Best Motherboards For Intel Core i9-9900k For Maximum Performance

Before we jump to the motherboard ranking and shopping tips, we need to shed some light on the Intel Core i9 9900k CPU itself. The Intel Core i9 9900K was a performance-focused, enthusiast-class gaming CPU released by Intel based on the Coffee Lake architecture. While the 9^th Generation of CPUs from Intel including the 9900K were built using the same archaic 14nm architecture, these CPUs did have some significant tweaks in their design which made them faster and more efficient than ever before when talking about Intel’s consumer desktop CPUs. The i9 9900K was a bit of a trailblazer due to i9 9900k benchmarks, unmatchable gaming performance and excellent productivity performance that made it a dream purchase for any enthusiast at the time. Our guide will not only help you buy best motherboards for i9 9900k, but it’ll also share shopping tips and buying guide decisions, also factors, as such, Overclocking, Wi-Fi, Performance, Budget, Value, and ATX Factors.

Fast forward to 2022, and the Core i9 9900K is still one of the most powerful gaming CPUs on the market despite the launch of subsequent CPU generations from both Intel and AMD Zen 3 Architect. While yes, it is not the chart-topper it once used to be, but considering the minor performance differences between the different high-end CPUs nowadays, one would be hard-pressed to find any noticeable difference when judging real-life performance.

Armed with 8 Cores and 16 Threads with a Boost Clock of 5 GHz, the Core i9 9900K is certainly not the easiest CPU to handle in terms of power requirements. It demands clean and stable power from the motherboard, especially when overclocking to achieve maximum frequencies dependably. For this reason, the choice of motherboard is crucial if you want to pair it with a temperamental CPU such as the 9900K.

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Our Recommendations of Best Motherboards For i9 9900k

Which chipset is truly worthy of pandering to all the demands of the strongest processor in the world? All your questions will be answered by our blow-by-blow list of the best i9 9900k motherboards (Z390 chipset) you must add to your shortlist for your dream system.

Choosing the motherboard for i9 9900K proved to be a bit more work than what we anticipated, as the advanced overclocking potential and power demands of the flagship Intel CPU dictated our choices throughout the process. At the end of the day, we settled for the following 5 motherboards that provide the best price-to-performance ratio for different price points, so there is something for everyone to consider.

1. ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex

Best High End Motherboard for i9 9900K

Pros

• Robust Power Delivery System
• High RAM Compatibility
• Attractive Aesthetics
• Great Connectivity Options
• Lots of USB Ports

Cons

• Very Expensive
• Not Suitable for Minimalistic Builds

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-4800+ | Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Video Outputs: None | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 10x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA

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Kicking things off with the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex motherboard, which is a high-end Z390 board designed for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the best performance from their system. It’s built with Intel Z390 chipset and LGA 1151 socket, supporting the latest 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors. This board brings the best that the Z390 platform has to offer, albeit at a steep price tag.

Of course, the VRM is an essential component of any motherboard that is crucial for supplying clean power to the CPU. The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex features a robust VRM design, which provides excellent power delivery and stability even under heavy loads. It also has high-quality components such as alloy chokes, 10K Japanese-made black metallic capacitors, and reliable power connectors, ensuring stable power delivery to the CPU.

With high power delivery comes high heat, and the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex motherboard addresses this with its VRM cooling solution. It features a substantial VRM heatsink which provides excellent cooling performance to the VRM components. This power delivery system can allow you to maximize the full potential of your i9 9900K CPU.

Moreover, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex motherboard is packed with features that cater to gamers and enthusiasts. It has dual M.2 slots with heatsinks as well as six SATA ports for your storage ports. Networking is handled by a single Gigabit Ethernet port as well as WiFi capability. The rear I/O of the Maximus XI Apex is particularly impressive, with 10 USB ports of various speeds.

It also has RGB lighting with Aura Sync support, allowing users to customize the lighting effects and synchronize it with other Aura Sync-compatible devices.

Speaking of the aesthetics, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex motherboard boasts a sleek and stylish design with a black PCB and brushed metal heatsinks. The RGB lighting adds a touch of personality to the motherboard, and the Aura Sync support allows users to customize the lighting to their liking. The ROG logo on the chipset heatsink as well as the APEX script add a touch of character to the board.

