[Top 5] Best Motherboard For i9 9900k In 2021 – Our Recommendations

The motherboard is one of the essential components of a computer system because most of the parts need to be connected to it. If you have an unlocked processor, you can push it to new limits by over-clocking it with the help of a good, powerful motherboard.

The i9-9900K processor is designed for the most extreme builds in 2020, with mind-bending performance in gaming and threaded applications. This is the processor to choose from if you are looking to build the best enthusiast system in 2020.

The Intel Core i9 9900k is one of the company’s most powerful processors, and yet there is no other CPU that can beat its raw gaming performance. This CPU has eight cores and sixteen threads which are enough to maximize the newest title or app these days.

It has a 3.9 GHz core clock, which is good enough. The multiplier of this processor is unlocked at the factory and can be brought up to 5 GHz with any motherboard with a Z390 chipset.

Intel has unleashed its 9^th generation of Core I processors, introducing eight-core CPUs with stable clock speeds of up to 5 GHz to the mainstream. The most powerful CPU from Intel’s new line-up is the i9-9900K, which not only supports hyperthreading but also has enormous overclocking potential. The new processor is designed to work with a new chipset, called Z390, so many gamers and power users alike will need one of these best motherboards for i9 9900k.

Here, you’re going to learn all about the most appealing motherboards for this processor out there. And we’re also teaching you a little more. If you’re looking for a model that meets all of this processor’s demands – then you’ll probably find it here. Take a look deeper to find out!

Our Recommendations Of Best Motherboard For i9 9900k

1.  ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390 Hero Motherboard

Specifications

• Device Type: Motherboard
• Manufacturer: ASUS Computer International Direct
• Item Dimensions: 14.57 x 4.25 x 12.28 inches
• Item Weight: 7.35 lbs
• Memory Slots Available: 4.0
• Graphics: None / HDMI
• Wireless: 2×2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac
• Form Factor: ATX
• CPU Socket: LGA 1151
• RAM Memory Technology: DDR4
• Ethernet: Intel Adapter
• Memory Speed: 2133 MHz

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI FORMULA Z390 lineup are flagship motherboards from ASUS, and these motherboards are best in quality-wise and features.

The middle mark with respect to overclocking capabilities and features was their standard and the price has traditionally been around 2/3 the price of a properly equipped Core i9-9900K. Welcome to Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming, the popular $ 240 game board.

I personally like that this motherboard comes with ASUS Digi VRM and has a High Phase Power Design, which smoothly delivers current to the components attached to the motherboard. You can install memory up to 64GB on this motherboard and can overclock memory to 4000 Mhz+ easily.

No doubt, this motherboard has a fantastic feature set, but this one is still costly for any Intel Coffee Lake processor. Also, for this price, motherboards come with a 10GBPS Ethernet port, but this one lacks, and that’s all about it.

Overall, this motherboard is an excellent product, but its features make it expensive. Although you’re an enthusiast looking for performance and aesthetics, this motherboard is a better fit.

Highlighted Features

• Design: it has 18 Phase Power Design VRM, which gives excellent performance.
• Lightning-fast connectivity: The lightning-fast connectivity includes dual M.2, with heatsink, along with a fair bunch of USB 3.1 Gen 2
• On-board clock generators:  It features a dedicated onboard clock generator that supplies dynamic reference clocks to the CPU cores and major subdomains.
• Aura Sync RGB lighting: Aura Sync RGB lighting with addressable headers features a nearly endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem of aura sync enabled products.
• Gaming connectivity: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGaurd, dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and 802.11AC Wi-Fi.
• Cooling zones: Perfected cooling with dedicated water cooling zones, M.2 heatsink, and various fan controls.
• Gaming Audio: SupremeFX and Sonic Studio III – High fidelity audio that draws you deeper into the action.
• Gaming durability: ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum durability.
• 5-way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing AI Overclocking and cooling profiles tailor-made for your rig.

2.  Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme PRO Wi-Fi Motherboard

Specifications

• Item model number: Z390 AORUS PRO
• Manufacturer: Gigabyte
• VRM: 12-Phase IR Digital VRM
• Item Dimensions: 13.18 x 10.62 x 3.14 inches
• Item Weight: 3.00 lbs
• Memory Slots Available: 4.0
• Memory Speed: 2133 MHz
• Computer Memory Type: DDR4 SDRAM

Gigabyte is a brand of computer components that are known for offering high-performance products without paying a premium price tag for the same.

