Learn everything about the best motherboard for i5 4690K processors with this article because it is written by experts. Choosing the ideal gaming motherboard depends on many factors, including compatibility, faster data transfer, and connectivity.
Henceforth, we created this guide featuring all the details, facts, pros and cons, and information regarding the best motherboards compatible with the i5 4690K graphics cards. So, keep reading every section if you want to become an expert at choosing the best product.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Product | Details |
| MSI Computer Corp. Motherboard ATX 1333 DDR3 LGA 1150 Motherboards Z87-G45 GAMING
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| Asus LGA 1150 ATX 2600 DDR3 (10Gb/s) Motherboards (Z97-A)
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| ASRock LGA 1150 ATX 1333 DDR3 Z97 EXTREME 6 Motherboard
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| ASUS Mini ITX DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 Q87T/CSM Motherboard
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The 4 Best Motherboard for I5 4690K Reviews
After identifying the top best products and learning about their main characteristics, let’s move on to uncovering their pros and cons.
1. MSI Computer Intel LGA 1150 Z87-G45 GAMING
Pros:
- It includes several high-end extra gaming features, such as a sound blaster and audio boost.
- It supports a wide range of memory, including 4x DDR3-3000(OC).
- There are many USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports.
- It has enough SATA ports for professional gamers and editors.
Cons:
- It only has a maximum memory capacity of 64 GB
- There is no USB-C type port, essential by current standards
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 8.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 9 out of 10
The MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING ATX motherboard has similar specs and features to the PC Mate, but it is significantly more expensive. As you can see, besides providing the pros and cons, we rated this product’s four key criteria points. For example, experts believe the MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING unit is the best motherboard for i5 5th generation processors, but it should be better by current standards. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
Furthermore, nearly all similarly priced motherboards share similar memory support as the MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING. Namely, customers can use up to 64 GB DDR3 RAM, which is great for mid-range gaming. However, you can always upgrade the memory to enjoy the latest games or programs. As a result, our experts rated the memory (RAM) key criterion with a final score of 8.5 out of 10.
On the flip side, this product’s most significant feature is connectivity and compatibility. For example, the MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING features six USB 3.0 and eight USB 2.0 ports, but unfortunately, there is no USB-C type port. The lack of the USB-C type port is this unit’s only drawback regarding connectivity. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the expansion slots key criterion.
Fortunately, the MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING has many SATA ports, essential for gaming, streaming, editing, or any modern device. Although similar Z97 motherboards provide better SATA support, they cannot match this product’s price. Namely, there are six SATA3 Ports, supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and a single mSATA Port, ideal for professional gaming. Therefore, our experts provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the SATA ports’ key criterion.
Overview: The MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING unit has stunning connectivity and compatibility features, including many USB and SATA ports. Thus, professional gamers and editors will most benefit from this product’s specs and features. This product has excellent value for money.
2. Asus ATX DDR3 2600 10Gb/s Z97-A
Pros:
- This motherboard features the Turbo App for faster gaming and editing.
- The Crystal Sound 2 provides flawless audio, making you part of the game.
- The Remote GO! The application gives you total control anytime.
- There is a 5-way optimization by the dual-intelligent processor.
Cons:
- It is not ideal for high-end and modern games.
- There is not enough memory speed and memory support.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 6.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 7.5 out of 10
SATA ports: 9 out of 10
The Asus 2600 10 Gb/s Z97-A is a great motherboard for beginners and budget builds because it is affordable and readily available. However, this does not mean there are no exceptional specs and features, similar to the Asus Rog. For example, this motherboard supports all Intel Core 5th generation processors usually found in laptops or tablets. Therefore, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
On the flip side, this product does not have enough maximum memory support, so customers might struggle with modern high-end games. Namely, the Asus 2600 10 Gb/s Z97-A motherboard only supports a maximum memory of 32 GB, which can be challenging. However, if you want to play mid-range games or use similar editing programs, you will not have any issues. As a result, our final verdict is a score of 6.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion, the lowest score.
Fortunately, the Asus 2600 10 Gb/s Z97-A has significantly better connectivity and compatibility than memory and processor support. Namely, customers will find two USB 2.0 ports and two PCI-Express x16 slots available for all your gadgets and gaming products. Although these expansion slots are not enough by current standards for high-end gaming, they will get the job done. Therefore, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Finally, this product’s most significant feature is the SATA ports key criterion because it has options available. For example, customers will find a total of six SATA Express ports and M.2 support of up to 10 Gb/s data speed, essential for a swift file transfer. Therefore, the final score for the SATA ports key criterion is 9 out of 10, this product’s highest score. Additionally, customers will enjoy a maximum memory speed of 1600 MHz.
Overview: The Asus 2600 10 Gb/s Z97-A motherboard is a mid-range product with decent processor support, expansion, and SATA ports. Therefore, it is ideal for beginners building a budget build with computer components with excellent features. Consequently, you will not make a mistake choosing this product.
