Best Motherboard For i9 10850K

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Looking for the best motherboard for i9 10850k?

10th gen Intel Core i9 processors are known for their high core counts, high frequencies, and excellent ability to overclock.

Both Intel and AMD have been pushing each other to the limit, and that has given us great products time and time again.

The 10850K is an excellent CPU for gaming and productivity purposes. This is thanks to the high core count, great boost frequency and IPC improvements.

It is a desktop processor that can stand the test of time and has incredible overall performance.

However, the 10th gen Intel Core i9 10850K requires a great motherboard to fully take advantage of it. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll briefly discuss how we choose our favorite high-performance motherboards, and which ones end up in our best motherboards For the Intel i9 round-up. Let’s begin.

Before moving on make sure you check the following detailed tutorial on how to choose the best motherboard for you: How To Choose The Right Motherboard For Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Motherboards For Intel i9 10850K Comparison Table

Editors' Choice

Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master

  • Strong VRM design that allows for excellent overclocking.

  • Premium components and controllers, paired with premium design.

  • Great selection of ports and network features.

Best Premium Motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero

  • Stands out from the crowd in terms of design.

  • Extremely futureproof thanks to an abundance of ports.

  • High-performance network and connectivity features.

Best Budget Motherboard

MSI Z590-A Pro Wi-Fi

(Best Seller)

  • Manages to compete with higher-end motherboards.

  • Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, and other great connectivity features.

  • Reliable VRM design that allows for light to medium overclocking.

How Did We Choose the Best Motherboards for Intel i9 10850K

To create this guide, several things need to be taken into account.

First off, some might be wondering why most of the list consists of high-end motherboards, most of which are Z590 choices when. Well, that would not be the case if our processor wasn’t a high-end i9 10850K.

Not only does it have 10 cores, but it boosts quite well too. Furthermore, it is an excellent processor for overclocking.

We need to make sure we cater to that feature properly. Intel does not allow overclocking on its B-series of motherboards, so going with Z-series was our only choice and multiple motherboards compatible with the i9 are out of consideration.

Z490 and Z590 were the only ones left. The majority of our choices are Z590 because it’s the newer platform, supports PCIe 4.0, and most of the boards have better VRMs.

Speaking of which, it was more important than usual to focus on the boosted power delivery and VRMs here.

If a motherboard is going to constrict the 10850K, then it has no right to be on your radar. With that said, we also wanted to focus on other parameters such as value, design, connectivity, networks features, etc.

After taking all of that into account, the job was as simple as ranking the boards based on the overall score.

The overall score is based on our ratings of four different parameters: connectivity, value, and VRM design. It was also important for us to award motherboards based on all the rich features that stand out.

7 Best Motherboard for i9 10850K Options

Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s get to the roundup of best motherboards for Intel i9 10850k. Without further ado, here are our choices.

1. Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master – Editor’s Choice

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5400MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 18+1 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, 10 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

Pros:

  • High-end components all around
  • Premium Aquantia 10 gigabit ethernet
  • Built like a tank, and looks like one too
  • Beefy VRM setup for overclocking
  • Excellent selection of ports

Cons:

  • Quite expensive for the average consumer
  • Lack of Thunderbolt 4

The Gigabyte Aorus Master series of motherboards is a product line that proves itself again and again. This motherboard has nearly everything one could want for lag-free gaming, content creation and development purposes.

This high-end motherboard has a clean aesthetic, a bit different from Gigabyte’s AMD or X570 boards. The PCB and heatsinks are predominantly black, with some tasteful accents thrown here and there.

All three M.2 slots come with a heatsink that is combined with the chipset heatsink itself, providing a uniform look .

Furthermore, the chipset heatsink features an Aorus Eagle logo. The rear-panel cover features the Aorus and product branding, along with customizable RGB to make the gaming rig unique.

In terms of overclocking capability, it features an 18+1 phase VRM design that is built for overclocking. You should be able to crank the 10850K to the max, no problem.

The board also features dual BIOS chips, LED error codes and an excellent water cooling support. It doesn’t have Micro-Block Surface heatsink like the Gigabyte z490 Vision G, but still has incredible cooling support.

With all of that said, it is easy to see why this gets our editor’s choice award. It has everything gaming enthusiasts could want.

