Are you planning to build a new PC with Intel’s latest 13th-Gen CPUs? If so, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right motherboard for your CPU to ensure optimal performance. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best motherboards for the mid-range Intel Core i5 13600K. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with motherboard chipsets; we’ll explain everything you need to know before diving into our top choices.
Motherboard Chipsets: Before choosing a motherboard, it’s essential to consider which chipset is compatible with your CPU. Intel uses different chipsets to unlock various features, making it easier to find a motherboard that fits your budget and needs. If you’re on a budget, you can choose a motherboard with fewer features to save money. On the other hand, if you’re looking to build a high-end PC with top-of-the-line features, you can opt for a more expensive motherboard.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of motherboard chipsets, let’s dive into our top motherboard picks for the Intel Core i5 13600K. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best budget, mid-range, and high-end options, so you can find the perfect motherboard for your build.
Our Best Picks For Motherboards For i5
Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4
If you’re in the market for a mid-range motherboard for your Core i5 13600K, the Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 is a solid choice that won’t break the bank. One of the standout features of this board is its aesthetic. The gunmetal grey heatsinks with cybernetic detailing give your build a futuristic look that’s perfect for gamers. And at this price point, it’s one of the cheapest offerings to include the B660 chipset.
On the feature front, this motherboard is well equipped. It comes with multiple PCI-E 4.0 slots that are ready for Nvidia’s 4000 series cards and fast SSDs. Additionally, the networking options are excellent, with a choice between the onboard WiFi 6 or a more stable 2.5 Gigabit LAN. And with plenty of high-speed USB ports, you won’t run out of options for your peripherals.
However, this budget-friendly option does have its limitations. It lacks support for additional features such as upgradability and overclocking, which may limit the potential of your system. And the lack of PCI-E 5.0 support means that future upgrades to graphics cards and high-speed SSDs may not be possible. Additionally, the rear IO doesn’t include a USB-C port, which may limit compatibility with high-end gaming peripherals.
In summary, the Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 is a great option for those on a budget, offering plenty of features at a reasonable price point. However, if you’re looking for a motherboard that will support future upgrades and the latest peripherals, you may want to invest in a more feature-heavy alternative.
MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4
MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4 is a compact motherboard designed for mid-range gaming PCs. It features a micro-ATX form factor, which means it is smaller in size and may lack some extra PCI-E slots and RGB compared to larger boards. However, it makes up for it with some excellent features such as Gen4 ready x16 and x4 slots, 12+1+1 VRM power phases, and 128GB DDR4 memory support. The board also comes with an integrated IO shield, making installation easier. In terms of connectivity, it offers plenty of high-speed USB ports and a 2.5 Gigabit LAN, as well as a WiFi 6E module for wireless connectivity.
One of the key advantages of the MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4 is its compatibility with the latest GPUs and drives, which makes it a suitable option for high-performance systems. The silver heatsinks located around the board complement white RAM kits or graphics cards, and reflect RGB to create a bright and colorful interior for RGB enthusiasts.
However, the main downside of this motherboard is its smaller form factor, which may not be suitable for all builds. Gamers building a larger system may prefer a larger ATX motherboard with more features and connections. Additionally, the silver and black aesthetic may not be appealing to gamers who are not opting for a white-themed build. Overall, the MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4 is a solid option for those looking to build a compact, white-themed gaming PC with impressive performance and connectivity.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4
If you’re someone who loves a white-themed build, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4 motherboard might be the perfect fit for you. With an all-white design and a sleek RGB panel on the rear IO plate, this motherboard is a stunning addition to any gaming PC. But it’s not just about looks, the ROG Strix Z690-A is also packed with impressive features that make it a solid foundation for a mid-range gaming PC.
One of the standout features of this motherboard is the inclusion of a PCI-E 5.0 expansion slot. This means you’ll have plenty of room for future upgrades, including the next generation of graphics cards. With four Gen4 ready slots for storage expansion, you can equip some of the best SSDs available on the market, such as Seagate’s FireCuda 530 or Samsung’s 990 PRO.
The ROG Strix Z690-A also boasts excellent networking capabilities, including a 2.5 Gigabit LAN and WiFi 6 module. And with an ATX form factor, you’ll have plenty of room for additional components and accessories.
However, the higher price point on this motherboard compared to the B660 alternatives may be a drawback for some. Additionally, the white design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, limiting the target audience for this motherboard.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stunning white-themed motherboard with impressive features and room for future upgrades, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4 is a great option. Its solid performance and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for a mid-range gaming PC.
MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi
If you’re looking for a motherboard that not only performs well but also looks great, then the MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi is worth considering. With an alternative white design aesthetic, it’s one of the best options for those who want to spice up their build with a unique look.
One of the standout features of this motherboard is its support for DDR5 memory, which allows for higher clock speeds and capacities that can make a noticeable difference in gaming performance. This means you can enjoy faster load times and smoother gameplay in all the latest competitive titles.