The best thing about the Gigabyte Aorus Pro Z390 motherboard is that it is the cheapest option for you. Auros Xtreme is the Gigabyte flagship motherboard series, and there is no doubt that these motherboards give the best power delivery to the components attached to it.

While it may not be the best option for high-end overclocking, you do get various connectivity options with it. This includes things like WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, dual M.2 slots with heatsinks, 6 SATA 3 ports, USB type C, type A, 4 memory slots for up to 128 GB RAM, ethernet, HDMI, and much more.

Highlighted Features:

• CPU: The Z390 AORUS XTREME supports both the Intel 8th gen and 9th gen CPU without any need to update your BIOS.
• Memory slots: It Offers 4 memory slots for up to 128 GB of RAM
• PCle slots: It Includes 6 PCIe slots of different sizes.
• Cutting-edge Thermal design: Cutting-edge Thermal Design with Fins-Array Heatsink, Direct Touch Heatpipe, and NanoCarbon Baseplate.
• IR Digital VRM Solution: 16 Phases IR Digital VRM Solution with PowIRstage.
• Memory: It features Intel Optane Memory Ready.
• RGB Fusion: It has RGB Fusion with Multi-Zone LED Light Show Design, Supports Addressable LED & RGB LED Strips.
• Smart Fan: It has Smart Fan 5 features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with Fan stop.
• Warranty: Comes with a 3-year warranty.

3.  ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming

Specifications

• Manufacturer: ASUS Computer International Direct
• Item Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches
• Item Weight: 2.20 lbs
• Supported Motherboard: Mini ITX
• Memory Slots Available: 2
• Wireless Type: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
• Number of USB: 2.0 Ports

If you are looking for aesthetics and performance, ASUS Strix motherboards are the best for you and cheaper than the Maximum series. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming is suitable for ITX builds, has a 12-phase VRM power design, and is compatible with all Intel devices, Coffee Lake processors, and more suitable for our i9 9900K.

If you are building a compact or small form factor PC, this motherboard is for you. It has two RAM DIMMs and supports memory up to 64 GB, and can overclock up to 4000 Mhz+. With this Z390 motherboard, you can expect to get excellent overclocking performance for both the CPU and the memory.

I really like its 5-way optimization system feature with FanXpert 4 cooling capacity. You get the same to push the computer to its max without burning it out.

So if you’re looking to create a high-quality gaming system, and you’re planning to opt for an Intel Processor, in that case, the Z390-E GamingGaming is a great motherboard that not only sits in the mid-range but dominates it overall!

Highlighted Features

• CPU: LGA1151 socket for 9th/ 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors.
• Aura Sync RGB: It has Synchronize LED lighting with a vast portfolio of compatible PC gear, including addressable RGB strips.
• Comprehensive cooling: It features an Integrated I/O shield and VRM heatsink, Double-decker M.2 heatsink.
• 5-Way Optimization: It includes automated system-wide tuning, providing AI overclocking and cooling profiles tailor-made for your rig.
• Gaming connectivity: It also has Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C connectors.
• Gaming networking: It features Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Intel 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, LANGuard, and GameFirst.
• Gaming audio: SupremeFX S1220A teams with Sonic Studio III to create an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action.
• Easy DIY: Pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS SafeSlot, and premium components for maximum endurance.

4.  MSI MEG GODLIKE Z390 MotherBoard

Specifications

• Chipset: Intel Z390 Chipset
• Manufacturer: MSI COMPUTER
• CPU Socket: LGA 1151
• Item Dimensions: 12 x 10.7 x 1.2 inches
• Item Weight: 4.30 lbs
• Memory Slots Available: 4.0
• RAM Memory Technology: DDR4
• Memory Support: 4 DIMMs, Dual Channel DDR4
• Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
• Wireless Type: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Voltage: 0.01 Volts

MSI Meg Godlike are flagship motherboards and might be the most-featured packed in this entire list, and that’s the reason I’ve selected this gaming beast.

They are available at a pretty reasonable price and offering similar features as its competitors, the MSI MEG Z390 ACE manages to deliver a uniquely beautiful design. As the best RGB motherboard for i9 9900k, you can build an ultra-enticing desktop with this one.

