Choosing the best motherboard for i5 8400 processors is difficult because there are many available units on the market. The ideal motherboard for 8400 processors must have high-end specifications and features, primarily if you use your setup for gaming, streaming, or video editing.
Thus, our ultimate guide written by experts includes comparison tables and reviews and rates the product on four key criteria points. When you read this article, you will become an expert on the best gaming motherboard for i5 8400 processors.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Full product name | MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Coffee Lake B360 LGA 1151 DDR4 Onboard Graphics CFX Micro ATX Motherboard
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Asus Prime Z370-P II GA1151 (Intel 9th Gen) DDR4 HDMI DVI M.2 Z370 II ATX Motherboard with Gigabit LAN and USB 3.1
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ASUS LGA1151 Prime Q370M-C/CSM (300 Series) DDR4 DP HDMI VGA SATA 6GB/s USB 3.1 Gen2 MicroATX CSM Motherboard
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ASROCK Socket for 1151 V2 90 MXB750 A0UAYZ Board Black
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MSI B360M Gaming Plus VR, Optane Ready, Mystic Light, Certified mATX Motherboard
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| RAM memory technology | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Chipset type | Intel B360 | Intel Z370 | Intel Q370 | Intel H370 | Intel B360 |
| SATA 3 ports | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Number of USB ports | 12 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Graphics card | PCI Express | PCI Express | PCI Express | PCI Express | PCI Express |
| CPU socket | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 |
| Product weight | ‎2.55 pounds | 2.4 pounds | 1.1 pounds | 2.4 pounds | 1.9 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 10.4 x 1.5 x 7.6 inches | 12 x 1.1 x 9.6 inches | ‎10.24 x 2.03 x 10.63 inches | 10.7 x 10.29 x 2.4 inches | 9.8 x 5.9 x 1.9 inches |
| Date first released | ‎April 5, 2018 | ‎September 25, 2018 | ‎June 25, 2018 | January 14, 2018 | March 9, 2018 |
MSI Arsenal Gaming Intel Core Lake B360
Pros:
- The overall fit and finish are excellent
- This motherboard is packed with amazing software support
- It is equipped with many fan headers
- It comes with four SATA III ports
- The motherboard supports Intel 8th generation CPUs
Cons:
- It does not include a S/PDIF out port
- The out-of-box performance is average
- There is no Post Code display
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 8.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9.5 out of 10
SATA ports: 7.5 out of 10
The first crucial criterion of any high-end motherboard is the processor or the support of compatible devices the motherboard offers. For example, the MSI B360 unit supports all 8th or lower Intel generation processors, Intel Celeron, and Intel Pentium Gold. Although this sounds great, technology is evolving rapidly, so we might expect certain processor compatibility issues soon. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
On the flip side, an essential criterion for many professional gamers, streamers, and video editors is memory (RAM). Unfortunately, this motherboard does not include any outstanding possibilities because it supports the common DDR SDRAM memory. Furthermore, this motherboard provides up to 2666 MHz memory speed, which is enough by today’s standards. Consequently, the final score for the memory (RAM) criterion is 8.5 out of 10.
The MSI B360 motherboard deserves high praise for the expansion slots criterion because it is packed with incredible features. First, customers get two twin-turbo M.2 slots running at PCI-E Gen 3 for maximized SSD performance. Additionally, this motherboard includes all the other standard ports and slots, so you would not have any compatibility issues. Thus, the final score is 7.5 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Finally, the last key criterion to rate is the SATA ports, and this product is packed with four SATA III ports. Our experts believe high-end motherboards must offer more, so this aspect gets the lowest score on our list. On the flip side, if you are a casual gamer and do not care much about SATA ports, this motherboard will get the job done. Hence, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: The MSI B360 motherboard is packed with incredible features, including incredible software support, various fan headers, and many expansion slots. So, if you are looking for an ideal all-in-one motherboard at a reasonable price, this motherboard is a perfect choice. Our experts tested everything, so you do not have to.
