The word “Generation” used to be a fairly simple concept. A “generation” of processors was simply the next version of the same thing.
So, the “second generation” of processors would be an updated version of the first generation with faster speeds and perhaps some new features. The third generation would be an update to the second, and so on.
But things have gotten more complicated in recent years. Now, there are all sorts of different “generations” of processors from different manufacturers.
And the frustrating thing is that, unlike AMD, Intel doesn’t actually label their generations all that clearly. So, it can be tough to figure out which generation you’re looking at when you’re shopping for a new processor.
And what’s, even more, is the fact that not every generation is compatible with the same motherboard. So, if you’re looking to upgrade to a new generation of processors, you might also need to upgrade your motherboard.
In other words, there is no such thing as a “Universal Motherboard” and if you want a motherboard for your newly bought 9th Gen processor, things can get a little.
But hey, don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best motherboards for Intel’s 9th Generation processors.
So, whether you’re looking for a high-end option for overclocking or a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered.
Just go ahead and pick the one that best suits your needs, and you’ll be all set.
1. ASUS Prime Z390-P LGA1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen) ATX Motherboard
After scouring the internet for the best intel 9th gen motherboard, I finally decided on the ASUS Prime Z390-P LGA1151. And I have to say, I’m really happy with my purchase.
Chipset Support
The first thing I noticed about this motherboard is that it supports 8th and 9th-generation Intel Core processors. This is great because it means I can use my current processor and still be able to upgrade in the future if I need to.
Maximum RAM Support
Another great feature of this motherboard is that it supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. This is more than enough for even the most demanding tasks. And it’s also great for future-proofing.
And the best part is that you use the Dual Channel Memory Architecture for maximum stability and performance.
Flexible Connectivity
One of the many great features of this motherboard is the fact that it has a lot of different connectivity options. It has two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, and six SATA 6Gb/s ports.
This gives me a lot of different ways to connect my devices and make sure that they are all compatible with this motherboard.
ASUS Optimal II
Overclocking is something that I’m interested in, and this motherboard comes with a feature called ASUS Optimal II. This is a great feature for those who are looking to overclock their processors because it provides better DRAM overclocking stability.
Voltage Protection
This motherboard also comes with voltage protection. This is a great feature because it protects your components from being damaged by overvoltage.
It has some noteworthy protection such as a safe slot core, which protects your graphics card from being damaged, and LANGuard, which protects your Ethernet connection from being damaged.
Cooling System
As to keep things cool, this motherboard comes with a fanxpert 4 cooling system. This is a great cooling system because it has a lot of different features that help to keep things cool.
It has an AIO pump header, which helps to circulate the water in your computer so that it doesn’t overheat. It also has four fans, which help to keep the air flowing and prevent the components from overheating.
Audio Technology
Moving on to audio, this motherboard comes with Realtek ALC887 high definition audio codec. This is a great audio codec because it provides clear and crisp sound.
It also has eight channels, which provide a surround sound experience, I mean who wouldnt want that?
In short, the ASUS Prime Z390-P LGA1151 is a great motherboard for those who are looking for a high-end option. It has a lot of features that are great for overclocking, it has voltage protection, and it comes with a great audio codec.
2. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151
Second, on the list is the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151. As the name suggests, this motherboard is designed for gamers, and it comes with all the features that a gamer would need.
Aesthetics
Starting with the looks, the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 has a black and red color scheme which gives it a very aggressive look. And it is also adorned with RGB lighting, which makes it look even more appealing.
Build Quality
Calling the build quality simply “Good” would be an understatement. This motherboard is built like a tank, and it can take a lot of abuse. I’ve had this motherboard for over two years now, and it’s still going strong.
Connecitivty
If you are an individual that is digging for a feature-rich motherboard then this is the one for you. Firstly, it has support for the latest 9th and 8th generation of processors from Intel. It also comes with 4 DIMM slots which can support up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM.
It also has two Turbo M.2 slots, and it also supports Intel Optane memory. In terms of connectivity, it comes with HDMI and DVI ports, and it also has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C port. It also has Intel CNVi Wi-Fi support.
Overclocking
Obviously, you would want to know the overclocking potential of this motherboard before you buy it. And I’m happy to report that this motherboard is a beast when it comes to overclocking.
I was able to overclock my Intel i7-8700K to 5.0 GHz without any issues. The BIOS is also very user-friendly, and I didn’t encounter any problems when I was overclocking my CPU.
VRM and HeatSinks
Speaking of Overclocking, one of the most important factors that determine how well a motherboard can overclock is the VRM. The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 comes with a 12+1 Phase IR Digital VRM solution which is more than enough for overclocking.
It also comes with active cooling for the MOSFETs, and it also has extended heatsinks for better heat dissipation.
Bundled Software
The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 comes with a few useful software applications. The most notable one is the MSI Command Center which is a very handy tool for overclocking and monitoring your system.