The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex is undoubtedly a premium motherboard with a premium price tag. However, considering its features, performance, and build quality, it may be a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the best performance from their system. It is definitely not for everyone, but for those who can afford it, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex is an excellent choice.

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex motherboard is a top-of-the-line product that delivers outstanding performance, impressive features, and stunning aesthetics. Its VRM design and cooling solution ensure stable and reliable power delivery your i9 9900K CPU, making it the best high end motherboard for i9 9900K.

2. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming

Best Overclocking Motherboard for i9 9900K

Pros

• Solid VRM Design
• Clean Looks
• Decent Networking
• Excellent VRM Cooling
• High RAM Compatibility

Cons

• Plain Looks
• No RGB Lighting

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4266 | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16, 4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 8x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA

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Our next pick is the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming, a mid-range motherboard designed for gamers who want a reliable and durable Core i9 9900K system. It is also a motherboard from the Z390 lineup of premium Intel motherboards for this platform, and supports full overclocking on the 9900K CPU. Let’s evaluate the Z390-Plus to see what really makes it stand out.

Starting with the main feature, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard has a competent VRM design, which provides adequate power delivery to the i9 9900K CPU. The VRM components are of good quality, including TUF components such as TUF Chokes, TUF Capacitors, and MOSFETs. This results in stable power delivery to the CPU, and it is even a great choice for overclocking.

The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard features a substantial VRM heatsink which provides decent cooling performance to the VRM components. However, it may not be as effective as high-end motherboards with larger heatsinks or water cooling solutions. Still, it is more than capable of handling the Core i9 9900K even at overclocked settings for extended periods of time.

One of the hallmark features of the TUF series has always been the value for money, and the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus motherboard offers a decent set of features for its price point. The board offers two M.2 slots for your storage devices, as well as a plethora of USB ports on the rear I/O for connectivity. You do get a Gigabit LAN port as well as WiFi for networking, which is a fairly standard setup for this price bracket.

Aesthetically, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus motherboard has a simple and clean design with a black PCB and yellow. The board lacks a characteristic design element that would have made it distinct from other options on the market. There is a lack of RGB lighting as well, which has become a standard on motherboards nowadays. Still, the aesthetics are decent and should blend well with most builds.

Furthermore, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus is a budget-friendly motherboard that offers a good balance between features and price. Its VRM performance and cooling is more than sufficient for most gamers and enthusiasts who plan to use it with the i9 9900K. The motherboard’s features and aesthetics are also decent, making it an excellent value for money option for value-conscious gamers.

All in all, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus is a reliable and durable motherboard that offers great value for money. This is a worthwhile investment if you want to pair a mid-range Z390 motherboard with your i9 9900K in order to get the maximum value for money. It might not have the most futuristic design or jam-packed feature set, but it certainly gets the job done without breaking the bank.

3. Gigabyte Z390 UD

Best Value Motherboard for i9 9900K

Pros

• Solid 12-Phase Power Delivery
• Great Features
• Decent Aesthetics
• Affordable

Cons

• No WiFi
• Only one M.2 Slot
• No RGB Lighting

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4266 | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Video Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 4x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN | Storage: 1x M.2, 6x SATA

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The Gigabyte Z390 UD is a motherboard designed for entry-level users who want a basic and affordable system on the Z390 platform. It cuts a few corners here and there, but delivers a solid overall package that should definitely be considered if you want to maximize the bang for the buck factor.

With its 10+2 power phase design, the Gigabyte Z390 UD motherboard delivers adequate power to the CPU at stock and overclocked settings. Its VRM components, including capacitors and chokes, are of decent quality, ensuring stable power delivery to the i9 9900K CPU. However, heavy overclocking may not be suitable for this motherboard when paired with this particular CPU.

The VRM heatsink design of the Gigabyte Z390 UD motherboard is simple, with no embedded fan, which may not provide the best cooling to the VRM components. Under heavy loads, this can lead to overheating issues, which can affect system stability. You can still expect decent VRM thermal performance from the heatsinks if you plan to run your system on stock settings.

