Best Motherboard For i5-13600K (Z790, Z690, DDR5, DDR4)

To work with the discussed processor, we compiled a few of the Best Motherboard For i5-13600K as it is one of the best processors available. Whether or not you’re replacing this component or not, the core i5-13600K is used by gamers as it gives great performance.

Players want a system that can manage their intensive processing requests. So, some features should be considered in the selected motherboard that can be used with 13600K.

First of all, chipset should be looked at as it is an important part of the gaming motherboard. Most recent versions are B660M and Z690, both considered high-end by the reviewers. Moving on, LGA 1700 socket should be available in the motherboard so it is compatible with our selected processor. ATX form factor is preferred by many users as it can fit a wide range of PC cases. 

Let’s take in consideration the MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi as it has all the requirements that are needed by the processor. With user friendly software and an easy installation process, it has the potential to be your chosen motherboard. Connectivity options should be offered in several ways so the user has no issue connecting other devices.

At last, the decision is entirely upon the user as they will have different priorities. Some might prefer RGB and several connectivity ports and vice versa. Some motherboards might be a little expensive for some people, but it is worth the investment as it increases the speed and performance of your system.

These reasons in turn increase the gamer’s edge in competitive gaming sessions. Games like Far Cry 6 and Microsoft Flight Simulator perform efficiently while keeping the temperature down. Moreover, there is not much difference in performance when compared to core i7-13700K. Additionally if you’re a consistent user of Adobe Photoshop, this processor also gives efficient performance while consuming less power. For more information, scroll down for detailed reviews of great products. 

List of Top Rated Best Motherboard For i5-13600K

  1. GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX
  2. MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming Motherboard
  3. MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 Gaming Motherboard
  4. ASUS Prime Z690-A
  5. NZXT N7 Z690 Motherboard
  6. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus D4

1- GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX

For high speed gaming and internet workings, there is a need for a fast motherboard that is able to fulfill this request. So, consider the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX model that has the ability to satisfy the customer’s demands.

With ATX form factor, LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset, it can easily work with Core i5-13600K processor. It has a PCIe x16 5.0 slot with dual channel DDR4 memory that is able to give a memory speed of 2133 MHz. Physically it has a simple black design, however, it is compatible with a wide range of cases. 

For cooling purposes, high-covered MOSFET heatsinks, large thermal guards using state of the art thermal design are implemented. Great power design is given using 16+1, +2 digital VRM style with 70A power stage using tantalum polymer capacitors.

Many connectivity options are available in this component like 3 M.2 sockets, 6 SATA ports, 7 USB ports, 2 USB Type-C ports and 2 audio jacks. Additionally, Wifi 6 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.5 GbE LAN is offered in the wireless communication module. 

Although there is no RGB in the motherboard itself, the Z690 Aorus Elite AX offers RGB fusion 2.0 which supports addressable LED and RGB LED strips. This component can support any AIO coolers with no trouble as long as it has an LGA 1700 socket. Reviewers  recommend using this motherboard with Intel’s Core i5 and i7 as it is best suited for this range of processors. 

Comparison:

We take the ASRock Z690 PG Velocita for comparison with the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX as they have many similarities. However, the latter model is much cheaper than the former model. Also, the Z690 Elite AX has more connectivity options than the Z690 PG Velocita.  

Pros:

  • Excellent performance 
  • Cheap for DDR4 memory 
  • Several connectivity options
  • Great deal of characteristics

Cons:  

  • No RGB lighting

2- MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming Motherboard

MSI Z690 Force WiFi Gaming Motherboard

When in need to upgrade your gaming console,  make sure to check out the MSI Z690 Force Wifi model. With an ATX form factor, Z690 chipset and LGA 1700 socket, it can support the Core i5-13600K processor with no trouble. It has 3 PCIe x16 ports with dual channel memory architecture that gives a memory speed of 5600 MHz. Built with an attractive white and gray structure, it is unconventional than most motherboards. 

