Best Motherboard For i5 9600K In 2024 – Top 7

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Looking for the best motherboard for i5 9600k?

These days, higher-end processors such as the i7 and i9 series from Intel, and the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 series from AMD are all the rage. This is because a lot of people are doing more than just playing games on their PCs.

There’s also a high chance that even your average gamer might be streaming, editing gameplay videos, or learning how to code. Higher-end and newer generation processors make sense for that scenario.

However, if your main concern is playing games, then you don’t need more than an i5 these days. The i5 9600K is an excellent example, as it still performs great in gaming after a couple of years of the release.

This is also thanks to the overclocking support given here, which allows users to make this processor usable for a longer period.

Best Motherboards For i5 9600K Comparison Table

Editors' Choice

ASUS Prime Z390-A

(Best Seller)

  • Punches above its weight for the price.

  • Premium design for the price.

  • Excellent accompanying software.

Best Premium Motherboard For i5 9600K

ASUS Rog Maximus XI Hero

  • High-end fit and finish.

  • Great overclocking potential.

  • Premium audio output.

Best Budget Motherboard For i5 9600K

MSI Z390-A Pro

  • Reliable and stable power delivery.

  • High-frequency memory support.

  • Extremely competitive pricing.

How Did We Choose The Best Motherboards For i5 9600K

In order to create a comprehensive and detailed guide for the best motherboards for i5 9600k, there are several aspects to take into account. First off, this is an unlocked processor, so the chipset needs to fully support that feature.

Since the 9600K uses an LGA1151 socket, it is supported by a big number of chipsets. However, not all chips are ideal and the only practical options are Z370 and Z390. This is mainly because these are two chipsets that fully support overclocking.

So, the motherboards on this list focus on VRMs and overclocking ability for the most part. However, it is important to focus on value as well, especially if you are looking for a high performance motherboard.

This would not be too much of an issue if this was i9 generation processors, but an i5 Intel Core is supposed to be a great value in terms of gaming. That is why going with an extremely high-end motherboard is not the right move here.

After taking that into account, we compiled motherboards according to different standout features. Some focus on value, others on providing premium features, and others for the sake of having different form factors.

The boards are then scored according to different parameters, as you can see in our ranking system. They are then given an overall rating and ranked accordingly.

7 Best Motherboards For i5 9600K

Now, without further ado let’s have a look at our selection for the 7 best motherboards for i5 Intel Core 9600k!

1. ASUS Prime Z390-A – Editor’s Choice

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4266MHz | Chipset: Intel Z370 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 10+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Pros:

  • Performance is great for the price
  • High-end looks at a reasonable price
  • Tasteful RGB implementation
  • Perfect for mid-range PCs
  • Decent VRM configuration

Cons:

  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi
  • There is no dual bios support

The ASUS Prime Z390-A might be the perfect pairing for the i5 9600K. This is not because it is the most highest-end gaming motherboard, nor because it is the greatest looking. It is because it aligns perfectly with what the i5 9600K itself represents: great value for gamers.

For people looking for an all-around solid option for great gaming performance at a reasonable price, this is the best motherboard for i5 9600k.

The Z390-A is an ATX motherboard that uses white, black, and silver throughout the design. Its large rear panel cover is completely white and matches the chipset heatsink quite well. Both of these integrate RGB, which is controlled via Aura Sync.

The white pattern/stencils on the PCB contrast the otherwise black components quite well. It also incorporates three full-length PCIe slots with the two of them being wrapped in metal armor for durability.

The memory capacity is 64 gigs, and it supports high-frequency memory quite well. You can overclock RAM up to 4266MHz and beyond.

This is the top-of-the-line Prime motherboard for the 9th Gen platform, and we’ll take a look at another option later on. This one includes a good selection of USB connections, with one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and the other Gen 2 port using the USB Type-C connection. Networking is powered by Intel Gigabit lan I219V controller.

Overall, this is quite an interesting motherboard for the i5 9600K. If overclocking is your only concern or you need a board that supports dual bios keep going through the list. For those who want a solid all-around motherboard, and don’t need Wi-Fi, the Intel Core Prime Z390-A is an absolute steal at MSRP.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 9/10
  • Aesthetics: 9/10
  • Connectivity: 9/10
  • Value For Money: 9/10
  • Overall Rating: 9/10

2. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI Hero – Best Premium Z390 Motherboard For i5 9600

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac WI-FI, Bluetooth 5.0

Pros:

  • Premium fit and finish
  • High-end connectivity options
  • High-quality audio
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • Quite expensive

Next up, we have another ASUS motherboard on the list. This time it is the ROG Maximus XI Hero ASUS Board. The entire Maximus series of motherboards is impressive. They are very similar boards with each product offering its own unique feature set.

