Best Motherboards for i9 9900k – Use our recommendations and buying guide to get the ideal model for your needs. There’s one for every purpose and demand. So choose wisely and get your PC performance to a whole new level. You won’t regret it.
The motherboard, inevitably, is the cornerstone of a good PC build. It’s the motherboard that determines the potential of how efficiently you can use the other core components of your system.
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These motherboards are some of the best motherboards for i9 9900k, and my final recommendation would be to go for the one that fits your needs and budget. For a cheaper option, Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro is good to go, while MSI MEG GODLIKE Z390 is there if you want something durable and costly.
10 Best Motherboards For i9
1.GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS
Pros & Cons
- Supports 9th and 8th Intel Core processors
- Dual channel non ECC unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- Intel optane memory ready
- 12+1 Phases digital VRM solution with DrMOS
- Advanced thermal design with direct touch heat pipe
- Onboard Intel CNVi 802.11AC 2x2 wave 2 Wi-Fi
- Alc1220 vb enhance 114db(rear)/ 110db(front) SNR in microphone with WIMA audio capacitors
- Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed
- RGB Fusion with multi zone LED light show design, supports addressable LED & RGB LED strips
The GIGABYTE Z390 Aorus Pro WIFI is one of three Falcon-inspired models from its Aorus branded product stack; what’s interesting is that there’s a total of just between them. This includes the Z390 Aorus Pro which is identical to the Pro WIFI, but without the WIFI, a
nd the Z390 Aorus Elite . What users consider to be gaming features can be perceived differently with manufacturers usually altering the design, branding and software bundle to set the gaming and non-gaming boards apart. Some of the core features of the Z390 Aorus Pro WIFI model include a Realtek ALC1220-VB HD audio codec, an Intel I219-V 1 GbE NIC and an Intel 9560 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi module.
GIGABYTE advertises the Z390 Aorus Pro WIFI to feature a 12+1 power delivery which is spearheaded by an Intersil ISL69138 PWM 7-phase controller. Cooling this is two solid heatsinks pieced together along a single heat pipe which is nestled neatly underneath the rear panel cover.
2.ASRock Z390 Phantom
Pros & Cons
PCIe x16 slots are resourced as x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4, with the top two slots sharing the CPU controller’s sixteen pathways and the lower slot competing with every other device (including M.2, USB and SATA) for bandwidth through the Z390 chipset’s 32Gb/s DMI.
The lower M.2 storage slot supports drives up to 110mm long, while the upper supports the common 80mm standard at most. In the center, an M.2 Key E slot supports both PCIe/USB and Intel CNVi module standards for notebook-style wireless cards.
3.ASRock AMD Ryzen 3000
Pros & Cons
- AMD Premium X570
- Supports AMD AM4 socket Ryzen 2000 and 3000 series processors
- AMD Ryzen series CPUs (Matisse) support DDR4 4666+(OC)/ 4400(OC)/ 4300(OC)/ 4266(OC)/ 4200(OC)/ 4133(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3200/ 2933/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 ECC & non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- AMD Ryzen series CPUs (Pinnacle Ridge) support DDR4 3600+(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 2933/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 ECC & non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- AMD Ryzen series CPUs (Picasso) support DDR4 3466+(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 2933/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
The X570 PCH’s expanded I/O means that slot layout is one of very few things that the new X570 Taichi has in common with its X470 predecessor’s design. Most of the previous board’s added features have been upgraded on the new model, such as Intel’s 2.4Gb/s AX200 module, bringing the new board up to 802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6 speed.
The I/O panel adds firmware update and CLR_CMOS buttons, the third PCIe slot gets added metal reinforcement, and all slots support PCIe 4.0 mode.
4.ASRock X570 Phantomd
Pros & Cons
- Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen 2000 and 3000 Series processors
- 10 Power Phase Design; Supports DDR4 4066+ (OC); 2 Pie 4. 0 x16, 2 Pie 4. 0 x1, 1 M. 2(Key E) For WIFI
- AMD Quad Crossfire. and Crossfire. Graphics Output Options: HDMI, DisplayPort
- 7. 1 CH HD Audio (Relate ALC1200 Audio Codec), ELNA Audio Caps
- 8 SATA3, 1 Hyper M. 2 (Pie Gen4 x4 & SATA3), 1 Hyper M. 2 (Pie Gen4 x4)
- 2 USB 3. 2 Gen2 (Rear Type-A), 10 USB 3. 2 Gen1 (4 Front, 6 Rear)
- Intel Gigabit LAN, AS Rock Polychrome SYNC
The first of these smaller models we’ll be looking at in depth is the ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3. As its name suggests, the miniature board comes with a Thunderbolt 3/USB capable Type-C port, which is rare even on full-size boards, let alone ITX options like we’re looking at here.
The Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 includes a robust 10 Phase VRM, 7.1 channel Realtek ALC 1220 audio, integrated Wi-Fi 6 abilities, and one of the highest memory speed support listings we’ve seen, at DDR4 4533+(OC). Priced at , it lands near the budget side of things (remember that X570 boards tend to be pricier than their X470 counterparts overall), but still offers quite a bit in the tiny package.
5.ASUS ROG Maximus XI
Pros & Cons
- Designed for 9th 8th Generation Intel Core processors maximize connectivity, speed with Dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2, on board 802.11AC Wi Fi and ASUS optimum II for better DRAM overclocking stability
- Revamped 5 way Optimization over clocks Intelligently based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry while FanXpert 4 delivers dynamic system cooling
- Aura Sync RGB lighting with addressable headers features a nearly endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across an ever expanding ecosystem of AURA Sync enabled products
- Pre mounted I/O shield ensures streamlined installation and represents ROG's attention to detail and quality
With no other concerns about mounting space when using x16 or x1 expansion cards, we would like to note that the Maximus XI Hero’s open-ended x1 slots could encourage some users to load it up will all sorts of devices, and that there are some caveats in doing so.
We pulled out a PCIe x16 single-slot graphics card to find that installing it into the top x1 slot requires the removal of the nearby M.2 heat spreader, but that the card’s connector clears an M.2 drive. Adding it to the second x1 slot forces its connector to rest between the two rows of pins of an undefined mini header that’s adjacent to the RTC battery, and we’re not sure if that could be a problem.
The lower M.2 slot’s hardware prevents anything longer than an x8 card from being installed in the third open-ended PCIe x1 slot.
6.ASUS Motherboards
Pros & Cons
- Designed for 9th and 8th Generation Intel Core processors to maximize connectivity and speed with Dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2 and ASUS Opti-MEM II for better DRAM overclocking stability
- Revamped 5-way Optimization overclocks Intelligently based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry while FanXpert 4 delivers dynamic system cooling
- Aura Sync RGB lighting with addressable headers features a nearly endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem of AURA Sync enabled products
- Pre-mounted I/O shield ensures streamlined installation and represents ROG's attention to detail and quality
- Channel HD Audio with ROG exclusive supreme S1220A codec driven by Japanese capacitors for warm and rich sound
Choosing the best motherboard for your system determines the size of the case you’ll use, what your storage options are, and what CPU upgrades you can perform further down the line.
Even though there isn’t much difference between motherboards built around the same chipset these days, it’s still important to get the motherboard that is right for you. It’s more about features than performance. Do you want the option to overclock your CPU?
Do you need high-performance RAM support? Do you need a small server’s worth of USB ports? I know you do.
7.MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE
Pros & Cons
- Supports 10th Generation Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron Processors for LGA 1200 socket
- Supports dual channel DDR4 memory up to 128GB total (5000MHz)
- Triple Turbo M.2 with double-side M.2 Shield Frozr - transfer speeds of up to 32 GB/s bandwidth, with M.2 XPANDER-Z GEN4 S accessory card adds two additional M.2 slots
- 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports on the rear panel provide up to 40GB/s transfer speed. Supports daisy chain configurations and 4K displays.
- On-board 10G super LAN plus 2.5G LAN with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Frozr Heatsink designed with active cooling, Double Ball Bearings, Zero Frozr Technology, and MOSFET Backplates for high-performance heat dissipation
Straight out of the box, the Extended-ATX-size (E-ATX) MEG Z490 Godlike is almost entirely black, with just a few thin white lines and labels to add detail. You’ll see some gray thrown in the mix on various metal parts, but these are all fairly dark and don’t stand out much from an otherwise black PCB.
After the board is supplied with power, it’s still not what I’d call colorful, but lights on the rear I/O shroud and the motherboard chipset do add some life to the board. The lights on the rear I/O shroud illuminate a dragon image that looks nifty, but it probably won’t be visible depending on where you place your PC.