Moving onto the cooling process, heavy plated MOS heatsink design and M.2 Shield Frozr are integrated giving increased performance in the system. Moving on, this motherboard has many options for maintaining connections like 6 SATA ports, 5 M.2 ports, 4 USB ports (including type-C and type-A, Wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 and audio codec. Moreover in the rear end, there is a HDMI port, Displayport and 2.5 GB LAN which are great features in addition with all other connections.  

Although there is no RGB in the component itself, there are options for attaching this gadget. For example 1 RGB LED connector and 2 Rainbow LED connectors are provided in this component. Moving on, the MSI BIOS is one of the most user-friendly and accessible software available in the market presently. Its user interface gives the user full control over settings that can be changed with just one click. 

Comparison: 

We consider the ASUS Prime Z690-P for comparison with the MSI Z690 Force Wifi model as they share many attributes. Although the former component is cheaper, the Z690 Force Wifi has more SATA and M.2 ports. Additionally, it has integrated wireless LAN and supports AMD crossfire which the Prime Z690-P does not support.    

Pros:

  • Excellent performance in 13600K
  • Several USB options
  • Easy installation process
  • Unique color coordination  

Cons:

  • No RGB
  • Bit expensive for some people

3- MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 Gaming Motherboard

MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 Gaming Motherboard

Gamers are constantly in need of fast and efficient performing components that give them an edge in gaming. So, take a look at the MSI MAG B660M Mortar motherboard as it is very much compatible with Core i5-13600K and this is also compatible with i5-12400. With micro-ATX form factor, LGS1700 socket and B660 chipset it is one the best motherboards present in the market right now. 

It has 2 PCIe x16 slots with dual channel DDR4 memory that gives a memory speed of 2133 MHz. Black colored structure with hints of silver makes it different from other motherboards, in turn alluring the users. 

For cooling purposes it has extended heatsinks, thermal pads, M.2 Shield Frozr and circuit design using copper to dissipate heat away from the device. For maintaining connections, 8 USB ports (includes Type-C), 1 HDMI port, 1 Display port, 6 SATA ports and an audio jack are provided. In addition to these, Wifi6, Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.5 GbE network jack is also present in this component. Installation process is simple for users and beginners as well as it has a user friendly UI making it a good choice for beginner players.  

Although no RGB is integrated, 3 RGB headers are available so the user can attach external lighting systems. You get most of the major features in the MAG B660M Mortar Wifi motherboard like less power consumption, efficient performance and several connectivity options. While more expensive choices are present, this component is relatively cheap and has attributes that are not available in other models. 

Comparison:

We take the MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 in comparison with the MAG B660M Mortar as they share many characteristics. Although the former model is cheaper, the B660M Mortar has more connectivity options, integrated wireless LAN and supports AMD Crossfire. All of these features are not present in the Pro B660M-A DDR4 model.   

Pros:

  • Sleek aesthetics 
  • Good price range
  • Excellent performance 
  • Several ports

Cons:   

  • Just 2 M.2 sockets 
  • Limited fan header count

4- ASUS Prime Z690-A

ASUS Prime Z690-A

People demand high performance and effectively build motherboards for fast-paced gaming sessions. Thus, ASUS came up with the Prime Z690-A model which is compatible with the Core i5-13600K processor and i7-12700K.

With ATX form factor, LGA 1700 and Z690 chipset, it has the ability to work with most high-end processors. It has 2 PCIe x16 ports with dual channel DDR5 memory which reaches the memory speed of 2133 MHz. Black, white and silver colors are used to design this component, which makes it different from its competitors. 

Moving on to the cooling phase, it has huge VRM heatsinks, M.2 backplate with Q-latch, M.2 heatsinks, hybrid fan headers, thermal pads and Fan Xpert 4. All of these make sure to displace heat away from the motherboard for efficient working.