The MSI Meg Z390 GODLIKE is equipped with expertly engineered heatsinks that channel heat away from critical components and provide you with uncompromising stability. You can bring the motherboard to life using MSI’s Mystic Light Infinity RGB lighting system, which lets you personalize your PC with 16.8 million colors and 29 effects with the Mystic Light App.

I really like that, Unlike any other motherboard you’ve ever see, the MSI Meg Z390 GODLIKE features a built-in OLED display that can show the status of your motherboard for your Intel Core i9 9900K chip, such as debug codes, play GIF animations, and more.

It’s an E-ATX motherboard, and you’ll need a complete tower casing for it; else, compatibility issues may arise. This Motherboard is best for Intel i9 9900k, but only if you can afford it; else, we have some cheap choices with the same features package.

Highlighted Features

• CPU: It supports 9^th/ 8^th Gen Intel^® Core™ / Pentium^® Gold / Celeron^® processors for LGA 1151 socket.
• Mystic Light Infinity: It has 16.8 million colors / 29 effects controlled in one click. Mystic Light Extension supports both RGB and RAINBOW LED strips.
• Dynamic Dashboard: Built-in dynamic panel that indicates the status of GODLIKE and shows off your own personality.
• Lightning Fast Game Experience: 1x Turbo U.2, 3x Turbo M.2 with Shield Frozr, Dual Front USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C.
• Xtreme Audio DAC: Isolated audio with ESS DAC, 2x audio processors & Nahimic to deliver the breathtaking sound quality with 384 kHz/32-bit.
• Killer xTend: Combine a built-in switch with a wireless extender. Killer fueled LAN & WIFI extender with ultimate traffic prioritization.
• Pre-installed I/O Shielding: Better EMI protection and more convenience for installation

5.  Gigabyte Z390 AORUS ULTRA

Specifications

• Memory Type: Dual-Channel DDR4
• Processor Brand: Intel
• CPU Socket: LGA 1151
• Item Dimensions: 13.58 x 11.57 x 3.14 inches
• Item Weight: 3.00 lbs
• Memory Slots Available: 4.0
• Memory Type: Dual-Channel DDR4
• Manufacturer: Gigabyte

If you are looking for some onboard features like Wi-Fi and RGB lights, GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA is the best choice for you because it got all these features out of the box. This motherboard is no different than the one mentioned above but some minor design and features difference.

There are, in fact, eight total in Gigabyte’s AORUS line of Z390 motherboards. The Z390 AORUS Ultra is right in the center, offering pretty much any feature you want in a Z390 motherboard and some useful extras.

Taking a first glance at the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra Motherboard, we can see they’ve gone for a black and silver accented all-black PCB. Usually, Gigabyte keeps the colors neutral with AORUS boards, and they let the RGB lighting do the rest. This board is no different.

The good thing is this motherboard has 12+1 Design Power VRM, which gives clean power delivery to the components on the motherboard. If you like to install highly overclocked memory, this motherboard supports up to 4400 MHz and maximum memory up to 64GB.

Gigabyte’s Aorus Gaming Master Z390 has the functionality and Processor overclocking to justify being on the Core i9-companion shortlist of a high-end buyer.

Highlighted Features

• Supported CPU: Support for 9th and 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 processors/ Intel® Core™ i7 processors/ Intel® Core™ i5 processors/ Intel® Core™ i3 processors/ Intel® Pentium® processors/ Intel® Celeron® processors in the LGA1151 package.
• Thermal Design: It has an advanced thermal design with a direct touch heat pipe and multiple temperature sensors with hybrid fan Headers for ultimate cooling.
• Easy overclocking: The Z390 AORUS Ultra motherboard implements a 12+1 power phase architecture that allows it to deliver clean, continuously flowing, and stable power needed by the Z390 chipset.
• AMP-UP Audio: It has ALC 1220-VB Audio Codec and Hi-end WIMA Audio Capacitors.
• Direct Touch Heatpipe: Direct Touch Heatpipe helps transfer heat from MOSFET to heatsink, also connects two parts of MOSFET heatsink for the best cooling performance.
• Smart Fan 5: It has Smart Fan 5 features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP by which users can ensure that their gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool.
• LED light Design: RGB Fusion with multi-zone LED light show design, supports addressable LED & RGB LED strips

What to Look for Before Buying a Motherboard for i9 9900K?

