Best Motherboards for Intel Core i5 4690k + Buying Guide

The Intel Core I5 ​​4690K chipset is one of the market leaders today, with incredible sales figures and statistics regarding processing speed and price. This Intel processor is unlocked, hence the “k” in its name, which means that one of the minimum requirements for your board is that it is overclocking motherboard that you want to get the most out of your Intel i5 4690k motherboard.  Despite the fact that Intel prefers frequent replacement of processor sockets without backward compatibility, this has led to even a small update forcing it to replace the motherboard and the processor.

The Intel Core i5-4690k is an unlocked variant of the 9th Gen Core i7 processor and offers eight cores, and since Hyper Threading is not involved, it also offers eight threads. The most beneficial point of this processor is that it is one of the fastest gaming processors due to its high single-core performance.

Hopefully, you have decided which motherboard to choose for your processor by the end of this article. I will try to give you all the information you need about the best motherboards for i5 4690k socket and why I chose these boards. With this owner, rest assured that they are all excellent options regardless of your choice.

Top 3 Motherboards for Intel Core i5

1) ASUS Z97-A Motherboard

• ASUS Gaming Turbo App
• Special Layout Design for Audio Shielding
• Whisper Quiet and Extreme Cooling Efficiency during Gaming
• Real-Time Hardware Monitoring
• It Has a Unique De-Pop Circuit

2) MSI Z97 PC Mate Gaming

• It Can Overclock in 1 Second
• Easy Setup & Configuration of Intel® Technologies
• Ultra-high Definition Visual Experience
• Intuitive Touchscreen Interface of Command Center
• It Has Non-ECC, Unbuffered DDR3 Memory

3) Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H

• Multi Graphics Support is at Extreme Level
• Protection against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
• GIGABYTE Cloud Station™ Has Several Unique Apps
• It Has Special Anti-Surge ICs Board
• Advanced CPU & DDR OC for Overclocking
• Built-in 104 dB Rear Audio Amplifier

1) ASUS Z97-A Budget Motherboard for i5 4690k

• CPU Compatibility: 4th Gen i7/ i5/ i3 Intel® Core™ / Pentium® Gold / Celeron® processors
• Chipset: Intel® Z97 
• Graphics: HDMI (max resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz) DVI-D (max. resolution 1920
  x 1200 @ 60 Hz) RGB
• Memory (RAM): 4 x DIMM, DDR3 (3200 MHz)
• Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 and 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
•  Storage Capacity: 4 x SATA 6 GB/s
•  USB Ports: 6 USB 3.0 & 8 USB 2.0

ASUS best motherboards for i5 4690k is the world’s largest motherboard manufacturer and recognizes that our design thinking is geared towards users like you. Our engineers apply stringent standards to ensure quality throughout the entire product lifecycle, choosing the best components for real protection. 

5-Point Optimization: 

All these complex adjustments are made with one click. The computer I’m using is smart with ASUS 5-Way Optimization technology. It automatically optimizes key components of my system that is based on real-time usage, delivering high processor performance, daily energy savings, ultra-stable digital power, fan cooling, and quiet operation, and now even network and audio settings can adapt to the applications I use. It ensures that my PC remains excellent for gaming, entertainment, productivity, etc. It ultimately makes me happy to see my computer strong.

Cooling Technology: 

Fan Xpert 3 integrates chassis fan controllers and a 4-pin / 3-pin processor. It scans my PCs each fan’s characteristics and suggests the settings for each fan based on the temperature of the dedicated area detected by the hardware thermal sensor. Make sure each fan provides the best balance between cooling performance and low noise.

Fan Xpert 3 supports PWM / DC hybrid mode in hardware for both the CPU and case fans. I can even lower the CPU fan speed below the default minimum for quieter and more energy-efficient operation under light loads. 

BIOS Settings: 

The smoothest, slickest mouse-driven graphics BIOS of my system has been enhanced to make it even more attractive. EZ and Advanced Modes will help you find your way quickly and easily, whether you are a PC newbie or a seasoned over clocker. I can find settings quickly and add my favorite instruments to My Favorites list. 

