So as you all know, Intel already released their 9th generation Intel CPUs, with eight-cores, 16 threads, and clock speeds of up to 5GHz. One of the more notable processors from that generation is the Intel Core i9 9900K, known for its hyperthreading and overclocking support. This particular processor works with a new chipset called the Z930.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex The Best High End Motherboard For 9th Gen Intel Processor
Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro WiFi The Best Mini ITX Motherboard For 9th Generation Intel CPUs
Gigabyte Z390M Best Micro ATX Motherboard For 9th Generation Intel CPUs
ASRock Z390 Taichi Most Versatile Motherboard For 9th Generation Intel CPU
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Best Motherboard Choice For Overclocking
Gigabyte Z390 UD Best Value Motherboard for 9th Generation Intel Processor
Fast forward to 2023, the Intel Core i9 9900K is still a powerful CPU even with newer generations distributed in the market right now.
With immense processing power, you’ll need a powerful motherboard. If you’re in the market to purchase an Intel Core i9 9900K, then you’re in luck. We’re going to list down the best motherboards for i9 9900K that will guarantee maximum performance and compatibility.
What’s The Best 9th Gen Motherboard?
Here are some of the best motherboards for Intel Core i9 9900k. We’ve listed down the specs, their pros, and their cons as well.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex
The Best High End Motherboard For 9th Gen Intel Processor
Why consider it?
- Stable and solid Power Delivery System
- Decent RAM slots and compatibility
- Aesthetics are on point
- Decent connectivity options
Why avoid it?
- Expensive!
Tech Specs
- 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
First on the list of the best motherboards is the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex, and it’s probably on the highest end of the spectrum for housing the Intel Core i9 9900k processor. The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex comes with the Intel Z930 chipset and LGA 1151 socket, which supports both 8th-generation and 9th-generation Intel processors.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex comes with a solid VRM design that guarantees flawless power delivery and stability even under heavy workloads. The motherboard’s components are also high quality. You’re getting alloy chokes, 10K Japanese-made black metallic capacitors, and robust power connectors that ensures your CPU’s power delivery. But power delivery of this quality will also result in higher than normal temperatures. This is why the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex comes with its own VRM cooling solution. Components are kept cool thanks to the VRM heatsink.
Now let’s go over some of the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex’s nifty features. You’re getting dual M.2 slots with heatsinks and six SATA ports for storage options. You also have a single Gigabit Ethernot Port and WiFi capability. The rear section of the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex comes with 10 USB ports too.
For the modders and builders, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex comes with RGB lighting and Aura Sync support. This gives you full customization and compatibility with other Aura Sync devices (most of them being ROG products too).
Now, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex has premium features so it’s no surprise that you’re also getting a premium price tag. You’re getting the best features on a motherboard to house your Intel Core i9 9900k and other PC hardware.
If you have the money, stop reading this article and just buy the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex. You’re getting the best of the best motherboards for i9 9900k. It’s also an injustice if you put it in a cheap PC case, but I doubt you’ll get one of those.
Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro WiFi
The Best Mini ITX Motherboard For 9th Generation Intel CPUs
Why consider it?
- Solid VRM design
- Perfect for Compact SFF builds
- M.2 slot on the back part
Why avoid it?
- Fewer DIMM sltos
- Only 1 PCIe x16 slot
- Fewer USB 3.1 ports
- No PCIe x1 slots
Tech Specs
- 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
Gigabyte is no stranger to producing high-end motherboards, and on this list, we have one of the best mini ITX motherboards for i9 9900k: The Gigabyte Z390 I Aorus. If you’re going to build a small but powerful PC, this is the motherboard for you.
Despite its size, the Gigabyte Z390 I Aorus features a solid power delivery system that makes it capable of providing maximum support for the Intel Core i9 processor. The Gigabyte Z390 I Aorus’s VRM is adequately cooled with larger heat spreaders that also look as aesthetic as they can be. You don’t really get to see this build quality in most motherboards for mini ITX cases.
While the Gigabyte Z390 I Aorus is packed to the teeth with features, there are several cutbacks due to its size. For one thing, you only get 2 DIMM Slots and a single PCIe slot. However, the manufacturers made up for it by giving you 2 M.2 slots at the back of the board, so you’re not cluttering the front side of your PCB.
And did we mention that this version also has WiFi capability?
If you’re going for a Mini ITX Build with an Intel Core i9, then the Gigabyte Z390 I Aorus is the best mini ITX motherboard for you.
Gigabyte Z390M
Best Micro ATX Motherboard For 9th Generation Intel CPUs
Why consider it?
- Small and compact
- Clean aesthetics
- Display outputs
Why avoid it?
- No WiFi connectivity
- Average power delivery system
- Fewer USB 3.1 Gen2 ports
Tech Specs
- 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
If you want a small PC but don’t want something as small as a Mini ITX, then you’ll want to go for a compact Micro ATX form factor motherboard. And yes, we do have one on this list for the Intel Core i9 processor: the Gigabyte Z390M.
Unlike the Z930 I Aorus above, the Gigabyte Z390M does not cut back on a lot of the features. You still get the full features of the full ATX counterparts but this time with a smaller size.