8.MSI Prestige X570
Pros & Cons
- Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update
- On-board Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with MU-MIMO support it must be wi-fi 6 ax
- AUDIO BOOST 4 technology with NAHIMIC 3 software enhancement for immersive experiences
- FROZR Heatsink with patented fan design – Propeller Blade Technology and double ball bearings
- Pre-Installed IO Shielding is grounded and protects the IO ports from potential electrostatic discharge damage from the external environment
Given the feature-packed board and price tag, it’s unsurprising to see the width stretch to E-ATX dimensions at 272mm, but the PCB still looks well-packed. The chipset heatsink occupies a huge area, and while it means you’ll need to remove your graphics card to get at either of the M.2 slots, its size does appear to have its benefits.
The chipset fan rarely spins up and actually sits idle most of the time, with MSI even feeling the need to add a sticker to it highlighting the fact that if it’s not spinning, it’s not actually broken.
Given the whiny fan on the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master that we used for our Zen 2 CPU reviews over the weekend, it was a relief to see a quieter design here, plus, unlike the Gigabyte board, you’re able to control the chipset fan speed too, either in the EFI or software. MSI has even managed to run a heat pipe from the heatsink here to rest of of the heatsinks around the CPU socket so they all work in unison.
9.Asus Prime Z390-A
Pros & Cons
- Designed for 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors to maximize connectivity and speed with M. 2, USB 3. 1 Gen2 and ASUS Optimum II for better DRAM overclocking stability
- Revamped 5-Way Optimization that has the intelligence to overclock a CPU based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry. OptiMem II: Careful routing of traces and vias, plus ground layer optimizations to preserve signal integrity for improved memory overclocking
- 5X Protection III Hardware-level safeguards with Safe Slot Core, LAN Guard, Over voltage Protection provide longevity, reliability. FanXpert 4 delivers advanced fan control for dynamic system cooling
- Patent-pending Safe Slot Core fortified PCIe slots prevent damage caused by heavyweight GPUs
- 8-channel HD Gaming Audio featuring Realtek ALC887 high definition audio codec
Do you really need the overclocking capability of a Z-series chipset, or will a cheaper board do? Isn’t it cheaper to choose a mid-priced CPU (such as the Core i3-8350K) and overclock it, than to pair a higher-model CPU with a cheaper locked board?
And once you figure out that the overclocked mid-priced processor is your own better option, would it be better to buy a new graphics card at today’s inflated prices, or carry over a pair of cards from your previous machine? Now that you need a reasonable price and SLI capability, you’re starting to figure out where the board we praised so highly, for doing so well, so cheaply, falls short. Then Asus gives you a nudge and says, “Psst, hey bud…got an extra twenty?”
10.ASUS Socket 1151 DDR4
Pros & Cons
- Designed for 9th generation socket 1151 Intel Core processors with dual M. 2 and U. 2 ports, front panel USB 3. 1 Gen2, Dual Intel Gigabit LAN
- 5-Way Optimization featuring Auto-Tuning and FanXpert 4 delivers automatic overclocking profiles for maximum OC performance
- Patent-pending Safe Slot Features an injection molding process that integrates metal framing
- Industry-leading Channel HD Audio enhanced by ASUS exclusive Realtek S1220A featuring crystal sound 3, DTS Headphone: X and driven by Japanese capacitors for warm, immersive sound
- Aura Sync RGB lighting via 4-pin RGB header features the ability to synchronize colors and effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem of AURA Sync enabled products
Mark today in the Intel history calendar, if you are keeping one, because Skylake, Z170 and mainstream DDR4 are here. We’ve been keeping tight-lipped about this for a few weeks and we can finally show off what we have been working on. You already know almost all of the details regarding the Skylake processors being launched today; the i5-6600K and i7-6700K, but what about Z170?
Well, we know it supports DDR4 and features the new 1151 socket, but something that really shines through for this chipset is the absolutely huge connectivity incorporated. Motherboard manufacturers now have up to 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes and up to 10 USB 3.0 ports to play with.
Now some of you may be thinking that you can’t fit 20 PCIe lanes onto a single standard motherboard and you would be correct, to a certain extent. In recent years, M.2 (or mini PCIe) has really taken the expansion world by storm and with Z170, you can start to see M.2 ports crop up in multiples depending on the motherboard.
