dedicated aura. For now, this specific motherboard supports 8th and 9th generation processors at most. It also has Dual Channel Non-ECC unbuffered support for DDR4 Rams with four slots. On top of that, it also has a cutting-edge thermal design produced out of a nanocarbon baseplate. Surprisingly, it also harbors the ability to install an RGB fan commander, which means this motherboard will equally serve the non-RGB and RGB components. It is called plane perfection. As far as the price tags for this motherboard are concerned, they range from $550 to $600 depending on the variant selected.
To purge out any doubts regarding the price, it’s entirely justifiable. When you ponder the exceptional features such as M.2 port with their dedicated heatsinks, Thunderbolt 3 support, and phenomenal power support, the price tags are justified. You can use different websites to compare the retail price of flagship models, and then you’ll know where Z390 stands.
- Overclocking profiles
- Upgradable ports
- Expensive
Best Enthusiast Motherboard
The term “enthusiast” here represents the potential of the motherboard for overclocking. Today’s gamers are more focused on overclocking their components to reach higher frequencies-this tweaking enhances the system’s overall performance. That’s why I chose ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero for your core i9 9900K processor. Talking about its glamorous features, you get hold of synchronized RGB profiling (AURA sync that can be toggled on and off from the motherboard), top-notch cooling zones (for reducing overclocking temperatures), onboard Wi-Fi for reaching soaring internet speeds, LANGuard, dual M.2 NVMe slots, USB 3.1 Gen 2, 5-way optimization for profile switching and withstanding audio for fun.
Not to mention, the motherboard is donned with proper shielding armor that protects the body from burning. At times, when you are Xtreme overclocking, there’s this haze of thick smoke billowing out of the components, because you didn’t use: A) proper shrouded motherboard. B) No appropriate cooling solution. It’s astonishing to see how ASUS Maximus XI Hero is coping with extreme temperatures and giving an outstanding performance ratio to the users.
For specifications, you get hold of 4 x DIMM (128 DDR4 RAM), Integrated GPU, multi VGA support, Nvidia 2-way SLI, AMD 3-way CrossFireX, 2x PCIe 3.0 x 16, 1x PCIe 3.0x 16, 2x M.2 slots, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s, 15 USB 3.1 (Gen 1 and Gen 2) ports, and a myriad of exclusive buttons.
- Extreme expandability
- Future-proof motherboard
- Potential overclocking profiles
- Expensive
- Hefty
Best RGB Motherboard
You must have come across all the appraisals and positive reviews about MSI products. When discussing MSI’s motherboards, we saw a considerable jump performance, which means the brand went a notch further in providing the best possible performance ratio. The MOBO earned the title of being the best RGB because of easy-to-go RGB profiling. All you have to do is use third-party software or onboard buttons to change profiles and modes for displaying vibrant colors. Not to mention, the motherboard offers DDR4 memory up to 4500 (overclocked) MHz, which is phenomenal since it will allow your system to tend to simultaneous tasks.
The MSI MEG also offers mystic light infinity (16.8 million colors for RGB), pre-installed I/O shielding (For EMI protection), and the lightning-fast gaming experience with M.2 shield Frozr, and an audio boost memory chipset.
When considering design and layout, the motherboard knocks off many flagship models in this field. You get to hold on-fleek design, proper aluminum heatsinks for protection against temperatures, and durability. That’s the reason why I chose this motherboard to be in the first top 3 slots.
For specifications, the motherboard offers 2 (Gen 2, Type C), 4(Gen 1, Type A), 1(Gen2, Type C), 5(Gen2, Type A), and 8 USB 2.0 ports. Not to mention, the motherboard comes with Direct X 12 enabled, and a surfeit of other gaming-laden features.
- Suitable for RGB
- Uses advanced buttons
- Expensive
Best Gaming Motherboard
It’s time to welcome the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E gaming motherboard to the list of Best Motherboards for i9 9900K. Let me assure you that ASUS products are spell bounding in terms of providing features and looks. Although the motherboard might have shortcomings for not using all the recommended to date features, it’s still worth it. For the proposed features, you get to hold of LGA1151 socket that can work both on 8th and 9th generation processors, AURA Sync RGB for light profiling and mode switching, comprehensive cooling system (M.2 heatsink, water-pump header, fan extensions, and MOS fan with bracket), 5-way optimization (AI overclocking), gaming networking (intel Gigabit Ethernet and onboard Wi-Fi), and a mesmerizing in-build audio chipset. What else do you want, huh?