The Gigabyte Z390M’s power delivery isn’t as robust as the Z930 I Aorus or the ROG XI Maximums, but it still gets the job done of powering the Intel Core i9 9900k processor. However, it’s not advisable to overclock the processor with the Gigabyte Z390M. That’s our only gripe about this micro ATX form factor motherboard. That and the fact that this motherboard does not have WiFi connectivity.
Let’s move on to the nicer features of the Gigabyte Z390M. For starters, you’re getting a fair amount of awesome features for a budget motherboard. The Gigabyte Z390M 2 M.2 slots, 6 SATA ports, a good number of PCIe x16 and x1 slots, and 4 full DIMM slots.
The Gigabyte Z390M is the best budget motherboard for the Intel Core i9 9900k, and is definitely a solid choice for everyone.
ASRock Z390 Taichi
Most Versatile Motherboard For 9th Generation Intel CPU
Why consider it?
- Stable power delivery system
- Three M.2 slots
- Affordable
- Decent connectivity
Why avoid it?
- RAM compatibility is an issue
Tech Specs
- 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
ASRock is another recognizable brand when it comes to producing some of the best motherboards, even for those on a budget. The ASRock Z930 Taichi gives you a good mix of affordability and versatility, as well as a handful of nice features you’d expect to find in a premium motherboard.
But what we really noticed about the ASRock Z930 Taichi is the VRM design, whichi is considered above average by expert builders. Sure, it doesn’t come close to the powers of the ROG XI Maximus, but it could give the ROG a run for its money if you know what I mean. And for a budget motherboard, you can actually overclock the Intel Core i9 9900K.
Moving on, you also get decent connectivity options and a number of notable PC hardware slots. You’re getting 6 SATA ports, three M.2 Slots, and a good number of USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. Now you don’t have WiFi connectivity on this motherboard, but that’s not a deal breaker for a lot of people.
If you are in the market for a new gaming PC on a tight budget, the ASRock Z930 Taichi is a solid pick for a new motherboard to house your Intel i9 9900k.
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming
Best Motherboard Choice For Overclocking
Why consider it?
- Robust VRM design and power delivery
- Clean aesthetics
- Decent connectivity
- Excellent VRM cooling capabilities
- RAM Compatibility
Why avoid it?
- No RGB lighting
Tech Specs
- 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
If ever there was a best motherboard for the Intel i9 processor, we’d definitely pick the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming because it’s almost close to perfect.
Let’s start with the VRM design. The power delivery of the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming is top-notch and the components are of high quality. You’re getting TUF Chokes, MOSFETS, and Capacitors. For cooling, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming’s heatsink has incredible power. While it may not be as efficient as some of the high-end motherboards for i9 9900k, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming can easily compete in terms of overclocking support.
For this kind of motherboard, you’re expecting a premium price tag but ASUS TUF series has always been known for its value and affordability. You’re getting two M.2 slots, a lot of USB ports in the rear, and WiFi connectivity.
For aesthetics, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming keeps it clean and simple. The board doesn’t really have a lot of flairs and there’s no RGB lighting, so that may be a turn-off for a lot of people. But you don’t really buy a motherboard for the looks, do you?
All in all, the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming is probably the best motherboard that gives you the best bang for your buck. You’re getting premium features, advanced thermal design, and excellent performance possible for the amount of money you’re paying.
Gigabyte Z390 UD
Best Value Motherboard for 9th Generation Intel Processor
Why consider it?
- Robust 12-Phase Power Delivery
- Affordable
- Fair number of awesome features
Why avoid it?
- One M.2 slot
- No WiFi
Tech Specs
- 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
Last but definitely not the least, we have the Gigabyte Z930 UD, the perfect motherboard for people looking for an affordable but robust host to the Intel i9 9900k processor. It’s also considered one of the best entry-level motherboards for people wanting to build a gaming PC without shelling out a lot of money.
What’s really impressive here is the Gigabyte Z390 UD’s 10+2 power phase design, which is responsible for delivering enough power to the CPU at both base and boosted clock settings. The motherboard’s VRM components, including the chokes and capacitors, have a decent quality.
However, overclocking is not really recommended for this motherboard. The VRM heatsink doesn’t have an embedded fan, so cooling might be an issue when overclocking.
For its price tag, the Gigabyte Z390 UD has some basic features. You get one M.2 slot for storage, which is kind of a deal breaker. We’d like to have at least two M.2 slots, but we’ll take what we can get from the Gigabyte Z390 UD. There’s no WiFi connectivity and it doesn’t have a lot of support for Thunderbolt 3 and other lighting features.
Will it get the job done? We’re confident enough to say that the Gigabyte Z390 UD is far capable of powering your Intel i9 processor. You’re getting the best performance possible for the amount of money you’re paying.
What’s Our Pick?
Hands down, we’re going with the ASUS ROG Maximus XI. It’s an excellent motherboard for the Intel i9 processor with high quality components. It can run with the Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics cards no problem with its PCIe slots and compatibility with other components. Whether it’s for gaming or for video editing, the ASUS ROG Maximums XI is our pick.
