Our ultimate guide helps customers choose the best motherboard for i5 7600K units, which is one of the many frequently asked questions by gamers and editors. Henceforth, this guide features our top four gaming motherboard picks, and we provide all pros and cons, specs, and features.
When choosing the ideal product, customers must consider many factors, such as the core CPU cooler and socket LGA. So, by the time you are done reading our complete guide, you will become an expert at choosing the best motherboard for i5 7600K units.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Product | Details |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming LGA1151 (Intel 8th Gen) DDR4 DP HDMI DVI M.2 Z370 ATX Motherboard
|
|
| ASUS PRIME Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 HDMI DVI M.2 USB 3.0 Z270 ATX Motherboard
|
|
| MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 DDR4 HDMI USB 3 SLI ATX (Z270 GAMING PRO CARBON)
|
|
| MSI Pro Series Intel Z270 DDR4 HDMI USB 3 CrossFire ITX Motherboard (Z270 PC MATE)
|
|
The 4 Best Motherboard for I5 7600K Reviews
Now, after we have uncovered the main features in the table above, let’s move on with more detailed product reviews.
1. ASUS Z370-E Strix Gaming LGA1151
Pros:
- Unrivaled personalization with ASUS exclusive AURA Sync RGB lighting.
- Dual M.2, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.1, and Intel Optane Memory compatibility.
- Several shared slots are hidden under the graphics cards.
- ASUS 2T2R Dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant).
Cons:
- This product has certain overclocking problems during heavy and extended use.
- It is not the ideal value for money ratio.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 8.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 8 out of 10
We start our journey with the ASUS Z370-E Strix, an Intel motherboard with stunning specs and features. As you can see, based on the information above, experts believe this is the ideal all-in-one product that customers will love as soon as they get it. First, the ASUS Z370-E Strix gets a final score of 9 out of 10 for the processor criterion, thanks to its support for Intel’s 8th generation CPUs. So, if you are searching for a motherboard compatible with the latest CPUs, this is the ideal choice.
On the flip side, this motherboard supports four DIMM memories of up to 64 GB DDR4, which is ideal for today’s gaming, streaming, and editing standards. Additionally, the ASUS Z370-E Strix supports 4133+ (OC) MHz of power, so it works great with all current memory sets. Our experts confirmed this is an amazing value for money, although other more powerful products exist. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
Furthermore, the ASUS Z370-E Strix has enough expansion slots to satisfy everyone’s needs, either for gaming or editing tasks. For example, this product has 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 Safe Slots, which are essential for a proper gaming experience. Additionally, customers get a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and 3x PCIe 3.0 x1, which work great with any modern device, unlike the Kaby Lake. As a result, we provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Finally, experts believe this motherboard’s weakest key criterion is the SATA ports because it cannot compete with similar high-end products. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get the ultimate gaming and streaming experience because the ASUS Z370-E Strix has a stunning overclocking ability. So, customers get 1x 2242-2280 (PCIe 3.0×4+SATA) and 1x 2242-2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4), which may not be enough for professional gamers. Thus, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: The ASUS Z370-E Strix is an amazing motherboard with many high-end features, such as RGB lighting and stunning Intel Core processor support. So, this is the ideal product for customers looking for a unique and affordable all-in-one motherboard with excellent specifications. This product might be your best choice.
2. ASUS Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 Prime
Pros:
- Integrated Dual M.2, Intel Optane Memory compatibility, and USB 3.0 connections.
- 5X Protection III Hardware-level safeguards provide longevity and reliability.
- FanXpert 2 Core delivers advanced fan control.
- On-board 3D-printing mounts for creating unique designs.
Cons:
- The overall design does not look exciting or futuristic.
- It does not include UEFI RGB LED design, unlike the ASUS Maximus.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 8 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 7.5 out of 10
The following incredible i5 7600K motherboard we review is the ASUS Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 Prime, a product packed with great features. However, this product gets a lower score than the previous motherboard because it does not support the latest Intel Core gen CPU. So, if you are looking for a motherboard compatible with the latest technology, you might look for something else. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
Furthermore, the ASUS Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 Prime supports the typical DDR4 RAM memory technology, which is a great feature. Although more modern and high-end motherboards exist, no product can match the ASUS Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 Prime’s price and specs. Additionally, the Intel Z270 chipset works great with all devices. As a result, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion, identical to the previous key criterion.
On the flip side, the ASUS Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 Prime scores higher for the expansion slots because it has stunning options. For example, customers can use the dual patent-pending Safe Slot Core fortified PCIe to prevent damage caused by high-end GPUs. Additionally, this motherboard is Intel Optane Memory compatible and has several USB 3.0 connectors. So, here we provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for this key criterion.
