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Intel has released its latest processor, the i9 900k. This processor uses eight cores and has a 16 MB cache with 5 GHz frequency. It has surpassed many expectations with its performance and speed.
It can support up to 128 GB of memory and 41.6 GB/s bandwidth. With this amazing new processor, you need a motherboard that can handle its processing power. Intel has released a range of new boards that have a new chipset called the Z390.
This article lists the best boards you can use with your new processor.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motherboard For I9 9900k
- OUR TOP PICK: MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE
- RUNNER-UP: Asus ROG Strix Z390-E
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Ultra
Comparison of the Best Motherboards For i9 9900k
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Can Any Motherboard Be Used For an i9 9900k?
Every processor has some specifications that not every motherboard is compatible with. The chipset and CPU socket on the motherboard determine if it can be used with specific processors. Motherboards are made keeping in mind the processor it will be used with. Using a socket that is not compatible with the processor damages the CPU, and nothing will work. The i9 9900k processor uses the LGA 1151 socket and Z390 chip. Only motherboards with these features can be used with the i9 9900k.
MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE
What Makes a Great Motherboard?
Some of the features that make a great motherboard are:
Temperature Control
When gaming and streaming HD videos or doing other tasks that take up a lot of processor power, your computer heats up. The increased heat levels cause performance to drop, and the system starts lagging. For better performance, a motherboard has fan control tools and M.2 heat sinks that dissipate the heat appropriately.
Speed
The thing we all need from our computers is speed. A great motherboard utilizes the latest storage, along with wired and wireless connections. The latest technologies are 802.11ac, USB 3.1, Dual M.2. These all include heat management to ensure performance boost and fast data transfer rates.
Overclocking
Overclocking is an important feature in gaming. This lets you make the best out of your processor. The latest motherboards use onboard AI to monitor the overclocking to make sure that the computer is running efficiently without damaging the system. These also include an easy-to-use interface that lets you customize the clocking easily.
Review of the Best Motherboards For i9 9900k
To help you pick the best unit available, we have reviewed some of the best motherboards for the i9 9900k. Evaluating these will help you find the most suitable option for yourself.
Best Motherboard For Intel i9 9900k:
MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a favorite with everyone. The many features and quality build are appreciated by hard-core gamers and PC builders. It is somewhat expensive, but comes with many latest features that users have no issues paying for. Its RGB lighting control also looks great.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This board has a very sleek and futuristic design. It will certainly add to the look of your computer. It comes with many accessories, including M.2 expansion card, user manual, SLI Bridge, RGB KED expansion Y-cable, Wi-Fi Antenna, three SATA cables, and more. It also supports M.2 SHIELD for maintaining temperature and performance. It has an OLED display that shows you the status of the board and can be customized.
Who Will Use This Most
The Mystic Light Infinity feature makes the motherboard stand out with its infinite color variations and combinations. If you want to add a little color to your dull CPU, then this motherboard can help. This is specially built for hard-core gamers and people who use their computers for extreme tasks.
Bottom Line
MSI does make some of the best motherboards out there. As the name of this board will tell you, its performance is unparalleled. Your speed will be faster, your system will be cooler and quieter, and the most important part, the performance will be much improved.
Runner-up:
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The name ASUS attracts more people to this product. The installation with the simple user manual was easy, as reported by many buyers. The fan control system is also great. There are no speed complaints. Overclocking is also easy and safe and customers are generally satisfied with their choice.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This board has a wide variety of features that make your CPU run faster. It has a five-way optimization feature and an onboard AI that ensures efficient overclocking, while maintaining a cooler temperature. The UEFI has an advanced mode that monitors system status, among other functions. The EZ mode lets you do RAID configurations, customize Aura RGB lighting, and more. It supports dual M.2 slots that can handle both SATA and PCI-e 3.0 to give fast performance.
Who Will Use This Most
This board is completely customizable and DIY-friendly. This is a great choice for gamers. You can easily do overclocking to ensure there is no lag in the game. It has a GameFirst V feature that ensures maximum bandwidth allocation to the game.
Bottom Line
Whenever you ask someone to recommend the best motherboard, they include one by ASUS on their list. They are the top of the line, and this one is no different. It is designed for gamers and provides extra-fast speed and an amazing audio experience. It has easy installation and a customizable design that will make upgrading your board much easier.
