Best Motherboards for Intel Core i9-10900K in 2022 - Best Z490 Motherboards
Intel's 10th Gen lineup has brought the competition back into the market, at least in some ways, by enabling hyperthreading across the entire product stack. Although we think this version should have been the 9th generation, but that's another story.
Now, if you've decided to use 10th Gen Intel processors for your daily work, gaming, or both, you'll need a Z490 motherboard that can keep up with those power-hungry parts especially the i9-10900K.
Unlike AMD Ryzen processors, which are on 7nm manufacturing process for two generations now, Intel continued to push the limits of the 14nm process for both their 10th generation as well as their 11th generation (you can read about what are the best motherboards for 11th gen processors here) and consumes a lot of power, which makes the choice of a good motherboard quite important.
10th Gen Intel vs 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen
Intel's advantage is clock speed. Why does that matter? You can see a 7-11% increase in frame rates per second in games as well as improved viewport performance in professional applications.
However, be aware that this improvement comes at a significant cost. Therefore, Intel's choice should really justify the performance improvement.
But if you're looking at a locked SKU (yes, Intel still has locked CPUs in its CPU lineup…), that advantage pretty much disappears.
So our recommendations for professional applications are: stick to a K or KF processor from the Intel product stack. For gamers, the Core i5 10600K could be an interesting choice.
You can read more about the most popular 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPU, the 3800X, as well as what are the best motherboards for Ryzen 3800X here.
What to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard for 10th Gen Intel Processors
Although Intel has not changed the architecture of the 10th generation processors too much, they have added a new product to the top of the stack the Core i9-10900K a 10 core/20 thread CPU.
To accommodate these power-hungry processors, most motherboard manufacturers have gone all out on motherboard components, so you should be able to get by with a decent Z490 motherboard. However, some of them still stand out. We gave more weight to the following factors when choosing recommendations:
Power delivery
Intel's core platform has never had to deal with a 10-core/20-thread processor in the mainstream computing zone. Intel's use of 14nm was already at its limit and stacking 10 cores on a single chip and then clocking it so high (@5.2GHz+) comes with massive power consumption even if you don’t plan to do any overclocking.
Our motherboard recommendations for the i9-10900K are to ensure that your CPU is not held back by your motherboard in any way.
On the other hand, the 10700K and 10600K are basically the 9900K and 8700K with adjusted clock rates. You shouldn't have too much trouble with either with a good motherboard.
Form Factors
It is essential to ensure that your motherboard is compatible with your case. If your case can accommodate it, we recommend sticking with the ATX form factor. However, this is a more personal choice as some people prefer M-ATX motherboards for a more compact build.
Nice-to-have features
While not everyone needs access to features like Dual LAN, Thunderbolt, 10G LAN, etc., it's best to choose motherboards that give you access to them if you're shopping for these kind of features.
That said, make sure you don't compromise on the quality of the motherboard to get features you won't use.
RAM overclocking support
While most Z490 motherboards easily handle typical memory speeds, Intel's excellent performance boost when using higher clock rate memory is worth considering (RAM modules rated at 4000+ Mhz blend really well with these motherboards) .
Storage expansion: M.2 and SATA
Content creators have always needed lots of storage space, especially those who work with raw data and graphics. However, with games now starting to reach insane install sizes, storage expandability has become quite important, even for gamers.
If you're building a PC that will last you for years, you don't want to run out of storage and can't add more.
Extensibility (mainly for content creators and professionals)
While the Z490 platform isn't a workstation chipset, we see a use case for content creators who want an all-in-one rendering machine that doesn't compromise on performance.
Therefore, the location and availability of PCI-E slots becomes somewhat important if not the most important factor to consider for content creators.
You might be interested in: What are the best motherboards to look for in 2022 review.
Best Z490 motherboard recommendations for 10th Gen Intel processors (10900K, 10700K, 10600K)
Z490 motherboards are the best motherboard options for 10th Gen Intel processors. There is an abundance of good choices when it comes to Z490 motherboards, so finding the best one for your needs can be a daunting task.
To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best Z490 motherboards for 10th Gen Intel processors. These boards all offer great features and performance, so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your CPU.
1. Asus Maximus XII Apex (ATX)
The Asus Maximus XII Apex continues its series of motherboards for the 10th generation as our pick for the best high-performance Z490. Long live the king ! While there are arguments to be made for picking up the Apex with its smaller siblings, this card truly belongs at the core of the Core-i9 10900K. The long list of extreme overclocking features alone proves that there is no better option on the market for both experienced users and would-be beginners alike.