Not to mention, the motherboard uses a unique layout and design. For instance, you get hold of a pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS safe slots, and premium components for temperature endurance. It’s worth mentioning that the motherboard also comes with an on-fleek aesthetically pleasing design, which makes it par the gaming requirement of 2021. You can flaunt and show off whenever you want with its glittering ebony body.
For the specifications, the MOBO offers 2 x PCIe 3.0 x 16, 3x PCIe 3.0 x 1, 6 x SATA 6GB/s, 2x M.2 sockets, support for HDMI, DisplayPort, Nvidia 2-way SLI, AMD 3-way CrossFireX, and 4 x DIMM RAM slots. There’s more to it! The motherboard also offers 15 USB ports with proper Gen1 and Gen2 compatibility.
- Strong M.2 slots
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Hard to tweak overclocking settings
Best Budget Motherboard
MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk knocks off a multitude of limitations, for example, the budget barrier. It’s not feasible for everyone to buy something grandeur and expensive. That’s why Godly and robust motherboards like MSI Mag exist, which not only cater to the gaming community but also ensure that everyone gets equal rights. The motherboard comes with the support of 8th and 9th generation processors. It’s worth adding that the motherboard supports DDR4 memory, up to 4400 MHz (in overclocked mode). Apart from this, you get to hold integrated I/O design (for convenient installation), aluminum heatsinks for safeguarding components, premium network connection (Dual LAN and ethernet ports), and 2x Turbo M.2 for high-speed SSDs, and mystic light of 16.8 million colors. To be honest, having RGB on such a budget-friendly motherboard is like dancing in glee. Not to mention, you can channel the RGB profiling and modes from the value-added buttons on the motherboard.
For design, the motherboard offers an on-fleek and attractive layout that works in conjunction with a protective layer. MSI ensured that your components remain safe from soaring temperatures. Notwithstanding, the motherboard offers a surfeit of Gen2 and Gen1 USB ports, overclocking profile up to 4400 MHz, and an Intel Gigabit LAN controller.
- Budget-friendly
- Uses armor body
- Lacks a couple of advanced features
Let’s lighten your mood with something non-traditional and competitive. It’s time to bring in the ASUS TUF Z390-Pro gaming motherboard. Since ASUS is known for pitching in robust and high-quality products, you can entirely rely on this particular motherboard. For assurance, you can check on past anecdotes of people and the reviews on the official website. Well, the motherboard offers its discrete protection feature that goes by “TUF protection.” It protects your M.2 slots, VRM, and I/O for long-term reliability. Not to mention, you get to hold TUF components like LANGuard, TUF chokes, TUF Capacitors, and TUF MOSFETs for robustness.
On top of that, the motherboard offers OptiMem II (for routing of signal integrity), Realtek S1200A codec for safe sound, and GPU temperature sensors with Fan Xpert 4. These bulletins, as mentioned above, help in giving enough credence to the motherboard. It’s optimum for your PC to have ASUS TUF since the MOBO dedicated its features to gaming only.
Not to mention, the motherboard uses a protective armor body, with AURA sync RGB. You can toggle on and off respective profiles and modes from the value-added buttons at the top. Apart from this, the motherboard blesses you with 4x DIMM slots (128 GB of RAM), 4266 MHz boost (overclocked), Dual channel memory architecture, Support for Nidia SLI and AMD CrossFireX, and a couple of PCIe expansion slots.