Connectivity is also impressive, with a range of ports and slots that can cater to most devices. The rear IO alone has 10 USB ports, including high-speed USB 3.2 ports that are perfect for the fast DDR5 RAM. Plus, there’s a USB-C 3.2 port that pairs well with the best wired gaming peripherals.
However, it’s worth noting that the all-white design may not be to everyone’s taste, and it might look out of place in any other setting. Additionally, the pricing is on the higher end for a motherboard with a Z690 chipset, so it might not be suitable for mid-range builders on a tight budget.
Despite these drawbacks, the MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi is still a solid choice if you’re after high-performance gaming and impressive connectivity. With its stunning design and compatibility with both Gen5 and Gen4, it’s also an ideal option for future proofing your build. Overall, if you’re willing to invest the necessary funds, this motherboard won’t disappoint.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 is a top pick for anyone seeking the best DDR4 motherboard. It features an industrial design that complements most modern GPU designs and gives the inside of a system a distinct feel. The board is loaded with connectivity features, particularly for a DDR4 design, with 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 slots for high-speed M.2 SSDs that provide ample storage space for even the biggest of games libraries.
However, the lack of RGB lighting effects is disappointing for those looking to brighten up their build. Additionally, the networking options are slightly limited with a WiFi 6 module instead of the more powerful WiFi 6E, which is a notable exclusion for gamers that are always online.
Nonetheless, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 is a fantastic choice for any mid-range gamer looking for a Z790 design that offers a solid blend of performance, connectivity, and aesthetics. It is one of the cheapest Z790 boards available, and its huge amount of high-speed rear IO make it an excellent choice for those seeking fast and reliable data transfer. Overall, it is a suitable pick for gamers looking for a quality motherboard at an affordable price.
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Looking for a motherboard that offers both style and substance without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. This motherboard boasts a sophisticated design with plenty of attention to detail, including stylish decals and extended heatsinks that add a touch of flair to any gaming rig.
But this motherboard isn’t just about looks – it packs some serious hardware too. With support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and a range of high-quality PCI-E slots for graphics cards and storage, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is built to deliver top-of-the-line performance. And with Gen4 and Gen5 compatibility, this motherboard is ready for the latest components on the market.
Of course, no motherboard is perfect, and the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is no exception. One area where it falls short is in its connectivity options. While the board does offer plenty of USB ports, many of these are only USB 2.0, which may be disappointing for gamers with high-end peripherals and accessories. And unfortunately, there’s no Thunderbolt 4 connectivity to speak of.
Overall, though, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a solid choice for any mid-range or high-end builder looking to get the best gaming experience possible without breaking the bank. With plenty of features and a stylish design, this motherboard is sure to please even the most discerning gamers out there.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a motherboard to pair up with the Intel Core i5 13600K, there are a lot of factors to consider. From the form factor to the connectivity options, and everything in between, it’s important to pick a design that will meet your needs and provide a good balance between performance and price. Based on our research and analysis, we recommend the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX as the best overall choice for its impressive features, DDR5 support, and relatively affordable price point. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or looking for a motherboard to fit into a smaller build, the MSI B660M Mortar WiFi D4 is also a great option to consider. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and we hope that our guide has helped you make a more informed decision on which motherboard to choose for your Intel Core i5 13600K build.
Also read: Best Gaming Motherboards for i7 Processors in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the best motherboard for i5?
A: The best motherboards for the Intel Core i5 13600K are the Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4, MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4, ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4, MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi, ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4, and Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX.
Q: Is i5 good for gaming?
A: Yes, the Intel Core i5 processor is excellent for gaming. For the best gaming performance in 2022, we recommended the Core i5 12600K and the Core i5 12400 for budget gaming.
Q: Which i5 12600K motherboard is best for gaming?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming is the perfect match for the Intel Core i5-12600K, offering PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM support, a 16+1 power delivery design, high-quality components, 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, plenty of USB ports, and an attractive yet subtle design.
Q: Which motherboard is used for the i5 processor?
A: The ASUS EX-B560M-V5 is an excellent choice for the Intel Core i5 processor.
Q: What is the strongest Intel Core i5?
A: The Intel Core i5-13600K is currently the best Intel processor available, but Intel has several excellent options on the market right now at different price points.
Q: Can i5 be faster than i7?
A: The i5 processor may have a higher base clock speed, but the i7 is actually faster due to workload efficiency.
Q: Is the i5 13600K worth it?
A: Yes, the Intel Core i5 13600K is an excellent mid-range processor, offering impressive price to performance ratios.
Q: Is the i5 13600K good for gaming?
A: Yes, the i5 13600K provides solid gaming performance in 1080p and 1440p and outperforms more powerful processors in gaming benchmarks.
Q: What motherboard chipset is best for the i5 13600K?
A: To get the most out of the i5 13600K, we recommend pairing it with a Z790 motherboard. If you’re on a budget, a B760 or B660 motherboard is a good alternative.
Q: How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i5 13600K?
A: Depending on your budget, we suggest spending around $150-350 on a motherboard for the i5 13600K to get the best performance.
