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Searching for the best motherboard for Intel Core i5 13400F?
When it comes to maximizing the performance of your Intel Core i5 13400F, the motherboard is crucial. Pairing it with the right motherboard can make a world of difference.
Throughout my extensive experience and analysis, I’ve distilled the myriad of options available into a curated list of the best motherboards that will truly complement your Core i5 13400F.
Whether you’re conscious of price, seeking the latest features, or after top-notch performance, I’ve got you covered. Let’s delve into the vital factors that guided my choices, and unveil the top contenders that stand out in today’s market.
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
Top 3 Picks
- 1. MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 – Editor’s Pick
- 2. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 – Best High-End Motherboard For i5 13400f
- 3. Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX (DDR4) – Best Budget For i5 13400f
Why Should You Trust Us?
Navigating the ever-evolving world of PC building can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have a trusted voice guiding your choices. Enter Talha Zuberi.
Talha Zuberi has been in the PC building field since 2009. His decade-long experience has equipped him with practical insights into what works best when assembling a computer. He’s not just about theory; his advice comes from countless hours spent putting components together, testing, and troubleshooting.
Talha doesn’t just follow trends – he evaluates products based on their actual performance and reliability. So when you get advice from him, know that it’s grounded in hands-on experience and a genuine desire to help others make informed decisions.
How We Choose the Best Motherboards For The Core i5 13400F
The important key points that helped me in choosing the best motherboards for the Intel Core i5 13400F are:
- Price and Value: The Core i5 13400F is a 10-core (6 Performance and 4 Efficiency) CPU with a lower mid-range price tag. It is the best option for those looking for an affordable upgrade from the quad-core Intel Core i3 13100 and don’t care about integrated graphics. I chose the best motherboards for each category based on the value they provided for the price.
- Chipset – The Intel Core i5 13400F needs LGA 1700 Intel 700 series motherboards or 600 series boards with a BIOS update. I don’t consider any H610 motherboards because you don’t save a significant chunk of money and lose out on a lot of great features like dual channel RAM, memory overclocking, and PCIe 4.0 support.
- VRM configuration and Overclocking potential – The Intel Core i5 13400F is not an overclockable CPU. However, VRMs are a good indicator of how well-made the board is and how well it will support more demanding CPUs.
- RAM Support – The Intel Core i5 13400F supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. While I recommend choosing DDR5 over DDR4 for new builds, I chose DDR4-compatible motherboards. DDR4 still offers maximum performance headroom to the Intel Core i5 13400F while keeping costs low.
- Storage and Connectivity Options: I chose the best motherboard for each category based on the I/O and storage connectivity. If I had to make a decision between two identically capable boards, I would choose the one with better ports.
- User Feedback and Brand Reputation: When we pick our motherboards, we consider real-world user experiences and the manufacturers’ reputation. If the reviews are glowing and the after-sale support is top-notch, you can bet the product quality is on point and customers are happy.
3 Best Motherboards For 13400F Reviews
1. MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 – Editor’s Pick
I rarely come across boards that tend to be, dare I say, “perfect”. Of course, nothing in life is perfect and suggesting the “perfect” motherboard is tricky.
You need to look into too much information while keeping an eye on the cost. My definition of a perfect motherboard for a processor is that it needs to cover all the essentials, add onto them, and then have a low price to really increase its value.
The MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi is one hell of a motherboard and comes really close to what I would call “a perfect motherboard for the i5 13400f”.
I knew that to choose the ideal motherboard for the Intel Core i5 13400f, I’d need to see all of the options available in the $150 to $200 price range and then choose the board that provides the best value in terms of connectivity, build quality, and power delivery.
There is a lot of competition in this price range. The most notable standout motherboards were the Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX at the lower end of this range and the Gigabyte B760 Aorus Elite AX at the upper end.
The advantage that the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi has over its competition is that it was initially competing in the $200+ range and has more features to justify that premium. But where that advantage turns into an unfair advantage is when MSI decided to cut the price of this motherboard. It is now available everywhere for around $180 which pits it head-to-head with the Gigabyte B760 Aorus Elite AX.
The Gigabyte B760 Aorus Elite AX was my first pick, but when I started to compare it to the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi, it became crystal clear which was the better motherboard.