ASUS Prime Z370-P II
Pros:
- This motherboard has a decent overclockable RAM speed
- It comes with various backward compatibility connections
- It is extremely easy to set it up
- You will get constant support after years of use
- The interval components are high-quality
Cons:
- The maximum memory amount is not ideal
- There are not many memory channels
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 9.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 7.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 8 out of 10
SATA ports: 7.5 out of 10
The ASUS Z370-P II differs from the ASUS Tuf regarding expansion slots and compatibility. Furthermore, the processor support is the most significant difference between the Asus Z370-P II and the MSI B360. Namely, this motherboard supports all 9th generation Intel Core processors, which is essential for a modern high-end gaming setup. Additionally, 9th gen Core processors are ideal for professional gamers and streamers so that you would enjoy the gaming experience. As a result, the final score for the processor criterion is 9.5 out of 10, which is astounding.
On the flip side, this motherboard’s most significant drawback is the maximum memory amount, which is only 64 GB. Additionally, this motherboard has an identical RAM speed of 2666 MHz as previously, but it achieves a better overclocking speed. You can overclock this motherboard to 4000 MHz, a significant increase in speed. Nevertheless, the final score for the memory (RAM) criterion is 7.5 out of 10.
Furthermore, this motherboard has two Dual M.2 slots, a single USB 3.1 slot, and four total USB slots. All things considered, this is not ideal by today’s standards, especially if you are trying to build a gaming setup to last. Additionally, this motherboard is compatible with Optane Memory, providing stunning performance all the time. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Last but not least, SATA ports are essential for high-end motherboards, but there is nothing this product stands out. So, the Asus Z370-P is equipped with four SATA ports, identical to the MSI B360. This should be enough for most customers, so you will not have any issues. Consequently, the final score for the SATA ports criterion is 7.5 out of 10.
Overview: The Asus Z370-P’s most important feature is the incredible processor compatibility, supporting 9th generation Intel processors. So, this is the ideal product if you have 9th gen processors for home or office use. In addition, you will enjoy the persistent performance and stunning display output.
ASUS Q370M-C/CSM
Pros:
- It is an extremely efficient and powerful motherboard
- It includes efficient HSIO input and output lanes
- The price is affordable despite being a high-end product
- The connectivity options include more USB ports
- It is the lightest product featured on your list
Cons:
- There are not enough SATA ports
- This motherboard is not readily available
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 7 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 6.5 out of 10
The ASUS Q370M-C/CSM motherboard includes various features, but the most important is the adequate number of expansion slots. Moreover, this motherboard is compatible with all 8th generation Intel processors, which is not ideal, as stated previously. Furthermore, ASUS Q370M-C/CSM offers the typical Intel Q370 chipset, enough for casual and professional gamers. As a result, the final score for the processor criterion is 8 out of 10.
The following important criterion is memory, but this product does not stand out from its competition. So, you get the typical DDR4 SDRAM that you can boost to 6 GB, which may not be enough for professional gamers. Nevertheless, if you are not into gaming professionally, the provided memory is more than enough. As a result, the final score is 7 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
However, this motherboard’s most important feature is the expansion slots. Namely, the ASUS Q370M-C/CSM is equipped with six USB ports, four USB 3.1, and two USB 2.0 ports. Consequently, you do not have to be worried about connectivity issues, especially if you have numerous USB devices. So, the final score for the expansion slots criterion is a whopping 9 out of 10.
Finally, we move from the best to the worst motherboard feature, the SATA ports. Namely, this product only comes with three SATA 6.0 GB/s, which is significantly lower than the previously reviewed products. Although the SATA port speed is decent, three slots may not be enough if you are heavily into gaming, streaming, and editing. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 6.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: This product’s ultimate feature is the number of available USB slots, including four USB 3.1 and two USB 2.0 slots. So, if you are looking for a motherboard with numerous USB slots, the ASUS Q370M-C/CSM should be the ideal choice. However, remember you are not getting a lot of SATA ports.
