The i9 9900k is a beast of a CPU, but the motherboard it’s paired to needs to be able to keep up. The i9 9900k takes pride of place in the top echelon of CPUs, leading the way for the Z390 chipset to bring the HEDT platform to market. If you’re looking to build a powerhouse rig, then check out this review of the best motherboards for the i9 9900k.
With the release of the i9 9900k, Intel has released a processor so fast, so powerful and so appealing that it is going to cause a massive shift in the performance of PC gaming. Gone are the days of a quad core i5 or i7 for gaming, as the i9 9900k is a true gaming monster. With a base clock speed of 5 GHz and a max turbo boost of 5.0 GHz, the i9 9900k gives you the best gaming performance available.
The i9 9900k is a new generation Intel Core i9 CPU for desktop and small laptops, and its release marks the return of the top-tier Core i9 series, which last appeared in the i7-7900X in 2017. The i9 9900k is clocked at 3.6 GHz and has 8 cores, 16 threads and a maximum TDP of 100W. The i9 9900k has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.9 GHz. It also has 3.7 GHz L3 Cache and 12 MB of L2 Cache. The i9 9900k comes with a 95W TDP and a price tag of $1799.. Read more about best motherboard for i9 9900k 2021 and let us know what you think.
In 2018, Intel released the 9th generation CPUs, which are based on the Coffee Lake architecture, as a follow-up to its predecessor. Its presence sparked a strange mystery, forcing modern players to immerse themselves in a new world. As the title implies, this post will concentrate only on the i9-9900K CPU, with “K” denoting an unlocked chip (overclocking). The 9th generation CPU necessitates highly competitive hardware capable of supporting the chip’s high-end capabilities.
For example, you’ll need a motherboard that allows for adequate overclocking (high core speed) as well as the integration of the newest hardware and long-term stability.
Because these unlocked CPUs run hotter, you’ll need to make sure the system has enough ventilation. Your motherboard should include cooler slots, SATA to IDE expansion ports, and system fan slots for this. The word “cooling” is crucial here. The explanation is simple: anytime you flaunt a component that is worth more than its produced value, it will simmer. To minimize the boiling, you’ll need to locate a motherboard that’s suitable with the CPU. Before we get to that, there are a few things to keep in mind before we rush to the cash register. To learn more about the considerations to consider before purchasing a MOBO for the i9 9900k, go here.
We’ll go on to the most eagerly anticipated session of determining the best gaming motherboards for Intel Core i9 9900K processors.
The Top 7 Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i9 9900K (Overview)
There are a plethora of Z390 motherboard variations available, each catering to a particular formula and withstanding the widespread overclocking phenomenon. The “Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme” is at the top of the list. You may be tempted to compare this motherboard to flagship products for a little time, which is reasonable, but this motherboard exudes a devoted atmosphere. For the time being, this motherboard can only handle CPUs from the 8th and 9th generations. It also supports DDR4 RAM with four slots in dual channel non-ECC unbuffered mode. Furthermore, it has a cutting-edge thermal design made from a nanocarbon baseplate. Surprisingly, it also has the option of installing an RGB fan controller, implying that this motherboard can handle both non-RGB and RGB components. It’s known as planar perfection. The price of this motherboard varies between $550 and $600, depending on the version chosen.
It’s absolutely reasonable to clear up any concerns about the pricing. The price tags are justified when you consider the excellent features such as M.2 ports with specialized heatsinks, Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, and amazing power support. You may compare retail prices of flagship models using several sources, and then you’ll know where Z390 stands.
Pros
- Profiles for overclocking
- Ports with upgradeability
The word “enthusiast” refers to the motherboard’s capability for overclocking. Today’s gamers are increasingly concerned with overclocking their components to achieve higher frequencies, since this tinkering improves the overall performance of the system. That’s why I went with the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero for your Core i9 9900K. Synced RGB profiling (AURA sync that can be toggled on and off from the motherboard), top-notch cooling zones (for reducing overclocking temperatures), onboard Wi-Fi for reaching blistering internet speeds, LANGuard, dual M.2 NVMe slots, USB 3.1 Gen 2, 5-way optimization for profile switching, and withstanding audio for fun are just some of the highlights.