A total of 8 USB ports (includes Type-C), 4 SATA ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 Displayport and 4 M.2 slots are present for maintaining connections. Moreover, the audio interface provides a two-way noise cancellation function which increases productivity of the users.  

A strip of RGB with Aura Sync support is present on top of the VRM heatsink for cool aesthetics. Additionally, 4 RGB headers are present in this motherboard so the user can customize according to their likes. Upon various tests, the results concluded that it gives the user good performance and cooling effects when using the Core i5-13600K processor. 

Comparison:

For this task, we consider the Biostar’s Z690 Valkyrie with the ASUS Prime Z690-A model as they share many attributes. Although the former model has 4 more SATA ports, the Prime Z690-A is cheaper and has an extra onboard USB gen 2. 

Pros:

  • Supports DDR5 
  • Great overclocking options 
  • 4 M.2 sockets 
  • 2 USB Type-C ports
  • Appealing look

Cons: 

  • No integrated Wifi

5- NZXT N7 Z690 Motherboard

NZXT N7 Z690 Motherboard

Built for competitive gamers, the NZXT Z690 motherboard offers a lot of features and high performance. With an ATX form factor, LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset, it is capable of working with Core i5-13600K effortlessly.

It has 3 PCIe 5.0 and 3 PCIe 4.0 ports with dual channel DDR4 memory that makes the memory speed reach 2133 MHz. White design gives a clean and sleek appearance to the motherboard which allures the users. 

For cooling measurements,  the primary M.2 heatsink slot is there to avoid thermal throttling during heat dissipation. Moreover, copper PCB is used for better current conduction during long usage and cool temps.

Installation is pretty simple so the user does not have to worry about assembling it. For connectivity, 3 M.2 slots, 4 SATA ports, rear I/O has 8 USB ports (includes Type-C) and 1 HDMI port while the internal I/O has 4 USB ports and 7 fan headers.  

Although there is no RGB in the device itself, 2x NZXT RGB, 1x 5V ARGB, 1x 12V RGB ports are present for external attachments. Using CAM software, the user can control fans and RGB lights and can command lighting accessories from other brands as well. Overall, the N7 Z690 motherboard has great performance results and great aesthetics that users prefer in a motherboard. 

Comparison:

We consider ASUS Rog Maximus Z690 Hero for comparison with NZXT N7 Z690 model as they share many characteristics. However, the latter model is cheaper, supports AMD Crossfire and has more connectivity options.  

Pros:

  • DDR4 memory 
  • Good quality and structure 
  • Excellent performance 
  • Sufficient support for SATA and M.2 ports

Cons:

  • Bit expensive 
  • No RGB on board

6- ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus D4

ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus D4

Beginner level gamers prefer to have a system that gives great performance within a budget. Thus, consider the ASUS TUF gaming Z690-plus motherboard as it fits the stated problem. With an ATX form factor, LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset, it has the ability to work with Core i5-13600K smoothly.

It has 2 PCIe x16 slots, 4 M.2 slots and dual channel DDR4 memory that limits the memory speed to 2133 MHz. TUF gaming Z690-Plus has a black appearance much like many other motherboards out there, however, the aluminum finishing on the VRM heatsink provides an exceptional look.

Regarding the cooling process, a huge VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink without fans, M.2 heatsinks and Fan Xpert facility in Armoury Crate software is provided. About connectivity options, this motherboard has 1 HDMI port, 2 Display Ports, 8 USB ports (including Type-C), 4 SATA ports, 4 USB headers, Bluetooth 5.2 and Wifi 6. Two-way Noise cancellation allows the reduction of background sound providing clarity during work or gaming.


Minimal RGB lights are present on the motherboard that are not much visible. But the TUF Z690-Plus offers 4 RGB headers for connecting external lighting devices. This motherboard has the rugged look, cooling effects, excellent performance and RGB that can outshine other competitors. Armory Crate software is a great software that works well with Core i5-13600K processor provisioning smooth changes and control over the system. this board is also supported by i5-12600K processor.

