The latest news says that intel is trying to revolutionize the concept of true gaming. Although, the term itself is coined and has no proper connotations to what real gaming is.
For you, what is the real definition of gaming?
You might never know. The notion is abstract, and intel’s trying to paint a vivid picture of how the industry should work. Not surprisingly, the arrival of 10th generation chipsets is causing chaos in markets. Such was the case with the 9th generation chipsets when they were first launched in 2018-coffee lake processors. For its time, 9th generation chipsets proposed a myriad of significantly appealing features. Well, to put those features in action, you needed a reliable and robust motherboard. That’s where the role of the Z390 motherboard slipped in.
What’s so special about the Z390 Motherboard?
These Z390 motherboards entail powerful proprietary features such as USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, CNVI link support, headroom for expansion, outstanding overclocking potential, high-end VRMs, and perfect cooling solutions. Only if you are looking forward to having a seamless, and withstanding gaming performance, then Z390 motherboard it is.
The real bummer comes in when you are selecting the right model for your intel processor. The task is daunting and strenuous and requires a lot of research. To save you from the hassle, I have brought you a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide to finding the best Z390 gaming motherboard for your intel processor. The article is laced with all the relevant information you need to absorb before proceeding to the checkout. I ensure that whatever I propose is credible, authentic, and tested for any faults.
Being part of the Gaming Cutters made me realize what sort of responsibility it is.
So, let’s not make your intel core-i9 wait! It does need a sustainable motherboard, and for that, we need to start digging already. Without any further ado, let’s begin the guide to the best Z390 Motherboard for Gaming.
Top 5 Best Z390 Gaming Motherboards
| Title Earned | Model | Form Factor | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The best gaming Z390 motherboard | ATX | 4.9/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best Gigabyte Z390 motherboard | ATX | 4.8/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best mini Z390 motherboard | Mini-ITX | 4.7/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best overall Z390 motherboard | ATX | 4.6/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| The best performative Z390 motherboard | E-ATX | 4.4/5 | Buy on Amazon |
Best gaming Motherboard
ASUS TUF Z390 plus gaming motherboard is a vanilla ice-cream. The MOBO earned the title of being the best gaming motherboard for 9th generation chipsets. It comes with enhanced features that are capable of rendering your games at high potential.
Features
You can get the maximized performance on 8th generation chipsets as well. The reason for allowing the downgrading is nothing but the ease of connectivity. On top of that, you get dual M.2 slots for SSD housing, Gigabit LAN for high-speed internet, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 for appropriate peripheral connection. It just doesn’t end here! The MOBO has an on-fleek military-grade design that makes the motherboard look appealing and enticing to the users. Not to mention, you also get hold of TUF components like TUF LANGuard, TUF chokes, TUF Capacitors, and TUF MOSFETs for system durability. The motherboard indeed has a protective armor body that prevents electrical shocks and edgy current.
Additionally, the MOBO blesses you with Gamer’s Guardian with a safe slot and FanXpert 4, which proposes an enhanced and dynamic cooling system. At times, what happens is that the VRMs tend to run hotter on the motherboard; thus, elevating temperatures. With the proprietary cooling solution, you can minimize the chances of having soaring temperatures.
You know what’s surprising; at a decent cost, you are also getting 8-Channel H.D. gaming Audio and Japanese capacitors for warm and impressive sound. On top of that, you also get hold of ASUS Optimum II that stabilizes memory’s performance with in-built Wi-Fi functionality. Moreover, you can bask in the colorful spectrum of RGB enabled feature, which helps you change RGB profiling and modes at ease. What else do you want?
Specifications
| 2x PCIe x 16 slots |
| DIGI + VRM + EPU |
| Aura Sync |
| 2x RGB strip header |
| 32GB/s M.2 x 4 PCIe & SATA mode |
| DDR4 4266 (O.C) MHz |
| Display Port |
| Support AIO Pump Fan |
- Budget-friendly
- Supports Crossfire X and SLI
- None
Best Gigabyte Z390 Motherboard
There’s so much to talk about Gigabyte motherboards. They have been proposing a myriad of robust MOBOs in the market for enthusiasts. If you are looking forward to having something exceptional and out-of-the-box, then Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra will be your only shot. It’s because of its redeeming features and quality.
