Are you tired of your PC gaming setup constantly lagging and crashing? Ready to upgrade to the next level of gaming performance? Then it might be time to consider investing in a new gaming motherboard, specifically one that is tailored to handle the power and speed of an i9 processor.
As a PC gamer, you know firsthand the frustration of dealing with a subpar motherboard that can’t keep up with your gameplay. But with the best gaming motherboard for i9, you’ll be able to say goodbye to those pesky lag spikes and hello to smooth, seamless gaming.
Not only will this upgrade improve your overall gaming experience, but it will also future-proof your setup for any new, demanding games you may buy. Don’t let a subpar motherboard hold you back any longer. Here are the top five motherboards to help you upgrade and take your gaming to the next level.
Top Gaming Motherboards for Your Core I9 Processor
With the new i9 processors on the market, finding the perfect motherboard to pair it with can be overwhelming.
But fear not; we’re here to help narrow down the options and find the best fit for your gaming needs. Whether you’re looking for a motherboard with lightning-fast speeds, robust audio capabilities, or top-notch durability, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started and discover the ideal motherboard for your i9 setup!
1. ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 (Wi-Fi 6)
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 (Wi-Fi 6)
ROG Maximus XII Hero is the ideal starting point for many gamers. This is a motherboard with a lot of power, clever cooling, and quicker memory support in a small package. Maximus XII Hero is packed with famous ROG technologies, from AI cooling and AI overclocking to eye-catching Aura Sync lighting.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero Z490 has many standout features that make it a top choice for gaming and high-performance computing.
Pros: Cons:
It features support for NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX multi-GPU setups, allowing for enhanced graphics performance. It also has support for up to three graphics cards, making it a great choice for those looking to build a high-end gaming rig. Plus, there are three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, providing ample room for expansion.
This motherboard has support for up to four M.2 slots, allowing for lightning-fast storage speeds. Furthermore, it supports as many as ten SATA 6Gb/s ports. It delivers excellent speed and stability, making it a great choice for high-end gaming and multitasking.
The Maximus XII Hero comes with many software features, including some optimization features, such as the 5-Way optimization tool, and the GameFirst V network optimization software.
Overall, between its cooling features, the Fan Xpert 4 software, and the Aura Sync RGB headers for customizable cooling, you are sure to get the best out of your spending.
2. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi
The MPG model features cutting-edge RGB lighting management and synchronization; it encourages gamers to completely express themselves in color. You can try out a new level of customization with the front light strip that offers practical real-time and in-game notifications. This motherboard offers the chance to make your gear the focal point and the peak of top charts in style with this series.
The MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi is a high-performance motherboard designed for gaming and content creation. It is based on the Intel Z490 chipset and supports 10th-generation Intel Core processors, including the i9-10900K.
Pros: Cons:
One of the standout features of the MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi is its WiFi 6 connectivity, which allows for fast and stable wireless internet speeds. It also has a 2.5G LAN port for even faster-wired internet speeds.
In terms of aesthetics, the MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting that can be customized using the MSI Mystic Light software. It also has a built-in LED strip header for even more lighting customization.
The MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi has a robust power delivery system with 12+1 power stages and a heatsink design that keeps the motherboard cool during intense gaming sessions. It also has three M.2 slots for fast storage speeds and support for up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM.
The MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi also has a pre-installed I/O Shielding. It is a protective cover that is installed over the motherboard’s input/output ports to prevent damage from outside forces, such as bending or dust. This is a useful feature for gamers as it helps to ensure the longevity and reliability of the motherboard.
3. Gigabyte AORUS X570 Master
Gigabyte AORUS X570 Master
The Gigabyte AORUS X570 Master is a high-end motherboard designed for use with AMD Ryzen processors, specifically the new Zen 3 architecture. It boasts a robust power delivery system and advanced cooling features, making it well-suited for both overclocking and everyday use.
If you are a fan of the Thunderbolt 3, don’t worry it is all packed into the Gigabyte AORUS X570. This enables fast data transfer, high-resolution display capabilities, and multiple device connections. The motherboard comes with RGB Fusion 2.0, which allows for customizable lighting options.