Best for the Money:
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Ultra
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The voltage regulator is great on this motherboard, which users love, and overclocking is also good and easy. The speed is good, and after intensive use, it still keeps delivering high speeds. The price is a plus for every buyer, and each one is in love with it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This board supports the latest and fastest Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth 5 for more range. It uses Optane for storage, which gives a boost to performance compared to older technologies. It also features a traffic monitoring application to improve response time when the network is crowded. It has hybrid fan headers and temperature sensors to maintain a cooler system.
Who Will Use This Most
The hybrid cooling system, RGB Fusion software, overclocking, and high-speed internet connection make this perfect for gaming. The RGB software has built-in settings, addressable LED headers, and external addressable LED strips. This is also a budget-friendly product. So, any of you looking to buy good quality and durable motherboard at a low-price can buy this one.
Bottom Line
This motherboard has the latest storage and connectivity support, including USB 3.1, triple M.2, Bluetooth 5, and wireless 802.11ac connection. The product is also durable with protection against voltage surges, solid pin connectors for stable power, and stainless steel design. All of this is available at a much lower price than its competitors.
Best Gaming Motherboard For i9 9900k:
ASUS TUF Z390-Pro Gaming
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This board provides good value for money. The BIOS is easily installed, and temperature control features work well. The look with LEDs lit up is also amazing, according to users. The hardware is strong. It gives good speed and graphic options for gaming. The sound quality is also good.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This board comes with two SATA cables, a rear I/O panel shield, user manual, SLI Bridge, Q-connector, and M.2 screws. The hardware is of military-grade quality. This makes it extremely resistant to any damage. You don’t need to add an extra sound card in this one. It has HD immersive audio. You can also control the fans and customize CPU clocking for faster gaming.
Who Will Use This Most
The TUF Gaming series is specifically designed for durable and faster gaming products. This board is a part of that series. It has different features to ensure its longevity. Overclocking is also possible with this, which is the first thing many gamers look for in motherboards. And of course, the ASUS lighting control can also be found on this board to add some character to your system.
Bottom Line
The simultaneous use of HD graphics, a high-speed internet connection, and HD audio can cause a burden on your CPU. You need a motherboard that can handle this. This board has been made for this exact purpose. It makes sure your system remains cool, and you get an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Best Z390 Motherboard For i9 9900k:
ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This board has a good build and design. The sound system is also great. It has excellent speed and is one of the favorites for i9 users. Based on user reviews, internet speed, and overclocking ability are also good for gaming. Setting up is very easy, as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This board provides a boost in performance by using two Ultra M.2 sockets, dual-band Wi-Fi, eight USB 3.1 ports, DDR4 memory, and Thunderbolt 3 type-C interface. The Type-C interface lets you connect six devices with one wire. It also has an M.2 heatsink to make sure that speed is not affected by a heated system. The smart Power Stage technology lets you monitor temperature and current to give a more stable power supply.
Who Will Use This Most
The Creative Sound Blaster creates a 3D sound experience that is great for gaming and home theaters. It also gives you RGB lighting control and overclocking options you need for gaming. Z390 chipsets are ideal for Intel i9 processors.
Bottom Line
For an Intel i9 9900k processor, the most used motherboards are ones with Z390 chipsets. Our list contains many with that chipset, and this is one of the best of them. You get high-speed internet and data transfer rates with amazing sound and graphics by upgrading to this model.
Best Motherboard For Overclocking i9 9900k:
Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Xtreme
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, the design is clean and simple that makes it look great. LED lighting control is also great. Overclocking works great, as well. The high phase voltage regulator gives good power to the CPU. All in all, it lets you use i9 9900k to its full potential.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 16-phase VRM delivers clean and more stable power to the processor. It has a Fins-Array heat sink, Nanocarbon baseplate, and hybrid fan headers to keep the system cool and efficient. It also has ten GB Ethernet LAN, Thunderbolt 3, and an AORUS antenna for high-speed internet. All of these make it stand out.
Who Will Use This Most
Overclocking is an important part of the gaming world, but not every motherboard can handle that. This board lets you overclock without damaging your processor or board. It provides clean HD and optimum audio quality by using impedance sensors, a power purifier, and DSD music playback. All of that makes it great for high-speed gaming and HD videos.