Features
The motherboard is available to 8th generation processors as well; this extends the connectivity of the motherboard with existing chips. You also get hold of Dual Channel Non-ECC unbuffered DDR4, DIMMs. It’s surprising that you can overclock all the memory modules to their maximum possible capacity with the help of the motherboard. It’s truly inspiring when keeping the cost in mind. It just doesn’t stop here! You get Intel Optane Memory ready solution, 12+1 Phases (VRMS), and advanced thermal design with a direct touch heat pipe. The reason for implementing a thermally active design is to propagate heat at a much higher rate. With the help of the on-fleek and aesthetically pleasing design of the MOBO, you are also getting a high endurance shielding effect. Indeed, hitting two birds with a single stone!
Not to mention, the motherboard comes with an onboard CNVI 802.11ac 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi, which allows you to reach soaring internet speeds. On top of that, for the ethernet port, you get hold of Gigabit LAN with the cFosSpeed function. One of the MOBOs redeeming features is that it allows you to have full RGB control over your devices. With the help of RGB Fusion 2.0, you can channel profiles and modes as per your will. In addition to that, you are also given the boon of having discreet RGB LED strips on the motherboard.
For the connection, you get 5 Smart Fans connectors, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports, Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe Gen3 x 4 M.2 slots, and USB DAC-UP 2 adjustable voltage connectors.
Specifications
| Multi-Graphic technology |
| 9 X USB ports of variable generations |
| HDMI port |
| H/W monitoring (Voltage detection, temperature detection, water cooling flow, etc.) |
| BIOS Flash |
| DDR4 RAM up to 128GB (32 G.B. each) |
| Onboard graphics card |
| Support Quad-GPU SLI, and Crossfire |
- Supports customizable option
- Expansion slots
- Supports Crossfire X and SLI
- Heavy
Best Mini Z390 Motherboard
Is your case small? Or you just love having mini motherboards in the stash? Whatever the reason might be, if you are looking forward to having a cute little motherboard in your case, Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro WIFI.
Features
Since it’s the smallest motherboard on the list of Best Z390 Motherboards; hence, the cheapest, it has availability ease, which means that you can get hold of it from anywhere. Not to mention, since it’s a mini-ITX motherboard, the purpose is to fit in all the mediocre components (mid-range P.C.). There’s not much room to house significant parts like RTX 2080, so keep that in mind. It’s also true that these days people are building robust Mini-ITX systems, and It’s possible keeping the current portability scenario in mind.
Like any other motherboard, it also supports the 8th and 9th generation, intel processors. For the headroom capabilities, you get hold of dual-channel Non-ECC unbuffered DDR4, 2 DIMMS (maximum 64 G.B.), Intel Optane Memory reader feature, and 6 phases I.R. digital VRM solution with proper power stage. You also get Intel Gigabit LAN, RGB Fusion 2.0 with addressable LED light show design, and Smart Fan 5 support for the cooling solution. It’s worth mentioning that the motherboard proposes all the possible sensing devices for monitoring. Notwithstanding, you also get hold of a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C header, M.2 PCIe Gen3 x 5 interfaces, and advanced thermal fin heat sink.
In conjunction with proper aluminum heatsinks, the armored body allows your components to stay cool and not extend the given temperature threshold. Verily, an incredible motherboard to get hold of in 2021!
Specifications
| 1 x PCI Express x 16 slots, running at x 16 |
| 11 USB generation ports (Gen 2 and Gen 3) |
| HDMI port and Display Port |
| H/W monitoring (Voltage detection, temperature detection, water cooling flow, etc.) |
| BIOS Flash |
| DDR4 RAM up to 64(32 G.B. each) |
| Onboard graphics card |
- Solid price
- Comes with inbuilt Wi-Fi
- Great mini-ITX MOBO for decent builds
- Limited space for expansion
Overall Best Motherboard
MSI is known for pitching in user-friendly and versatile products. Be it graphics cards or motherboards. The same is the case with the MSI MEG ACE Z390 gaming motherboard, which has won the title of being the best overall motherboard on the list of best Z390 Motherboards. Let’s shed light on the features that bring complete harmony and delight.
Features
The motherboard supports 9th/8th Gen Intel processors. The connectivity to the old processor was only possible with the help of the 1151 socket. Not only this, but you get unique 13 phases of VRM that are fully optimized and work at their full potential. You should know how important is the existence of a voltage regulator module, and MSI went to lengths to propose a unique and stylistic VRM feature. For the memory, you get the support of DDR4 up to 4500 (O.C.) MHz, which is highly appreciative. On top of that, you get hold of mystic light infinity, which projects up to 16.8 million colors and 29 effects with proper modes and profiles.
You also get pre-installed I/O shielding that gives outstanding EMI protection and ease of installation. Not to mention, with the MSI MEG ACE, you get a lightning-fast gaming experience because of 3x Turbo M.2 slots with shield Frozr and dual front USB 3.1 Gen Type-C. Since you can slot in exceptional SSDs, your system runs without freezes and lags.
