If Intel wants to retain the crown of mainstream gaming, the Intel Core i5-10600K( Amazon ) could be the reason. As far as standard Intel processors with Hyper-Threading were concerned, it appeared like a pipe dream for a long time.
Due to competition from AMD, Intel has opted to make Hyper-Threading available to the full Comet Lake-S product range, including the Pentiums, rather than keeping it exclusive to the top of the line.
The Intel Core i5-10600K has six cores and twelve threads. It’s an excellent value for the money, and it does a great job. Both Intel’s i5-10600K and AMD’s Ryzen 5 3600X are competing in this pricing range for the first time.
Since they both have the exact number of cores and threads, this is a win-win situation for the end-user. For those who want excellent gaming performance without shelling out a lot of cash for a high-end CPU, the Core i5 has long been the go-to option.
Building a gaming PC is a complicated undertaking. Your computer’s high-end parts, such as your CPU, GPU, and motherboard, need to be perfectly coordinated for optimal performance.
It will lead to a dissatisfied gamer if any components aren’t correctly matched for compatibility and performance. The motherboard choice is just as critical as the choice of CPU and GPU.
To get the most performance and compatibility out of a 10th generation CPU, you must have a motherboard with an LGA 1200 socket and a Comet Lake Z490 chipset. Here, we’re looking for the most incredible i5 10600K motherboard.
Because it is a mid-range CPU from Intel, it has six cores and twelve threads running at up to 4.8 GHz. i5-10600K is a great deal coming with high-end performance without the expensive price tag of the i7 and i9 CPUs.
If you don’t need an external GPU, the Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics make it even more attractive for those who don’t want to utilize an external one. Performance and playability may be enhanced by using a Z490 board to support a 10600K processor.
Here are some shopping tips to assist you in selecting the best motherboard for your PC.
Quick Shopping Tips:
SIZE: Size or form factor is usually dependent on the motive of the build. Most Gamers usually go with Mid-tower builds, which correspond to ATX size motherboards. Mid-Tower offers a balance between performance, feature set, and economy. On the other hand, enthusiasts and top performance seekers go with Full tower design (E-ATX motherboards) for ultimate customization and performance. Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are more suited to entertainment and casual gaming PCs.
CPU SOCKET: Intel CPUs belonging to the 10th gen is compatible with LGA 1200 socket. Moreover, Z490 is the most compatible motherboard chipset for 10th gen CPUs. Z490 chipset is designed explicitly for Comet Lake CPUs to allow these CPUs to achieve their fullest potential. Its notable features are multiple PCIe 3.0 slots, v3.0 M.2 slots, DDR4 support up to 128 GBs, and USB 3.2 G2 and G1 slots.
M.2 Slots: Games are getting extremely resource-intensive nowadays. The top AAA titles can take a lot of time while loading, causing a nuisance for the gamers. M.2 slots are significantly faster than SATA drives. The M.2 drives have sped up to 4 GB/s while SATA drives only have up to 600 Mbps. So M.2 drives result in faster loading during games and an overall boost in system performance.
Multi GPU Support: The installation of multiple graphics cards is a new norm for enthusiasts and flagship builds. Multi-GPU support comes in handy for top-end 4K gaming and cryptocurrency mining purposes. But not all motherboards support both SLI and AMD crossfire technologies. Be sure to select your GPU before choosing the motherboard to find the most suitable selection with the required compatibility.
Best Motherboards for i5 10600K at a glance:
- GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme
- ASUS ROG Maximus XII Apex
- MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE
- MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi
- Gigabyte Z490 AORUS ELITE AC
- ASUS Z490-E ROG STRIX GAMING
- ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming WiFi
- MSI MEG Z490I Unify
The Best Motherboards for i5 10600K You Can Buy Today
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme
Best Premium Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16+1 | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory: 128GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Intel Thunderbolt 3 Onboard
✓ Armored slots for PCIe and RAM
✓ Easier BIOS flashing via Q-flash
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Heavy
✗ No USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
Aorus is the most famous, gaming-centric, and highest performing motherboard by Gigabyte that features premium motherboards with eye-catching design and superior performance. GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme is the top-of-the-line motherboard within the Aorus lineup. It supports the latest 10th gen Intel CPUs and is the Best Premium Motherboard for i5-10600K due to its excellent performance and mouth-watering feature set.
Aorus Xtreme is the best motherboard for i5 10600K as it supports memory overclocking up to 5000MHz on a four DIMM board, which is an impressive feat. The I/O panel is fully protected with an I/O shield and offers expansion for additional hi-speed I/O. The network adapters are top-of-the-line Aquantia 10G and Intel 2.5G. At the same time, WiFI-6 uses an Intel AX201 module to ensure reliable, the fastest data transmission over the network, and lag-free online sessions of your favorite games.