Apex's extreme overclocking features include: a teamed 16-phase (8+8) VRM, 2 x 8-pin EPS power connections, POST code reading, boot status LED indicators, reset , secure boot and clear CMOS buttons, switch to enable LN2 functions in BIOS, condensation detection circuit, processor ratio reduction switch, pause switch for mid-benchmark settings, built-in voltage measurement points, a switch to force all connected fans to their maximum speed, and a BIOS switch!
With the Apex, your tool belt is almost full before you even touch an ohmmeter or a tube of liquid metal.
In terms of practical features, the Apex is no gimmick either. The Apex also offers integrated Intel AX201 Bluetooth 5.1 + Wi-Fi 6, Intel 2.5G LAN, SupremeFX S1220A Audio CODEC, 4x M.2 slots (1 is DIMM.2 with riser included), 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports , 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 is Type-C), 5x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an integrated I/O shield and RGB.
The only potential downside is the limited memory support due to the inclusion of the DIMM.2 slot, which limits you to 2x DIMM slots and 64Gb of total system memory, but that seems like a worthy sacrifice in the name of speed.
2. MSI MEG Z490 Unify (ATX)
The Unify name seems to have become synonymous with value and quality, whether you opt for builds from Intel or AMD. It outperforms many other competitors in its price range and is sure to deliver a sublime overclocking experience on the Core i9-10900K.
Evenly spaced PCI-E slots make the Unify a great option even for workstations that require graphics card rendering.
Although the Intel platform is not the best choice for professional applications, some workloads prefer Intel over AMD. It's also not too strange for someone to build a combined working setup and rendering machine around the i9-10900K core.
Full-length PCI-E slots work in an x8/x8/x4 configuration when you populate all three. There are three M.2 slots to add plenty of high-speed storage. Keep in mind, however, that a few SATA ports will be disabled if you fill these three slots.
For gamers, this motherboard is almost certainly overkill. In other words, unless you want to get the best possible motherboard to make sure your CPU performs at its maximum capacity without worrying about other factors that might be holding it back.
A fully equiped rear I/O makes us and we think you happy. You would think that most motherboards in the higher price category would not skimp on this part of the motherboard, but there are a few boards that will surprise you.
Although the motherboard comes with a Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN, WiFi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.1 support, the lack of Dual LAN at this price point is a bit annoying.
If you want access to better networking capabilities as well as Thunderbolt, we'd recommend looking at Gigabyte's Z490 Vision D instead.
3. Gigabyte Z490 Vision D (ATX)
The Gigabyte's Vision D is aimed at content creators who need access to a few extra features like dual LAN and Thunderbolt.
Again, the equally-spaced full-length (x8/x8/x4) PCI-E slots will come in handy for those who want to focus on building a workstation setup that can also handle gaming. But, like we said, make sure your workload is exceptionally good when using Intel before jumping into this upgrade.
The Vision D offers two Thunderbolt ports as well as dual LAN (Intel 2.5 GbE and 1 GbE). We were hoping the Vision D would come with 10G LAN, but hey, the availability of dual LAN and dual Thunderbolt at this price point is great too. The motherboard is also compatible with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
4. Gigabyte Z490 Vision G (ATX)
Gigabyte shines again at this price point with the Vision G which offers an excellent motherboard with excellent memory overclocking support. Plus, she's also gorgeous. As always, it's best to check the QVL to try to find validated memory kits if possible.
While the VRMs aren't as beefy as those found on more expensive motherboards, these boards can still support the Core i9-10900K without any problems.
However, the Vision G is better suited if you're building around a CPU like the Core i7-10700K. The motherboard has two shielded M.2 slots for NVMe data storage.
We really wish all the rear I/O implementations were like what the Gigabyte did on the Z490 Vision G. It has a total of 10 USB ports, a PS/2 port, and a Intel 2.5GbE LAN network interface.
However, if you're looking for WiFi at this price, we'd recommend considering the MSI card below instead.
5. MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE WiFi (ATX)
The MSI MPEG Z490 GAMING EDGE WIFI offers support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for a price of around 200 USD, without any compromise on the overall quality of the board. Their motherboard releases have been on a roll lately, and the Z490 line seems to continue this welcomed trend.
The only real “downside” this motherboard has over the Vision G is the lack of a third PCI-E slot. Even if you're not looking to add multiple graphics cards, additional PCI-E slots allow you to add more M.2 storage but the motherboard comes with two M.2 slots, giving you some flexibility.