Comparison:

We consider the ASUS Rog Maximus Z690 Formula for comparison with the ASUS TUF gaming Z690-Plus as they share severak attributes. However, the latter model is 65% cheaper than the former and has more connectivity options.  

Pros:

  • Cheaper than most Z690 motherboards
  • 4 M.2 sockets 
  • Good cooling performance
  • DDR4 support 

Cons:

  • Unappealing for some users

Required Motherboard For Core i5-13600K

  • Required socket for the 13600K is the LGA 1700. 
  • Form factor requirement for this motherboard is ATX.
  • It should support the latest version of connection like Wifi 6.
  • Several connectivity options should be offered to the user.
  • RGB lighting is dependent on the user’s preference.

Difference Between Core i5-13600K and Core i5-12600K

  1. Both processors support the same socket i-e, LGA 1700.
  2. Core i5-12600K consists of 10 cores and on the other hand the Core i5-13600K has 14 cores.
  3. Core i5-13600K contains 20 threads while the core i5-12600K has 16 threads.
  4. Boost Frequency of 12600K is around 4.9 GHz whilst 13600K has 5.1 GHz boost.
  5. Both mainframes support UHD graphics 770 integrated GPUs.
  6. GPU boost clock of 12600K is 1450 MHz and the 13600K version has 1500 MHz.
  7. Core i5-13600K costs around $300 while the 12600K’s price is $260.

Best Motherboard For i5-13600K Buying Guide

Motherboard plays a vital role in gaming PC systems as it has the responsibility of being a communication medium between itself and other CPU components. To choose a motherboard that is suitable for Core i5-13600K processor we need to know which attributes should be present in this component.

Core i5-13600K is one of the best performing processors in the tech world as of now. So, contemplate all the features that are significant in a motherboard. 

We recommend the MSI Z690 Force Wifi motherboard as it has an appealing physique, excellent performance and several connectivity options. Moreover, it provides good cooling effects that dissipate heat away from the motherboard.

No RGB is present on the component but there are options for connecting external lighting systems. In the end, the choice to pick the motherboard is up to the user as they know better which is suitable for their systems.    

Compatibility

For using Core i5-13600K, the motherboard should have an LGA 1700 socket which is required by the processor. All products mentioned as in this article have this socket, making them compatible with our processor. So, make sure to choose a motherboard that has an LGA 1700 socket option.

Chipset

Chipset has the responsibility to maintain smooth data flow between motherboard’s components. So choose the latest chipset like Z690 and B660M. Both of these chipsets are present in the mentioned items.  

Form Factor

Form factor is used to describe the magnitude of the motherboard in the tech world. Three types of form factors are most commonly used namely ATZ, E-ATX and micro-ATX. Users prefer to have the ATX form factor as it can fit many cases.  

Connectivity

This is an important feature as users want lots of options for connectivity. Our recommended option, the MSI Z690 Force Wifi has USB Type-C option, HDMI, Bluetooth and Wifi 6 as well. 

Additional Features

RGB lighting is preferred by gamers as it creates an aesthetic mood that increases their productivity. So, they want a motherboard that has these options available or can connect to other lighting systems. Although the system can be cooled using a i5-13600K CPU cooler, some cooling features in the motherboard are much appreciated by the users.

FAQs

Which Motherboard Is Best For An i5 Processor?

There are many motherboard options that are available in the tech world. So, we listed some of the best products that are best suited for an i5 processor.

Which Is Better Z590 Vs Z690?

Although both are excellent chipsets, the Z690 has more features and is technologically advanced than the Z590 chipset. Moreover, many users prefer to have the latest version when buying a new motherboard, so they prefer the Z690 chipset. 

Is The i5-13600K Good For Gaming?

The Core i5-13600K is one of the best performing processors in the world right now so it is bound to give great performance when gaming.

Also See:

Leave a Comment