Best Gaming Motherboard for i9 9900k
Pros & Cons
- Supports 9th i9-9900k, i7-9700k, i5-9600k and 8th Generation Intel Core/ Pentium gold/ Celeron Processors for LGA 1151 socket
- Supports dual channel DDR4 memory, up to 4600(OC) MHz
- Killer E2500 LAN, Intel 802. 11AC Wi-Fi, Turbo U. 2, 3x Turbo M. 2 with M. 2 Shield frozr, Dual front USB 3. 1 Gen2 Type-C
- Mystic Light Infinity: 16. 8 million colors/ 29 effects. Connect RGB or rainbow LED strips with addressable headers and create an RGB Gaming PC. Control Mystic Light Sync enabled products
- Built for hardcore gaming and extreme overclocking
Best z390 Motherboard for i9 9900k
Pros & Cons
- Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen / Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics Desktop Processors for AM4 socket
- Ultra-fast networking support with both on-board Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11ax) and bundled 10G Super LAN card
- Onboard triple Lightning Gen 4 M. 2 slots and bundled M. 2 XPANDER-Z Gen 4 accessory card with two additional M. 2 slots
- Mystic Light Infinity II brings together colorful lighting and an infinity mirror for deceptively endless light effects – customize with 16. 8 million colors and 29 effects through the Mystic Light APP
- Xtreme Audio DAC with dual audio processors, ESS DAC, 6. 3mm headphone out, and Nahimic enhancement software
- Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update
Best Asus Motherboard for i9 9900k
Pros & Cons
- Designed for 9th, 8th generation intel core processors to maximize connectivity and speed with dual M.2, USB 3.1 gen 2, 802.11ac wi fi and asus optic mem II for better dram overclocking stability
- Revamped 5 way optimization overclocks intelligently based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry while fan xpert 4 delivers dynamic system cooling
- Dedicated water cooling headers and built in cross chill ek III water block allow monitoring of water temperature and flow without a standalone controller
- Aura sync rgb lighting with addressable headers features a nearly endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across an ever expanding ecosystem of aura sync enabled products
- Pre mounted I/o shield ensures streamlined installation and represents rog's attention to detail and quality
Best Atx Motherboard for i9 9900k
Pros & Cons
- Supports 10th Gen Intel Core processors
- 16 Phases Digital VRM with 90A Smart Power Stage
- AORUS Xtreme Waterforce Full Coverage Monoblock
- NanoCarbon Baseplate
- Shielded Xtreme Memory Routing with Tantalum Polymer Capacitors Array
- Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- AQUANTIA 10GbE LAN + Intel 2.5 GbE LAN
- 3x M.2 Enlarged Next Generation Thermal Guard
- Intel WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 2x2 with AORUS Antennas
- AMP UP Audio ALC1220-VB2 with ESS Sabre ES9018K2M Rear Audio DAC and ESS Sabre ES9218 Front Audio DAC
- Memory Storage Capacity: 10000 Tb
Best Motherboard for i9 9900k and RTX 2080 ti
Pros & Cons
- Supports 9th and 8th Intel Core processors
- Dual channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- Intel optane memory ready
- 12 plus 1 phases digital VRM solution with DrMOS
- Advanced thermal design with multi cuts heatsinks and heat pipe. Bluetooth 5
- Onboard Intel CNVi 802.11AC 2x2 wave 2 Wi-Fi
- Alc1220 vb enhance 114db(rear)/ 110db(front) SNR in microphone with WIMA audio capacitors
- Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed
- RGB Fusion with multi zone LED light show design, supports addressable LED & RGB LED strips
- Smart fan 5 features multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers with fan stop
Best Motherboard for i9 9900kf
Pros & Cons
- Supports AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen/ 2nd Gen Ryzen/ 2nd Gen Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/ Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics processors
- Dual channel ECC/ non-ECC unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- True 12 phases IR digital VRM with power stage. Bluetooth 5.0. Support for 11 axes 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate
- Advanced thermal design - Fins-array heatsink & direct touch Heatpipe
- Dual ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 4.0/3.0 x4 M.2 with dual thermal guards
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 802.11Ax & BT 5 with AORUS antenna
- Amp-up audio with alc1220-vb
- Intel Gigabit LAN
- USB turbocharger for a mobile device fast charge support
Best Gaming Motherboards for Intel i9 9900k
Pros & Cons
- Supports 9th i9-9900K, i7-9700K, i5-9600K and 8th Generation Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron processors for LGA 1151 socket
- Supports dual channel DDR4 Memory, up to 4400(OC) MHz; DIMM Slots: 4.Operating system: Support for Windows 10 64-bit
- 2x TURBO M.2, Intel Optane Memory Ready, Turbo USB 3.1 GEN2; USB 2.0 ports (Front): 4
- MYSTIC LIGHT: 16.8 million colors / 29 effects. Connect RGB or RAINBOW LED strips with addressable headers and create an RGB gaming PC. Control Mystic Light SYNC enabled products
- Built for high-performance gaming - Extended heatsink, ATX form factor ready for multi-GPU
Best Motherboards for i9 9900k – BUYER’S GUIDE
Chipset and Socket
There are only two chipsets available in most motherboards today that work with this processor – the Z390 and the Z370. Sure enough, the Z390 is the most reliable and powerful one. That’s why the best z390 motherboard for i9 9900k you can get will make the PC perform better.