3. ASRock ATX DDR3 Z97 EXTREME 6
Pros:
- This motherboard is made out of premium Alloy Choke.
- It features the incredible Nichicon 12K Platinum Caps.
- It supports 5th Generation Intel Core i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors.
- There are many SATA and USB ports for ultimate connectivity and compatibility.
Cons:
- It is not immediately available.
- The RAM memory technology is not the best for high-end games.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 7.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 8.5 out of 10
SATA ports: 9 out of 10
The ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 motherboard has similar specs and features to the Asus Prime motherboard, but this one is significantly cheaper. For example, the ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 unit has incredible processor support, although it is not compatible with the latest generation Intel CPUs. So, customers can use all 5th generation Intel i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors, which are great for gaming, streaming, and editing. Therefore, we provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
On the flip side, the ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 motherboard does not have as good RAM support as the processors, but it is decent. Namely, customers can enjoy a maximum of 32 GB of memory, which does not sound like much. However, we must note this RAM technology is DDR3 1333, which means it is better than similar products. As a result, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
Fortunately, the ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 is much better regarding expansion and SATA ports, resulting in terrific connectivity and compatibility. First, this unit supports 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe 2.0 x16, 2 PCIe 2.0 x1, 1 mini-PCIe, and 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE2). As you can see, these ports perfectly combine the USB slots and satisfy everyone’s needs and requirements. Therefore, the final rating for the expansion slots criterion is a score of 8.5 out of 10.
As previously mentioned, this product has many SATA ports, ideal for pairing many storage devices, such as optical and hard drives. Namely, customers can enjoy the single SATA Express, 10 SATA3, one eSATA, 1 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4), and 1 M.2 (PCIe Gen2 x2 & SATA ports. Furthermore, you can easily find these ports at the product’s rear edge, which is perfect for quick access. Henceforth, the final score for the SATA ports key criterion is 9 out of 10, identical to the processor key criterion.
Overview: The ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 is a motherboard with an incredible processor and expansion slots, although it lacks memory support. So, it is ideal for customers wanting impeccable connectivity without much RAM. Also, remember this product is not extremely expensive.
4. ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM Motherboard
Pros:
- It features a new UEFI BOS and EZ mode, which is easier to use.
- It achieves 170% faster transfer speeds than traditional USB 3.0.
- It includes real-time network bandwidth management.
- Crash-free BIOS 3 that restores corrupted BIOS data from the USB storage.
Cons:
- It is not as affordable as similar products.
- The maximum memory capacity and speed are low.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 6.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 10 out of 10
SATA ports: 8.5 out of 10
The ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard is the first mini-unit we feature in our comprehensive guide. Mini motherboards are ideal for small and compact computer builds, which can be used for gaming, streaming, editing, or in your office. First, the ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard has the typical processor compatibility, supporting all 5th generation Intel processors. Therefore, our experts provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
On the flip side, the ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard is the worst unit we have reviewed regarding maximum memory (RAM) support and speed. Namely, the ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard only has a maximum memory capacity of 16 GB, which is not enough by current standards. Nevertheless, this product will get the job done if you do not plan on gaming heavily and overclocking your system. Henceforth, the final score for the memory (RAM) criterion is 6.5 out of 10.
On the flip side, this is the first motherboard featured in our article with a perfect score for a single key criterion. Namely, the ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard has advanced USB 3.0 Boost technology and UASP support, which results in 170% faster transfer speeds than traditional USB 3.0. Additionally, customers can enjoy the standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports. As a result, we provide a final score of 10 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion, the only perfect score.
Finally, the mini motherboard has great SATA port qualities because it uses the AI Suite 3 feature. Namely, the mini-SATA and full-length mini PCIe specs share the same slot, which makes everything look compact. However, the most significant drawback with this SATA and PCIe slot setup is that you cannot use the PCIe slot when the SATA card is inserted, which can be a significant problem. Nevertheless, our experts provide a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports’ key criterion.
Overview: The ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard is the only mini product featured in our comprehensive guide. Therefore, it is ideal for compact computer builds because it does not take up much room, providing enough space for other components. Therefore, this is the best mini motherboard you can purchase.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal i5-4690 motherboard for your following computer setup can be a long and tedious process, especially if you do not know what to look for. Therefore, our experts created this ultimate guide to help beginners choose the best product by providing their top four picks of motherboards that are GA 1150 compatible.
So, our experts recommend purchasing the MSI Computer Z87-G45 GAMING unit because it is the ideal all-in-one motherboard with high-end specs and features, yet it is affordable. On the flip side, it would be best to opt for the ASUS ITX DDR3 Q87T/CSM motherboard because it features the stunning USB 3.0 Boost technology, although it lacks maximum memory capacity. Nevertheless, you will not make a mistake no matter which product you choose, so opt for the product you fancy the most.