Intel has recently launched the all-new 12th generation of processors which are a great option if you want something powerful. However, going with an older processor like the Intel Core i9 10900K can be a great idea since it is still highly powerful and now available at discounts. But if you wish to use such a processor, then getting one of the best motherboards for i9 10900K stated down below is highly important for compatibility as per these factors:
- Chipset: To ensure that you are getting a compatible motherboard for your i9 10900K, getting a motherboard with a compatible chipset is highly important. For using the Intel Core i9 10900K, you can use the Intel Z490, Intel Z490-E, Intel Z590, or the Intel Z590-E motherboard chipsets. While all of these work perfectly, the higher-end Z590-E chipset will offer slightly extra features with the Intel Core i9 10900K.
- Form Factor: The form factor of your computer’s motherboard not only determines its compatibility with your PC case, but also gives you an idea of the connectivity options that it will offer. While most motherboards for i9 10900K are ATX motherboards that include plenty of connectivity options, a few of them might have the larger E-ATX form factor for even better connectivity.
- CPU Socket: Even though all the best motherboards for i9 10900K given here are fully compatible, you should still check the CPU socket of your motherboard especially if you are going with a model different than the ones mentioned here. For using the Intel Core i9 10900K you will need a motherboard with the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket.
Other than these factors, you should also check out all the primary features and options of the best motherboards for i9 10900K given in this list. This list will also take you through a detailed Buying Guide and some common FAQs for the best motherboards for i9 10900K to help you easily pick the right one.
Best Motherboards for i9 10900K
| Best Motherboards for i9 10900K | Chipset | Form Factor | CPU Socket | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming Z490 | Intel Z490-E | ATX | Intel LGA1200 | Check On Amazon |
| MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Gaming Motherboard | Intel Z490 | ATX | Intel LGA1200 | Check On Amazon |
| GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme | Intel Z490 | E-ATX | Intel LGA1200 | Check On Amazon |
| ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi 6E LGA 1200 | Intel Z590-E | ATX | Intel LGA1200 | Check On Amazon |
| MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard | Intel Z490 | ATX | Intel LGA1200 | Check On Amazon |
Best Motherboards for i9 10900K Reviews
1. ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming Z490
Asus and its Rog lineup of computer components tend to offer high-end specifications for the best performance possible which is also true for its motherboard for i9 10900K given here.
The Asus Rog Strix Z490-E motherboard for i9 10900K is present in the 1st position in this list since this is one of the best performance options in its class. Starting with the basics, this is an ATX motherboard that uses the Intel Z490-E chipset and the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. Other than its CPU support, you also get great memory support since it can be used with up to 128 GB memory at up to 4600 MHz. One of the best things about this Asus motherboard is that you get 6 PCIe expansion slots with three x16 slots.
Taking a look at its other connectivity options, you will find dual M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports for your storage needs. In fact, the rear connectivity options are also excellent which includes 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB type C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1 x optical out, and 5 x audio ports. Asus also includes wireless connectivity options in the form of WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 with this motherboard.
Best Features:
- Uses the ATX form factor
- Offers the Intel Z490-E chipset and Intel LGA1200 CPU socket
- Offers up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4600 MHz
- Offers 6 PCIe expansion slots with 3 x16 slots
- Features 2 x M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports
Pros:
- Superb internal and external connectivity options
- Large number of expansion slots for expansion cards
- Quite amazing overclocking performance with high-end VRMs
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
2. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Gaming Motherboard
While MSI is another great pick for high-performance computer components, it also offers a few affordable options like its motherboard for i9 10900K that we have stated here.
MSI’s MPG Z490 motherboard for i9 10900K is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as it is the cheapest option given here making it perfect for those who are looking for something highly affordable. Despite being an entry-level option, this ATX motherboard still offers the Intel Z490 motherboard chipset along with the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. Coming to the memory support of this motherboard, you can install up to 128 GB memory at up to 4800 MHz with it. Another great thing about this entry-level MSI motherboard is that you get 5 PCIe expansion slots with it where two are x16 slots.