This gives you a better perspective of how your system is performing, and you can also use it to monitor the temperatures.
Conclusion
The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus LGA1151 is one of the best motherboards that you can buy for a gaming PC. It has great build quality, and it comes with a plethora of features.
It’s also very easy to overclock, and it has great overclocking potential. If you are looking for a motherboard that has everything that you need, then this is the one for you.
3. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi) LGA1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen)
I recently upgraded to the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard and I have to say, I’m very impressed. The board is very well designed and laid out, and it has a ton of features that are perfect for gamers and enthusiasts.
Overall Design
The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard has a very clean and elegant design. The board is black with red accents, and it looks great in a gaming PC build. Making it extremely pleasant to look at.
ASUS has done a great job with the layout of the board. All of the ports and headers are clearly labeled and easy to access. The board also has a very nice-looking heat sink design that helps to keep the board cool.
Chipset support
The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard supports the 8th and 9th generation of Intel processors. This means that you can use the latest and greatest processors from Intel on this board.
The board also supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, and it has four DIMM slots. This is plenty of RAM for most users, and it should be more than enough for gaming and other memory-intensive tasks.
Storage support
The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard has two M.2 slots for SSDs. This is great for people who want to install a fast boot drive and a large storage drive on their PC. The board also supports SATA III drives, so you can use any standard hard drive or SSD.
Connectivity
It has a great selection of ports and headers. There are four USB 3.1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, a Gigabit LAN port, and a 7.1 audio jack.
This should be more than enough connectivity for most users. The HDMI and DisplayPort ports allow you to connect a 4K monitor to the board, and the Gigabit LAN port ensures that you have a fast and reliable connection to the internet.
Component Quality
Moreover, it speaks volumes when it comes to the quality of ASUS’s work. The board is made with high-quality components, and it shows. The board is very well built, and it feels very solid.
I m surprised how sturdy the TUF series is. I’ve owned other ASUS boards in the past, and they’ve all been very good, but the TUF series takes it to a whole new level.
And the fact they have used components like TUF LANGuard, TUF Chokes, TUF Capacitors, and TUF MOSFETs just goes to show how much ASUS cares about the quality of their products.
The heat sinks on the board are also very well designed, and they do an excellent job of keeping the board cool.
Performance
I’ve been very happy with the performance of the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard. The board has been very stable, and I haven’t had any issues with it. It’s also been very fast, and I’ve been able to overclock my processor without any problems.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming motherboard is very good. The board uses a Realtek S1200A high-definition audio codec, and it sounds great. I’ve been able to game and listen to music without any issues.
I highly recommend this board to anyone who is looking for a great all-around motherboard. It’s a great choice for gaming, general use, or even light overclocking.
4. ASRock B365M PRO4 LGA1151/ Intel B365
Quality motherboard for a quality CPU.
The ASRock B365M Pro4 is one of the best options out there for those who need a quality motherboard that can support Intel’s 9th Generation processors.
This board is built on the dependable Intel B365 chipset and comes loaded with features including support for Quad CrossFireX and CrossFireX technology, 4 DIMM slots for DDR4 memory, and 2 PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots.
Aesthetics and Form Factor
In terms of looks, the ASRock B365M Pro4 is a sleek and stylish black and gray affair with plenty of room to expand thanks to its MicroATX form factor. The board also includes an LED header so you can add some extra bling if you so desire.
RAM Capacity Range and Type
This board can accommodate up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and supports speeds of 2666MHz, 2400MHz, and 2133MHz.
However, I do wish it was at least up to 128GB to be on the safe side of future-proofing.
Ports and Connectivity
It has plenty of ports and connectivity options including 4 SATA III ports, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and an Intel I219V Gigabit LAN port.
Performance
Moreover, it is a great performer thanks to its use of the Intel B365 chipset. This board is capable of supporting 9th Generation Intel Core processors with a TDP of up to 95W which makes it great for overclocking.
With the addition of 4 DIMM slots for DDR4 memory with support for speeds of up to 2666MHz. The board also includes 2 PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots which can be used for installing a graphics card or other expansion card.
Overall, the ASRock B365M Pro4 is a great choice for those who need a quality motherboard that can support 9th Generation Intel Core processors. This board is packed with features and provides excellent performance thanks to its use of the Intel B365 chipset.
5. MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen)
Everyone knows that MSI makes one of the best motherboards on the market. And their Z390-A PRO is no different. It’s a great motherboard for anyone looking to use an 8th or 9th Gen Intel processor.
Chipset Support
Starting off from its long list of features, the MSI Z390-A Pro supports both 8th and 9th-generation Intel processors. This means that if you’re looking to upgrade your PC in the future, you won’t need to get a new motherboard. It also has an LGA 1151 socket, which is highly suitable for 9th Gen Intel Processors.