Don’t forget about the socket, though. You need an LGA1151 on the MOBO to install the i9 9900K properly. Yet, you’re pretty likely not to find any similar motherboard with a different socket nowadays. Still, be extra careful.
Overclocking Capacity
The overclocking capacity will come from several different factors you’ll have to consider. First, it will be the VRM of the motherboard. This refers to the way it transforms regular voltage to something the CPU and the GPU can handle. Here, we recommend quality VRM systems with 12+2 Phases for extra results.
Then, you’ll have to consider the right amount and quality of heatsinks. Extra sinks to keep your RAM, CPU, M.2 SSDs, and the VRMs or capacitors cold will be necessary. They will prevent every overclock from over-heating and burning the machine.
Other overclocking features like easy-to-use BIOS systems, automatic fan functions, and boosting software that come with the MOBO are all worth considering. The easier, safer, and more practical the overclocking with the MOBO is – the better your experience will be with an i9 9900K.
Expandability and Ports
If you want the best motherboard for intel i9 9900k, then you need something with enough ports. Here, you’ll have to consider PCIe ports for GPUs, DIMM slots for RAM (DDR4), and M.2 ports for storage.
For example, if you want to build a super-gaming PC with several graphic cards, then you’ll need several PCIe ports. If you want at least 32GB of memory capacity, then go for something with 4 RAM slots – or choose something that can handle 32GB per slot. And lastly, consider at least 2 M.2 ports for SSDs. You can choose RTX 2080 Ti graphics card for superb gaming performance.
Don’t forget about USB 3.0 ports and Ethernet, though. And extra USB ports plus an HDMI connector never disappoint.
Connectivity
For the best experience, always remember to go for a motherboard with stable Ethernet and fast WiFi adapters. At the same time, consider Bluetooth as extra capacity. If you can connect the internet via NFC or any other wireless connections apart from WiFi, then that’s an excellent addition to think about.
Size / Form Factor
The best ATX motherboard for i9 9900k is large and spacious enough to handle several PCIe ports. Yet, it may be difficult to fit inside small cases.
That’s why you may also consider a mini-ATX or mATX – offering a slightly smaller MOBO design that fits in compact cases. They save tons of space but come with fewer ports and slots.
Audio and RGB
Then, you’ll find the audio. Nothing compares to a well-sounding PC that doesn’t need a sound card. You can enjoy high-quality audio directly from the motherboard – offering the chance to connect a 7.1 home theatre without losing any bit of quality.
Another extra to consider is the RGB system. With enough lights and good-looking strips, you can make even the dullest of cases look more enticing. And you’ll have a highly exciting PC at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a normal and a gaming motherboard?
Not really. The RGB lights are mostly for aesthetics. Yet it is safe to say they can allow better identification of the components inside the case. But that’s just a side benefit.
How much should I spend on a motherboard for i9 9900K?
You may find super-affordable MOBOs at less than two hundred. But if you truly want to harness the true power of an i9 9900K, you’ll need to spend at least three hundred.
What is the relation between VRM and heatsinks?
A VRM or also known as PPM is a small converter that transforms the supply voltage so the processor can handle the charge without issues. The heatsink is a piece of metal that cools down these converters and other parts of the motherboard to prevent burnout.
Can I install other processors on these motherboards?
Yes, as long as they have the same socket (LGA1151) and the same chipset (Z390) as the i9 9900K, then they will probably work without any issue.
WRAP UP
Best Motherboards for i9 9900k – The Motherboard is a crucial component and a hub of all parts of any computer system. If you were searching for the Best Motherboards for i9 9900K, you have landed at the right page.
So, if you’ve planned to build yourself a new gaming computer and want to build it around an Intel Core i9 9900K processor – seeking the perfect Motherboard compatible with the chipset is a great starting point.
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