So, you have acquired the brand new, powerful Core i9 from Intel, the most recent flagship from the Alder Lake generation. It would help if you now chose the Best Motherboard for i9 based on your needs. If you plan to use this top-of-the-line processor, you should consider a few things when selecting a motherboard.
We prefer something capable of harnessing the true power of the Core i9, which means being able to overclock it, so today, we will look at Z690 CPUs. If you choose the last-gen flagship, you can also consider our suggestions for the highest-rated motherboards for i9.
The buyer must conduct research and analysis to select the correct Motherboard for the i9. One would need a motherboard with a robust power delivery system to achieve stable overclocks with an unlocked CPU like the Core i9.
When purchasing a motherboard for the i9, The board should also include fast LAN connectivity, WiFi 6E, multiple expansion slots with PCIe Gen 4 support, DDR5 support, and a beautiful design. To keep these factors in mind, we have created a list of the finest motherboards you should consider buying. It would be best if you chose these motherboards. If you intend to use the flagship Alder Lake processor, you should select one of these motherboards.
How To Choose The Best Motherboard For i9
Motherboards are the foundation upon which your computer is built. Logically, the Motherboard is one of the most significant components of a PC since everything is connected to it. The most suitable Motherboard for an i9 depends on several factors.
When selecting a motherboard for a component such as the 12900K, the VRM quality should be the most critical factor. Because the K variant is an unlocked SKU, overclocking is a big reason anyone would choose it over the standard non-K SKU. Therefore it must be carefully considered before buying.
It takes a bit of research and analysis on the buyer to pick the most suitable Motherboard for i9. Ideally, one will need a motherboard with a robust power delivery system if the Core i9 is an unlocked CPU to achieve stable overclocks. When purchasing a motherboard for the i9y, you should consider fast LAN connectivity, WiFi 6E, multiple M.2 ports with PCIe Gen 4 support, DDR5 support, and the overall aesthetics of the board.
Following are the top motherboards for Alder Lake processors based on the above factors.
Comparing For the Best Motherboard For i9
The Motherboard is the platform on which your entire PC is built. The Motherboard is the most critical PC component because everything is connected. Several factors should be considered when choosing a motherboard for i9.
An essential factor when choosing a motherboard is the VRM quality. Since the K variant is an unlocked SKU, overclocking plays a significant role in determining it instead of the non-K variant. It must be carefully considered before purchasing the board.
ACCORDING TO THE COMPARISON, the Z690 is the only Motherboard that offers full memory and CPU overclocking. As a result, an unlocked flagship CPU like the Core i9 should be paired with a Z690 motherboard.
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400
- Video Outputs: DisplayPort
- USB Ports: 11x rear IO, 9x internal
- Network: 1x 10 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
- Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA
In addition to producing excellent motherboards for AMD and Intel platforms, the AORUS line of motherboards makes a strong showing with Intel’s 12th Generation processors.
At this price point, the Gigabyte AORUS Master Z690 edition features a unique and innovative power delivery system combined with an exciting list of special features.
Gigabyte’s AORUS Master Z690 is among the most expensive options on our list if you’re ready to push your Alder Lake 12900K to its limits.
The VRM design is the most significant component To achieving the maximum potential of a motherboard. As a result, Gigabyte has taken steps above and beyond to ensure that your i9 CPU will perform at its maximum overclocked settings without any problems.
PROS
- VRM with 22 phases, very robust
- 10 Gigabit LAN Quantia
- Implementation of RGB
- Versatile Features
CONS
- Very Expensive
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400
- Video Outputs: HDMI
- USB Ports: 11x rear IO, 9x internal
- Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
- Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
The ROG series from ASUS is an indispensable addition to any list of premium motherboards for the i9. Specifically, the ASUS ROG Maximus motherboards are the Motherboard of choice for enthusiasts looking for a premium CPU and motherboard combination. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is also an excellent match for the high-end Core i9 CPU. In addition to its VRM credentials, this Motherboard has some of the most features on this list.