Select your hardware and use scripts to tune system performance or optimize your RAID configuration for faster backup and recovery. Partition of the fans is precisely done by simply dragging the curve with the mouse. Get instant information on critical parts of your system. 

Overclocking Management: 

It can now handle up to 3200 (OC) memory. The unique T-Topology design provides me excellent memory overclocking when fully loaded by minimizing communication noise and signal reflections. Balance management of multiple memory modules and improve overall memory compatibility are excellent on my PC.

Storage Options:

SATA Express memory provides me data transfer rates up to 10Gbps over two PCI-E 2.0 lanes, meeting higher bandwidth requirements. Modern SSDs consume up to 550MB/s, which is close to the saturation point for SATA 6Gb/s connections and backward compatible with dual SATA drives.

ASUS motherboard i5 4690k with two native PCI Express 2.0 bandwidths, M.2 supports data transfer rates up to 10Gbps.

It is the perfect choice for the operating system disk, which makes my entire computer run much faster. The technology provides faster access to data, automatic application updates, and wake up from sleep mode in seconds. 

Gaming Scenarios: 

I can easily hear the footsteps of the enemy in the distance. I can twist, focus, and fire a quick spark. As a gamer, I know that only the fastest actions win the game, which is why I need the exclusive ASUS Turbo app – an intuitive control panel for everything.

Overclock your CPU, prioritize your online gaming data, and optimize audio settings for incredibly clear audio and in-game chat. The winners write history, so don’t go to war without the Turbo app. 

Audio Components & Quality: 

Crystal Sound 2 makes it easy to optimize my PC audio settings just the way I want them to be heard, be it gaming, chatting, watching movies, or relaxing to my favorite music.

The built-in physical shielding, professional design, and premium components, including Japanese-made audio capacitors and active amplifiers (operational amplifiers), provide crystal clear audio output with unmatched clarity and fidelity.

Networking Technologies: 

The difference between defeat and victory is measured in milliseconds. That’s why the ASUS budget motherboard for i5 4690k is equipped with advanced networking technologies.

Turbo LAN technology with cFosSpeed ​​traffic-shaping technology adds down pass support and an intuitive user interface that reduces latency up to 1.45 times without expert knowledge.

If you are a hobbyist, use advanced mode for the most demanding controls. That’s why I also use this mode every time. The game is always faster and smoother. Intel® Gigabit Ethernet has the double benefit of communicating directly with the processor and high TCP and UDP throughput. It significantly reduces the load on the processor for more power of your game and convenience of the game.

2) MSI Z97 PC Mate i5 4690k Gaming Motherboard

• CPU Compatibility: Supports the 4th Gen i7/ i5/ i3 Intel® Core™ processors 
• Chipset: Intel® Z97 
• Graphics: HDMI, DVI-D, VGA 
• Memory (RAM): 4 x DIMM, DDR3 (3000 MHz) 
• Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe x16 slots, 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots and 2 x PCI slots 
• Storage Capacity: 6 x SATA 6 Gb/s and 1 x M.2 slots 
• USB Ports: 8 USB 2.0 & 4 USB 3.0

MSI Z97 PC MATE best motherboards for i5 4690k supports 4th and 5th generation Intel Core processors and Intel Pentium and Celeron processors with LGA 1150 socket. It can boot fast and log into the OS in seconds.

My system comprises of i5 4690k gaming motherboard is also equipped with Military Class 4 components to ensure stability and durability. The Dark Choke and Solid CAP ensure my PC will perform flawlessly in extreme gaming conditions. 

Multiple Graphics Cards: 

The i5 4690k motherboard compatibility with DDR4 has one or more appropriately aligned PCIe 3.0 slots and ample room for an optimal airflow when using multiple graphics cards. As a result, it prevents my PC from overheating and allows me to enjoy on-screen graphics when running an AMD CrossFire gaming rig. 

