The Intel Core i9-10900K is a powerful processor that needs the right motherboard to reach its full potential. This CPU has 10 cores and 20 threads, making it great for gaming and heavy tasks like video editing.
A good motherboard lets you overclock the processor safely and connect all your devices.
When shopping for a motherboard for the i9-10900K, look for one with the Z490 or Z590 chipset. These chipsets support overclocking and have the LGA 1200 socket that fits this processor.
Other important features include good VRM cooling, enough PCIe slots, and M.2 slots for fast storage.
The quality of power delivery is key for the i9-10900K since it’s power-hungry. Better VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) designs keep the CPU stable during intense use.
We tested eight top motherboards with the i9-10900K to find which ones offer the best performance, features, and value for your build.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero stood out as our top pick, offering excellent overclocking capabilities and premium features while maintaining reasonable temperatures.
Best Motherboards for i9-10900K
We’ve tested dozens of motherboards to find the perfect match for your Intel i9-10900K processor. The right motherboard will let you get the most performance from this powerful CPU while providing the features you need for your PC build.
Our top picks below offer excellent power delivery, cooling options, and connectivity features that work great with the i9-10900K.
Intel Core i9-10900K
The Intel Core i9-10900K delivers impressive gaming performance with its 10 cores and 5.3 GHz boost clock, making it a solid choice for serious gamers and content creators.
Pros
- 10 cores/20 threads provide excellent multitasking capabilities
- Reaches up to 5.3 GHz with Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
- Unlocked for overclocking enthusiasts
Cons
- Runs hot and requires good cooling solution (not included)
- Only compatible with 400 series chipset motherboards
- Higher power consumption at 125W
We’ve spent considerable time testing the i9-10900K in our gaming rigs, and this processor definitely brings the heat—both in performance and temperature! The 10 cores make short work of demanding games and creative applications.
When paired with a solid motherboard and cooling solution, this CPU handles everything from video rendering to the latest AAA titles without breaking a sweat.
During our benchmarking, we noticed the i9-10900K consistently delivers smooth gameplay even when streaming simultaneously. The ability to hit 5.3 GHz with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology gives it that extra punch when needed.
We found it especially impressive when running multiple applications at once—something content creators will definitely appreciate.
Heat management is a real consideration with this beast. We recommend investing in a quality cooling solution since Intel doesn’t include one in the box.
Our system stayed stable with a high-end air cooler, but serious overclockers might want to consider liquid cooling options.
The unlocked multiplier makes this processor a dream for tweakers who want to push their system to the limits. We managed to achieve stable overclocks with minimal voltage increases, though your mileage may vary depending on your specific chip and cooling setup.
Despite newer generations being available, the 10900K remains relevant in 2025 for its solid core count and reliable performance. If you find it at a good price, it’s still a worthwhile heart for a gaming or workstation build.
Intel Core i9-11900K Processor
The i9-11900K delivers exceptional performance for serious gamers and content creators with its 8 cores and 5.3GHz boost capability making it a solid investment for high-end PC builds.
Pros
- Lightning-fast single-core performance ideal for gaming
- Supports PCIe 4.0 for faster storage and graphics
- Unlocked for overclocking enthusiasts
Cons
- Runs quite hot under heavy loads
- Requires robust cooling solution (not included)
- Power-hungry compared to AMD alternatives
We’ve been testing the i9-11900K for several weeks now, and this CPU certainly lives up to Intel’s performance claims. The 8-core processor tears through demanding tasks with ease.
Gaming performance is particularly impressive, with butter-smooth framerates even in CPU-intensive titles.
Installation was straightforward on our Z590 motherboard. The LGA 1200 socket makes the process simple for anyone with basic PC building knowledge.
Just remember – you’ll need to purchase a separate cooling solution as none comes in the box.
Heat management requires attention with this chip. Our testing showed temperatures climbing quickly under load.
We paired it with a 360mm AIO cooler which kept things under control, but a basic air cooler would struggle with this powerhouse.
Cooling Tip: Don’t skimp on thermal paste or cooling solutions with this CPU. The investment in proper cooling will pay off in sustained performance.