For the price, the Gigabyte Z390 UD motherboard offers a basic set of features, including a single M.2 slot for storage. We would have liked to see at least two slots for M.2 devices, but that may have increased the cost of this motherboard. You also do not get WiFi for networking, which is not ideal in a modern motherboard. Certainly, it lacks some of the advanced features found on high-end motherboards, such as RGB lighting, Wi-Fi, and Thunderbolt 3 support.

Speaking of RGB lighting, the Gigabyte Z390 UD motherboard has a simple and plain design, with a black PCB and grey heatsinks and no lighting whatsoever. It does not have any visual accents either, which may not appeal to users who want a customizable system. Nevertheless, its simple design can blend well with most builds and is inoffensive in most cases.

At the end of the day, the Gigabyte Z390 UD is an affordable motherboard that offers good value for money. While its VRM performance and cooling may not be as good as high-end motherboards, they are sufficient for most users who do not plan on heavy overclocking. Its features are basic but adequate for most users, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users.

If you can look past its mediocre features and plain aesthetics, you can save a lot of money on your build by going with the Gigabyte Z390 UD instead of a more premium motherboard. This budget can then be allocated elsewhere in your build to increase the performance of your system. Still, the Z390 UD is not a bad motherboard by any means, and is actually one to consider for value-oriented buyers.

4. ASRock Z390 Taichi

Best Overall Motherboard for i9 9900k

Pros

• Decent Power Delivery
• Three M.2 Slots
• Relatively Affordable
• Good Connectivity

Cons

• Polarizing Design
• Unremarkable RAM Compatibility
• Lack of RGB

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4200+ | Expansion Slots: 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 8x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA

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ASRock’s Taichi-branded motherboards often hit the perfect sweet spot in terms of the mid-range, price-to-performance category. The ASRock Z390 Taichi carries forward the same trend and offers a perfect blend of good build quality, decent power delivery, and a host of features that make it a solid choice for your 9900K-based gaming PC.

Perhaps the best thing about the Z390 Taichi is its VRM design which should be considered above average in terms of Z390 motherboards, Sure, it might not hold a candle to some of the most premium Z390 boards such as the aforementioned Strix Z390-E, but it is still capable of handling the i9 9900K at stock or under reasonable overclocks. One should not expect to break any overclocking records concerning the 9900K while using this board.

The Z390 Taichi also offers a healthy mix of features and conveniences as well. For starters, this is one of the few Z390 motherboards with three M.2 slots which is a great thing to have in a mid-range board. It is also equipped with 6 SATA ports, plenty of USB ports and also USB 3.1 gen2, Gigabit Ethernet for connectivity. Wi-Fi is lacking in this board as well but that is not such a big issue at this price point. Its design, however, is a bit polarizing among enthusiasts due to its “in-your-face” approach about decals such as the gears on the PCB, etc. Many people don’t seem to mind those details, however, so it is a bit of a subjective factor.

The ASRock Z390 Taichi is the Best Overall Motherboard for i9 9900k, especially if you are looking to hit that sweet spot found in the mid-range market category for Z390 boards. It does cut some corners here and there, but none of them affect the functionality of the board in any significant way which makes it a great choice at this price point.

5. Z390-A Pro

Best Budget Motherboard For i9 9900k

Pros

• Affordable Choice
• Acceptable VRM Performance
• Clean Stealthy Look

Cons

• Only 1 M.2 Slot
• No Wi-Fi
• Few USB type c Ports
• Fewer PCIe Slots

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4400 | Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 4 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Video Outputs: VGA, DVI-D and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 8x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN | Storage: 1x M.2, 6x SATA

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MSI’s best budget offering, the MSI Z390-A Pro, also makes a decent contender to be paired with your i9 9900K. Even though it is certainly not the most high-end board available on the market for this CPU, it can certainly handle the 9900K at stock speeds and can even dabble with some light overclocking, provided you have an appreciation for its limitations.

The VRM design of the board is acceptable and inoffensive. There is nothing particularly remarkable about this power delivery system, but it should get the job done regardless. Even at this price point, MSI has included some decent, finned heatsinks for the VRM components which is definitely a nice touch. One should not expect this board to be stable under aggressive overclocks on the 9900K, but it should be perfectly fine if you are looking for the Best Budget Motherboard For i9 9900k and do not push it too hard with manual tuning.