Sure, you can go even crazier if money is not an object, but we think the Aorus Master is already more than enough for the majority of 10850K buyers who want to maximize CPU performance.

Still, it is not the most affordable motherboard, the price is a tough pill to swallow for some, and the fact that this board lacks Thunderbolt 4 supports might throw off some professionals.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 9/10
  • Aesthetics: 9/10
  • Connectivity: 9/10
  • Value for Money: 8.5/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.8/10

2. ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero – Best Premium Motherboard

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5333MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 Phases | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

Pros:

  • Arguably one of the best looking Z590 boards
  • A whopping four M.2 slots
  • Incredible thermal design and VRM cooling
  • High-performance networking
  • Armory crate and Aura Sync work well

Cons:

  • Very pricey for the average gamer
  • Not Suitable for Minimalistic Builds

The ROG Maximus Hero is an evident example of a great high-end board for the Core i9 10900k with outstanding performance.

Featuring an impressive spec sheet, high-end controllers, and a robust power delivery system, this beast has the potential to future proof for nearly a decade. Especially if you take all the advantages of it.

Design-wise and this is personal preference, it is arguably the best-looking Z590 motherboard on the market. This is thanks to the all-black PCB and heatsinks.

The outlier here is the chipset heatsink for the massive cooling solutions, which features a light grey finish to accent the stealthy exterior.

The rear-panel cover has the RGB logo and a ribbed design similar to the M.2 heatsinks. Speaking of which, you get four M.2 slots with this board, and that’s just plain impressive.

So, let’s quickly go over the specs.

You get the latest and greatest Wi-Fi 6E, two controllers for 2.5-gigabit ethernet, a comprehensive USB 3.2 Gen 2 array on the back, Thunderbolt 4, industry leading gaming audio with a premium audio codec (with a separate DAC), and more.

In terms of the VRMs, you get a 14+2 phase power delivery system. That’s lower than our top pick, but the quality is what matters here and the Maximus XIII Hero excels in that regard.

Overall, this is a motherboard that embodies the meaning of premium. Everything with this board screams quality.

Thunderbolt 4 is a great addition, and Aura Sync plus Armory Crate is an excellent combo to control RGB. This is why we say this motherboard is the ultimate motherboard and is more future-proof than one could ask for.

Nevertheless, nothing is perfect and the two major issues with this one are the price tag and the incredibly aggressive design of this gaming motherboard which might steer minimalists away from this beast of a motherboard.

So, make your decision accordingly.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 9/10
  • Aesthetics: 9/10
  • Connectivity: 9/10
  • Overall Value: 8/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.75/10

3. BEST SELLER: MSI Z590-A Pro Wi-Fi – Best Budget Motherboard

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5333MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2+1 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

Pros:

  • Competitive pricing for a Z590 board
  • Shielded PCIe x16 and M.2 slots
  • PCIe 4.0 support at a good price
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit ethernet support
  • Robust VRM design

Cons:

  • Generic and bland design

The MSI Z590-A pro is a prime example of focusing on value without compromise quality. The Pro series of MSI motherboards have always been known for this, and this board is no exception.

It’s hard to argue with the value MSI represents here with this excellent motherboard.

First off, let us address the elephant in the room. In terms of design, this motherboard is not going to blow anyone away.It features an all-black PCB, with similar all-black heatsinks all around.

Nothing is wrong with the product, it’s just that it doesn’t entice you in any way. You do get two full-length PCIe x16 slots, and three M.2 slots for storage.

Of course, you also get six SATA ports, four of which are at a right angle to the motherboard, for easier access. The motherboard also supports 128GB of RAM with a speed of up to 5333MHz.

So, in terms of the features, it does start to make up for the design. This is also true with the reliable power delivery system. It features a 12+2+1 phase VRM design and 12 of the phases are dedicated for the Vcore.

In total, the Vcore has access to 660A of the smart power stage, which is a bit lower than other boards. However it also costs less than those motherboards.

Despite that, it can easily handle the i9 10850K at stock and with some overclocking as well.

All in all, while the MSI Z590-A pro does not look impressive, it does make up for that one shortcoming. The fact that you get Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 support is excellent.