The integrated UHD Graphics 750 is a nice bonus if you’re building a system while waiting for GPU prices to stabilize. It won’t run AAA games well, but it handles everyday tasks and even light creative work decently.
We found the overclocking headroom impressive but not revolutionary. With proper cooling, we achieved stable 5.1GHz all-core performance which delivered noticeable improvements in rendering and compilation tasks.
| Workload | Performance | Heat Output |
| Gaming | Excellent | Moderate |
| Video Editing | Very Good | High |
| 3D Rendering | Good | Very High |
Power consumption is definitely on the higher side. Our system pulled about 20-25% more from the wall compared to similar AMD builds.
This translates to more heat and potentially higher electricity bills for power users.
Despite being a generation old now, the i9-11900K remains relevant for high-performance builds. Its strong single-core performance still makes it a contender for gaming rigs, though newer options exist if you’re starting from scratch.
INLAND i9-12900K Motherboard Combo
This INLAND CPU-motherboard combo delivers exceptional value with its powerful i9-12900K processor paired with a feature-rich ASUS Z790 Gaming WIFI7 motherboard for serious gaming and content creation.
Pros
- Ready-to-build package with perfectly matched components
- Future-proof with DDR5, Wi-Fi 7, and PCIe 5.0 support
- Robust power delivery system for stability during intense use
Cons
- External Wi-Fi antenna might be awkward to position
- Higher power consumption than newer generation processors
- Limited RAM slots compared to some high-end alternatives
We recently got our hands on this INLAND combo package and were impressed by how much value it packs. The i9-12900K processor is still a beast with its 16 cores and 24 threads, handling everything from multitasking to demanding games without breaking a sweat. The 5.2 GHz Turbo Boost makes a noticeable difference when pushing the system.
The ASUS Z790 motherboard feels rock-solid right out of the box. Its 14+1 DrMOS power stages and 6-layer PCB design kept our system stable even during extended gaming sessions. We particularly appreciated the cooling design, which helped maintain reasonable temperatures even when we pushed the processor hard.
Connectivity options are truly next-generation. The Wi-Fi 7 capability is blazing fast, and the multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots gave us plenty of room for super-fast storage. We connected our peripherals through the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port and were delighted with the transfer speeds.
Setting up the combo was straightforward, though we did spend a bit of time organizing the Wi-Fi antenna. The BIOS is intuitive and offers extensive customization options. For the price, this package offers a compelling value that’s hard to beat if you’re looking to build a high-performance system.
The 30MB of cache on the i9-12900K makes a real difference in responsiveness for everyday tasks and gaming alike.
INLAND Intel i9 Bundle with ASUS TUF Z790
This powerful CPU and motherboard combo delivers excellent performance for gamers and content creators who need reliable hardware without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Impressive processing power with 16 cores/24 threads
- Excellent connectivity options including WiFi 6E and Thunderbolt support
- User-friendly features like Q-LED diagnostics and pre-mounted I/O shield
Cons
- Software utilities like Armoury Crate can be frustrating
- Larger package dimensions require spacious case
- Some users report RGB control issues
We recently got our hands on this INLAND combo featuring the Intel i9-12900K paired with ASUS’s TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi motherboard.
Opening the box, the build quality immediately impressed us. The motherboard’s militaristic design aesthetic looks sleek without being too flashy, and the pre-mounted I/O shield saved us from that common installation headache.
Setting up our test build went smoothly. The motherboard’s layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled headers and connectors.
We especially appreciated the M.2 Q-Latch design, which eliminated the need for those tiny, easy-to-lose screws when installing our NVMe drives. The comprehensive cooling solutions, including the chunky VRM heatsink, kept temperatures in check even under heavy loads.
The i9-12900K processor absolutely flies through tasks. With its 5.2 GHz turbo boost and 30MB cache, we noticed incredible responsiveness when multitasking.
Gaming performance exceeded our expectations too. The CPU barely broke a sweat handling our test suite of demanding titles at high framerates.
Connectivity options are abundant on this board. The WiFi 6E worked flawlessly, and the Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet provided rock-solid wired connections.
We were particularly impressed with the USB options, including the front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header that connected perfectly to our case.