Other notable features on the board include the addition of VGA and DVI-D to the standard selection of DisplayPort for the onboard video options. This allows the consumer to connect a variety of displays to the board since older displays generally do not support the DP standard. There is a single M.2 slot, 6 SATA ports, and an unimpressive number of USB ports on the board, which can be somewhat understandable at this price. The looks of the board are also understated and stealthy, and there is no lighting to be found anywhere on the board itself. This should suit those builders perfectly who are looking to build a blackout-themed gaming PC focusing on the i9 9900K itself.

While the MSI Z390-A Pro is certainly not a premium offering from MSI, it does get the job done appreciably well. The highlight of this choice is definitely it’s pricing, which is as low as one-third when compared to some of the offerings on this list. Keeping that in mind, it makes perfect sense why some gamers would want to pair the 9900K with this motherboard.

6. Gigabyte Z390M

Best Micro ATX Motherboard for i9 9900K

Pros

• Compact Size for Micro-ATX Cases
• Clean Brushed Metal Design
• Variety Of Display Outputs

Cons

• Lack of Wi-Fi
• Average Power Delivery
• Few USB 3.1 gen2 Ports
• Lack of Lighting

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4266 | Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Video Outputs: DVI-D, HDMI and DisplayPort | USB 2.0 and 3.0 Ports: 6x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA

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If you are looking for a solid Z390 motherboard for i9 9900K but in a compact micro-ATX form factor, then this one might just be the perfect choice for you. The Gigabyte Z390M does cut some corners due to its smaller size, but it carries the same general design and feature list as its full-ATX sibling in the Gigabyte Ultra Durable family. Micro-ATX motherboards are a great way to save some money while still getting most of the features that one would normally expect from a full-size ATX motherboard. You might also want to check out our picks for the top 5 Micro-ATX cases that would pair perfectly with this board.

In terms of power delivery, the Z390M is not quite the best of the bunch. The VRM design and the overall characteristics of the phase power delivery system can only be classified as passable. This is because the Z390M is a Micro ATX version of the Z390 UD and carries more or less the same power. Since both of these boards belong to the ultra-budget UD line from Gigabyte’s lineup, one can only expect the basics when it comes to VRM design. Still, you should have no problems running the i9 9900K at stock settings with this board, as overclocking should be avoided due to stability concerns.

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As far as the onboard features go, this motherboard for i9 9900k is relatively well-equipped for the best budget-oriented motherboard. Now it does not have all the bells and whistles as some of the premium motherboards on this list, but it does cover most of the bases quite well. A glaring omission that may be a bit of a bummer to most consumers is the lack of WiFi, but that can be fixed easily with the help of a cheap dongle. The board does have 2 M.2 Slots, 6 SATA ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Multiple PCIe x16 and x1 slots for various cards, and 4 full DIMM Slots which is definitely not a guarantee in affordable Micro-ATX motherboards. There is also the inclusion of DVI-D on the back which can be helpful for users with older monitors.

The Gigabyte Z390M is definitely not the motherboard that everyone should keep a lookout for, however, if you are in the market for Best Micro ATX Motherboard for i9 9900K that does not break the bank, then this one is a great option. It is well-rounded and provides most of the features that one would find on an ATX board at this price point. If you are comparing Micro-ATX with Mini-ITX as far as your options go, then this board should also have the edge in the overall value motherboard for i9 9900k.

7. Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro WiFi

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for i9 9900K

Pros

• Decent VRM Design
• Ideal for Compact SFF Builds
• M.2 Slot on the Back

Cons

• Only 2 DIMM Slots
• Only 1 PCIe x16 Slot
• No PCIe x1 Slots
• Few USB 3.1 Ports

Chipset: Z390 | Memory: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-4400 | Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 5x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA

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Mini-ITX motherboards are a bit more niche-focused than the aforementioned micro-ATX boards due to their specific dimensions. Where the Mirco-ATX motherboards are little more than smaller variations of standard ATX boards, mini-ITX motherboards have to be specifically engineered to fit in the smallest of cases, so there is quite a bit of R&D that goes into this category. In Gigabyte’s renowned AORUS lineup, the Z390 I WiFi hits the perfect balance of price to performance while offering a unique mini-ITX size that would pair perfectly with our recommended compact SFF mini-ITX cases.