The value argument is also hard to ignore. Look past the design, the lack of RGB lighting and non-existent onboard On/Off/Reset buttons, and you’ll find a motherboard for i9 that is excellent while on a budget.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 8/10
  • Aesthetics: 8/10
  • Connectivity: 9/10
  • Overall Value: 9/10
  • Overall Rating: 8.5/10

4. ASRock Z490 Taichi – Uniquely Designed Z490 Motherboard

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4666MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth

Pros:

  • Unique design language
  • Fast memory support
  • Decent overclocking performance for Z490
  • Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

Cons:

  • No PCIe 4.0 support
  • Copper-like heatsinks will not appeal to everyone

Anyone who likes the design of the Z490 Taichi such as myself will find any reason to cover this board. Without a doubt, this is one of the most unique-looking pieces of tech available in the PC market.

However, it is not just a pretty face, as it brings a lot of value to the market, making it one of the best Z490 motherboards for i9 10850K.

Of course, we need to address the design first. ASRock always changes up the Taichi look. The Z490 version is one of the most premium looks yet. It features a fashionable black and copper color theme and this is further complemented by the clockwork-styled heatsink on the chipset.

There are also a few clockwork stencils on the rear cover panel. Both of these also have customizable RGB headers, which further adds to the aesthetic appeal.

That’s enough about the design, what else does this have to offer? Well, you get three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots, three PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots, support for fast memory up to 4666MHz, and a robust 12+2 phase VRM design.

While this is a Z490 board, it can easily handle the 10850K with decent overclocking thanks to the power design. PCIe 4.0 support would have been better for future proofing, but that’s what you get with Z490.

Apart from all of that, you get support for Nvidia SLI for multiple graphics cards, three-way AMD Crossfire, Wi-Fi 6, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. If you want something that looks extremely unique, then this is a motherboard to buy.

Unfortunately, we realize that not everyone is as enthusiastic about the outlandish color scheme as ourselves. Regardless, it’s a great motherboard that is uniquely designed.

RATING:

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

5. ASUS Prime Z590-P ATX – Entry Level Z590 Motherboard

Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5133MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 11 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: 2.5 GbE LAN

Pros:

  • Extremely competitive price
  • Appealing design language
  • Triple M.2 slots
  • High-quality performance in terms of memory OC

Cons:

  • Not the best for crazy overclocking
  • No built-in Wi-Fi

While Z590 always tends to be an expensive chipset for most people, that’s not always the case. ASUS’ Prime series of motherboards has always focused on providing excellent value to the average gamer.

A bit surprising since ASUS always has the most expensive motherboards as well, but that’s beside the point here. The Prime Z590-P might be the best mid-range motherboard for Intel i9 10850K if we’re concerning ourselves with the average gamer.

First off, let’s talk about the design. It utilizes a mostly black PCB with silver stenciling. The main focus here is on the aluminum heatsinks that feature a white finish.

White has always been the main color for Prime boards, but it looks better than ever here. It’s a bit different because of the finish and looks of the heatsinks. Keep in mind that this one ditches RGB lighting completely.

The board features three full-length PCIe x16 slots, one of which runs at PCIe Gen 4 speeds. You also get three M.2 slots, one of which is also PCIe 4.0 x4. You get six SATA ports, for storage. Furthermore, memory support is quite good as it supports 128 gigs of RAM at 5133MHz.

You also get 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and a robust 11 phase power delivery system. It might not be the best for insane overclocking, but light to medium overclocks should be no issue.

All in all, the Prime Z590-P impresses while being an entry-level pick. It could use a better cooling system with more fan headers, but it isn’t a deal breaker here.

It looks very sophisticated, performs as well as we expect it to, and features everything the average gamer needs. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi is a bit of a letdown to be fair.

However, with the Aura Sync support, it reminds us that this motherboard is made for the average gamer.

RATING:

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

6. ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming – Best Mini-ITX Motherboard

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 5133MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Pros:

  • Tonnes of features for an ITX board
  • Dual M.2 support
  • Excellent memory overclocking
  • Surprisingly good CPU overclocking for ITX

Cons:

  • Quite expensive compared to competitors
  • Lacks S/PDIF port and 7.1 high-quality audio system

To change up the pace, instead of the usual ATX motherboards, we’re taking a look at an excellent ITX board from ASUS.