The price of premium features and top-notch performance is undoubtedly going to cost extra, but you can’t go wrong with this motherboard. The RAM and PCI slots are both armored for more excellent reliability. The VRM is a highly stable 16 stage power delivery with a massive 90A per stage output that is sufficient to overclock any existent CPU to its max without even needing extra cooling. Undoubtedly, Aorus Xtreme is a gem that is most suitable for top-gaming and overclocking rigs.
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Apex
Best Flagship Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16 | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory: 64GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 18 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Built-in I/O shield
✓ Blazing-fast WIFI-6
✓ Superior VRM cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No U.2 ports
✗ Fiddly SATA panel
Intense high FPS gaming is trending for quite some time among the gaming community. It requires a build with flagship performance and the highest overclocking capacity. ASUS ROG Maximus XII Apex is the Best Flagship Motherboard for i5-10600K due to its top-of-the-line performance and extreme overclocking ability. Although it’s slightly expensive, you don’t look at the price when you go for the best.
Extreme overclocking is no easy feat. It is achieved by using LN2 (liquid nitrogen cooling) mode to push the VRM to its limits and get the most stable output for the CPU. Overclocking is not the only thing where Apex is good. Its premium features like superior audio module, plenty of high-speed and SATA storage options, and comprehensive cooling strategy make it the best motherboard for i5-10600K for gaming and productivity.
Apex is a good-looking motherboard with subtle aesthetics. Lowkey RGBs are installed below the I/O shield, illuminated ROG symbol on the chipset heatsink, giving it a pleasant feel and satisfying vibe. Apex features only 02 RAM slots supporting up to 64 GBs, and you don’t need any more RAM than that in a gaming setup. Overall it’s the best buy for hardcore gamers and extreme overclockers.
MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE
Best Overall Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16 | PCIe x16: 3 | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 19 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Super-fast 10G Ethernet
✓ M.2 expander out-of-the-box
✓ 8-layer PCB for better thermals
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No Legacy Interfaces
✗ Bigger PC Case required
With the launch of 10th gen Intel processors providing higher clock speeds and better-overclocking margins, providing the best environment for overclocking is a must. Most Z490 motherboards focus on delivering a stable noise-free output via VRM to the Comet Lake CPUs, while some offer the most premium features for tweaking and productivity. If you want an i5 10600K motherboard that delivers the best of both worlds, MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE must be your choice.
Godlike is the Best Overall Motherboard for i5-10600K by MSI focused on top-end performance in productivity and gaming alike. Its 16 stage VRM is the best in the market providing 90A per stage super clean and consistent output to the CPU to achieve the maximum clock speed it can bear. The VRM is cooled effectively and efficiently by an active cooled finned Heatsink.
Connectivity is blazing fast and secure with 10G /2.5G dual Ethernet and WIFI 6 modules. The motherboard does not lack premium features as well. Its I/O panel is fully packed with multiple USB ports, including super-fast Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 ports. The more excellent storage is fully covered with three heatsinked M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports. It is beyond doubt the most suitable motherboard for Enthusiasts and performance builds.
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+1+1 | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory: 128GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 20 | Warranty: 3 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Twin Turbo M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr
✓ Dedicated high definition audio processor
✓ Provides high-bandwidth & low latency network
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No SLI support
✗ VRM runs hotter on MAX load
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi is the Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i5-10600K, which is suitable for gaming and famous due to its good benchmarks and customizable fully-featured RGBs it the center of attention. The motherboard offers a complete thermal solution with high-conductivity 7W/mK thermal pad heatsinks, an entire coverage chipset heatsink, and integrated liquid cooling pump control.
MSI even packed some premium features in the GAMING Edge motherboard but is limited to essentials to keep costs low. These features include dual PCIe 3.0 slots supporting multi-GPU configuration, dual M.2 slots for faster load times, and 06 SATA ports for extensive storage. Connectivity is standard with a single 2.5G ethernet and WIFI-6, which is not flagship but acceptable. It is the best motherboard for i5 10600K for gamers who don’t like paying extra for nonessential premium features.
The rear panel contains all the vital USB ports, including but not limited to USB 3.2 G2 (20Gbps), USB 3.2 (10Gbps), and USB 3.2 G1 ports for faster data transfers across peripherals and external drives. The latest Bluetooth 5.1 support is added for connectivity with the latest BT devices, while a PS/2 port is also available for older keyboard and mouse people. Overall it’s a mid-range gaming motherboard with attractive RGBs and above-average performance.