Not to mention that the motherboard is outfitted with appropriate shielding armor to keep the body safe from fire. When you’re doing Xtreme overclocking, you’ll see a cloud of heavy smoke pouring from your components since you didn’t use: A) a properly encased motherboard B) There isn’t a suitable cooling option. It’s incredible to see how well the ASUS Maximus XI Hero handles high temperatures while still providing excellent performance to its customers.
4 x DIMM (128 DDR4 RAM), integrated GPU, multi VGA support, Nvidia 2-way SLI, AMD 3-way CrossFireX, 2x PCIe 3.0 x 16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x 16, 2x M.2 slots, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s, 15 USB 3.1 (Gen 1 and Gen 2) connections, and a plethora of unique buttons are among the features.
Pros
- Extremely extensible
- A motherboard that will stand the test of time
- Overclocking profiles that may be used
You’ve probably seen all of the good feedback and reviews for MSI products. When it came to MSI motherboards, we saw a significant improvement in performance, indicating that the company went one step further in delivering the greatest possible performance ratio. Because of its simple RGB profiling, the MOBO has acquired the distinction of best RGB. To change profiles and settings for displaying vivid colors, just utilize third-party software or onboard buttons. Not to add, the motherboard supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 4500 (overclocked) MHz, which is fantastic since it allows your system to do several tasks at once.
Mystic light infinite (16.8 million colors for RGB), pre-installed I/O shielding (for EMI protection), and the lightning-fast gaming experience with M.2 shield Frozr, as well as an audio boost memory chipset are all features of the MSI MEG.
When it comes to design and architecture, the motherboard outperforms many of the industry’s top models. You will have access to on-trend design, appropriate aluminum heatsinks for temperature protection, and durability. That’s why I put this motherboard in the first of the top three positions.
The motherboard has 2 (Gen 2, Type C), 4 (Gen 1, Type A), 1 (Gen2, Type C), 5 (Gen2, Type A), and 8 USB 2.0 ports, according to the specs. Not to mention that the motherboard supports Direct X 12 and has a slew of additional gaming-friendly features.
Pros
- RGB compatible
- Advanced buttons are used.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E gaming motherboard has been included to the list of Best Motherboards for i9 9900K. Let me tell you that ASUS products are unrivaled in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Despite the fact that the motherboard does not use all of the suggested up-to-date capabilities, it is still worthwhile. You’ll get an LGA1151 socket that works with both 8th and 9th generation processors, AURA Sync RGB for light profiling and mode switching, a comprehensive cooling system (M.2 heatsink, water-pump header, fan extensions, and MOS fan with bracket), 5-way optimization (AI overclocking), gaming networking (intel Gigabit Ethernet and onboard Wi-Fi), and a mesmerizing in-battlefield display. What more are you looking for, huh?
Not to add the motherboard’s architecture and design are unique. For example, you’ll receive a pre-installed I/O shield, ASUS safe slots, and superior temperature-resistant components. It’s also worth noting that the motherboard has an up-to-date, visually appealing design that meets the gaming requirements of 2021. With its gleaming black body, you may flaunt and show off anytime you want.
The MOBO has 2 x PCIe 3.0 x 16, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x 1, 6 x SATA 6GB/s, 2x M.2 sockets, HDMI, DisplayPort, Nvidia 2-way SLI, AMD 3-way CrossFireX, and 4 x DIMM RAM slots, among other features. There’s more to it than that! The motherboard also has 15 USB ports that are compatible with both Gen 1 and Gen 2 devices.
Pros
- M.2 slots that are capable
- Appealing to the eye
Cons
- Overclocking settings are difficult to fine-tune.
The MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk overcomes a slew of obstacles, including the financial one. It is not possible for everyone to purchase anything opulent and pricey. That is why motherboards like the MSI Mag exist, which not only cater to the gaming community but also guarantee that everyone is treated equally. The motherboard is compatible with CPUs from the 8th and 9th generations. The motherboard also supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400 MHz (in overclocked mode). Aside from that, you’ll receive an integrated I/O design (for easy installation), aluminum heatsinks to protect components, premium network connection (Dual LAN and ethernet connections), 2x Turbo M.2 for high-speed SSDs, and 16.8 million color mystic light. To be honest, having RGB on such a low-cost motherboard makes me want to dance. Not to mention that the RGB profiling and modes may be controlled through the motherboard’s value-added buttons.
The motherboard has an on-trend and beautiful design that works in tandem with a protective covering. MSI ensures that your components are protected from extreme heat. Despite this, the motherboard has a plethora of Gen2 and Gen1 USB connections, a 4400 MHz overclocking profile, and an Intel Gigabit LAN controller.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Armor body is used.
Cons
- A handful of sophisticated features are missing.
Gaming ASUS TUF Z390-Pro
Let’s brighten your day with a non-traditional and competitive activity. The ASUS TUF Z390-Pro gaming motherboard is now available. You can completely depend on this motherboard since ASUS is renowned for producing durable and high-quality goods. You may verify this by looking at previous tales and reviews on the official website. The motherboard, for example, has a separate protective mechanism known as “TUF protection.” It ensures the long-term stability of your M.2 slots, VRM, and I/O. Furthermore, you will be able to handle TUF components such as LANGuard, TUF chokes, TUF capacitors, and TUF MOSFETs for further durability.
The motherboard also has OptiMem II (for signal integrity routing), the Realtek S1200A codec (for safe sound), and GPU temperature sensors with Fan Xpert 4. As previously stated, these notifications aid in establishing the motherboard’s legitimacy. Because the ASUS TUF MOBO is devoted only to gaming, it is ideal for your PC.
The motherboard also has a protective armor body and AURA sync RGB. The value-added buttons at the top allow you to turn on and off certain profiles and modes. Apart from that, the motherboard has 4 DIMM slots (128 GB RAM), a 4266 MHz boost (overclocked) processor, dual channel memory architecture, support for Nidia SLI and AMD CrossFireX, and a handful of PCIe expansion slots.
Pros
- The most suitable for gaming and rendering
- Have TUF-specific features
ASRock Z390 Pro4 is a motherboard designed by ASRock.
Don’t worry, this motherboard isn’t going to break the bank. It is subsidized, making it another low-cost motherboard for the i9 9900k on the list. The motherboard includes a ten-phase power design, DDR4 support up to 4300 MHz+ (in overclocking mode), 2 PCIe 3.0 x 16, 3 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 for Wi-Fi support, AMD Quad CrossFireX, and CrossFireX, graphics card display options: HDMI, D-Sub, and DVI-D, 7.1 CH HD Audio, 6 SATA3, 2 M.2 slots for SSD, and 8 USB ports (Gen2 and Gen1). A built-in Intel Gigabit LAN with a superb armor shroud is included as well. A variety of aluminum heatsinks are available for storage and protection against high temperatures.
Not to add, the motherboard’s design and layout are dead on and enthralling. The ASRock Z390 Pro4 is a good choice if you want a low-cost motherboard with average features.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Overclocking is a breeze.
What considerations should you consider before purchasing an i9 9900K MOBO?
You’re setting a good example for the current generation, particularly gamers, when it comes to motherboard choices. Even if you are progressing, there is a possibility that you may wind up with the incorrect motherboard. How might such erroneous events be minimized? The only way to eliminate the risk of making poor decisions is to guarantee that the motherboard has XYZ characteristics. For that reason, I’ve included all of the necessary characteristics for you to consider.
- Chipset and Socket: Make a mental note of this: Only Z390 and Z370 are supported by Core i9 9th generation processors. If you choose another motherboard, you will be unable to run the chipset. In the second half, we’ll concentrate on the Z390 and its plethora of customization and freedom-of-choice options. Wait, this message isn’t finished yet. You’ll need an LGA1151 socket for the socket. If you pick a different socket on any of the motherboards by chance, you can only be sorry to yourself.
