Introduction
We have dozens of high-quality options if you seek the best motherboard for i9-10900k Intel CPU. Every board manufacturer offers a diverse range of motherboards, but the issue remains: which Z490 motherboards are suitable for the 10900K?
The Intel Core i9-10900K is a high-performance processor, and as such, it requires a motherboard that can handle its power and provide the necessary features to maximize its potential. In 2023, there are likely to be several motherboards that will be well-suited to this processor, with advanced features, robust build quality, and high-quality components.
The Intel 10900k is built on Intel’s Comet Lake architecture and has a TDP of 125W. The 10900k continues to employ Intel’s 14nm die, yet it still performs well despite the restrictive 14nm die. If you want something powerful, Intel has recently unveiled the all-new 12th generation of CPUs. Going with an older CPU, such as the Intel Core best motherboard i9-10900K, might be a terrific decision because it is still compelling and is now on sale.
The i9-10900k is, without a doubt, Intel’s flagship CPU and has garnered immense worldwide recognition. It provides the greatest tools for revitalizing your gaming setup. Therefore, you should match it with the best motherboard companion for the best results. Choosing the best motherboard for the i9-10900k is difficult, but I’ll assist you in doing it successfully.
Factors to Consider While Choosing Best Motherboard for 10900k
When selecting the best motherboard for your computer build, there are several factors to consider. These factors include:
Processor Compatibility
Choose a motherboard that supports the processor you plan to use, as different processors require different sockets and chipsets.
Form Factor
Consider the motherboard size that will fit your case, such as ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX. Smaller form factors are usually more compact but may offer fewer features and fewer expansion slots.
RAM Compatibility
Look for a motherboard that supports the type and amount of RAM you plan to use and its speed.
Expansion Slots
Take into account the quantity and kind of expansion slots the motherboard offers, such as PCIe slots, M.2 slots, and SATA ports. This is important if you plan to add additional hardware components to your build, such as graphics cards, storage drives, or sound cards.
Connectivity
Look for a motherboard with enough USB, audio, and networking ports to meet your needs.
Overclocking
If you plan to overclock your CPU, look for a motherboard with a good VRM design, quality power delivery components, and reasonable cooling solutions to support stable and safe overclocking.
Brand and Quality
Choose a motherboard from a reputable brand that produces high-quality, reliable products with good customer support and warranty options.
Price
Determine your budget and find a motherboard that offers your desired features at a reasonable price.
Considering these factors, you can choose a motherboard that best meets your needs and budget for your computer build.
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk (Best Budget Motherboard)
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard (ATX, 10th Gen Intel Core, LGA 1200 Socket, DDR4, CF, Dual M.2 Slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Type-C, 2.5G LAN, DP/HDMI,…
For a good reason, MSI’s Tomahawk line of motherboards is one of their best-selling models. Users receive the most bang for their buck with the Tomahawk series, and the MSI MAG Z490 is no exception.
As the name implies, the MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a member of the MAG series; it has a basic black and grey look that matches the rest of the Tomahawk motherboards.
MSI has chosen a single RGB strip beneath the PCH heatsink that may be adjusted using the MSI Dragon Center. It also includes 16 pre-programmed settings that may be changed with the mystic light. At the upper right corner of the board, there are two RGB headers.
Specifications of MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a motherboard designed for use with 10th and 11th-generation Intel processors. Its specifications include the following:
CPU socket: LGA 1200 socket for Intel 10th and 11th generation processors
Chipset: Intel Z490 chipset
Memory: 4 DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM with support for memory speeds up to 4800 MHz (OC)
Expansion slots: 3 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (2 of which operate at x16 and 1 operates at x4), 3 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Storage: 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 3 M.2 slots (1 M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, while the other 2 support PCIe 3.0 x4)
USB ports: 6 USB 2.0 ports, 8 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 rear, 4 front), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-A, 1 Type-C)
Audio: Realtek ALC1200 codec for 7.1-channel high-definition audio
Networking: Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller
Other features: RGB lighting, support for Wi-Fi 6, CrossFire multi-GPU technology support
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dual LAN Ports
- Excellent VRM performance
- Great Value
- Great Selection of Input/Output Ports
Cons
- No Wifi
MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE(Best Overclocking Motherboard)
MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard (E-ATX, 10th Gen Intel Core, LGA 1200 Socket, DDR4, SLI/CF, Triple M.2 Slots, Thunderbolt 3 Type-C, Wi-Fi 6, Mystic…
MSI’s GODLIKE motherboards are normally the company’s highest-end boards, capable of pushing CPUs like the 10900k to their limits, which is an exceptionally astounding achievement. This is also true of the MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE.
To begin with, the MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE features hues that don’t stick out much, with a black and grey color palette. There are a couple of backplates on the motherboard that not only support the entire board but also give it a premium feel.