Rear input/output isn't as generous as the Vision G's, but the fact that you get WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support more than makes up for it.
6. MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk
MSI's Tomahawk name has become synonymous with insane value for money, and that doesn't change with their Z490 range! The MAG Z490 Tomahawk is equipped with quality components, excellent VRMs and dual LAN, at a very good price point.
The VRMs are built quite well and should be able to handle even the i7-10700K without too much trouble. While it could theoretically handle the i9-10900K as well, we don't feel comfortable recommending it as from our tests it seems to struggle with it.
You really don't want to buy a $500+ CPU, put an expensive fan on it, and then find your motherboard is holding it back.
Like many of the Z490 motherboards we've covered here, the Tomahawk also offers two M.2 slots to add speedy storage to your system. The lack of a third full-length PCI-E slot shouldn't make too much of a difference to buyers who are focused on the budget class of cards.
The fact that MSI offers a motherboard with dual LAN (Realtek 2.5 GbE and Intel Gigabit) at this price is already enough to set it apart from the competition.
But add to that the build quality, sturdy VRMs, and no compromise on important features – you've got a motherboard that will be a great companion for most 10th Gen Intel processors.
7. MSI Z490-A Pro (ATX)
If you're looking for the cheapest Z490 motherboard that isn't terrible, MSI hits the mark again with the Z490-A Pro. Gigabyte's similar price offerings appear to be well below MSI's entry-level Z490 card.
VRMs are good on this motherboard covered with a good quality heatsink, and you should be able to run a Core i7-10700K without holding it back at all. Even running a more power hungry CPU like the Core i9-10900K will not offer too many headaches.
The Z490-A Pro is an excellent choice for those who want to take advantage of the features of Intel's premium chipset without being held back by an inferior motherboard.
When it comes to storage, it's pretty much like other boards. Two M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports (3 of them are disabled if you fill both M.2 slots) should give you more than enough storage flexibility.
A lower price carries over to some features, including rear I/O. The onboard LAN is still 2.5 Gigabit Realtek, and there's a PS/2 port as well as a USB Type-C port available.
Conclusions - What is the best Z490 Motherboard for i9-10900K?
Z490 motherboards have been oversized just enough to support Intel's 10th generation chips without holding them back. Unless you're shopping at the bottom of the product pile, most motherboards should work just fine.
Still, it's important to consider value for money.
The 10th generation Intel processors don't offer much for professionals. The platform, hardware, power consumption and cooling costs make even Intel's 10 core chip a less than ideal choice for a workstation.
However, gaming is another story. The Core i5 10600K is still the best gaming processor (price/performance wise) for now. For gamers who want the best frame rates possible, Intel's 10th Gen chips might be worth the shot.
FAQ – Best Motherboards for i9-10900K, i7-10700K, i5-10600K
Why isn't audio an important factor in choosing motherboards?
Most of the motherboards we've recommended here come with decent audio hardware that should be covered by most people. However, if you need specialized hardware for your work or are an audiophile, even the most expensive motherboard won't have what you need.
I don't see any Z490 motherboard with 10G LAN. Why ?
We don't know why, but manufacturers have reserved 10 Gigabit LAN for the most high-end Z490 motherboards (the cheapest sells for $500).
An ASUS motherboard comes with an additional 10G LAN card, but it gives up too many features to be recommended at the $300 price tag.
Which 10th Gen Intel processors should you buy?
If you've already decided that Intel is the best choice for your next PC, be sure to choose a processor that gives you reasonable value for money.
The Core i7 10700K is priced too close to the Core i9 10900K to be worth it. we would strongly recommend the Core i9 10900K.
As for the Core i5 10400F, its worth depends on the type of games you play. Some games favor Intel over AMD, and if your PC spends most of its time running just games, the i5 is worth it as it is a lot cheaper than an i9-10900K.
What are the key features to look for in a Z490 motherboard?
When choosing a Z490 motherboard, you should look for one that has good overclocking capabilities, as well as plenty of USB ports and SATA connectors. It’s also important to make sure that the board has a good chipset and a strong VRM, in order to ensure stable performance.
What are the differences between the 10th and 9th Gen Intel processors?
The 10th Gen Intel processors are based on the new “Ice Lake” architecture, which offers improvements in performance, power efficiency, and security. The 10th Gen CPUs also feature Iris Plus graphics, which offer better performance than the integrated graphics on the 9th Gen processors.