The Maximus XI Hero ASUS board is the most affordable of the bunch. Even then, thanks to the excellent features and performance, this is the best premium motherboard for i5 9600K.

Something to note before we go in-depth: The ROG Maximus XI Hero, XI Formula, and XI Code share nearly an identical PCB layout. Most of them have the same feature-set and spec sheet as well.

The difference then comes down to aesthetics and the quality of controllers. The 8+2 phase VRM configuration is quite capable, and as such the Maximus XI Hero performs well in overclocking.

The Maximus XI Hero retains the sleek and stylish look of the ROG lineup. The back panel cover and the chipset heatsink feature RGB zones and they stand out a bit due to their styling.

Other than that, the VRM heatsinks are quite large and prove to be great for thermal management while overclocking. These heatsinks use colored fins to blend in with the design. Great cooling system overall, with a solid mid-range cooler.

The spec sheet alone speaks volumes for what the board has to offer. You get Realtek -powered ROG SupremeFX audio, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, a good selection of USB ports (with Type-C), and Bluetooth 5 support.

Memory overclocking is great as well, as the Maximus can easily handle memory speeds of up to 4400MHz or more. No need to run slower memory when you have this bad boy!

Overall, the Maximus XI Hero is quite an impressive premium motherboard for i5 9600K. It has everything gamers could ask for, while still appealing to enthusiasts thanks to great overclocking support for a well planned overclocking system.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 10/10
  • Aesthetics: 9/10
  • Connectivity: 9/10
  • Value For Money: 7.5/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.87/10

3. MSI Z390-A Pro Gaming Motherboard – Best Budget Motherboard

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 7+2 Phases | Storage: 1x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Pros:

  • Excellent value proposition
  • Clean and reliable power delivery
  • Robust heatsink design
  • Fast memory support
  • Multi-GPU Support

Cons:

  • Basic storage features
  • No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Creating this list was a bit difficult. Mainly because of the fact that the highest-end motherboards for a mid-range processor nearly all cost the same.

A lot of our picks here focus on value, and not features like Multi-GPU Support. With that said, for people who want to purely focus on value, the MSI Z390-A Pro is by far the best budget motherboard for i5 9600K.

The design is quite subtle, without the inclusion of any flashy RGB. Both VRM and chipset heatsinks are constructed solidly, with a solid back panel, and the VRM heatsink features angular styling, adding some character to this otherwise simple design.

The only issue with the design is that this MSI board features a coffee-like color for the PCB. An odd choice for sure, but one that fades away when mounted inside of the PC case. And considering it costs about half the price of other premiums boards, you can take a few design flaws how they come. This motherboard also features a good selection of controllers.

The storage options for this best mid-range motherboard could be a bit better. This is one of the few Z390 motherboards that we are aware of that features a single M.2 slot. While that may be enough for the average gamer, having access to options is always good.

Reliability is quite good all-around as this 7+2 phase VRM design provides clean power. However, don’t expect over-the-top overclocking here.

So, who is this motherboard for? Well for people who don’t want to tweak around much with the 9600K.

Also, for people who want to save money on the board purchase, and invest that elsewhere, maybe into a GPU. What the MSI Z390-A Pro lacks in features, it makes up with is great overall value. Not a bad bargain at all.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 8/10
  • Aesthetics: 7.5/10
  • Connectivity: 9/10
  • Value for money: 9/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.37/10

4. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming – Best ITX Motherboard For I5 9600k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4600MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 6 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0

Pros:

  • Dual M.2 Slot
  • Excellent feature set for an ITX board
  • High-quality audio
  • Decent 6-phase VRM design
  • High-end looks

Cons:

  • Expensive

ITX builds are all over the place, so it’s only natural to look for the best ITX boards for the 9600K. We found that option in the form of the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming. ASUS consistently makes incredible ITX motherboards, and this one is no different in that regard.

This Mini-ITX form factor shares a lot of resemblance to previous Strix ITX products. It builds upon the excellent design of the ROG Strix Z370-I. We can’t blame ASUS as they have gone for the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” route.

The design here is aimed sorely at gamers, with the massive back panel cover featuring ROG style branding that almost resembles graffiti. You also get RGB lighting LEDs along the right side of the board. Making this one mini ITX board an excellent option for the looks.

This model also features increased memory support. You can add 64 gigs of RAM, but that can be overclocked to 4600MHz. Not bad at all for ITX motherboards. Furthermore, you get access to 802.11ac Wi-Fi thanks to the Intel 9560 Wave2 controller, along with Bluetooth 5.0 support.

Audio is excellent as well, thanks to the ROG SupremeFX codec present here. No need for audio boost or subpar audio connectors, or Gold plated audio jacks. Gigabit Ethernet is also an appreciated feature on this mini ITX motherboard.