Pros: Cons:
The motherboard has Audio+ technology, which provides high-quality audio and a server-class digital power design, which ensures stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU.
The comprehensive cooling system, including a Fins-Array heatsink and an enlarged heatsink with direct touch Heatpipe, ensures optimal cooling performance.
4. ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4
Phantom Gaming was created by and for gamers. Under its unwavering exterior are several game-specific capabilities and exceptional gaming features.
No matter how you listen—through headphones, internal or external speakers, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and analog output, it’s Nahimic Audio gives you a vivid, richly detailed listening experience.
Pros: Cons:
This motherboard is compatible with Intel 10th Gen Core processors and supports LGA 1200 sockets. The motherboard supports DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4600MHz+.
Unlike most motherboards, the ASRock Z490 comes with two M.2 slots for fast storage and data transfer speeds and supports PCIe 4.0, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and improved overall performance.
5. EVGA Z490 FTW WiFi
EVGA Z490 FTW WiFi
This motherboard returns control to you by using the most recent 10th Gen Intel i9 processors. It can handle whatever you throw at it, whether it be gaming, streaming, creating, working, or simply browsing the web.
The EVGA Z490 motherboard is designed from scratch with the capabilities that today’s system builders want from a top-tier motherboard, and they do not disappoint.
Pros: Cons:
This motherboard is compatible with Intel 10th Gen Core processors and supports LGA 1200 sockets. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, which provides faster and more stable wireless connectivity.
Additionally, EVGA Z490 comes with Thunderbolt 3 support, which enables fast data transfer and high-resolution display capabilities.
Buying Guide for the Best Gaming Motherboard for I9
• Compatibility
Compatibility is an important factor to consider when purchasing a motherboard for an i9 processor. While looking at compatibility, you should check the socket type, bios, motherboard features, and cooling ability of the motherboard. The i9 processor uses the LGA 1200 socket, so you need to make sure the motherboard you are considering has the same socket type.
• Form Factor
Form factor refers to the size and shape of the motherboard, which can affect compatibility and functionality. There are tens of motherboard form factors and if you fail to understand the type you require in your ideal motherboard, you may not get the best one for your needs.
Additionally, the form factor of the motherboard can affect the expansion options available to you. For example, a smaller form factor motherboard may not have as many expansion slots as a larger form-factor motherboard.
• Power Consumption and VRM
The i9 processor is a high-performance processor that requires a lot of power to operate at its full potential. Therefore, it is important to consider the power consumption of the motherboard to ensure that it can handle the power demands of the i9 processor.
The Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) is responsible for providing stable and consistent power to the processor. A good VRM design is important to ensure that the processor gets the power it needs to operate at its full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the i9 9900K handle gaming?
Yes, this processor model continues to be among the fastest gaming processors available. Because of the introduction of new CPU generations, it may no longer be at the top of the list in every game, but even expensive machines may not be able to match its power.
2. Which motherboards work with the i9 9900K?
The two high-end chipsets that enable the full spectrum of overclocking are the Z370 and Z390, and the Intel i9-9900K works with both of them.
Additionally, the average Intel H310, H370, Q370, B360, and B360 chipsets which are regarded as the best low-price options, also support the Intel Core i9-9900K.
3. What RAM works best with an i9 processor?
Although employing XMP can boost RAM modules even with quicker results, 13th Generation processors such as the i9-13900K support DDR4 RAM and DDR5 RAM. You should consider DDR5 RAM if you want your PC to run at its peak performance.
Conclusion
After considering all of the factors and options available, it’s clear that there are several top contenders for the best gaming motherboard for i9 processors. The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme, Gigabyte AORUS Xtreme, and MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi are all excellent choices for high-performance gaming. Each motherboard offers a unique set of features and capabilities, so it’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for your i9 setup will depend on your budget, desired features, and overall gaming goals. Whether you prioritize speed, sound quality, or durability, there’s a motherboard out there that will meet your needs and help you get the most out of your i9 processor
