The evolution of gaming was there with the 9th Generation Intel Core i9 Processor in 2018. It is also called the Coffee Lake Refresh. It has 8 Cores that can boost up to a whooping 5 GHz speed. The chip is undoubtedly fast for gaming with 16 Threads performance. The processor is made to last for longer.
Processor is compatible with LGA 1150 sockets, so we must search motherboards according to it. The processor i9 9900k can go with any form factor, and the Z390 chipset is highly recommended for this processor. I have collected the 5 best motherboards for i9 9900k in this article.
5 Best Gaming Motherboard for I9 9900k
- MSI Z390-A PRO Gaming Motherboard
- GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wifi i9 Gaming Motherboard
- ASUS Prime Z390-P LGA1151 (i8 and i9 Gen) Mining Motherboard
- MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 Motherboard
- ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi) ATX Motherboard
- Intel Core i9 9900k Motherboard Purchase Guide
New Intel® Core™ i9-9900K Processor
So, to make your work easier, I carefully studied and listed the 5 best motherboards for i9 9900k.
1) MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen) Gaming Motherboard
CPU Socket: LGA 1151
Specifications
Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Personal Computer
RAM Memory Technology: DDR4
Compatible Processors: Intel Celeron, 9th Generation Intel Core, 8th Generation Intel Core, Intel Pentium Gold
Chipset Type: Intel Z390
PCIe: Gen 3 x 4
CPU power connector: 8+4 pin
Audio: 7.1 high definition audio
MSI Z390 A Pro LGA1151 Gaming motherboard is the most demanding by professional users due to its combining qualities and stability, reliability, and top-level and long-lasting performance. Its unique design and compatibility support all its storage standards. This enables it to provide ultra-fast storage capacity.
Unlimited Performance
The Motherboard supports the 9th Gen i9-9900K processor to maximize performance. It also supports 8th Gen Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron processors. This Motherboard is designed for unlimited performance that makes your life easier.
The extended heat sink is designed to dissipate excessive heat. The larger base plate surface area means more heat transfer from the CPU. The dual-channel DDR4 memory supports up to 4400 Mhz and provides higher data transfer speed, overclock ability, and increased stability.
High Quality Audio
The Audio boost also can be enabled by a high-quality audio capacitor. It allows professionals and gamers to amplify the games with an audio boost that high-quality sound by its HD audio processor and high-quality sound components, all physically isolated from the rest of the motherboard circuitry for realistic audio.
The turbo USB 3.1 provides the fastest connectivity and data transfer speed and enables you to listen to your favourite music and videos and transfer your favourite game speedily.
Special Features
The Turbo M.2 has significantly maximized performance and enables the fasting boot and support for quickly loading applications and data. Its high performance delivers speeds up to 32 Gbps for NVMe and SSDs.
Positive
- Excellent aesthetics with a lot of fan headers
- Wireless functions and RGB LED support
- Large heatsink and significant overclocking
- Dual channel DDR4 memory and Turbo M.2 slot
- Built for reliable operation
- More stability and the fastest USB speeds
Negative
- UEFI interface display settings in a small area
2) GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi LGA1151 Gaming Motherboard
CPU Socket: LGA 1151
Specifications
Compatible Devices: Gaming Console
RAM Memory Technology: DDR4
Compatible Processors: 8th Generation Intel Core
Chipset Type: Intel Z390
Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
Platform: Windows 8.1, 8 Pro, 7, 10
Memory Storage Capacity: 10000 TB
Graphics Card Interface: PCI Express
WiFi: Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless
Audio: ALC 1220-VB
The Gigabyte motherboard supports 9th and 8th Intel Core processors. It has various premium features that ensure the user has the best advantages. The motherboard is designed with ultra-durable material.
Incredible Connectors
The power control techniques through which the motherboard provides clean and stable power use 12+1 phases digital power design in which a digital PWM controller and DrMos are also included.
Additional 8+4 solid pin CPU power connectors offer incredible power to the motherboard’s most sensitive components to get the maximum performance from the Intel 9th Gen core processors.
Best Cooling Features
The advanced thermal solution is designed for M.2 SSD devices. The thermal guards enhance the system’s performance and help to dissipate heat. The M.2 technology boosts the system’s potential, and users can benefit from it.
The 5 intelligent fans maintain the cooling feature so that performance of the user and gamer boosts up. These fans are controlled intelligently and placed at different locations on the motherboard for the best cooling.
Special Features
The ultra-fast WiFi provides wireless user connectivity to smooth videos and an extreme gaming experience on speeds up to 1.73 Gbps. The advanced thermal design provides high performance with 2 heatsinks with heat pipes. It also helps over clockers and gamers.