As for the performance, the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming is highly competitive. It is possible to overclock the 9600K to 5GHz while increasing the voltage. This is performance rarely seen on ITX motherboards and certainly makes it one of the best enthusiast ITX motherboards you can buy.

While the 6-phase VRM design doesn’t seem much on paper, it’s a further testament to engineering present here for this best mini ITX board

Overall, anyone looking for ITX motherboards will be more than impressed with this option. Like many other Strix motherboards, the main downside here is the price. However, many people will be hard-pressed to find better mini ITX boards for the 9600K. We highly recommend it to Small form factor (SFF) PC fans.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 9/10
  • Aesthetics: 9/10
  • Connectivity: 8/10
  • Value for money: 7.5/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.37/10

5. Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 – Best Z370 Motherboard for i5 9600k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4133MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0

Pros:

  • Includes Thunderbolt 3 header
  • Excellent RGB implementation
  • High-end audio features
  • Great connectivity options

Cons:

  • Overclocking could be improved
  • Lacks built-in Wi-FI

While Z390 is an excellent high-end chipset, there’s not much in the way of upgrades compared to Z370. If you’re looking for the best Z370 motherboard for the 9600K, then there’s no need to look further than the Aorus Gaming 7.

This Gigabyte model features a perfect blend of features and overall performance for your Intel Core.

The Aorus Gaming 7 is the standout motherboard from the Aorus Gaming lineup. It’s a step up from the Gaming 5, and that makes for an interesting comparison for sure.

It is brighter thanks to the numerous RGB lighting present here. These can be seen on the I/O cover, VRM heatsink, right above the VRMs, between RAM slots, and even on the PCIe slots. Furthermore, it includes an RGB strip on the right side, near the ATX power connector.

All three of the full-length PCIe x16 slots feature steel reinforcement to avoid any damage. This Gigabyte board also adds power/reset and overclocking buttons on the PCB. These can be found in the upper right-hand corner. This is something missing on similarly priced Z370 motherboards. The DIMM slots are also steel-reinforced, adding to the overall durability of the board.

You have access to two M.2 slots and six SATA ports for storage. Audio is powered by a Realtek codec, and this board uses an ESS Sabre DAC and WMA audio caps to improve headphone output. You can power relatively higher impedance headphones without much issue here.

Audio output in general is quite impressive here. On top of all of that, you get a Thunderbolt 3 header. Better than other compatible motherboard options with hybrid fan headers that are terrible in the audio department.

The frustrating thing about this motherboard is that it lacks Wi-Fi. This is quite bewildering, as the lower-priced Gaming 5 board has a built-in wireless connection and wireless module.

We feel this was done so that you had to buy an even higher-end Aorus board. However, it’s really easy to use Q Flash support to flash the BIOS for this motherboard, so you won’t have to upgrade with a video card.

The pricing could be a bit better, as it is priced for a high end motherboard. The pricing could be a bit better as well. If you can look past that discrepancy, then this is an excellent motherboard all around.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 8/10
  • Aesthetics: 9/10
  • Connectivity: 8/10
  • Value for money: 8/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.25/10

6. MSI Z370M Mortar – Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i5 9600k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4200MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: mATX | Voltage Regulator: 6 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA | RGB: No | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Pros:

  • Support high-frequency memory
  • Competitive pricing
  • Decent overclocking for the 9600K

Cons:

  • Could use more fan headers
  • Tiny VRM and chipset heatsinks
  • Lacks built-in Wi-FI

Next up, we have a micro-ATX board on our list. The MSI Z370M Mortal is an mATX motherboard that features a more rugged design compared to other micro-ATX options.

It features a robust back panel cover that resembles something you might see on military equipment. The screws on both ends give it an industrial-like look to the overall finish. All of the heatsinks present here are simply grey with a single red line running through them.

The PCB is mostly jet black, with some grey accents thrown into the mix. Overall, the black and grey coloring look and feel of the motherboard are quite unique, as it looks more industrial than gaming-focused.

That does mean it lacks any RGB LEDs, and you only get one addressable RGB header for any lighting support. Fortunately, the full-length PCIe slot is reinforced, which provides some stability to the graphics card.

The heatsinks for both the VRMs and chipset are quite small, with no smart fan. They almost ruin the overall look of the motherboard, since the proportions are a bit off-putting. You still get access to four memory slots, with support for 64 GB of RAM with a speed of up to 4000MHz.

Unfortunately, you get access to fewer SATA ports compared to standard ATX options. On the other hand, you do get access to dual M.2 storage, making this an interesting trade-off.

The 6-phase power design is decent and allows you to slightly tweak the i5 9600K. While this motherboard does not feature crazy overclocking support it does get the job done.