In fact the Strix Z590-I Gaming might be the best ITX motherboard for the 10th gen Intel Core i9 10850k. Let us quickly go over why that is.

First off, the Strix immediately impresses us with the design. It is a compact motherboard, and the design further adds to the look as well.

It features a large rear-panel cover and combines the M.2 heatsink with the chipset heatsink.

There is a ROG eye logo over the chipset heatsink, which further adds to the overall look and feel of the motherboard.

It features a single PCIe x16 slot, yet still has dual M.2 support for storage.

In terms of memory support, we get access to 64 Gigabytes of RAM that can run at 5133MHz. We also get access to Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth.

Not bad at all for an ITX motherboard. Memory overclocking is also quite good. You get ASUS’ SupremeFX high fidelity audio codec, which sounds incredible.

CPU overclocking is also quite decent for an ITX board since the VRM cooling is up to par here.

All in all, this is an excellent ITX motherboard. It is quite expensive, so the overall value is a bit skewed. It also lacks a S/PDIF port, something is commonly seen on ASUS motherboards.

Regardless, if you need an ITX motherboard for your SFF PC and the 10850K, this is the one we recommend for maximum performance and stability.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 8/10
  • Aesthetics: 8/10
  • Connectivity: 8/10
  • Overall Value: 8/10
  • Overall Rating: 8/10

7. ASROCK Z590M PRO4 – Cheap Micro-ATX Motherboard

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4800MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: mATX | Voltage Regulator: 10+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Pros:

  • Excellent choice for budget-users
  • Decent looks for the reasonable price tag
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
  • Decent memory overclocking

Cons:

  • Only dual M.2 support
  • No built-in Wi-Fi or LAN
  • The audio could be better

Finally, let us take a look at one of the cheapest Z590 motherboards on the market. There are a few that are even cheaper, but they come from relatively unknown brands.

However, if you still want a decent experience without breaking the bank, then the Z590M Pro 4 is an excellent choice.

First off, we want to state that yes, this is a micro-ATX motherboard. We are aware that many people are not a fan of that form factor because of the limitations.

However, the PRO4 makes up for it with the design and functionality. The PCB is black and white, and that goes along well with the all-white aluminum heatsinks all over the place.

These can be found on the M.2 slot, over the VRMs, and even the chipset heatsink. The chipset heatsink also features RGB.

Apart from that, the Z590M Pro 4 is just a decent overall motherboard. It features 3.2 Gen 2 USB ports, fast memory overclocking, tons of ports for storage, and more.

It lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but makes up for it with its looks, decent port selection, and memory overclocking support.

Needless to say, this motherboard is not for hard-core gaming performers. However, if you’re just trying to get your foot in the door with the 10850K, this motherboard is surprisingly competent as a cheap option.

We recommend it for people who want to save money on a motherboard and invest it elsewhere even if it’s not the best micro atx motherboard on the market.

RATING:

  • VRM Design: 7/10
  • Aesthetics: 7.5/10
  • Connectivity: 7/10
  • Overall Value: 8/10
  • Overall Rating: 7.3/10

Buyer’s Guide

Power Delivery, VRMs, and Dual CPU Power Connectors

When it comes to processors like the i9 10850K, it is crucial to focus on power delivery. The power delivery system involves VRMs, MOSFETs, thermal efficiency, and heatsinks.

Many manufacturers use numbers to show their prowess in power delivery. For example “10+2” phases is something you’ll commonly hear for a VRM design.

Keep in mind that, this doesn’t mean a higher number is better. The quality of the components matters much more than anything. For example high-quality alloy chokes, make a difference. This is something a lot of people are not aware of.

With options like the 10850k and the i9 10900k, it’s hard not to want to go all out with features.

When you have two CPU power connectors, typically 8 pin and a 4 pin connector, you don’t NEED to use it. However, with this kind of power for your gaming rig, you CAN use both in a lot of cases.

Which Form Factor Is Best For Maximum Performance?

While the form factor doesn’t exactly gauge the quality of the motherboard, it is highly important to consider.

Most people will just go with the standard ATX option for a compatible motherboard, as it is the mainstream choice. There are three major motherboard options, let us go over all of them quickly.