The Maximus Z690 Hero has a fantastic 20+1 VRM design with 90A power stages. Similar to the AORUS Master Z690 we discussed earlier, this VRM should be more than sufficient for any overclocking you might want to do. Also, the VRM is cooled efficiently by large VRM heatsinks with adequate fins, so you shouldn’t experience any VRM temperature problems under prolonged loads. With the flagship Core i9, the Z690 Hero appears to be the ideal Motherboard for overclocking enthusiasts.
PROS
- Storage slots for five M.2
- devices with versatile connectivity
- including Thunderbolt 4
- 21-phase power delivery
CONS
- Too Pricy
MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6666
- Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort
- USB Ports: 9x rear IO, 7x internal
- Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
- Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
MPG, or MSI Performance Gaming, is a line of motherboards from MSI that emphasizes excellent power delivery. Like the other top-of-the-line MPG motherboards for Intel and AMD, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi carries the same name. Z690 Carbon’s robust VRM and high-end features make it the perfect companion for Alder Lake enthusiasts.
The excellent power delivery system, which MSI has included with this board, makes the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi stand out. It is ideal for enthusiasts overclocking with high-end CPUs such as the Core i9 due to its 18+1+1 phase VRM with 75A power stages.
Under extended load periods, the VRM temperatures remain within reasonable limits due to large heatsinks. Secondly, the MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is more affordable than the two options above, making it a good idea for locking a motherboard for an i9.
PROS
- Powerful overclocker
- featuring five M.2 slots
- for versatile connectivity
- Attractive Value
CONS
- High Price
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 2x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400
- Video Outputs: HDMI
- USB Ports: 9x rear IO, 5x internal
- Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
- Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
In 2023, any motherboard selection would be incomplete without a mini-ITX option. Over the last few years, compact gaming PCs have seen a massive boom in popularity thanks to increased component efficiency. Many enthusiasts now prefer mini ITX cases due to their small size and ease of transportation. With the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I, you’ll have an i9 motherboard perfectly suited to this purpose.
In addition to a robust power delivery system for a mini-ITX board, it also packs several features one might not expect from a panel of this size. As far as the design of the VRMs of the Z690-I is concerned, ASUS hasn’t been stingy. The power delivery setup consists of a VRM with 10+1 phases and 105 amp power stages, sufficient for moderate overclocking on an i9. A sizeable VRM heatsink is also included on the board, which should help control temperatures. If you do not plan on being too over-the-top, this power delivery system should be adequate for overclocking 12700Ks or 12900Ks in most cases.
PROS
- VRM Design that is decent
- enough for small builds
- Rear I/O is great
CONS
- Expansion Slot Limited
- Relatively Expensive
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-5333
- Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort
- USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 7x internal
- Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6
- Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA
ASUS offers a mid-range offering with the ROG Strix Z690-A within the Strix lineup. As a result, it provides a wide range of excellent features that are the hallmarks of a superior motherboard in 2023. Compared to the ASUS Maximus series, the Z690-A is a more compromising option, but it is certainly more friendly to the average gamer than the premium models. In addition to its competitive price point, the ROG Strix Z690-compelling is a compelling value option for moderate overclocking on the Core i9.
In terms of overclocking, you can expect a decent overclock on the Core i9 12900K with ASUS’s powerful 16+1 phase VRM in the ROG Strix Z690-A. Sure, it’s not as powerful as the one in the Maximus Hero, but it certainly gets the job done.
Despite its relatively stable overclocking, don’t expect anything too competitive or overkill from the Z690-A. You shouldn’t need to motherboard i9 too much since it’s already one of the most efficient CPUs for gaming. In addition, the VRM is kept cool by large heatsinks with diagonal fins, which helps maintain temperatures under extended loads.
PROS
- The design is incredible
- for a reasonable price
- Good VRM
CONS
- DDR5 Speeds are Lower
- Not Suitable For Overclocking
MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400
- Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort
- USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 9x internal
- Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
- Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA
You may want to consider the MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi if you want a more reasonable pairing for the i9. The MSI Pro series aims to maximize your value for money, a value-oriented lineup from MSI. In terms of advantages, the Z690 chipset is one of the standouts of the MSI Pro Z690-A, which offers maximum overclocking capabilities. Because of this, MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi is the highest value motherboard for i9.
