7 Best Motherboards for i5-8600K – Reviews & Guide

Planning to upgrade your PC to i5-8600K? Well, it is pretty understandable that you will have to dig deeper to find a perfect match. Although it is not really old, not many high-end motherboards work perfectly for it. This doesn’t mean that you cannot find one.

For this, you just have to look into some important things like the socket, chipset, speed, ports, and memory capacity. Here are some best motherboards for i5-8600K reviews and a buying guide. So, dive right in and choose wisely.

7 Best Motherboards for i5-8600K

1. ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 Gaming Motherboard

My favorite manufacturer for gaming has been Asus for a long time, partly because it has a variety of options with high quality. So, the first pick for my list of the best motherboards for i5-8600K is this Asus Maximus XI Hero. Its wireless connectivity options and comprehensive VRM setup make it stand out among competitors.

The first thing that attracted me to this one was its 5-way optimization cooling setup. This one is equipped with FanXpert 4 fans and alloy-choke power connectors. This handles temperature well and makes sure the air is passed through each component ideally. I found the extended heatsink quite efficient. Currently, it has been three years since I have been using it, and I still haven’t noticed any overheating accidents.

It also has a customizable RGB element with Aura Sync effects. This has helped me a lot in personalizing the lighting effects and sound. Finally, speaking of storage, this unit supports two DDR4 RAM slots with 64 GB storage. It works at 4400 MHz, which is considered quite fast for clocking. I have played games like COD and Redemption without any lag at all.

The Asus Maximus XI Hero is undoubtedly the best motherboard I have used for long and intense streaming sessions. The entire time, I experienced no lag or overheating issues. The highlight of this model is its 5-way optimization mechanism with FanXpert4 and alloy power connectors. Similarly, the customizable RGB element makes it unique and attractive.

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2. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard

Across the market, this unit is known as a Monster Box for its durability and speed. It is designed specifically for professional gamers and streamers who need incredible power delivery and storage. Similarly, its traditional looks with text patterns and a customizable RGB element look quite appealing.

First of all, this unit uses the 5-way optimization mechanism to maintain thermal efficiency. For this, it integrates smart controls and hybrid FanXpert 4 fans to make sure the air is passed through each component of the frame during overclocking sessions. It also keeps the power delivery consistent.

Likewise, for connectivity, I loved the fact that manufacturers have added a Wifi connection, despite the price, to maximize the speed and keep the PC neat. Apart from this, you are getting M.2 slot, USB Gen 3 and Gen 2. All these combined offer a LAN connection of 2.5 Gbps, which is considerably fast for data transfers.

Finally, coming from Asus at this price, this is a must-have for professionals who often have long and intense streaming sessions. It features a 5-way optimization mechanism with smart controls and durable power connectors that delivers well. Likewise, the addition of IO-shielded components adds to its thermal efficiency.

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3. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge Motherboard

MSI is another well-reputed brand for its innovative and practical gaming equipment. This one is no exception and is designed for intense gaming and streaming sessions. This is all thanks to its well-put cooling system and comprehensive heatsink. All in all, it is not only safe but offers fast clocking.

The first thing to appreciate about this unit is its customizable RGB strip. It uses Mystic light with 29 effects and smart controls. So, you can ideally set the mood for gaming. It is further accompanied by an extended heatsink and ATX form factor that improves its thermal efficiency during overclocking sessions.

Moreover, for storage, the manufacturers have used 64 GB DDR4 RAM that operates at 4400 MHz. Though it has no PCIe slot, it is incredibly fast for games like Metro Exodus and Red Dead Redemption, irrespective of any lag. You can also use its USB 3.0 and SATA ports for a fast 2.5 G LAN connection.

Finally, this MSI Gaming Edge is a solution to all your gaming problems, owing to its comprehensive VRM setup and large RAM memory. It incorporates smart light controls and an extended heatsink that delivers well. The only drawback is that it lacks some connectivity options, including PCIe 3.0 and DisplayPort.

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4. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard

Are you a casual gamer and want to save on money, yet don’t want to compromise on performance? Do consider giving this Asus TUF Plus a try. It has a compact size and a user-friendly BIOS for beginners. Also, despite the price, I like the fact that it has versatile connectivity options and an ATX Form Factor.

Speaking of the design, it has an all-aluminum structure with patented TUF components, which is quite durable. It includes TUF chokes and power capacitors, making it appropriate for regulating high temperatures. The cooling setup also has FanXpert 4 fans and Mosfets connectors for smooth power delivery.