- Best for gaming and rendering
- Have TUF dedicated features
- Expensive
Don’t worry; this motherboard will not cost you an arm and a leg. It comes at a subsidized cost; thus, making it another budget motherboard for i9 9900k on the list. For the features, the motherboard offers you a ten power phase design, support for DDR4 up to 4300 MHz+ (in overclocking mode), 2 PCIe 3.0 x 16, 3 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 for Wi-Fi support, AMD Quad CrossFireX, and CrossFireX, graphics card display option: HDMI, D-Sub and DVI-D, 7.1 CH HD Audio, 6 SATA3, 2 M.2 slots for SSD, and 8 USB ports (Gen2 and Gen1). On top of that, you get hold of an in-built Intel Gigabit LAN with a perfect armor shroud. For safekeeping and protection, there is a myriad of aluminum heatsinks to protect against soaring temperatures.
Not to mention, the design and layout of the motherboard is on the spot and looks mesmerizing. If you want something at a low cost, with mediocre features, ASRock Z390 Pro4 is a go-to motherboard.
- Budget-friendly
- Great for overclocking
- Dull and old
What factors to consider before buying a MOBO for i9 9900K?
You are setting up an example for the current generation, especially gamers, about the motherboard selection criterion. Albeit, you are making progression; at the same time, there are chances that you might end up with the wrong motherboard. How to minimize such erroneous happenings? The only way to purge out the possibility of making the wrong choices is to ensure that XYZ features are present in the motherboard. For that, I have enumerated all the required features you need to look at.
- Chipset and Socket: Engrave this on your mind: Core i9 9th generation processor only supports Z390 and Z370. If you are going for any other motherboard, then sorry to say, you will not be able to run the chipset. In the latter part, we will be mostly focusing on Z390 and its myriad of features that enable customization and freedom of choice. Wait, we are not over yet with this bulletin. For the socket, you are required to get an LGA1151. If by luck, you end up selecting another socket on either of the motherboards, then all you can be is apologetic to yourself.
- Expandability (ports): It’s another crucial factor to consider before finalizing any motherboard for your chipset. Let me explain this to you with an example. Suppose, you got the best motherboard for Core i9 9900K, but unfortunately, it lacks the expandability factor. The real question arises, what do I mean by expandability? Surely, you will not be upgrading the system anytime sooner; thus, requiring you to have a series of ports installed on your motherboard already. These ports allow you to have upgrades without taking a toll on your savings. For example, in the future, you want to slot in another GPU. How would you do that? It will only be possible if your motherboard has extra PCIe slots on it.
- Overlocking Capacity: Who doesn’t want this? If you are an enthusiast gamer, then the factor of overclocking shouldn’t be overlooked. It allows you to harness the maximum potential power of each slotted component on the motherboard. When you game, code, and render, you need those boosted frequency clocks to make things happen faster, and it’s only possible if your MOBO supports the overclocking feature. For cross-checking, you will be required to look at VRMs, the number of heat sinks attached, and the profiling setup in the BIOS.
- Form Factor: At times, people usually forget even to check the form factor of the motherboard. What happens is that they cannot fix the MOBO into the case because they were so oblivious to their surroundings. I hope you are not like them (fingers crossed). In short, motherboards come in three discrete form factors: ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. If your case is compact and portable, I recommend you go for either micro ATX or mini-ITX form factor.
- Connectivity: How could you forget this? For the immersive gaming experience, you need stable ethernet ports and fast Wi-Fi adapters, and it’s only possible if your motherboard offers these value-added features. Not to mention, some motherboards offer in-built Wi-Fi if you can get them, then well and good.
- RGB: It’s not like you are forced to get this option available to your motherboard. Well, using RGB is your personal choice. If you are out of budget and do not want to buy expensive motherboards, just for the sake of lighting up your room in pink and blue, it’s okay. Non-RGB Motherboards will work fine!
Wrapping Up
To wrap up, if you are looking forward to overclocking your i9-9900K to its full potential, Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme is the best pick-up for you. Why though? Although the price tags continuously vary, the supporting features give the motherboard an enticing look. Just imagine running your new beast high-end PC, with all the components overclocked. In addition to that, you can install two coolers on your motherboard, if the case has the required space. Suffice to say, this Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme has everything you have dreamt of.
Conversely, if you are looking forward to something between the lines, then ASRock Z390 Pro4 might help you out of your budget misery. It’s a good-looking and average motherboard with most of the advanced features.
I hope the guide was easy to comprehend and understandable. If you have any queries regarding selecting the best motherboard for your system, feel free to comment.
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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.