Positive
- Made for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors
- Dual channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4
- Advanced thermal design with multi-cuts heatsinks
- RGB Fusion with multi-zone LED light show design
- Multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers
- Enhanced VRM and ultra-fast WiFi
Negative
- Costly for regular users
3) ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Motherboard for Cryptocurrency Mining
Compatible Devices: Gaming Console
Specifications
RAM Memory Technology:DDR4
Compatible Processors: Intel Socket 1151 9th / 8th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
Chipset Type: Intel Z390
Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
Platform: Windows 10
Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Graphics Card Interface: PCI Express
When I picked ASUS Prime Z390 P LGA 1151 motherboard, I was excited to see its features. This processor is used for mining and can be used for more than 4GB. This motherboard needs to update its BIOS according to your customization. This motherboard must be paired with a compatible GPU for good performance.
Customizable Operations
This motherboard is designed for 9th Gen Intel Core processors. It keeps fully customizable performance. It improves overclocking capability by maximizing the connectivity speed with M.2 USB 3.1 Gen 2. Its hardware-level safeguards, including a safe slot core, LAN Guard, and power voltage protection, ensure components’ longevity and reliability.
Cooling Excellency
The motherboard contains Fan Xpert 4 with an I/O pump header that provides advanced fan control for dynamic system cooling. This Fan Xpert 4 and UEFI BIOS could provide you with comprehensive control over fans.
Unique Features
An auto tuning board can intelligently configure all your programs with a single click. The motherboard works with extreme quiet mode. The fans blow on default and keep the system quiet while performing tasks.
There is a motherboard that supports Intel HD Graphics with HDMI and displays port outputs to deliver sharp and clear Graphics. It supports audio with higher fidelity than standard controllers thanks to the 8-Channel Realtek ALC887 high audio codec.
Positive
- Many PCIe slots for multiple Graphics cards
- Excellent overclocking with BIOS update
- Excellent connectivity with USB ports and other expansion slots
- Component longevity and reliability with protection
- Advanced fan control system for dynamic cooling
- Patent-pending Safe Slot Core
- High-definition Audio and better power efficiency
Negatives
- SATA connectors are less
- Lack of built-in WiFi
4) MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen) Motherboard
CPU Socket: LGA 1151
Specifications
Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
RAM Memory Technology: DDR4
Compatible Processors: 9th Generation Intel Core
Chipset Type: Intel Z390
Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
Platform: Windows 10
Series: MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS
CPU Model: Pentium
USB: 3.1 Gen 2
The time has come to take the wraps of Intel 9th Gen CPUs chipset and motherboard. I will first look at MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 Gaming Motherboard that supports Intel i9 9900k processor. The motherboard comes in a special presentation with the perfect packaging of MSI.
Connectivity on the Motherboard
A little cutout section of the board contains 6 SATA ports. Two USB 3.0 headers are nicely constructed for better plugging. It has 24-pin power connector for the power supply and a PWM fan header. There is a front panel audio connector and analog RGB header. There is also a CPU power connector on the motherboard.
I/O Panel and other Slots
There are two USB 2.0 and PS2 connectors, DVI and HDMI, one USB 3.1 Type C Gen 2, 1GB Ethernet, and some more USB ports on the I/O panel. There is an excellent audio connectivity port. The motherboard has LGA 1151 socket with four DDR4 RAM slots. The board supports 2-way crossfires.
Specific Features
The board delivers a transfer speed of about 32 GB/s. The motherboard facilitates managing cables easily with its cutouts. There are two LED strips, one on edge and the other on the back of the motherboard. There are 7 fan connectors and one water pump port for a cooling system. You can add up a custom water cooling with this port.
Positive
- Works with 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors with LGA 1151 socket
- Best for gaming, esports, and live streaming
- Extended heatsink for more thermal dissipation
- More stable and uninterrupted connections
- Core boost technology with consistent memory performance
Negatives
- No proper RGB lighting on the board
5) ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi) ATX Motherboard
CPU Socket: LGA 1151
Specifications
Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
RAM Memory Technology: DDR4
Compatible Processors: 8th Generation Intel Core
Chipset Type: Intel Z390
Memory Speed: 1000 MHz
Platform: Windows 10
Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Graphics Card Interface: PCI-Express x4
With the recent launch of Intel’s Z390 chipset and the latest 9th Generation processors, many people are interested in building gaming PCs with these components. I wished to refresh my gaming PC with the i9 9900k processor and ASUS TUF Z390 Plus Gaming ATX motherboard. If you have a lower budget, this would be your best option.
Distinctive Aesthetics
The motherboard has been designed with the flexibility to fit a variety of components. The board is black and yellow, which looks incredible. There are two lighting zones, one on the side profile of the board and the other on the TUF gaming logo on the motherboard.
Durable Constructions
This motherboard has been engineered with highly durable components, including military-grade chokes. This motherboard has two PCIe 3.0 Type 4 M.2 slots. The bottom slots have an integrated heatsink.
It has 4 RAM slots that store up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus supports AMD 2 way Crossfires. It has a total of 6 SATA ports with support of complete Raid configuration.