Bottom Line
For the best overclocking experience, this motherboard is a top choice. But apart from that, you also get durability, performance boost, and quality. With its user-friendly software, you can monitor your motherboard’s different features. And of course, you get the RGB Fusion 2.0 for color customization.
Best ASUS Motherboard For i9 9900k:
ASUS ROG Maximus XI
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It was some missing things for set up, in some cases, but the performance is good. Those that were able to install and use the board properly gave good reviews. The speed was good and the voltage regulator works fine, as well. Users found the overall performance to be satisfactory.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It provides high speeds for both wireless and wired connections. You get USB 3.1, dual M.2, and 802.11ac compatibility. The overclocking on this one has been made exceptionally easy with the intelligent overclocking feature. It has an OLED panel that displays live system status to you.
Who Will Use This Most
This motherboard is built for Intel i9 and i8 processors with an LGA 1151 socket. This is great for gaming, as it ensures efficient overclocking for system safety and performance. It also lets you completely customize the RGB lighting with a simple interface.
Bottom Line
ASUS is one of the best motherboard manufacturers. If you are looking to buy an ASUS motherboard for the i9 9900k, then go for this top-of-the-line model. The latest technologies for data transfer and internet connections are used in it, and at an impressively low price.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Motherboard
The motherboard is an important part of your system, especially for a user that does CPU-intensive tasks. Some of the best reasons to invest in a new quality motherboard are:
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Ultra
Improved Performance
The VRM, or Voltage Regulator Module is what determines the amount of voltage or power that goes to your CPU. It is also what enables a clean and stable supply of power, which leads to better performance and increased CPU life. The latest USB 3.1 and PCI-e 3.0 ports enable the fastest data transfer rates. Using the latest technologies, it will ensure high-speed data transfer and internet speed. Intel has also been using a newer memory technology called Optane for better response timings.
Overclocking
Many motherboards have overclocking ability, but if you don’t know what you are doing, you can damage the processor. The newest motherboards now have an intelligent overclocking feature that monitors the status of your processor and determines how much it can handle.
Durability
A good motherboard has technologies that protect it from any damage. They ensure efficient power consumption and protection from voltage surges. This gives your computer a performance boost and ensures that it lasts a long time. It is always a good investment to buy durable products.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Some things that you should always keep in mind before buying any motherboard are:
Compatibility
The Intel i9 9900k processor is compatible with LGA 1151 socket. When you buy the motherboard, you should go for ones that have this socket. If your sockets don’t match, you will end up damaging both your processor and motherboard. Thus, compatibility is the most important thing to look for when buying your board.
RAM Compatibility
The latest memory technology used these days is DDR4. That is the RAM type used in many of the products we have reviewed here, as well. Some boards these days also have Intel Optane technology that is different from the traditional mechanical memory types. You can check your processor's compatibility by paying attention to the specs when buying the board.
Quality
Your motherboard connects everything on the computer and enables communication between them. It is, therefore, important to buy a product that uses the latest technologies along with using sturdy material that cannot be damaged easily. Good motherboards usually have features that protect against shocks, high voltage, and overheating. Many boards use solid capacitors and VRM for durability.
Conclusion
The i9 9900k processor is Intel’s latest in the long line of top-quality products. It uses LGA 1151 socket. The best motherboards you can use with this socket are listed and reviewed here. Our list will ensure that you can get the best out of this new processor.
People Also Ask
If you still have some questions or confusion about i9 9900k and its motherboard, then you are not alone. This is a newer model and might not be that well tested. Many questions are asked about compatibility and performance, and if they are even worth buying. You can read these frequently asked questions for further clarification.
What Socket is i9 9900k?
The i9 9900k processor is compatible with the Flip-Chip Land Grid Array (FCLGA) 1151 socket. This socket is also known as an H4 socket. It supports Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake CPUs.
Is i9 9900k Compatible With Z390?
When Intel released its newest i9 9900k processor, it also introduced a new chipset and a range of motherboards to go with it. That chipset is Z390. This replaced the Z370 chip, and it only works with Windows 10.
Is the i9 Better Than the i7?
The i9 processor is the newest and the fastest processor that Intel has released yet. It has eight cores that will give you unprecedented speed. It also has 86 threads. The performance is prepared for future computer systems. But not everyone needs that level of speed. For normal computer users, i7 serves the purpose.
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