Lastly, no gaming motherboard will be complete without enough SATA ports, which is essential for all casual and professional tasks. Fortunately, this motherboard includes SATA ports, but things do not work flawlessly. For example, customers complained that the SATA drive header is too crowded with other cables and connectors. All things considered, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: The ASUS Z270-P LGA1151 DDR4 Prime is an affordable motherboard with many high-end specs and features. So, if you are looking to build a budget gaming setup, it would be best to consider purchasing this great product. You will enjoy the perks of modern motherboards.
3. MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270
Pros:
- Includes multiple GPU support for various purposes and needs.
- Supports DDR4-3866+(OC) Memory.
- The RGB and Mystic Lights add a different dimension to the overall design.
- The all-black layout blends perfectly with your gaming setup.
Cons:
- It lacks modern standards and Wi-Fi features.
- Customers might face certain building issues due to its peculiar design.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 7.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 8 out of 10
The MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 is the following motherboard we rate and review, so it might be your perfect choice. First, this product supports all 6th and 7th Intel Core processors with LGA 1151 sockets. Unfortunately, the MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 does not support the AMD Ryzen processor, which is an issue for professional gamers. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
Furthermore, this product features the standard SDRAM memory technology. Although this is not the primary choice of many casual and professional gamers, it is enough to play the latest mid-range games. Moreover, the MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 features the standard Z270 chipset, the same as the previous product. Henceforth, our experts rated the memory (RAM) criterion with a score of 7.5 out of 10.
We have previously explained the importance of expansion slots and concluded they are vital for a modern gaming rig. Fortunately, the expansion slots criterion is this product’s most prominent feature. Namely, customers can enjoy the four USB 3.1 ports and four USB 2.0 ports in the front, enough for all requirements and customers’ needs. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Finally, the MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 has several SATA ports, which are neatly organized and strategically placed. Namely, customers can use any of the six included SATA ports to connect their compatible devices and gadgets. Furthermore, you can use the same ports to boost storage, thus improving gaming, streaming, and editing performance. Henceforth, this product gets a final score of 8 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: The MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 is a powerful motherboard that does not support the latest memory types. So, if you do not need the latest motherboard technology but want a product with many expansion slots, this is the ideal choice. In addition, you will benefit from its SATA and USB 3.1 ports.
4. MSI Pro Series Intel Z270 DDR4 CrossFire
Pros:
- This amazing product features Military Class 5 components.
- It includes solid core features and has an incredible audio boost.
- It supports DDR4-3800+(OC) memory for an optimal experience.
- Optimized traces and a fully isolated memory circuitry.
Cons:
- This product is not readily available.
- Customers have reported several gaming lags and bugs.
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 9.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 8 out of 10
SATA ports: 7.5 out of 10
Lastly, we will review the MSI Pro Series Intel Z270 DDR4 CrossFire, a motherboard with stunning memory features. However, before we thoroughly explain more about memory, let us look into processor support. Namely, the MSI Pro Series Intel Z270 DDR4 CrossFire has identical processor support as the previous motherboard because it supports all 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. Henceforth, we provide an identical score of 8.5 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
On the flip side, this product’s most prominent feature is memory (RAM) because it supports 64 GB DDR4 memory types. Additionally, customers can enjoy DDR4-3800+(OC) memory for optimal gaming and streaming experience. So, if you need a powerful motherboard with much memory, the MSI Pro Series Intel Z270 DDR4 CrossFire is the ideal choice. As a result, the final score for the memory (RAM) criterion is 9.5 out of 10, missing a perfect score.
Next, it is time to explain several things about the expansion slots because they are essential for a proper user experience. Namely, this motherboard supports SLI and CrossFire and has a couple of Turbo M.2 slots. These slots work great with the rest of your gaming setup and will support any additional devices you want to pair. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the expansion slots key criterion.
Lastly, this motherboard does not have ideal SATA ports support, similar to the previous products. For example, customers will enjoy three SATA ports and the mentioned M.2 sockets storage, which is enough by certain standards. Although three SATA ports do not sound exciting to professional gamers, they are enough for casual and office use. As a result, our experts rated the SATA ports criterion with a score of 7.5 out of 10.
Overview: The MSI Pro Series Intel Z270 DDR4 CrossFire is an amazing motherboard with stunning memory support and a decent processor range. So, customers looking for affordable motherboards with lovely RAM support will benefit the most. So, do not hesitate and purchase this excellent product.
Conclusion
It is impossible to build a high-end gaming, streaming, editing, or causal setup without a decent motherboard. But unfortunately, choosing the best motherboard for your computer can be extremely complicated, especially if you do not know a lot about technology and computers.
As a result, we created this comprehensive guide featuring all the details about our top four motherboards compatible with the i5 7600K processor. So, we recommend getting the ASUS Z370-E Strix because it is the ideal all-in-one gaming and streaming motherboard, but it is more expensive than similar products. On the other hand, it would be best to opt for the MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 because it is more affordable and has impressive specs and features.Â