Additionally, the motherboard comes with a high-quality audio chipset for the surround system. Surprisingly, the aesthetically pleasing design is not only to flaunt. MSI implemented such an excellent design so that it can act as a thermal solution. Yes, you get hold of heat sinks that allow heat dissipation.
Specifications
| 3 x PCIe GEN |
| Dual memory channel |
| Max support up to Core-i9 |
| Crossfire and SLI support |
- Exceptional features
- Best for thermal solution
- Expensive than most of the contemporary models (around $320)
Best Performative Motherboard
Let’s welcome the last title on our list. It’s not surprising to see Gigabyte for the third time on the list. They are doing wonders for ages, and everyone knows that. Well, Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Xtreme won the award for being the best performative Z390 gaming motherboard on the list. Let’s see why!
Features
The motherboard is earned with 16 phases I.R. Digital VRM for high-end overclocking purposes. Not only this, but the motherboard is also brilliantly surrounded by heat sinks that allow heat dissipation to take place-no wonder why the rampant use of the motherboard by the gamers. Not to mention, you get hold of Gigabyte’s legendary FUSION 2.0 RGB for synching properties. Simply use the channel button on the motherboard to change profiles and modes as per your will.
On top of that, you can roll back to the 8th generation processor for connectivity, allowing you to expand your upgrading/downgrading horizons. You also get hold of onboard intel CNVI wave 2 Wi-Fi, Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed, and thunderbolt for a spellbinding performance.
Moreover, the motherboard offers you headroom for a dual GPU inlet and many other components for future upgrading. For the cooling system, you get fan headers and sensors for monitoring. What else is left? Perhaps, the motherboard possibly covered every new future to date.
Specifications
| 19 x USB ports |
| Supports Crossfire and SLI |
| HDMI port and Display Port |
| H/W monitoring (Voltage detection, temperature detection, water cooling flow, etc.) |
| RGB Fusion |
| 4 x DDR$ DIMM sockets (up to 28 G.B.) |
| Onboard graphics card |
- Superb RGB design
- 3 Ultra-fast M.2 PCIe slots with thermal guards
- Powerful performance stats
- Expensive
- Uses E-ATX form (the largest one to exist)
What Factors to Consider when buying the Z390 Motherboard?
- Capability: Your first aim should be to ensure that the motherboard you choose should house in the chipset without causing any underlying issues. At times, what happens is motherboard malfunction in the long run, just because it wasn’t properly diagnosed or was out of sync with the processor. Read the guidelines and then only buy the motherboard. No need to hurry; it’s a very intricate process. You have to be delicate while making decisions.
- Form Factor: This is the most crucial step to keep in mind, as it can cause future problems. MOBOS have different form factors; for example, the smallest one is known as “Mini-ITX”; this correlates to the MOBO being able to fit in any case. Whereas, the E-ATX or standard ATX requires bigger cases. If you have a micro ATX case and look forward to installing E-ATX MOBO, sorry you can’t. You must keep updating yourself with the current gaming scenarios.
- Features: You might take features as a redundant thing to look into before buying the MOBO. I know the hype when you have all the components in your hands, which leads to ultimate rushing. That’s now how it should go. Features play an essential role in setting up a master gaming P.C. For example, if you have a 9th generation processor, you must know that the chipset has a lot of advantages over the other lineages. Unfortunately, if you are grabbing a Z390 motherboard without any advanced features, then what’s the use of the 9th generation chipset! Evaluate your choices; it will be going to benefit you in the long run.
- Brand & Price: Well, it’s another important thing that can take a toll on your budget if not chosen correctly. You should be finding a balance between the brand you are choosing and its price tag. It doesn’t mean that the expensive motherboards will always benefit you. It could be the other way around if you are choosing a local brand. Keep your eyes open, and look for as many combinations as possible.
- Ease of communication: You are dealing with a machine, and controlling need you need command over most of the hard-set codes. At times, professionals also are unable to deal with BIOS. In short, get a MOBO that allows communicating efficiently without letting you dive into the world of coding, which might not be your niche.
Final Words
Everything is born out of desire, and because of desires, we make decisions. The selection of the motherboard entirely depends on your personal choice and preferences. However, the rampant use of many flagship models doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll end up good for years to come. Right now, you should be more focusing on getting a robust and reliable product. I would love to recommend the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra motherboard because of its fascinating and mind-blowing features. I assure you the proposal isn’t a sham. I have worked out on the product for years, and it turned out to be a solid 10/10 from my side.
I hope your doubts are clear!
Frequently Ask Questions
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.