Keep in mind that it lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Apart from that, this is a solid micro-ATX motherboard if on a tight budget.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 7.5/10
  • Aesthetics: 8/10
  • Connectivity: 8/10
  • Value for money: 8/10
  • Overall Rating: 7.8/10

7. ASUS Prime Z370-P II – Entry-Level 9600K Motherboard

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4200MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+1 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Pros:

  • Very affordable for the masses
  • Tried and true reliability
  • Intel Optane support

Cons:

  • Little to no overclocking support
  • Lacks wireless connectivity
  • Uninspiring design

Last but not least, we have an entry-level motherboard for i5 9600K. Being an entry-level motherboard means a lack of overall features. However, we are not one to slander a motherboard simply for being affordable. The cost of making a cheap motherboard is the fact that you give up on a lot of features.

For example, this motherboard lacks any and all support for overclocking. While the 8+1 phase VRM design is reliable and stable, overclocking the 9600K can be a bit of a challenge. It is fine if you want to experiment with a slight OC. However, anything more than that should not be done with a whole lot of confidence. So, what do you get with this motherboard then?

Well, you get dual M.2 support, two PCIe full-length slots, a handful of PCIe x1 slots, and a good selection of USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 ports. You even get support for Intel Optane memory.

In terms of the rear I/O, you get six USB ports in total, Gigabit Ethernet, a PS/2 port, and your regular 3.5mm audio jacks. Basically, everything to get you up and running, without lacking in the audio department.

At the end of the day, that is the most that you could ask for from a barebones entry-level motherboard. While we would urge you to spend more if the budget allows, we understand that’s not the case for everyone.

If you just want to get your foot in the door and looking for a budget motherboard, the Prime Z370-P II is a good way to do so.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 7/10
  • Aesthetics: 7/10
  • Connectivity: 7/10
  • Value for money: 8/10
  • Overall Rating: 7.25/10

Worth Mentioning Picks

The above 7 motherboards are more than enough for the 9600k however in case you need more options Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro is a great choice. The board supports dual bios with a single HDMI port and great design and features.

If you are an ASRock motherboard fan and looking for another mini ITX board option the Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/AC: mini-ITX board is more than enough for the intel core i5 9600k

Best 9600k Motherboard Buyers’ Guide

Overclocking

Since we are talking about an unlocked processor such as the i5 9600K, it is important to go with overclocking since this CPU supports overclocking.

Overclocking allows you to potentially squeeze more performance out of your gaming PC. This is done by increasing the power consumption of the processor, allowing it to hit higher frequencies.

To do this in a stable manner, the power delivery system and VRMs need to be of good quality. This is why you’ll often hear people stressing about the number of phases a VRM configuration has.

Your Voltage Regulating Modules (VRM) supply voltage to the CPU, so having more phases is generally better. However, the quality of VRMs and other electrical components matters just as much.

Form Factor

While the form factor won’t necessarily allow you to understand the quality of a motherboard itself, it’s important to consider. This is because going with a different form factor might allow you to save some money.

If you are new to PC building, it is best to stick with ATX or micro-ATX motherboards. ATX is the standard option that includes 4 RAM slots, usually two or more slots for the GPU, and two or more M.2 slots. Micro-ATX or mATX gets rid of a few fan headers and extra bells and whistles to lower the cost.

Last but not least, there’s ITX and mini ITX board options. This is the smallest form factor and is reserved for people who want to build compact/portable gaming PCs. Due to size limitations, these boards usually have two DIMM slots, and one or two M.2 slots.

You are also limited to just one GPU here. So if you’re looking for a multi-GPU set up, with SLI and Crossfire configuration this form factor is not for you.

Connectivity

Connectivity is perhaps the most important thing to consider for the average motherboard buyer. This includes making sure the motherboard has enough USB ports, smart fan headers, RGB headers, and storage ports such as SATA interface and M.2 for your needs. Those are the obvious ones out of the way.

If you want to connect fast external storage or USB-C displays, you’ll also need support for a Thunderbolt port. Type-C is very prevalent as well these days, so lookout for a port on the rear panel of a motherboard.

HDMI and DVI ports are popular as well. Apart from that, you want to look out for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support as well, as they come in handy when in a pinch.

FAQs

Is i5 9600K Good For RTX 3080?

The i5 9600K is good for the RTX 3080. This is because if you’re playing at a higher resolution than 1080p, you will not notice much of a bottleneck. Playing at 1080p with an RTX 3080 does not make much practical sense either way.

Is I5 9600K Good For Gaming?

The i5 9600K is great for gaming even in 2023. This is thanks to games that can now take advantage of a higher core count than four. You also get overclocking support which extends the lifespan of this capable mid-range processor.

Does the i5 9600K Run Hot?

The i5 9600K does run hot. It is fine at idle, however, since it doesn’t have an advanced thermal design if you really start to push this processor, you will require a decent cooler. This is something that has been common with Intel for a while now especially in 9th gen. Smart fan options are always helpful.

Konstantinos Chiotis
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