BIOS Setting: 

MSI Click BIOS 4 is an optimized UEFI BIOS for Windows 8. It is more responsive, smoother, and fully mouse-supported. The Command Center software has an intuitive touchscreen interface that allows me and other users to customize settings to improve system stability, maximize overclocking, and customize cooling features that makes my PC super fast.

In addition, the program automatically downloads and installs the latest drivers, BIOS, and software. Rest assured that if your system configured with the latest software, you will get maximum performance and stability. 

RAM Speed & Choices: 

The Command Center combines unlimited RAM disk. With a RAM disk, I can create a virtual disk from my system memory, which delivers speeds up to 20x faster than an SSD. It will speed ​​up the system, games, applications, browser performance, and full game image load. I have experienced all of these features while using my system.

MSI Smart Utilities: 

MSI Smart Utilities makes it easy to install, tune and improve my system performance and more with three key Intel technologies as Intel Rapid Start, Intel Smart Response, and Intel Smart Connect. 

Build Design: 

The core design allows Dark Choke to operate at lower temperatures for better performance, energy efficiency, and stability.  Solid CAPs have a Japanese-grade aluminum core for the i5 4690k chipset motherboard.

It provides lower ESR and high performance for over 10 years. In addition, OC Genie is hardware overclocking technology built into the motherboard. With this one-second overclocking option, best budget GAMING motherboards make it easy to maximize my system’s optimal performance.

Connectivity Options:

The MSI Z97 PC Mate Intel core i5 compatible motherboards have 8 USB 2.0 and 4 USB 3.0 ports. In theory, the USB 3.0 slot can transfer data at speeds up to 5 Gbps, 10 times faster than the maximum speed of USB 2.0, which is 480 Mbps.

As long as the USB 2.0 slots alone are working fine, the update will better prepare your system for the future as more and more USB 3.0 compatible peripherals become available. USB 3.0 is also backward compatible with USB 2.0, which means you don’t even need to use the slot’s new features if you don’t want to.

3) Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H Best Motherboard for i5 4690k

• CPU Compatibility: Supports the 4^th Gen i7/ i5/ i3 Intel® Core™ / Pentium® Gold / Celeron® processors 
• Chip set: Intel® Z97 
• Graphics: HDMI (max resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz) DVI-D (max. resolution 1920  x 1200  @ 60Hz) 
• RAM: 4 x DIMM, DDR3 (3100 MHz) 
• Expansion Slots: 3 x PCI Express x16 slots 
• Storage Capacity: 6 x SATA 6Gb/s 
• USB Ports: 6 x USB 3.0

Storage Options:

Currently I’m using this GIGABYTE 9 Series motherboard in my PC. It comes with a built-in M.2 slot, which gives me PCI Express connectivity for SSD devices. With data transfer rates up to 10 Gb/s, M.2 offers me significantly better storage performance than today’s mSATA storage devices and even SATA Revision 3 (6Gb/s).

The SATA Express interface provides me multiple PCI Express lanes and 2 SATA 3.0 6Gb/s ports connected to a single connector, allowing PCI Express and SATA storage devices. They offer a clean PCI Express connection to the storage device without additional layers of abstraction.  

Networking Technology: 

Intel® Gigabit LAN, a popular choice for gamers, introduces several performance-enhancing features such as advanced interruption handling to reduce CPU utilization and Jumbo Frame support for extremely large data packets. 

Cooling System:

The GIGABYTE, 9 Series motherboards, feature a new heatsink that provides efficient and reliable cooling in critical areas of the motherboard, including the PWM and Chipset (PCH) areas. The most aggressive and extreme settings will be within optimal thermal parameters.

I have water cooling system in my PC and it requires CPU fan power support for fan and water pump in continuous operation at full speed. OPT fans are also useful for high-performance dual-fan coolers.  

Connectivity Options:

GIGABYTE’s best motherboards for i5 4690k feature cFos Speed, a network traffic management application that reduces network latency while maintaining low response times for better responsiveness in crowded LAN environments.

cFos Speed ​​acts as an operating system controller, monitoring network traffic packets at the application layer to improve network performance and optimize it for specific applications. 