Unlike what you would expect from a budget option like this, MSI still offers dual M.2 slots and 4 SATA ports which should be plenty for most. Moving to the back of this motherboard, you will find 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB type C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1 x PS/2, 1 x optical out, and 5 x audio ports. Unfortunately, being an affordable motherboard it does not offer any wireless connectivity options with it like WiFi or Bluetooth.
Taking a look at its other connectivity options, you will find dual M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports for your storage needs. In fact, the rear connectivity options are also excellent which includes 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB type C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1 x optical out, and 5 x audio ports. Asus also includes wireless connectivity options in the form of WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 with this motherboard.
Best Features:
- Uses the ATX form factor
- Offers the Intel Z490 chipset and Intel LGA1200 CPU socket
- Offers up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz
- Offers 5 PCIe expansion slots with 2 x16 slots
- Features 2 x M.2 SSD slots and 4 SATA ports
Pros:
- Highly affordable and budget friendly motherboard
- Quite good connectivity options on the back for the given price
- Supports overclocking for the best possible performance
Cons:
- Misses out on wireless connectivity options
3. GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme
Gigabyte is another viable option for all those who want the best performing motherboard for their Intel Core i9 10900K which offers all the features that you could want from a motherboard.
This Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Xtreme motherboard for i9 10900K is present in the 3rd position in this article because it is the best performing motherboard given here which is to be expected at its premium price tag. Since this is a high motherboard, it uses the larger E-ATX form factor along with the Intel Z490 chipset and the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. As for its performance numbers, this motherboard supports up to 128 GB memory at up to 5000 MHz. While it only has 3 expansion slots, all of them are x16 slots for high-performance devices.
This motherboard covers up its lack of extra expansion slots by offering triple M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports. One of the best things about going with such a premium motherboard is the connectivity options offered by it which include 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x HDMI, 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1 x 10 GbE LAN, 1 x optical out, and 5 audio ports. In fact, you also get WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 with this motherboard which is to be expected at the given price tag.
Best Features:
- Uses the E-ATX form factor
- Offers the Intel Z490 chipset and Intel LGA1200 CPU socket
- Offers up to 128 GB RAM at up to 5000 MHz
- Offers 3 PCIe expansion slots with 3 x16 slots
- Features 3 x M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports
Pros:
- Excellent overclocking performance for both CPU and RAM
- Superb connectivity options for amazing performance
- Large number of high-speed storage options
Cons:
- Quite an expensive motherboard for i9 10900K
4. ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi 6E LGA 1200
Asus also offers newer and more feature-rich motherboard models under its Rog series of computer components that can be used with the Intel Core i9 10900K as shown here.
The Asus Rog Strix Z590-E motherboard for i9 10900K can be another great option for getting amazing performance without opting for highly premium options. Because this is a newer model, this ATX motherboard comes with the Intel Z590-E chipset with the same Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. When compared with the previous Asus motherboard, this one offers better memory support since you can use up to 128 GB memory at up to 5333 MHz speeds. But unlike that one, this Asus motherboard comes with 3 expansion slots where all of them are x16 slots similar to the Gigabyte motherboard given above.
Since this motherboard comes with quad M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports, it should be more than enough for most. Another great thing about this motherboard is that it includes 2 x USB 2.0, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB type C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1 x optical out, and 5 x audio ports. Not only that but you also get high-performance wireless connectivity options in the form of WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 with this Asus motherboard.
Best Features:
- Uses the ATX form factor
- Offers the Intel Z590-E chipset and Intel LGA1200 CPU socket
- Offers up to 128 GB RAM at up to 5333 MHz
- Offers 3 PCIe expansion slots with 3 x16 slots
- Features 4 x M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports
Pros:
- High end motherboard for excellent overclocking results
- Superb connectivity options on the rear including wireless options
- Perfect for using multiple high speed storage drives
Cons:
- Could have included more PCIe expansion slots
5. MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard
MSI also offers standalone motherboards that are great options for those who want a value for money pick to be used along with the Intel Core i9 10900K processor.
This MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk motherboard for i9 10900K offers a lot of features while having a decently entry-level price tag. For starters, this is a full-size ATX motherboard that comes with the Intel Z490 chipset as well as the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. While it might not be the highest, its memory support is quite decent since you can use up to 128 GB memory at up to 4800 MHz with this motherboard. Since this is an entry-level option, its included 4 expansion slots with two x16 slots is to be expected.
Thankfully, similar to other premium options, this one also comes with dual M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports. Similarly, you also get a wide range of connectivity options on the back including 2 x USB 2.0, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB type C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x GbE LAN, 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1 x PS/2, 1 x optical out, and 5 x audio ports. Although, this motherboard does not offer any form of wireless connectivity options which can be a bummer for many.
Best Features:
- Uses the ATX form factor
- Offers the Intel Z490 chipset and Intel LGA1200 CPU socket
- Offers up to 128 GB RAM at up to 4800 MHz
- Offers 4 PCIe expansion slots with 2 x16 slots
- Features 2 x M.2 SSD slots and 6 SATA ports
Pros:
- High value for money motherboard for i9 10900K
- Quite a wide range of connectivity ports on the rear
- Decent overclocking support for CPU and memory
Cons:
- Lacks WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity options
Buying Guide for the Best Motherboards for i9 10900K
Before getting or installing any of the components of your computer, choosing the right motherboard is highly important since all of these components get connected to the motherboard. This becomes even more important if you are going with a high-end CPU like the Intel Core i9 10900K and want to enjoy all of its features.
In that case, you can simply get something like the best motherboards for i9 10900K that we discussed earlier. With these best motherboards for i9 10900K, you must have also learnt about their significant factors and specifications. And if you wish to know even more, make sure to check out this extensive buying guide for the best motherboards for i9 10900K:
1. Chipset
Starting with the basics, you have to first check the chipset of your motherboard to ensure that it is compatible with the Intel Core i9 10900K. In order to use this processor, you will need either Intel Z490 or the Intel Z590 motherboard chipsets. You can also use the Intel Z490-E or the Intel Z590-E chipset for using this processor. While all these chipsets offer proper compatibility, higher chipset models can offer slightly better connectivity options and processor features.
2. Form Factor
Apart from checking the compatibility of your motherboard and CPU, you should also check the motherboard PC case compatibility. Since all high-end motherboards for i9 10900K use either the standard ATX form factor or the even larger E-ATX form factor, you need to match this motherboard form factor along with your PC case. The form factor of your motherboard also affects its connectivity options since larger motherboards generally offer more connectivity options.
3. CPU Socket
Coming back to the processor compatibility of your motherboard, your motherboard needs to have the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. This is due to the reason that the Intel Core i9 10900K also uses the Intel LGA1200 CPU socket. Thus, for using this processor, you need to match the CPU socket of your motherboard as well as the processor.
4. Memory Support
Even if you have a highly powerful CPU like the Intel Core i9 10900K, you still need the right memory kit to get the most out of it. And to check the memory support of your motherboard, you need to consider the maximum capacity as well as the memory speeds supported by your motherboard.
While almost all motherboards for i9 10900K support up to 128 GB memory, all of them may have different memory speeds. This is due to the reason that entry-level motherboards may only work with up to 4200 MHz memory speeds. But higher-end motherboards can also support up to 5000 MHz memory speeds and even higher for better performance output.
5. Expansion Options
Whether you wish to install a discrete graphics card in your computer or any other expansion card, you will have to use the PCIe expansion slots of your motherboard for the same. Regarding this, you should check the number of expansion slots offered by your motherboard.
Depending on the motherboard for i9 10900K that you are going for, you can find 4 to 6 expansion slots which should be plenty for most. However, not all of these expansion slots are the same. While some might be the faster and larger x16 slots for cards like a GPU, others might be smaller x1 or x4 expansion slots for I/O cards or network cards.