AsRock V2 90 MXB750
Pros:
- It is a modern motherboard with a stunning design
- It includes an advanced graphics support
- It produces an amazing audio output
- It is affordable and readily available
- It is ideal for gamers and streamers
Cons:
- The Intel H370 is not the most powerful chipset
- The motherboard may struggle under heavy use
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 8 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 9.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
SATA ports: 8.5 out of 10
Our experts believe the AsRock V2 90 MXB750 is the ideal all-in-one product regarding performance and design. Namely, this product is equipped with the typical processor support, including all 8th generation Intel processors. Unfortunately, this may not be enough for professional gamers and is something you must consider before purchasing the product. As a result, the final score is 8 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
Furthermore, the AsRock V2 90 MXB750 is packed with incredible memory features, including DDR5 memory technology. Also, you get a base clock speed of 2400 MHz, but you can overclock it easily. This product includes a memory storage capacity of 64 GB, ideal for any use, including gaming, streaming, or video editing. Consequently, this product gets a nearly perfect score of 9.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
The third critical criterion is expansion slots; this product shares identical support to some previous motherboards. So, the AsRock V2 90 MXB750 includes six USB ports, four USB 3.1, and two USB 2.0 ports. However, this motherboard features a 7.1 CH HD audio unit, providing stunning audio output. Consequently, the final score is 9 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Lastly, unlike the previous motherboard, this product is equipped with more SATA ports, providing better compatibility options. Additionally, the PCI Express graphics card interface provides smooth performance together with the SATA ports. So, if you are looking for a motherboard with numerous SATA ports, this is the ideal choice. All things considered, we provide a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion.
Overview: Experts believe the AsRock V2 90 MXB750 is the ideal all-in-one motherboard because it has all professional gamers and video editors need. Consequently, if you are looking for an affordable motherboard readily available with high-end features, the AsRock V2 90 MXB750 is ideal. We are sure you will fall in love with it as soon as you purchase it.
MSI B360M Gaming Plus VR
Pros:
- This motherboard is equipped with RGB lighting
- The MSI downloadable software is extremely handy
- You can choose several color options for aesthetics
- It is the most affordable product featured in this guide
- It uses the Realtek ALC887 7.1 channel high-definition audio codec
Cons:
- It does not have enough RAM support
- The overclocked memory speed may not be sufficient
- It is not ideal for professional gamers
The key criteria of the product are:
Processor: 7.5 out of 10
Memory (RAM): 6.5 out of 10
Expansion slots: 7 out of 10
SATA ports: 8 out of 10
Our customers tested and concluded that the MSI B360M Gaming Plus VR motherboard is not ideal for professional gamers, but that does not mean it is bad. For example, this product includes the typical processor support for all 8th generation Intel processors. You also get decent support for the Pentium gold and Celeron processors with LGA 1151 sockets. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the processor criterion.
However, this motherboard’s most significant drawback is the memory (RAM), despite having the standard DDR4 support. Unlike the previous models in this guide, the MSI B360M Gaming Plus VR only includes 32 GB RAM, which is not ideal for gamers and video editors. On the flip side, customers get a base clock speed of 2666 MHz that they can overclock easily. Henceforth, the final score is 6.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) criterion.
Furthermore, our experts believe four USB slots may not be enough by today’s standards. Unfortunately, this motherboard is equipped with no more than four USB ports, so certain gamers may struggle with this feature. You will, however, get a couple of USB 3.1 slots, which may be sufficient for some. Consequently, the final score is 7 out of 10 for the expansion slots criterion.
Finally, the last vital criterion is the SATA ports, and this product comes with more available options than the previous unit. For example, customers can take advantage of the six SATA ports, which is enough for casual gamers or streamers. So, the MSI B360M Gaming Plus VR gets a final score of 8 out of 10 for the SATA ports criterion. Additionally, customers can enjoy the perks of the stunning Realtek ALC887 7.1 channel high-definition audio codec.
Overview: The MSI B360M Gaming Plus VR may not be the most suitable motherboard for professional gamers, but it offers certain benefits. So, if you are looking for the ideal product with multiple SATA ports at an affordable price, this is the ideal motherboard. Furthermore, you will enjoy the hours of causal use without lags, bugs, or errors.
Conclusion
The motherboard is an essential component of any setup, so a high-end product is mandatory if you plan to build a powerful gaming rig. However, choosing the ideal unit is sometimes complicated, but fortunately, this product provided all the answers for the best motherboard for i5 8400 processors.
So, our experts highly recommend getting the AsRock V2 90 MXB750 because it is the ultimate all-in-one motherboard featuring numerous benefits and stunning specifications. On the other hand, if you do not want to spend a lot of money but are eager to experience modern games properly, it would be best to opt for the MSI Arsenal B360 motherboard. However, no matter which product you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy every hour of gaming, streaming, or video editing.Â