Specifications of MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE
The MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE is a high-end motherboard designed for use with 10th and 11th-generation Intel processors. Its specifications include the following:
CPU socket: LGA 1200 socket for Intel 10th and 11th generation processors
Chipset: Intel Z490 chipset
Memory: 4 DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM with support for memory speeds up to 5000 MHz (OC)
Expansion slots: 4 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (2 of which operate at x16 and 2 operate at x8), 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 slot Storage: 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 3 M.2 slots (1 M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, while the other 2 support PCIe 3.0 x4)
USB ports: 8 USB 2.0 ports, 10 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (6 rear, 4 front), 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (3 Type-A, 1 Type-C)
Audio: Realtek ALC1220 codec for 7.1-channel high-definition audio
Networking: Killer E3100 2.5G LAN, Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 wireless
Other features: Mystic Light Infinity RGB lighting, support for Quad CrossFire and SLI multi-GPU technology, bundled with M.2 XPANDER-Z GEN4 accessory for additional M.2 slots, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dual LAN Ports
- LCD Screen
Cons
- Expensive
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming (Best Mini-ITX Motherboard)
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming Z490 (WiFi 6) LGA 1200 (Intel® 10th Gen) Mini-ITX Gaming Motherboard 8+2 Power Stages, DDR4 4800, Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3…
Developing a smaller form factor PC might be difficult due to the limited space available. While constructing an asus best motherboard Mini-ITX system, you must ensure that all of your components fit snugly inside your case; for this, you will want a Mini-ITX motherboard.
This is where the asus best motherboard, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-I Gaming, comes in; its best asus motherboard with Mini-ITX form factor and outstanding performance can handle even a power-hungry processor like the 10900k.
The design sticks out right away, with an all-black PCB and an oversized heatsink on top of the board linked to the VRMs via a heat pipe. The two M.2 slots are interestingly placed between two heat sinks.
Specifications of ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I, the best intel motherboard for gaming, is the best asus motherboard with a Mini-ITX motherboard designed for use with 10th and 11th-generation Intel processors. Its specifications include the following:
CPU socket: LGA 1200 socket for Intel 10th and 11th generation processors
Chipset: Intel Z490 chipset
Memory: 2 DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 64GB of RAM with support for memory speeds up to 4800 MHz (OC)
Expansion slots: 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
Storage: 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 2 M.2 slots (1 M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, while the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4)
USB ports: 2 USB 2.0 ports, 5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (2 rear, 3 front), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-A, 1 Type-C)
Audio: SupremeFX S1220A codec for 7.1-channel high-definition audio
Networking: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 wireless, Intel 2.5G Ethernet
Other features: Aura Sync RGB lighting, ROG GameFirst VI software for network optimization, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact size
- WIFI 6
- VRM fan Included
Cons
- CPU cooler clearance might create a problem.
- A little expensive
GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX (Best Gaming Motherboard)
GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX (LGA 1200/Intel Z590/ATX/3x M.2/PCIe 4.0/USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel WiFi 6/2.5GbE LAN/Gaming Motherboard)
The GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX is the best intel motherboard for gaming, with a mid-range motherboard for the Intel I9 10900k. It is built on the Z590 chipset, which supports both 10th and 11th-generation CPUs, giving the AORUS PRO AX a minor edge in the future.
GIGABYTE’s Aorus gaming motherboards have some of the most aesthetically pleasing designs, and the Z590 AORUS PRO AX is no exception.
The Z590 AORUS PRO AX has a luxurious appearance for a mid-range motherboard, with a few extra design upgrades over the preceding Z490 board. It features a brushed aluminum surface and a black and grey color scheme, typical for a motherboard from Intel.
Specifications of GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX
The GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX is a high-end motherboard designed for use with 11th-generation Intel processors. Its specifications include the following:
CPU socket: LGA 1200 socket for Intel 11th generation processors
Chipset: Intel Z590 chipset
Memory: 4 DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM with support for memory speeds up to 5400 MHz (OC)
Expansion slots: 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots (1 operates at x16, 1 operates at x8), 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (operates at x4), 2 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Storage: 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 3 M.2 slots (2 M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, while the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4)
USB ports: 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port (Type-C), 5 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (3 Type-A, 2 Type-C), 6 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (2 rear, 4 front), 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 rear, 2 front)
Audio: Realtek ALC1220-VB codec for 7.1-channel high-definition audio Networking: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 wireless, Intel 2.5G Ethernet, AQUANTIA 10GbE LAN
Other features: RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting, support for Multi-Way Graphics configuration, DualBIOS, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots
- Affordable
Cons
- VRMs can get a bit toasty
- Shared PCIe 4.0 bandwidth
GIGABYTE Z490 VISION G (Best White Motherboard)
GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G (Intel LGA1200/Z490/ATX/2xM.2/Realtek ALC1220-VB/Intel LAN/SATA 6Gb/s/USB 3.2 Gen 2/SLI Support/HDMI/Motherboard)
GIGABYTE is a well-known firm, and their VISION range of motherboards has always strongly emphasized content producers. GIGABYTE prioritized storage, back I/O ports, and networking with the Z490 VISION G.
The black and white design of the GIGABYTE Z490 VISION G has metal heat sinks and a white rear I/O with VISION branding on top. When it comes to the rear I/O, it does have an integrated back plate. Except for the heatsinks, the PCB is blacked off, as is the motherboard’s rear.