- Another important aspect to consider when choosing a motherboard for your chipset is expandability (ports). Allow me to illustrate this with an example. Let’s say you found the finest motherboard for the Core i9 9900K processor, but it lacks expandability. The fundamental issue is: what do I mean when I say “extensibility”? Obviously, you will not be updating the system any time soon, necessitating the installation of a number of ports on your motherboard. These ports enable you to update your equipment without depleting your funds. You may, for example, wish to add another GPU in the future. How would you go about doing that? Only if your motherboard has additional PCIe slots will this be feasible.
- Who doesn’t want more overlocking capacity? If you’re a serious gamer, you shouldn’t ignore the importance of overclocking. It enables you to use all of the slotted components on the motherboard to their full capacity. You need those increased frequency clocks to make things happen quicker while you game, code, and render, and you can only do it if your MOBO allows overclocking. VRMs, the amount of heat sinks connected, and the BIOS profiling configuration will all be needed for cross-checking.
- Form Factor: It is common for individuals to overlook the form factor of the motherboard. Because they were so inattentive to their surroundings, they were unable to secure the MOBO inside the case. I really hope you are not one of them (fingers crossed). In a nutshell, motherboards are divided into three categories: ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. If your case has to be small and portable, either micro ATX or mini-ITX is the way to go.
- How could you overlook the importance of connectivity? Stable ethernet ports and fast Wi-Fi adapters are required for an immersive gaming experience, which is only achievable if your motherboard has these value-added features. Not to add, some motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi, which is great if you can find one.
- RGB: You’re not obligated to make this option accessible on your motherboard. Using RGB is, after all, a personal decision. It’s OK if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money on motherboards just to light up your room in pink and blue. Motherboards that aren’t RGB will function great!
Final Thoughts
To summarize, if you want to maximize the performance of your i9-9900K, the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme is the best option. But why is that? Despite the fact that prices fluctuate, the motherboard’s supporting features make it appealing. Consider how powerful your new high-end PC will be if all of its components are overclocked. In addition, if your case has the necessary room, you may put two coolers on your motherboard. To summarize, this Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme offers everything you’ve wished for.
If, on the other hand, you’re searching for something in the middle, the ASRock Z390 Pro4 may be able to assist you out of your financial bind. It’s a decent-looking motherboard with the most of the modern capabilities.
I hope you found the instructions to be simple to follow and understand. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions on how to choose the best motherboard for your system.
People may inquire.
Is the Intel Core i9-9900K overkill?
It is for the vast majority of users. Why buy a chipset if you’re just going to use a fraction of its power? The Core i9-9900K is designed for individuals who spend their days overclocking, playing 4K games, and rendering 3D models.
Is the Core i9-9900K a decent gaming processor?
Yes, that is without a doubt! Consider this scenario: you have a “K” version chipset and you’re asking this inquiry. People should be aware that these K versions are powerful and well-suited to the gaming market.
Also check out:
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2021’s Best CPU Coolers for i9 9900k
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For the i9 9900K, the best RAM is
If you are like me, you must have heard of the new Intel 9th Gen Core series, 9th Gen Core i9 9900K. I’ve been waiting to see these chips get released for over 6 months now since they were first announced back in March. For the past few months I’ve been doing extensive research on the different motherboard manufacturers to find out which one is best for this processor. Some of the best motherboards that have been released in the past were the Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Gaming 8, MSI MEG Z390 Godlike, Asus Prime X470-Pro, and the Gigabyte WIFI Z390-Gaming 7. But which one should I get?. Read more about best motherboard for i9 9900k and rtx 3080 and let us know what you think.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which motherboard is best for i9 9900K?
The best motherboard for the i9 9900K is a Z390.
Is 9900K still good 2021?
The best processor for gaming in 2021 is the Intel Core i9-9900K.
Is the i9 9900K outdated?
No, the i9 9900K is still a very powerful processor.