The AORUS Z390I has a perfectly respectable power system, making it one of the best motherboard for core i9 9900k, which is unsurprising due to its AORUS heritage, but still nice to see in such a small factor. The VRM is also adequately cooled with large heat-spreaders that do look quite nice as well. One can expect to perform some light overclocking of the intel i9 9900K with this motherboard as well, although the results might not be as promising as some premium motherboards on this list. Still, it is great to see a solid VRM design in this category of motherboards that often gets overlooked in favor of larger, more expensive offerings. We also have a Mini-Itx Motherboards For I9 9900k Guide.

One can also say that the Z390I is jam-packed in terms of features. Due to its size, it has to cut some corners which are expected, but it also tries to make up with some extra features that are not expected in this class. While yes, it only has 2 DIMM slots and a single PCIe slot, the manufacturers did manage to put in 2 M.2 slots in this form factor with a clever trick. The trick being that one of the slots is on the backside of the board itself, so that saves a bit of clutter on the front of the PCB. WiFi is also included, as well as Gigabit Ethernet, a bit of RGB, and the standard display output ports. Still, this list is nothing to scoff at when your board is fighting for every inch of space.

All in all, the AORUS Z390I is the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for i9 9900K if the mini-ITX form factor is your thing. Due to the rising popularity of mini-ITX cases in recent years, manufacturers have actually shifted their focus and allotted more R&D budget to this segment which was once neglected, resulting in great boards like the AORUS Z390I. Now, enthusiasts can enjoy the full performance of the Core i9 9900K in a motherboard that might just fit into their outstretched palm.

Shopping Tips For Motherboards

You might be wondering how we picked these 5 specific i9 9900k motherboards out of a vast array that is available on the market. Well, there are several reasons that might contribute to one’s purchase decision when searching for the best motherboards for i9 9900K. Buying a motherboard for a modern gaming or creation-centric PC is not as straightforward as one might expect, as there are several factors that can complicate matters depending on how much value you want to squeeze out of your investment. However, you should also avoid spending a fortune on your motherboard just for the sake of it. Following are some of the factors to consider before buying a motherboard.

Compatibility

The very first decision in the buying process will be dictated by your choice of CPU, as the two big players in the processor game, AMD and Intel, both use different motherboards with different sockets and chipsets. AMD is currently on the AM4 Motherboards in terms of the socket, while Intel is using the LGA 1200 socket as of the time of writing. Judging the compatibility factor beforehand is absolutely crucial in order to ensure that your CPU and your motherboard support each other out of the box.

VRM and Power Delivery

This one is a bit more focused towards advanced users, but still it is very important to consider before buying a motherboard specifically for an enthusiast-class CPU such as the i9 9900K. A motherboard’s VRM or power delivery system is tasked with taking the direct power that is coming from the wall and converting it into clean, stable, and usable phase power for the CPU itself. The VRM design is absolutely crucial in order to get the best overclocking performance from high-end CPUs, and it should definitely be considered in the purchasing process. Furthermore, the VRM thermal performance is another factor that dictates the performance of the VRM components. Although Phase Power and Power Delivery would require a topic on their own, don’t ignore these factors, as Phase Power and other key points mention here decide the fate.

Form Factor

Desktop motherboards usually come in 3 different sizes, which usually correspond to the different case sizes that are available on the market. The most common and the standard size is the ATX form factor, which is supported by a variety of standard mid-tower and full-tower cases. For a more compact experience, one might choose to go with the Micro-ATX form factor which is a bit smaller than the ATX style and fits in the majority of compact cases, mid-tower cases, and full-tower cases.

While these are some of the more critical factors to consider when buying a motherboard, there are several others that are also crucial to the longevity and performance of your system. To get an in-depth look at the various factors that should dictate your motherboard choice, check out our comprehensive motherboard buying guide.