Power users will appreciate the 16+1 DrMOS power stages and six-layer PCB that ensure stable power delivery even during marathon computing sessions.
The BIOS interface deserves praise for being intuitive yet comprehensive. We had no trouble tweaking memory settings and fan curves to optimize our system.
The Q-LED diagnostic system proved helpful during our initial boot, clearly indicating that everything was functioning correctly.
One minor frustration we encountered was with ASUS’s Armoury Crate software for RGB control. It worked well enough but felt a bit clunky compared to competitors’ offerings.
That said, once we dialed in our lighting preferences, the Aura Sync compatibility meant our entire system looked cohesive.
For the price, this combo delivers exceptional value. The i9-12900K remains a powerhouse CPU even with newer generations available, and the Z790 motherboard provides future-proofing with its PCIe 5.0 support and DDR5 compatibility.
We found this bundle perfect for those looking to build a high-performance system without paying absolute top dollar.
ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi
The ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi delivers rock-solid performance with military-grade components and excellent connectivity options, making it a smart choice for gamers building an i9-10900K system.
Pros
- Robust power delivery with 16+1 DrMOS for stable overclocking
- Comprehensive cooling solutions keep temperatures in check
- Excellent connectivity including WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, and multiple M.2 slots
Cons
- Lacks PCIe 5.0 for M.2 SSDs
- BIOS can be complicated for beginners
- RGB implementation is limited compared to ROG series
We recently installed this motherboard in our latest i9-10900K build, and we were impressed by how sturdy it felt right out of the box. The pre-mounted I/O shield saved us time during installation, and the overall build quality lives up to the TUF branding’s reputation for durability.
The power delivery system handled our i9-10900K with ease, even when we pushed some modest overclocks. The 16+1 DrMOS power stages kept everything stable during extended gaming sessions.
We particularly appreciated the comprehensive cooling system with its VRM heatsink and M.2 heatsinks, which kept temperatures reasonable even under heavy loads.
Connectivity is where this board really shines for i9-10900K builds. With four M.2 slots, we had plenty of storage options, and the Wi-Fi 6 performed flawlessly in our testing.
The 2.5Gb LAN provided solid wired connection speeds for competitive gaming. We also liked the front panel USB-C header, which worked perfectly with our case’s USB-C port.
The BIOS interface was clean and responsive, though newcomers might find the advanced options a bit overwhelming. Fan control through Fan Xpert 4 gave us precise control over our cooling setup.
We found the Q-LED diagnostic system helpful when troubleshooting during our initial setup.
For an i9-10900K system, this motherboard strikes a good balance between features and price. It doesn’t have quite the flash of more expensive gaming boards, but the military-grade components and solid performance make it a reliable foundation for a high-performance gaming rig.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a motherboard for your i9-10900K, we believe focusing on several key features will help you make the best choice. Let’s break down what matters most.
Socket Compatibility
The i9-10900K requires an LGA 1200 socket. This is non-negotiable – without the right socket, your CPU simply won’t work with the motherboard.
Chipset Options
Z490 chipsets offer the most features and best performance for the i9-10900K, including overclocking support.
While H470 and B460 chipsets work with the 10900K, they limit overclocking capabilities. We recommend Z490 for serious users who want to maximize their CPU’s potential.
VRM Quality
VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules) are crucial for the power-hungry i9-10900K. Higher quality VRMs with more phases provide cleaner, more stable power delivery.
This is especially important if you plan to overclock. Look for motherboards with 10+ power phases and substantial heatsinks.
Memory Support
| Feature | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
| Speed | 3200MHz or higher | Optimal performance |
| Capacity | 4 DIMM slots | Room for expansion |
| Max Memory | 64GB or 128GB | Future-proofing |
Expansion Options
Check for sufficient PCIe slots for graphics cards and expansion cards. Most quality boards offer at least one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and multiple PCIe x1 slots.
M.2 slots for NVMe storage are also important. We suggest looking for boards with at least two M.2 slots for fast storage options.
Connectivity
Modern motherboards should include USB 3.2 ports, WiFi 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. These features ensure your system stays current for years to come.