6. Storage Options
Since you also need to have high performance drives to go along with your high end Intel Core i9 10900K, you should also check the storage options of your motherboard. Starting with the slower option, almost all motherboards for i9 10900K come with 6 SATA ports which are ideal for installing slower 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives.
But if you want something much faster and more powerful, then you can look for motherboards with M.2 SSD slots for installing high performance storage drives. Even though entry level motherboards may offer only a single M.2 SSD slot, higher end models can even have triple M.2 SSD slots for all your storage needs.
7. Power Connectors
In order to power the motherboard itself as well as all the different components and connectors connected to it, your motherboard needs to be connected to the PSU. For the same, you need to check the power connectors of your motherboard for i9 10900K.
While all of them have the standard 24 pin power connector for the motherboard, they can have different CPU power connectors. While cheaper motherboards for i9 10900K may only offer 8+4 pin CPU power connectors, more powerful motherboards can even come with 8+8 pin CPU power connectors which is the better pick for overclocking and high end usage.
8. Internal and External Connectivity
There are a lot of smaller components, connections, and external devices which might need to be connected to your motherboard. Starting with the inside, you can find internal connectors like fan headers, RGB lighting headers, front panel headers, and much more where having multiple headers and connectors is always great.
Moving to the back, you can find physical ports like USB type A, USB type C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, DisplayPort, LAN, digital audio, audio ports, PS/2, and various other physical ports. While considering these ports, make sure to go with a motherboard that not only offers multiple of these connectors, but also comes with higher versions of these ports for even better performance. Other than physical ports, you can also find wireless connectivity options like WiFi and Bluetooth where more recent options offer even better performance.
FAQs for the Best Motherboards for i9 10900K
1. What motherboards are the best if you wish to overclock the Intel Core i9 10900K?
Despite the fact that you can use an entry-level motherboard with the Intel Core i9 10900K, it is recommended to go with a higher-end one that has the Intel Z490 or the Intel Z590 motherboard chipset. This is the reason that these are the only two motherboard chipsets that support overclocking the Intel Core i9 10900K.
2. What is the difference between Z490 and Z490-E motherboard chipsets?
While both of these motherboard chipsets offer the same compatibility and primary features for the Intel Core i9 10900K, the Intel Z490-E or the Intel Z590-E motherboard chipsets offer slightly more connectivity options in the form of extra storage connectors and rear connectivity ports.
3. Do you need to update the BIOS of your motherboard for using the Intel Core i9 10900K?
Even though all the best motherboards for i9 10900K given above come with compatible BIOS versions installed in them, you should always keep your motherboard’s BIOS updated to get the most out of the processor in terms of its features and compatibility.
Conclusion
Since Intel has launched it’s all-new 12th generation of processors, all the older processors including the Intel Core i9 10900K have much lower and discounted prices. But since you will also need a compatible motherboard for using a high-end processor, you should consider the best motherboards for i9 10900K given above. For helping you in choosing the right one, all these motherboards for i9 10900K also have their important details and aspects explained with them. Not only that but we have also given a complete buying guide and popular FAQs for the best motherboards for i9 10900K. Keeping all of these things in mind, here are our recommendations and picks for the best motherboards for i9 10900K:
Despite being a highly premium processor, you can still find highly affordable motherboards for the Intel Core i9 10900K like the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus which is the cheapest option given above. For the given price tag, this motherboard offers the Z490 chipset, an ATX form factor, the LGA1200 CPU socket, support for up to 128 GB 4800 MHz memory, 5 PCIe expansion slots, dual M.2 SSD slots, and much more.
Taking a look at the other end of the spectrum, the Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Xtreme is the best performing option stated above which is to be expected at such a premium price tag. As for its features, it happens to be a Z490 motherboard with an E-ATX form factor that uses the LGA1200 CPU socket. You also get the support for up to 128 GB 5000 MHz memory, 3 PCIe expansion slots, triple M.2 SSD slots, and much more that you want from a motherboard.