Special Features
The motherboard controls RGB headers with Aura Sync Software. It keeps excellent sound outputs with the gaming audio cover and shielding. It also features Fan Xpert 4, which gives ultimate cooling. The I/O panel has 6 USB ports of four USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A and two USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, along with an HDMI and a display port.
Positive
- Superb connectivity with PCIe 3.0 16x GPUs
- Includes 6 PCIe slots of different sizes
- Features 2 M.2 slots, and 6 SATA3 ports
- Provide USB type A, ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, PS2, and audio ports
- Works with 4 memory slots for up to 128 GB RAM
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Various connectivity options
- Good overclocking performance for the money
Negatives
- Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity
- Pretty high value for the money
Intel Core i9 9900k Motherboard Purchase Guide
The motherboard is inevitably the cornerstone of any good PC build. The motherboard determines that you can use the efficiency and potential of the other main components of the system. When buying a new gaming computer with the best gaming performance, it is essential to have a powerful processor with excellent single-core performance. One of these options may be the Intel Core i9 9900K. I have listed some of the best motherboards for i9 9900K in this article based on personal experience.
Processor Slot:
The processor is installed through the connector on the motherboard. Therefore, you should only buy a motherboard with the correct connector for your processor. Also, Intel 9th Gen i9 9900k requires an LGA 1151 socket on the motherboard. Therefore, please ensure you have a compatible LGA 1151 socket for the CPU when you lift the motherboard.
Size of Motherboard:
The motherboard and case have three form factors, which provide flexible sizes when you build a PC. For example, if your game set has no space limitations, you can create a full-size game set. On the other hand, if you want to set up a computer in the room, you can simply use the Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX form factor to save space. Large ATX motherboards usually provide more features than micro or mini ITX motherboards. Based on this, you can decide which form factor to choose.
RAM Type Support:
Although it requires a processor to handle computing tasks, RAM will eventually store all temporary information and is critical to the speed of games and applications. Most modern applications and games require a lot of memory to run smoothly. Therefore, make sure it meets the memory requirements of your PC. When choosing a motherboard, you will most likely pay attention to the name of the RAM type and supported bus speed, that is, DDR3 3200Mhz or DDR4 4200Mhz. This represents the generation and speed of bandwidth.
Storage Device Capacity:
Since most modern PCs use SSDs for storage, because of their high speed, you need to ensure that your motherboard has the ability and flexibility to provide multiple storage options. The latest NVMe storage ports provide lightning-fast speeds via PCIe connections. You should consider the availability and type of storage ports before choosing a motherboard according to your storage needs. For your storage needs, you can find 6 SATA3 ports on most high-performance Intel motherboards.
PCIe Slots:
To make the most of your motherboard, you need to decide which features your PC build needs. First, you need to check the PCIe connection. The PCIe slot determines how many dedicated graphics cards and bandwidth you can use at the same time. Since most modern graphics cards are heavy, you should also make sure that these PCIe slots are reinforced with metal.
Extra Features:
Most modern motherboards have built-in features that can save you a lot of energy and money when installing additional expansion cards such as WLAN or Bluetooth. If you need any of these functions directly from the board, please always keep this in mind.
Form Factor:
Although this will not affect the performance of your Intel Core i9 9900K processor, you should still check the form factor of the motherboard. Make sure that the specified motherboard is the same size as your computer case. For example, the ATX motherboard is designed for ATX enclosures. You should also consider other sizes, including EATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX.
Core Chipset:
Before buying a motherboard for your Intel Core i9 processor, it is essential to ensure that a compatible chipset is installed on your motherboard. Although there are multiple compatible chipsets like Intel Core i9, they require equally powerful motherboards. Therefore, all of the above motherboards use the Z390 chipset. This will help you overclock the processor and memory as needed.
Upgradeable BIOS:
The chipset on the motherboard also has its own software or a smaller operating system called BIOS. Get the best performance of your PC, and ensure maximum system stability. Therefore, be sure to visit your motherboard support site to see if it is updated frequently.
Warranty:
You can select a reliable motherboard just to check the warranty period. Fortunately, almost all best motherboard for 9900k come with a three-year warranty.
(GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi)
BEST PRODUCT SUGGESTION
ALC 1220-VB
Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless
Intel® GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Support for NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ and 2-Way NVIDIA® SLI™ technologies
Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™ and 3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™ technologies
The Intel i9 9900K is not Intel’s latest and greatest processor, but it is still the flagship model of 2019, making it still one of the best gaming processors of the core i9 motherboard.
Liquid cooling is the best way to cool the processor because water transfers heat more efficiently than air. Liquid cooling can also make your PC quieter because the fan will not run at high speed all the time. But, unfortunately, water entering the equipment is also hazardous.
The Core i99900K uses the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 chipset with a dynamic clock frequency of 1200 MHz in terms of graphics. If you need more power, the processor will be unlocked so that you can overclock the processor at full speed.
There is no doubt that the Core i9 series is equipped with some of the most powerful Intel processors. However, to take full advantage of processors like i99900K, you also need powerful RAM of about 3200 MHz with a high-performance processor.