Lastly, when it comes to data transfer, this one features USB 3.2, M.2, and DisplayPort for a 2.5 Gbps speed. It is further accompanied by two DDR4 RAM slots with 64 GB capacity and 1000 MHz. It may not be the best, but it works fine for basic games. However, I noticed some lag with Far Cry 2.0 graphics.

Finally, the Asus TUF Z-390 has been an all-favorite for me during the initial days of my gaming journey. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the quality of the components and cooling system is by far the best at this price. Likewise, it has multiple connectivity options, which means better clocking speed and fast data transfers.

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5. GIGABYTE Z390 UD Intel Motherboard

If you are fed up with VRM throttling, definitely go for this Gigabyte UD motherboard. It is best known for its performance-oriented cooling setup and large memory capacity that delivers well. My favorite thing about this unit is its customizable RGB elements, as it has 29 effects, which means the great scope for personalization.

First, speaking of storage, it has two DDR4 RAM slots with 64 GB capacity. It works at a 4400 MHz clocking speed, which is more than enough for heavy graphics and intensely long sessions. It is further accompanied by six SATA and PCIe 3.0 slots for extra drive space, improving its clocking performance.

Finally, for connectivity, this one has all the basic options like USB 3.1 and DisplayPort slots. Apart from this, you are getting the Realtek audio codec port with smart Gigabyte controls that maintain the sound and visuals of games. Overall, it supports a LAN connection of 2 G, which is pretty good for the price.

Wrapping up, this Gigabyte UD motherboard is an appropriate option for anyone concerned about running heavy games. It is equipped with a number of connectivity options and extra drive space scope that serve well. Moreover, its matte black frame with a customizable RGB element adds to its visual appeal

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6. ASUS Prime Z390-A Gaming Motherboard

Coming from Asus, this motherboard is yet another quality option for casual to mid-level gamers. I have used it in the past and can safely claim that it delivers consistent power and speed with minimal lag. Also, the best part of using this unit is that it has an easy-to-use BIOS, making it appropriate for newbies.

Speaking of storage, it features four DDR4 slots for RAM that supports a total of 64 GB space. It works at a clocking speed of 2400 MHz, which is considered pretty fast for games like Dragon Ball Fighters or Minecraft. It also has a PCIe 3.0 slot for extra drive space. That being said, I feel the lack of Wifi 6.0.

Another thing that impressed me about this motherboard is its 5-way optimization mechanism. This one uses hybrid fans with smart controls, making sure that air is passed through all components of the board. Finally, I also found the Auto-tuned button quite helpful in resetting the variables for better performance.

This Asus motherboard has everything from a useful cooling setup to a large storage capacity and durable setup. I have used it for more than three years and haven’t noticed any lag or durability issues at all. In addition, the fact that it supports a 5-way optimization setup makes it safe, even with a heavy load.

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7. ASRock Z370 EXTREME4 Motherboard

Last but not least on my list of the best motherboards for i5-8600K is this one from ASRock. I picked this one for its intelligent cooling system and versatile memory slot. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that it offers incredible clocking speed while ensuring thermal efficiency the entire time.

First of all, this one features an extended heatsink and power connectors made up of an alloy choke. This maintains the power delivery and ensures there are no overheating accidents. It is further accompanied by my favorite RGB element with a customizable effect. This helped me a lot in personalizing the experience.

Speaking of memory, this one features four DDR4 slots for RAM, each having a storage space of 16 GB. This combined operates at 2400 MHz, which is more than enough to run modern games like Plants Vs. Zombies and Minecraft. I also really like that it has M.2 slots. Sadly, it lacks a PCIe port, so it may not work for heavy graphics.

Finally, if you are someone still looking for a budget-friendly motherboard to run basic yet modern games, I have this ASRock Extreme for you. It is equipped with multiple ports that maintain a fast LAN connection. In addition, the detailed VRM setup makes sure the air is passed through each component, and there is no overheating issue.

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What to Look for While Buying the Best Motherboards for i5-8600K: All You Need to Know

i5-8600K Processor Overview

The Intel Core i5-8600k is an 8th-generation processor and was launched back in 2017. The performance-efficient structure of this makes it a big hit for gaming till this time. It comes with twelve threads and six cores, with a base frequency of 3.60 GHz, which is considerably fast for modern games.