Gigabyte Z490 AORUS ELITE AC
Best Budget Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+1 | PCIe x16: 1 | Memory: 64 GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 16 | Warranty: 3 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Ultra-fast 2.5Gbps Ethernet
✓ Multiple Temperature Sensors
✓ Onboard USB 3.2 G1 and G2 port
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No WIFI-6
✗ No SLI support
Gigabyte Z490 AORUS ELITE AC is an entry-level gaming motherboard that is part of the Aorus lineup. It is the Best Budget Motherboard for i5-10600K, famous for its suitably featured motherboard with decent performance at a reasonably low price. It contains all the standard features you would expect for a decent motherboard at this price range, like 2.5G ethernet, 802.11ac WIFI, and three M.2 slots. Although WIFI 6 isn’t present, you won’t miss it anyway.
The VRM is a fully featured 12 stage power delivery with 600A of total output for the CPU that is enough for decent overclocking, making it the best motherboard for i5-10600K at a tight budget. Although not exceptional, Thermal performance is adequate with 5W/mK thermal pads, larger chipset heatsinks, and M.2 thermal shields.
Aorus Elite brings the same durability and strength as the Aorus lineup trademark by introducing armored expansion and memory slots, and more robust power supply connectors. RAM overclocking is taken to its extreme with up to 5000 MHz OC capability and XMP support. Superior aesthetics is achieved by full customization of RGB LEDs via RGB fusion. It’s an overall well-balanced motherboard in the budget segment.
ASUS Z490-E ROG STRIX GAMING
Best ATX Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | USB Ports: | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ DDR4 4600 MHz (OC)
✓ MOS Heatsink with U-shaped Heatpipe
✓ AI Overclocking, AI Cooling, and AI Networking.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ XMP in EZ BIOS only
✗ No M.2 installation with Heat shroud removal
If we divide motherboards into categories based on performance and features, ASUS Z490-E ROG STRIX GAMING comes just above the middle. Its performance matches some high-end motherboards but only packing essential elements. ROG Strix is the Best ATX Motherboard for i5-10600K for the average gamer with a reasonable price.
ROG Strix performed well in the CPU-intensive tasks (like compression, rendering, encoding, etc.), but it achieved an average score in productivity applications. Just as expected, ROG Strix is a gaming-centric motherboard with 14+2 stage power delivery. We pushed the CPU to its peak frequency, which was only limited by CPU thermals, not by the VRM. ROG Strix proved to be a suitable i5 10600K motherboard for gaming and overclocking.
The cooling philosophy of ROG Strix is thorough and effective, implemented by using an oversized heat sink covering the chipset and the VRM and connecting with M.2 heat spreader to greater efficiency. The VRM supports an additional cooling fan for extreme overclockers. All the vital features like 2.5G Ethernet, WIFI-6, and immersive audio solutions keep the gamer engaged in their lag-free gaming sessions.
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming WiFi
Best mATX Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: Micro-ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | Memory: 128GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 16 | Warranty: 3 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Premium feature set
✓ 5 Gold-plated audio jacks
✓ Dual Channel Memory Architecture
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No onboard power/reset button
✗ PCIe and RAM slots are too close
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming WiFi is a smaller-sized mid-range ASUS motherboard for the Comet Lake processors. It is the Best mATX Motherboard for i5-10600K with enhanced power delivery, improved cooling design, and comprehensive ROG software to achieve the best all-rounded performance. Its shiny heatsinks, pitch-black shade, and addressable colorful RGBs ensure it always remains the center of attention.
ASUS ROG has put a lot of effort into the certifications of their motherboard to achieve the maximum level of compatibility for a broader range of equipment. The official website also includes a certified vendor list for devices to ensure a trouble-free PC building experience. The cooling philosophy ensures the motherboard chipset and VRM remain cooler at maximum load with the help of an optimized heat sink design and customizable fan control.
Z490-G Gaming is the best motherboard for i5 10600K packing a solid punch. Don’t be deceived by its small size. It packs some impressive features like dual M.2 slots, 2.5Gbps ethernet, and WIFI 6 for better connectivity and even Bluetooth 5.1. Furthermore, ASUS has designed 5-way comprehensive optimization software for optimum cooling and overclocking performance to sweeten the deal further.