Let’s start with the power delivery – MSI did not cut back and features a VRM with a 12+1+1-phase design rated at 75A. When you use both of its 8-pin connectors, you can essentially pair any Intel 12th or 13th-generation CPU without bottlenecks. The Gigabyte B760 Aorus Elite AX offers an identical VRM configuration, but that’s where the similarities stop.
Moving to the rear I/O, it is simply top-notch. We get 9 USB ports (four 2.0 type-A, four 3.2 gen1 type-A, and a 3.2 gen2 type-C port). Unlike Gigabyte where different models have different connectivity, this board has a full array of audio jacks powered by the Realtek ALC897 Codec and WiFi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3 as a standard. The cherry on top is the 2.5 Gb ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 connectors.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect so let’s now discuss some complaints I have with this board that prevent it from being perfect.
I am a fan of BIOS flash and CMOS clear buttons and I see no reason why MSI couldn’t have included them in this board. MSI could’ve easily added them on the board itself if not with the rear I/O but unfortunatelly they did not.
The other issue I have with this board is a little mixed. On the one hand, the primary expansion slot is running at PCIe Gen 5.0 x16 whereas every other motherboard only features PCIe 4.0 including the Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX.
This is fantastic, but really unbalanced given that the second slot is PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 and the third slot is PCIe Gen 4.0 x1. Both of those slots are controlled through the chipset while the first one is controlled through the CPU.
This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I wish this board included the buttons and had a more balanced PCIe expansion. Then, it would have made it completely impossible for me to even consider any other board at this price range.
Even with that nitpick out of the way, this is one of the best motherboards for the LGA 1700 socket.
Being sub-200 dollars gives it an unfair advantage because it is now competing with motherboards like the Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX. Although that is also a great motherboard, it lacks features like the PCIe 5.0 slot and has a much weaker VRM.
All in all, the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi will serve you well with any low-end Intel 12 or 13-generation CPU like the i5 13400f for a very long time.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 – Best High-End Motherboard For i5 13400f
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4, is an affordable powerhouse motherboard that pairs perfectly with the Intel Core i5 13400f.
This DDR4 motherboard is a pc builder’s dream, boasting a plethora of features in a very competitive price that make it stand out in the crowd.
The board offers a high-speed rear IO that doesn’t include any outdated USB 2.0 ports. It’s ready for the future, with all M.2 slots being PCI-E Gen4 compatible and the main GPU slot offering Gen5 compliance. This means you’re all set for the new wave of PCI-E 5.0 graphics cards. Also its industrial aesthetic is a bonus for those who prefer a darker themed PC setup.
The motherboard’s specifications are impressive. It supports CPU overclocking, has a 16+1 VRM power phase design, and can handle up to 128GB DDR4 memory. It offers a variety of PCI-E slots, including a x16 PCI-E 5.0 slot and multiple PCI-E 4.0 slots. The USB connections are plentiful, both at the rear and front, and it features a 2.5 Gigabit LAN and a WiFi 6 module.
The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 stands out with its unique design that gives your system an industrial edge. It’s not just about looks, though. The motherboard offers a wealth of connectivity options, particularly for a DDR4 design. The storage support is a standout feature, with 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 slots for high-speed M.2 SSDs, providing ample space for even the most extensive game libraries.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. RGB enthusiasts might be disappointed with the lack of lighting effects on this motherboard. While the design itself is striking enough to set this board apart, those who want to add a splash of color to their build might feel let down. Additionally, while the motherboard is versatile in terms of connectivity, the networking options are somewhat limited due to the inclusion of a WiFi 6 module instead of the more powerful WiFi 6E.
In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 is an excellent choice for mid-range gamers seeking a Z790 to pair with the intel core i5 13400f that strikes a balance between performance, connectivity, aesthetics and price. A few improvements, like WiFi 6E and more RGB, could make it even better, but it remains a solid choice for mid-range PC builds with the 13400f.
This motherboard is ideal for gamers who prioritize performance and connectivity over aesthetics. However, it might not be the best choice for those who want a motherboard with extensive RGB lighting or the latest WiFi technology.
3. Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX (DDR4) – Best Budget For i5 13400f
When going with a budget CPU like the i5 13400f, it is tempting to save as much money as possible and get the cheapest option available. This is why many people on a budget opt for H610 motherboards.