RAM Specifications
This board comes with 4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM. It also has a maximum frequency of 4400 MHz, which is great for gaming and other high-end applications.
Storage
In terms of storage, the MSI Z390-A Pro has 6 SATA 3.0 ports as well as 2 M.2 slots. The M.2 slots support both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modes, which is great for people who want to use the latest NVME SSDs.
Connectivity
This piece of mighty engineering includes 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and 2 USB 2.0 ports. It also has an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and a DVI-D port. In terms of networking, it has a Gigabit Ethernet port as well as Intel Wireless-AC support.
Power Regulations
This motherboard also comes with a number of power-related features. It has an 8+4 pin CPU power connector, which is great for people who want to overclock their processors. It also has a number of other features, such as EZ Debug LED, which makes troubleshooting a breeze.
Overall, the MSI Z390-A Pro is a great motherboard for anyone looking to use an 8th or 9th Gen Intel processor. It has a wide range of features and it’s very reasonably priced.
6. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi
Eyes on the prize, the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro Wifi is one of the best motherboards for the Intel 9th gen processors.
It supports both the 8th and 9th generation of Intel Core processors and comes with a number of features that are designed to make your gaming experience better.
Chipset Support And Socket Type
The motherboard uses the Z390 chipset and an LGA 1151 socket which is compatible with a number of 8th and 9th generation Intel processors including the i7-8700K and i9-9900K.
Memory Support
The motherboard supports dual-channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory and comes with 4 DIMMs. It is also Intel Optane Memory ready which means it can take advantage of the speed benefits that come with using an Optane SSD.
It can support a maximum RAM capacity of up to 64GB.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the motherboard comes with a number of options including HDMI, DVI-D, and DisplayPort. It also has 8+2 channel audio support and uses the Realtek ALC1220 codec. For networking, it comes with Intel I219V Gigabit LAN.
Aesthetics And RGB Lighting
The motherboard comes with a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting. The back of the I/O panel is lined with RGB LEDs which can be controlled using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion app.
VRM and Heatsink
The motherboard uses a 12+1 phase digital VRM solution with DrMOS. It also has an advanced thermal design with multiple cuts heatsinks and a heat pipe.
Auditory Sensation
The motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 codec which delivers 114dB SNR in the rear and 110dB SNR in the front. It also uses WIMA audio capacitors to provide a high-quality sound experience.
All in all, I believe this motherboard is quite a steal at this price range, considering how many features it has to offer, so go ahead and add it to the cart, you won’t regret it!
7. Asus Intel 8th & 9th Gen DDR4 HDMI VGA Micro ATX Motherboards
Last but not least on our list of the best Intel 9th generation DDR4 HDMI VGA micro ATX motherboards is the Asus Prime H310M-E R2.0.
Socket Type And Chipset Support
Taking a look at its specs, the Asus Prime H310M-E R2.0 is designed exclusively for use with 9th generation Intel Core processors as well as 8th Gen ones, it’s a perfect fit for anyone who is looking to upgrade from their previous-gen processors.
RAM Capacity Range
As for RAM support, it can house a maximum of 32GB DDR4 RAM with speeds of up to 2666MHz, which is more than enough for the majority of users.
However, if you are going full Pro, I believe 32GB won’t cut it, you might want to look elsewhere on our list.
Storage Options
When it comes to storage options, the Asus Prime H310M-E R2.0 has you covered as well with an integrated M.2 slot that supports both SATA and NVMe drives.
Ports And Connectivity
In terms of ports and connectivity, it comes with an HDMI port, a VGA port, 4x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and 4x USB 2.0 ports.
To be honest, that’s all the port you could possibly know in the world, in other words, you are basically covered from all sides, at least in the connectivity factor.
Audio Technology
As for audio, it uses the SupremeFX S1220A codec which is designed to deliver high-quality sound. And the fact that it uses an EMI shield ensures that there will be no interference from other components, making it quite an optimal motherboard.
Thermal Dissipation System
The motherboard also features a Fan Xpert 2+ system which allows you to fine-tune your fan settings for the perfect balance of cooling and silence, which basically hits the sweet spot for most users.
Ease Of Use
The motherboard also comes with ASUS EZ Flash 3 which makes it very easy to update the BIOS without having to go through a lot of hassle.
All in all, the Asus Prime H310M-E R2.0 is a great option for anyone who is looking for a 9th-generation compatible motherboard that won’t break the bank.
Wrap Up
I believe after reading this brief and straightforward article, your journey to find the best Intel 9th generation motherboard has come to an end, and you are now ready to take your pick from any of the above-mentioned motherboards.
Just make sure that you check all the specs and compatibility before making your purchase so that you don’t end up with a dud!
Did I miss out on any great motherboard? Let me know in the comments below! And as always, thank you for reading!
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