As a budget-oriented board, we have to adjust our expectations slightly regarding the VRM design of MSI Pro Z690-A. The board has an 8+4 phase VRM that allows you to moderately overclock an i9, provided you don’t plan to be too over-the-top. You cannot compare this Motherboard to ASUS or Gigabyte’s AORUS offerings, but the price point makes it impossible to complain too much. This board can moderate overclocking on an i9, but we do not recommend enthusiast overclocking. Thermals should not be an issue since large heatsinks adequately cool the VRM with many fins.
PROS
- Value builds are ideal
- when it comes to solid connectivity
- with four M.2 slots
CONS
- VRMs with insufficient power
- have unremarkable aesthetics
ASUS PRIME Z690-A
SPECIFICATIONS
- Chipset: Z690
- Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-6000
- Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort
- USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 7x internal
- Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN
- Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA
A series of ASUS budget offerings called PRIME has provided some pretty interesting performance-to-price ratios for budget systems. Another ASUS PRIME Z690-A that could be a suitable match with your i9 12900K is the ASUS PRIME Z690-A. Despite some shortcomings, such as VRM design and a lack of fancy features, it should be perfectly adequate for stock operation with an i9 12900K. With some light overclocking, you may even get lucky.
The power delivery systems on budget motherboards are usually not very robust. The ASUS PRIME Z690-A suffers from a similar problem but is not as severe as past budget motherboards. For its price, it’s quite a decent motherboard. With a 16+1 phase VRM, ASUS has provided the board with enough power to allow some light overclocking. In reality, this board is best suited to users who wish to operate their i9 12900K at stock settings or perhaps dabble in some light overclocking. Additionally, cooling is acceptable as the VRM components have large heatsinks that help keep the temperature.
PROS
- Nice White Theme
- That Is Relatively Cheap
CONS
- There are fewer SATA ports
- No WiFi
- Poor Power Delivery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is the i9 worth buying?
When it comes to desktop gaming performance, the Core i9 is undoubtedly the finest. The 12900K is the fastest gaming CPU as of writing, snatching the gaming crown back from AMD with its Alder Lake CPUs. It is also an unlocked SKU, which is perfect for overclockers.
What chipset supports i9 12900K?
In addition to Z690, H670, B660, and H610, you can use all 12th generation chipsets with the i9 12900K. There have already been discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of the different chipsets. Still, the i9 12900K works best with the Z690 CPU overclocking is unavailable on other chipsets, so the K SKU defeats its purpose.
Does i9 12900K support Z690?
There is support for the Z690 chipset in the i9 12900K. Because of its wholly unlocked CPU and memory overclocking features, the Z690 chipset is ideal for the 12900K. Additionally, it offers 28 maximum possible PCIe lanes and 12 usable PCIe Gen 4 lanes, making it suitable for M.2 NVMe Gen 4 SSDs.
Is PCIe 5.0 better than PCIe 4.0?
PCIe 5.0’s substantial jump in bandwidth makes it more efficient than PCIe 4.0 from a technical standpoint. The PCIe Gen 4 protocol has yet to be fully adopted by any devices. Samsung 980 PRO SSDs, among the fastest Gen 4 SSDs, do not take full advantage of the increased bandwidth. As a result, PCIe 5.0 right now has no tangible benefits over PCIe 4.0, but it is helpful for future-proofing.
Should I buy DDR5 or DDR4?
It is the consumer’s choice whether to use DDR5 or DDR4. DDR5 does not provide much of a performance boost, but that gap is expected to grow over time. It is expensive and will get both cheaper and faster as time passes. Therefore, it might be wise to stay with DDR4 and wait for the DDR5 platform to mature before making the switch.
Conclusion
Here I have listed the highest-rated motherboards for I9, and I recommend you pick anything that fits your budget from this list. Choose Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro if you want something affordable and feature-rich, while MSI MEG GODLIKE Z390 if you want durable and expensive. This processor should not be paired with-$700 motherboards. Instead, you should save that money for other components like graphics cards or get dual GPUs.
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