Almost every H610 motherboard is available between $80 and $100 and that to me is the equivalent of burning your money because you can spend a little more than that and get an excellent B660 or B760 motherboard.
There are several note-worthy B-series motherboards but to me, the Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX DDR4 stood out above the rest and is my favorite pairing for the Intel Core i5 13400f on a budget.
Let’s first take a look at what Gigabyte has to offer and then move to the alternatives to see what makes this motherboard so special.
Starting off with the rear I/O, as always, Gigabyte did an outstanding job. It comes with 5 USB type-A ports (2 USB 2.0 and 3 USB 3.2 gen 1), 1 USB 3.2 gen 2 type-C port, a PS/2 port, 1 HDMI 2.0 port, 2 DisplayPort 1.2 ports, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The board features the three standard audio jacks that come with every other board, but it does support 7.1 surround sound.
The B760M DS3H AX DDR4 comes with a 2.5 Gb ethernet port which is rare since budget boards usually never come with more than a 1Gb port. Another feature on this board that almost every other manufacturer skips on their budget boards is that both of its M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0
A delightful surprise is the inclusion of Q-Flash and CMOS clear buttons on the motherboard. I would’ve liked these to be included with the rear I/O instead of the bottom of the board itself however.
Moving to the VRM, we have a 6+2+1 phase design. This certainly is not impressive but anything from a Core i7 13700 and under will have no issues running at its maximum potential if you choose to upgrade the CPU later.
The situation around the $100 to $150 is rather weird because there are a lot of motherboards to choose from. For only around $110, Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX DDR4 offers everything that a decently priced motherboard should provide.
For around $100, you could also go with the MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 which is the cheapest option available that has a high-quality PCB. But compared to the Gigabyte board, it is a barren. The rear I/O on this board is poor, it does not offer WiFi and Bluetooth, and the VRMs do not come with any shielding.
For a bit more at around $130, ASRock B760M Pro RS stands out as a solid option, but it is a DDR5 motherboard which will bring the cost up overall compared to the B760M DS3H AX DDR4.
The ASRock B760M Pro RS/D4 supports DDR4 memory but costs around $150 making it more expensive than its DDR5 counterpart so when it comes to value for money the B760M DS3H AX DDR4 is still a winner.
So the only motherboard that comes close to the Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX DDR4 is the ASRock B760M PG Lightning/D4 but ultimately is defeated. It offers no WiFi or Bluetooth out of the box and has a 1 Gb ethernet port compared to the Gigabyte’s 2.5 Gb.
At the end of the day, the Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX DDR4 taunts its competition and manages to strike a perfect balance by giving us everything that we need for a bargain price.
The back of the board is a connectivity party with plenty of USB ports (even a speedy USB-C), HDMI, DisplayPort, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It even breaks the norm with a speedy 2.5 Gb Ethernet port, both M.2 slots being PCIe 4.0, CMOS clear and Q-Flash buttons.
The board’s power delivery system is beefed up for the price, meaning smooth sailing for most CPUs, making the B760M DS3H AX DDR4 an obvious wallet-friendly winner for budget PC builders looking for the perfect budget motherboard to pair their Intel Core i5 13400f with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need a motherboard with DDR5 support for the Intel Core i5 13400F? No, while the Intel Core i5 13400F supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, DDR4-compatible motherboards still offer adequate performance for this CPU.
- Is a BIOS update necessary for Intel 600 series motherboards to support the i5 13400F? Yes, while some Intel 600 series motherboards can support the CPU, they often require a BIOS update to do so.
- What’s the significance of VRM configuration if the Intel Core i5 13400F is not overclockable? While the i5 13400F itself isn’t overclockable, a robust VRM configuration indicates a well-constructed motherboard that can handle more demanding CPUs, ensuring future upgrade flexibility.
- Can I run older DDR3 RAM with the Intel Core i5 13400F? No, the Intel Core i5 13400F supports only DDR4 and DDR5 RAM
- Will I need an additional graphics card with the Intel Core i5 13400F? Yes, the Intel Core i5 13400F does not come with integrated graphics, so you’ll need a discrete GPU for display output.
- What’s the primary difference between the 700 series and the 600 series motherboards in relation to the i5 13400F? The 700 series motherboards are native to the LGA 1700 socket and fully support the i5 13400F. The 600 series might require a BIOS update, and they often come with fewer advanced features.
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