John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
If you’re looking to build a PC, chances are that you’ll want to take advantage of the powerful I5 13600K processor from Intel. However, there’s one component you need to get right if you want to make the most of the power in this chip. That particular component is the motherboard.
Choose a weak motherboard and you’re placing your valued chip at risk of getting fried if things, for instance, overheat. Remember this is a really powerful CPU and you’ll need a motherboard that can comfortably accommodate it without stuttering. Why is this so important? Let’s break it down for you.
Reasons Why Choosing the Right Motherboard for your I5 13600K Chip Is Important
Better Overclocking Capabilities
Overclocking is all about unlocking maximum output from your PC. Unfortunately, this comes at a cost and could even void your chip’s warranty. To protect your processor, you need to invest in a motherboard with advanced performance features.
For instance, it makes perfect sense to opt for a motherboard with an above-average number of power phases.
Normally, the greater the number of power phases, the better the VRM output. And an enhanced VRM output leads to a stable CPU plus better-operating temperatures.
Enhanced Build-Quality, More Reliability
All motherboards are not made equal. Investing in one specifically built with this chip in mind means you are more likely to end up with something with top-notch build quality. And as you know, good build quality means better reliability.
As a general rule of thumb, investing in quality products only makes your PC last longer. Needless to say, if you cut corners and your PC isn’t up to the task, you’ll end up with a bad user experience. In worse-off cases, you might even end up spending more cash down the line in the form of premature upgrades, repairs, and fixes.
You Stand to Get Better Features
As you can imagine, this powerful CPU can really push your PC’s resources to the limits. As such, you want to bank on features such as extra RAM slots and other connectors which can only be found in advanced motherboards.
It’s also worth appreciating that an upgrade in the motherboard often means getting extra slots for expansion cards thereby keeping you all set for future upgrades.
Better MOSFETs
You need to leave no stone unturned in your quest for a better ecosystem for this beefy chip. And what better way to do that than by getting the most advanced metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) available?
If you’re into overclocking, high-quality MOSFETs can come in handy in keeping your PC cooler thereby boosting its overall safety.
And let’s face it, the last few years have seen notable improvements in MOSFET technologies. So, if at all you are going to get this advanced processor it also makes perfect sense to bank on the latest MOSFETs in town.
We could go on and on but we think our point has been made. Getting a good motherboard is extremely important if you’re looking to push your I5 13600K chip to the limits. By making such a choice you get not only better speeds but also stable performance and longevity.
Our Top 4 Best Budget Motherboards For I5 13600K
Since this CPU will feature the 1700 LGA, it is backwards compatible with Z690 Motherboards, as such we will focus on those.
We’ll now go a bit more in-depth on the features of each of these motherboards.
Best Z690 Motherboards:
- Supports 12th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket.Audio ports (Rear): Realtek ALC897/ALC892 Codec
- Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5600(OC) MHz
- Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop works
- 2.5G LAN Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use. Delivers a secure, stable and fast network connection
- Lightning M.2: Running at PCIe Gen4 x4 maximizes performance for NVMe based SSDs
Pros
- Best-Seller of all the Z690s
- Good results when overclocking both RAM & CPU
- Compatible with DDR5 RAM
- Good Brand
- Cheap when compared to other Z690s
Cons
- Lacks some features when compared to other more expensive options
- Overclocking stability & limit not quite as good as other options
In our perspective, the MSI PRO Z690-A really shines out when compared to others; it’s top of the line in terms of quality. Because it is a regular-sized ATX motherboard, it will only fit in ATX-sized cases; keep this in mind.
In terms of performance and build quality, it’s excellent, quite similar to the following choice on our list, but far superior to any other possibilities we’ll show you later in this post, the MSI PRO Z690-A shines in terms of quality, and the fact that it’s a Z690 is nothing but advantageous since it will let you to do everything you want with it, including extreme overclocking; we’re confident that it will fulfill all of the users’ demands presently.
The MSI PRO Z690-A is the most popular Z690 motherboard for the Intel Core I5 12600k processor.
The MSI PRO Z690-A Pro is based on the Z690 chipset and includes an LGA 1700 socket optimized for Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors from the 12th generation.