Planning to upgrade a PC with this processor? You must be thinking of a quality alternative that can take your gaming to the next level. However, the problem is that this processor is not compatible with a lot of motherboards out there. So, you have to be very careful while buying the motherboard.

Here are some common things you need to consider while buying the best motherboard for i5-8600K. So, dive right in and choose wisely.

CPU Socket

The first thing you need to look into when buying a motherboard for this processor is the chipset. Intel always changes the socket type with the processor. So, it gets difficult for people to know what socket type their processor is compatible with. Speaking of this one, the Intel core i5-8600K processor is compatible with LGA 1151 socket. So, as long as your unit has this, it will work for your PC setup.

Size/ Form Factor

The second thing that matters most when buying a motherboard for i5-8600K is its form factor. This is because it is going to determine how many components can fit into the frame. The rule of thumb is that the bigger the form factor is, the more it can accommodate components and will be more performance-efficient. Generally, motherboards have three sizes: ATX, Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX.

• ATX: The first type is ATX, and it is the most famous used by gamers. Part of the reason is that it has a large size and works best for mid to intense gaming sessions.
• Mini-ITX: The second type is Mini-ITX. And with this form factor, you only get a few slots. I may not be the best choice for gaming; you can use it for routine editing work.
• Micro-ATX: The third and last one is Micro-ATX. It is the smaller version of ATX and has relatively fewer options. Although it can work for gamers, you may not be able to run heavy and modern games.

Chipset

Similarly, you should always consider a chipset while purchasing a motherboard, as it is going to determine compatibility. When it comes to i5-8600K, two chipsets Z370 and Z390, will work for your motherboard. Whatever the chipset is, it is equally important to confirm that it supports USB 3.1 slots. Apart from this, you can also go for H370, H310 and B360.

Connectivity

In addition, connectivity options are equally significant, given that they help users to connect multiple devices to the computer. If you are a gamer, you should definitely go for advanced options like USB Gen 3.0, PCIe, and M.2 slots. The key here is to go for more slots. Moreover, wireless options like Wifi are always an added advantage.

Price Range

Last but not least, I will talk about the price factor. Normally, motherboards for this processor are not very expensive, so you can easily find a perfect match for your budget. That being said, the real problem is their availability. It is difficult to find a compatible motherboard for your i5-8600K processor, partly because not many people are using this one. All in all, expect spending between $50 and $100, which is quite reasonable.

Finally, I hope now you know how to find the best motherboard for i5-8600K, as per your individual requirements and skill set.

Commonly Asked Questions

What type of motherboard goes for i5-8600K?

Well, there are multiple things you need to consider while buying a motherboard for i5-8600K. First of all, you need to have an Intel LGA 1151 socket along with a compatible set. Apart from this, go for basic ports and suitable RAM memory for clocking performance. Lastly, make sure it is solid enough to last you long.

What is the best motherboard for i5-8600K?

ASUS Maximus XI Hero is one of the best for the i5-8600K processor, owing to its intelligent 5-way optimization mechanism. It uses smart controls and hybrid fans for thermal and power efficiency. Moreover, the big RAM memory and PCIe slots allow you to run games with pretty heavy graphics.

Is i5-8600K compatible with the Z390 chipset?

Yes, the i5-8600 is the 8th Gen Intel Core processor that is compatible with the Z390 chipset. This chipset will also work for the 9th Gen and Intel Pentium processors. Apart from this, you can use the Z370, H330, and H310 chipset for the i5-8600K.

Does Z390 need a BIOS update for i5-8600K?

No, the simple answer to this question is that the Z390 needs no BIOS update for it to work with the i5-8600K processor. You just have to install it and nothing else. Commonly, with this chipset, you can find options like MSI MPG Gaming Plus and ASUS TUF Z390 Plus Gaming, both of which offer high-end performance.

Final Thoughts

The Intel i5-8600K is undoubtedly a fast processor for gaming and works best for heavy graphics and video streaming. However, building a motherboard with this one can be a bit challenging. But, with a little bit of research, you can find a perfect match. Here are some of my favorites you may consider buying;

• ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 Gaming Motherboard is known for its HDMI graphics, better clocking performance, and versatile connectivity options.
• ASUS Prime Z390-A Gaming Motherboard is one of the best for its efficient cooling setup, user-friendly BIOS, and competitive price.
• ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard is popular for its fast data transfers, efficient VRM setup, and durable components.

Finally, I hope you will soon be able to find the best motherboard for i5-8600K, as per your skill set.