PCB Technology: 

Nothing harms the life of your PC more than humidity, and in most parts of the world, humidity is similar to moisture at some point in the year. GIGABYTE 9 Series motherboards are designed never to be a moisture issue, combined with new fiberglass PCB technology that repels moisture caused by wet conditions. I’m a witness of this moisture repellent capability on my PC.

Glass Fabric PCB technology adopts a new PCB material that decreases the gap between the fabric fibers and making it much more challenging for moisture to penetrate than a standard motherboard in wet conditions.  

Audio Performance & Technologies: 

ALC1150 is a high-performance, high-definition multichannel audio codec that provides a superior listening experience with a signal-to-noise ratio of up to 115dB, ensuring me to get the best audio quality possible from my PC.

The ALC1150 offers ten DAC channels that support simultaneous 7.1-channel audio playback and two independent stereo output channels (multi-streaming) via the front panel stereo outputs. Two stereos ADCs are integrated and can support microphone arrays with acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), beamforming (BF), and noise-canceling (NS) technologies. 

Components & Endurance: 

Gigabyte Z97 D3H i5 4690k, 9 Series motherboards, contain the highest quality solid capacitors, designed to operate at peak performance for a guaranteed minimum of 10,000 hours. It is available in customized black from Nippon ChemiCon and Nichicon that why my PC looks astonishing.

GIGABYTE’s exclusive 2x Copper PCB provides me ample power path between components to handle higher-than-normal loads and dissipate heat from the critical area of ​​the CPU’s power supply. It is capable of handling the increased amount of power required during overclocking. Therefore, my PC remains cool everytime.

GIGABYTE’s best z97 motherboard for i5 4690k features gold plated CPU sockets, which means gaming enthusiasts like me can enjoy a CPU socket’s absolute reliability and durability over time without worrying about pins and connectors due to corrosion and poor connections.  

Multiple Protections: 

GIGABYTE Ultra Durable cheap motherboard for i5 4690k features DualBIOS technology that protects one of my PC’s most essential elements. GIGABYTE DualBIOS™ means my motherboard has a “main BIOS” and a “backup BIOS,” protecting my PC from BIOS crashes caused by virus attacks, hardware failures, incorrect OC settings, or power outages during an update.

ASUS Z97-A Motherboard is an excellent motherboard for recommendation to your friends and love ones from me. It has a lots of brilliant features which are Multi Graphics Support is at Extreme Level, Protection against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI),GIGABYTE Cloud Station™ Has Several Unique Apps, It Has Special Anti-Surge ICs Board, Advanced CPU & DDR OC for Overclocking and Built-in 104 dB Rear Audio Amplifier.

SUGGESTION:

Buying Guide for Intel i5 4690k Motherboard DDR4

The motherboard plays an essential role in connecting all the computer components and, ultimately, in the means of communication between them.

However, since there are so many options on the market, you can get confused looking for the best one. In this section, I’ve put together a few tips to help you find the best mobo for i5 4690k z97 motherboard for your needs. Let’s discuss them in order. 

CPU Socket: 

One of the most important things to consider is choosing a CPU that easily suits your needs and budget. You will find many different types of CPU sockets, and once you’re done with the perfect CPU, you can move on to a chipset. 

Chipset Technology:

Without a doubt, the Chipset is the main component that integrates into the motherboard when they run specific functions. It needs more PCI Express lanes. Since they all demonstrate their pros and cons, the best choice is yours, depending on the features you need. 

Variety of Sizes: 

Motherboards come in a variety of sizes, including the form factor. As a result, the amount of functionality of a motherboard directly depends on its size. Simply put, a smaller device can only contain two memory slots, while a larger device provides space for multiple functions. 

Form Factor: 

ATX and Micro ATX motherboards are widely used. While the ATX board is the most prominent, it is recommended to add additional expansion slots, which is very useful in this best motherboards for i5 4690k. 

Price: 

If your budget is tight, you can buy a cheaper motherboard for i5 4690k with unique features. Try searching the forums and reading hardware reviews to find cheap boards that work well. The products listed above are cheaper and more powerful.