It has four memory slots that can take both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM with capacities and speeds ranging from 256GB of DDR4 memory to DDR5 5333. (OC). There are two M.2 slots with heatsinks and six SATA III connectors for storage devices.
Realtek ALC1220 7.1-channel HD audio with Nahimic audio enhancer, twin LAN ports, an Intel Wi-Fi 6E interface, Gigabit Ethernet connections, and compatibility for AMD CrossFireX technologies are also included.
To provide extra USB connections for your system, the back panel also has a PS/2 combination connector and various USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and a single USB 2.0 header on the motherboard’s I/O panel.
When used with compatible Wi-Fi, the motherboard has a wireless antenna, which expands its connectivity options.
- Supports 12th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket.Audio ports (Rear): 5plus Optical S/PDIF (Realtek ALC4080 Codec)
- Supports DDR5 Memory, up to 5600(OC) MHz
- Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop works
- 2.5G LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6 Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use. Delivers a secure, stable and fast network connection
- Lightning M.2: Running at PCIe Gen4 x4 maximizes performance for NVMe based SSDs
Pros
- Guaranteed Satisfaction if you get this motherboard as it is top of the line.
- Best results when overclocking
- Has everything you will ever need
- Supports DDR5 RAM
- Allows heavy overclocking of your RAM & CPU
- Good Brand
Cons
- Expensive
Another of our favorites, the MSI MPG Z690 Edge is even better than the previous ASUS Z690 in that it’s a 100 percent complete motherboard, every component is high-quality, and there’s virtually nothing lacking in this motherboard, making a better one difficult to find. When compared to other models, such as the B660, it truly stands out. It is also an ATX Motherboard in terms of size.
Allows you to do strong and even high overclocks while being reasonably stable, and with a solid brand like the ROG behind you, you won’t have to worry about customer service or warranty. (Keep in mind that overclocking voids the warranty.)
The MSI MPG Z690 Edge, in our opinion, stands out from the crowd.
MSI MPG Z690 Edge is a tiny ATX motherboard that is packed with strong capabilities that will allow you to crush your opponents.
The MSI MPG Z690 Edge gives all the elements you need to harness the full potential of components in your build for top-tier gaming performance, including a 14+2 90A power stage design, Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, LANGaurd, and pre-mounted I/O shield.
AI noise cancellation of up to 30 background sounds is included.
It’s also well-equipped for content creators’ demands, making it the ideal basis for your next high-core count behemoth.
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, support PCIe 5.0 and out of box Windows 11 ready.Graphics: Support 8K@60Hz as specified in DisplayPort 1.4. Support 4K@60Hz as specified in HDMI 2.1.Audio : High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input.
- AI Motherboard : AI Overclocking, AI cooling, AI networking(GameFirst VI) and AI noise cancellation
- Robust Power Solution: 16+1 power stages with ProCool II power connector, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors to support multi-core processors
- Optimized Thermal Design: VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, double-sided M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 utility
- High-performance Gaming Networking: On-board WiFi 6 and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard
Pros
- Guaranteed Satisfaction if you get this motherboard as it is top of the line.
- Best results when overclocking
- Has everything you will ever need
- Supports DDR5 RAM
- Allows heavy overclocking of your RAM & CPU
- Good Brand
- Long Warranty
Cons
- Most Expensive Option
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, support PCIe 5.0 and out of box Windows 11 ready.Bluetooth v5.2
- Enhanced Power Solution: 14+2 DrMOS power stages, ProCool sockets, military-grade TUF components, and Digi+ VRM for maximum durability and performance
- Comprehensive Cooling : VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 utility
- Ultra Fast Gaming Networking : WiFi 6 AX201 (802.11 ax), Intel I225-V 2.5Gb LAN, TUF LANGuard and TurboLAN technology
- Fastest Connectivity: 4x M.2/NVMe SSD, Front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header, USB Gen 2x2 Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 header
Pros
- Best Price/Performance ratio.
- Stable results when overclocking
- Has almost everything you need, aside from a few key details
- Supports DDR5 RAM
- Allows heavy overclocking of your RAM & CPU
- Good Brand
- Cheap
Cons
- Not as good as the more expensive options