Specification of GIGABYTE Z490 VISION G
The GIGABYTE Z490 VISION G is a high-end motherboard for content creators and professionals. Its specifications include the following:
CPU socket: LGA 1200 socket for Intel 10th and 11th generation processors
Chipset: Intel Z490 chipset
Memory: 4 DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM with support for memory speeds up to 5000 MHz (OC)
Expansion slots: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (1 operates at x16, 1 operates at x4), 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
Storage: 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 2 M.2 slots (1 M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, while the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4)
USB ports: 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port (Type-C), 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type-C), 6 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 rear, 2 front), 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 rear, 2 front)
Audio: Realtek ALC1220-VB codec for 7.1-channel high-definition audio
Networking: Intel 2.5G Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 wireless
Other features: DualBIOS, RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting, support for Multi-Way Graphics configuration, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 12+1 Phase VRM
- Clean White Design
- Features a total of 10 USB ports
Cons
- No wifi
MSI MEG Z590 Unify-X (Best Z590 Motherboard)
MSI MEG Z590 Unify-X Gaming Motherboard (ATX, 11th/10th Gen Intel Core, LGA 1200 Socket, DDR4, PCIe 4, CFX, M.2 Slots, Wi-Fi 6E)
MSI’s MEG Z590 UNIFY-X has again made our list of the Best I9 10900k motherboards. MSI has always concentrated on enhancing the aesthetics of the Unify line of motherboards rather than stuffing it with RGB.
The MSI MEG Z590 UNIFY-X follows the same trend, with an all-black appearance that is sleek and unusual. It employs the LGA 1200 socket, making it compatible with the 10th and 11th generations of CPUs.
The cooling solutions included with the MEG Z590 UNIFY-X are immediately noticeable, with a huge heatsink on the upper right corner of the board.
Specifications of MSI MEG Z590 Unify-X
The MSI MEG Z590 Unify-X is a high-end motherboard for enthusiasts and gamers. Its specifications include the following:
CPU socket: LGA 1200 socket for Intel 11th and 10th generation processors
Chipset: Intel Z590 chipset
Memory: 4 DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM with support for memory speeds up to 5600 MHz (OC)
Expansion slots: 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots (2 operates at x16, 1 operates at x8), 2 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Storage: 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 3 M.2 slots (2 M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, while the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4)
USB ports: 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port (Type-C), 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (2 Type-A, 2 Type-C), 8 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 rear, 4 front), 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 rear, 4 front)
Audio: Realtek ALC4082 codec for 7.1-channel high-definition audio
Networking: 2.5G Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 wireless
Other features: support for Multi-GPU configuration, M.2 Shield Frozr, Frozr Heatsink Design, Mystic Light RGB lighting, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Four M.2 slots.
- WIFI 6E
- Elegant black design
Cons
- Only 2 RAM slots
- RGB not available
Conclusion
When Intel introduced their all-new 12th generation of CPUs, all prior processors, including the Intel Core i9 10900K, were significantly reduced in price. Nevertheless, because employing a high-end CPU necessitates using a suitable motherboard, you should investigate the best motherboards for the i9 10900K listed above. All of these motherboards for i9 10900K have vital facts and elements that will assist you in making the proper choice. Here are suggestions and selections for the best i9 motherboards.
Although a high-end processor, the i9 motherboard intel core is still reasonably priced, such as the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus, which is a lowest choice listed above.
This motherboard has the Z490 chipset, an ATX form factor, the LGA1200 CPU socket, support for up to 128 Giga Bytes 4800 Mega Hertz RAM, 5 PCIe expansion ports, twin M.2 SSD slots, and much more for the price.
At the opposite end of the range, the Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Xtreme is the best-performing alternative to be anticipated at such a high price. You also get up to 128 GB 5000 MHz RAM support, 3 PCIe extension ports, triple M.2 SSD slots, and much more from a motherboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best motherboards for overclocking the Intel Core i9 10900K?
Although you may use an entry-level motherboard with the Intel Core i9 10900K, it is advised that you use one with the Intel Z490 or Intel Z590 motherboard chipset. These are the only 2 motherboard chipsets that allow you to overclock the Intel Core i9 10900K.
What Memory speed should I purchase for my i9 10900K?
There is no hard and fast rule for defining speed needs because your usage and application determine it. But, for consistent gameplay, any speed between 3200 and 5000 MHz is perfectly safe. As a result, it is best to invest at least $3200. You may optimize it as much as you wish for your usage style.
What is the difference between the motherboard chipsets Z490 and Z490-E?
While both of these motherboard chipsets are compatible with the Intel Core i9 10900K and provide the same core features, the Intel Z490-E or Intel Z590-E motherboard chipsets provide additional connectivity choices in the form of extra storage ports and back connectivity.
Is it necessary to update the BIOS on your motherboard to use the Intel Core i9 10900K?
Although all of the top motherboards for i9 10900K listed above provide compatible BIOS versions, you should always keep your motherboard’s BIOS updated to get the most out of the CPU in terms of features and compatibility.