ATX: ATX is the standard form of a motherboard. These motherboards usually have four DIMM slots, two or three PCIe full-length slots, and two or more M.2 slots. They are supported by a wider variety of cases and are great for people who want to build a familiar gaming PC.

Micro-ATX: Micro-ATX or mATX motherboards are the smaller brothers to ATX. These cut some corners such as including fewer PCIe slots, and fewer M.2 slots.

It also might get rid of a few headers to lower the price. It cuts down on just enough features so that the value proposition of these motherboards can be better.

Mini- ITX: Mini-ITX is by far the smallest motherboard form factor. These boards usually only have two DIMM slots, just one PCIe slot, and two or just one M.2 slot.

ITX boards are tiny so that they can fit into smaller form factor cases. These are more niche cases and are used by enthusiasts to create a compact gaming PC.

Network Options and Connectivity

Some boards might have a higher number of ports than others. Some boards might have a faster or a newer generation of ports to provide a virtual wireless environment.

This is why it is important to consider how many ports you need, and how fast they should be. USB speeds can make a lot of difference in your connectivity and gaming rig set up, so keep that in mind.

Important ports include USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Gen 1, Thunderbolt support, Video output ports, Gigabit Ethernet, RGB headers, SATA ports, multiple fan headers, etc. The number of PCIe slots, DIMM slots, and M.2 slots is also quite important.

Finally, it is also important to consider if you need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Many motherboards will have a cheaper variant that does not feature built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

If you feel you need these premium features, buy a board that has a good Wi-Fi chip. If you don’t then it’s wiser to save your money.

Storage and RAM Options

Let’s talk about memory first. Some motherboards will support higher frequencies and have better memory overclocking. This is important for people who want to squeeze every ounce of performance from their rig.

Now, not everyone needs blazing-fast RAM, as 3000MHz to 3600MHz is the sweet spot for gaming with most processors. Capacity is not an issue either, as most newer motherboards will support 64 or 128 gigs of RAM.

Storage is just as important as the RAM. You want to make sure that the board you are buying has enough, memory slots, SATA and M.2 ports.

SATA caps out at 6Gbps, while PCIe 3.0 M.2 storage is more than twice as fast. The latter uses PCIe lanes from the chipset or processor for a faster interface. Some motherboards will also have PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.

There are also always options for external connections that have more than efficient data transfer capabilities and extra storage.

Value, Quality, and Performance Level

Value is more subjective and entirely relative. For example, if you’re building an ITX PC, the board will be more expensive if you want all the features like industry leading gaming audio and smart power stage options.

That does not mean it is a bad value, it just means that the features for that form factor cost more money.

Similarly, one ATX motherboard might be cheaper than the other, but it is not necessarily better if there is a huge performance gap. All in all, not everyone will buy a high-end premium motherboard with ten usb ports, eight SATA ports and active cooling.

But those who need the features and extra performance will see the value it holds for them. Value is based on several parameters (see above), and if you went through our roundup, you see how that works.Do not fall prey to the trap or gimmicks and buzzwords.

Just because it says it will have minimal audio cues, solid steel backplate, Sonic Studio III draws, tantalum polymer capacitors array, it supports daisy chain configurations or it features ai cooling doesn’t mean it has a good overall value for YOU.

Instead, become familiar with different aspects of a motherboard and judge the value for yourself.

FAQs

What is the Best Motherboard for Intel i9 10850K?

The best motherboard for the 10th gen Intel Core 10850K is a Z590 motherboard such as the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master or ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero. These motherboards are great for overclocking and have support for high-speed memory. Both of these are crucial for 10850K.

Is 10850K Compatible With Z490?

The 10th gen Intel Core i9 10850K is fully compatible with the Z490 chipset. Some motherboards might require a BIOS update to iron out bugs, while others won’t. Z490 is still enough for the 10850K, as most motherboards have great VRMs and provide reliable power delivery.

What Chipset is i9 10850K?

The Z590 and Z490 chipsets are the best options for i9-10850K. This is so you could overclock to fully take advantage of the Intel i9 10850K unlocked processor.

What Socket Type is 10850K?

The socket for the 10900K is the LGA1200. This socket was released with Comet Lake with Intel’s 10th generation of processors. The 10900K is best when paired with either a Z490 or Z590 motherboard.

Konstantinos Chiotis
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