So you’re probably still thinking about which motherboard to choose. We’re not blaming you, you still don’t know much about them. Here we can help you to find all of the major factors to think about before making your final decision.

Chipset and Socket

Currently, only two chipsets are available in most motherboards that use this processor: the Z390 and the Z370. Of course, the Z390 is the most reliable and powerful. That’s why the best z390 motherboard for i9 9900k you can get will make the PC perform better.

Don’t forget about the socket, though. You need an LGA1151 on the MOBO to install the i9 9900K properly. Yet, you’re pretty likely not to find any similar motherboard with a different socket nowadays. Still, be extra careful.

Overclocking Capacity

Overclocking ability depends on several factors that you need to consider. First of all, it will be the VRM of the motherboard. This refers to the way the regular voltage is converted into something that the CPU and GPU can handle. Here we recommended high-quality 12 + 2 phase VRM systems for additional results.

Then you need to consider the correct quantity and quality of heat sinks. Additional sinks are required to keep RAM, CPU, M.2 SSD and VRMs or capacitors cool. This prevents any overclocking from overheating and burning the machine.

Other overclocking functions such as user-friendly BIOS systems, automatic fan functions, and booster software that are supplied with MOBO are worth considering. The easier, safer, and more practical the overclocking with the MOBO is – the better your experience will be with an i9 9900K.

Expandability and Ports

When looking for the best motherboard for Intel i9 9900k, you need something with enough ports. Here you need to consider PCIe ports for GPUs, DIMM slots for RAM (DDR4), and M.2 ports for storage.

For example, if you want to build a super gaming PC with multiple graphics cards, you’ll need multiple PCIe ports. If you need at least 32 GB of storage, choose 4 RAM slots or 32 GB per slot. Finally, you should consider at least 2 M.2 ports for SSDs. You can choose the RTX 2080 Ti graphics card for great gaming performance.

Don’t forget about USB 3.0 ports and Ethernet, though. And extra USB ports plus an HDMI connector never disappoint.

Connectivity

For the best experience, always remember to choose a motherboard with stable Ethernet and fast WiFi adapters. At the same time, consider Bluetooth as an additional function. If you can connect to the internet using NFC or any other wireless connection besides WiFi, this is a great addition to think about.

Size / Form Factor

The best ATX motherboard for i9 9900k is big and roomy enough to support multiple PCIe ports. However, it can be difficult to fit into small cases. For this reason, you can also consider a Mini-ATX or mATX, which offers a slightly smaller MOBO design that fits in compact housings. They save a lot of space but have fewer ports and slots.

Audio and RGB

Then you will find the audio. Nothing compares to a good-sounding PC that doesn’t need a sound card. You can enjoy high-quality audio straight from the motherboard, allowing you to connect a 7.1 home theater without missing a beat. A little bit of quality.

Another extra to consider is the RGB system. With enough lights and attractive stripes, you can make even the most boring cases more attractive. And you will have a very exciting PC at home.

Conclusion

These are the best motherboards for the i9 9900k, and I would recommend you to get anything according to your budget from this list.

If you’re looking for a motherboard to put it together with the Core i9-9900K for a normal-sized PC build and want great overclocking capability and a great set of features with enough space as well, then you should definitely check out the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme motherboard, however, it is a bit expensive.

This motherboard has a large voltage regulator for increased power output, which helps when overclocking your CPU. This motherboard also has great features.

If you’re looking for a compact-sized motherboard to pair up with Core i9-9900K and want to get most of the features that a high-end user wants, then you should check out the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Gene. It has the good overclocking capability with a great set of features which makes it a great choice to pair up with Core i9- 9900K; however, it does not support dual graphics cards.

If you simply want a high-end system that has everything that a high-end user may need and don’t care much about budget and are looking for a motherboard to pair up with the Core i9-9900K, then you should definitely check out the MSI Meg Z390 GODLIKE motherboard.

If you’re not much into the “gaming” hardware and want a motherboard to pair up with the Core i9-9900K having a simple design with good performance and a good set of features that will perform really good and isn’t much expensive, then you should definitely check out the Gigabyte Z390 UD.

Finally, these motherboards are some of the best motherboards for i9 9900k, and my final recommendation would be to go for the one that fits your needs and budget.

FAQ’s