MSI MEG Z490I Unify
Best mITX Motherboard for i5-10600K
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 8 | PCIe x16: 1 | Memory: 64 GB DDR4 | USB Ports: 17 | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Thunderbolt-3 port
✓ Fully aluminum IO cover
✓ Excellent overclocking ability
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No PCIe x1 slot
✗ Only one PCIe x16 slot
MSI MEG Z490I Unify is the compacted version of the top-end and feature-packed Z490 motherboards like ACE and GODLIKE series at a bargain price. It is somewhat new to the MSI lineup and the Best mITX Motherboard for i5-10600K for budget gamers requiring only top performance and not the needless premium features.
MEG Unify is the best motherboard for i5-10600K, packing a solid 90A eight-stage power delivery to your 10th Gen CPU for stable and decent overclocking. The RAM slot is armored and overclockable up to a whopping 5000 MHz to further add to the performance and strength. Since it’s the smallest form factor motherboard, we only see one armored PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, but the dual M.2 slots are routed via PCH, so the x16 lane is not subdivided on M.2 installation.
Connectivity is optimal and fast with 2.5G LAN and WIFI-6, so you get the lowest latency in your online games. Moreover, USB connections are precise and well packed with a thunderbolt 3 (40GBPS) port, USB 3.2 G2, G1 ports, and USB 2.0 ports. MEG Unify is a solid-built, optimum cooled, excellent performing motherboard suitable for enthusiasts who prefer performance over features.
Conclusion
We hope you are now in favor of motherboard selection principles and decided on the most suitable motherboard that matches your requirements. The motherboards recommended above are selected after comprehensive research and to help you save precious time on research. The best flagship performance motherboard with the best set of features is the GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme. It boasts all the newest and cutting-edge features you dream of your motherboard. Although it comes at a premium price, you shouldn’t worry about the price if you want the ultimate performance and features set.
For most people buying the most premium flagship motherboard is not the most appropriate choice. The motherboard that provides the best value for money is Gigabyte Z490 AORUS ELITE AC which delivers excellent overall performance and vital features and has one of the highest performance-price ratios. It packs a superb build quality and adequate thermal performance for extreme loads. It is suitable for average gamers and most people who value performance over features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best motherboard for i5 10600K?
If you want to spend some extra money on your PC, MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE is the best motherboard for i5-10600K with top-notch performance and a plethora of premium features. Its advanced 16 stage VRM is the best in the industry, providing the best overclocking results, and its premium features help support your productivity assignments. It is a top-of-the-line motherboard for gaming and productivity applications.
What chipset is the i5 10600K?
Intel i5 10600K supports the Comet Lake Intel chipset, a chipset supporting PCIe 3.0 GPU support, overclockable DDR4 RAM support, and top-notch VRM for CPU overclocking. If we talk about graphics, 10600K supports a UHD 630 graphic chipset, which can play 4K H.265, and 10-bit graphic support to make your PC a super-smart work and gaming station. GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Xtreme is the motherboard that meets the requirements of this processor.
Which motherboard is best for an i5 10600K processor?
Intel Core i5 is a 10th gen processor. A Z490 motherboard like ASUS Z490-E ROG STRIX GAMING chipset packing PCIe 3.0 and excellent overclocking capability for boosting the i5 10600K to peak 4.8 GHz while keeping normalized thermals is the best choice for most users. It is also the most economical i5 10600K motherboard considering its excellent performance to price proportion.
What is the cheapest motherboard for the Core i5 10600K?
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi is the cheapest motherboard that boasts an excellent cooling design, adequate overclocking ability, and solid build quality. It even packs dual PCIe 3.0 slots with dual M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports, which is a pleasant surprise at this price. The price is kept lowest by keeping unneeded features and extras to the bare minimum. Although MPG Edge WiFi provides excellent value for most gamers and average users.
Is 10600K compatible with B560?
To overclock your CPU, you’ll need a motherboard with the Z590 or Z490 chipset. A 400-series or 500-series chipset is required to work with Intel’s 10th generation Core CPUs. Core i9 CPUs are supported by all of the chipsets in the Z590, B560, and H510 series.
Is b460 good for i5 10600K?
It’s a perfect match. There are no compatibility issues. If you want to go above 2666, you’ll have to choose between the b460 and the z490 because of the differences in memory speed. B460’s IMC is restricted to 2666 for i3/5 and i7/9 processors whereas the z490 may go higher regardless of processor type.
Can you overclock with B460?
If you’re looking to overclock your processor or RAM, the B460 chipset is out of the question. It’s possible to reduce memory latency by turning on XMP, although the maximum memory speed supported by an i3 or i5 CPU (2666MHz) or an i7 or an i9 CPU (2933MHz) is limited.
