John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
Choosing the right motherboard is never easy because there are so many different ones to choose from, various models, various chipsets, various brands, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, and that is why we’re here to support you pick the best budget motherboard for I5 12600K by providing you with a few excellent motherboards that we’ve personally tested and certified.
4 chipsets work with this CPU, they are:
– Z690
– B660
– H670
– H610
however, only 1 of them will allow you to achieve the maximum performance out of your CPU, that’s the Z690’s as they are the only ones that will allow you to do more powerful overclocks to your CPU along with using DDR5 RAM.
The difference between the B660 and the Z690 is that the Z690 allows for powerful overclocks & has better features & components that are usually a bit better than the B660, along with the ability to use DD5 RAM with Z690 while you can only use DDR4 with the B660.
In our opinion you should get the Z690’s if you have the budget for it, even the cheapest Z690 has far better features than the B660 and allows a much more stable overclock, however, B660’s are the perfect choice for you if you’re on a tight budget, just keep in mind that its features will not be as good as the Z690’s nor can you overclock as much nor as stable.
However, we will provide you with options from all chipsets so that you can choose for yourself.
If you are still considering what CPU to get you could also check our motherboard suggestions for the I5 12400 / 12400f.
Why should you trust our reviews/opinions?
Here at TechReviewTeam, we test every single Motherboard before writing a detailed review on them. Unlike other websites, we don’t simply write reviews on products we’ve never tested. While others write reviews based on “theoretical performance” that the product SELLER ADVERTISES, we actually take our time to test the product we talk about & share the knowledge with you.
Our Top 6 Best Budget Motherboards For I5 12600K
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 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 6E 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 PRO Z590-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.
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, support PCIe 5.0,DDR5 and out of box Windows 11 ready.Wireless and Bluetooth: Bluetooth v5.2.Wireless and Bluetooth : 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band.
- AI Motherboard : AI Overclocking, AI cooling, AI networking(GameFirst VI) and AI noise cancellation
- Robust Power Solution: 18plus1 90A 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 6E 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
Cons
- Expensive
Another of our favorites, the ROG Strix Z690-E 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 ROG Strix Z690-E, in our opinion, stands out from the crowd.
ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming III is a tiny ATX motherboard that is packed with strong capabilities that will allow you to crush your opponents.
The Rog Strix Z690-E gaming 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.
Best B660 Motherboards:
- Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Supports 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors.Operating System: Support for Windows 11 64-bit. Support for Windows 10 64-bit
- DDR4 Compatible: Dual Channel DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- Sturdy Power Design: 6 plus2 plus1 Phases Hybrid Power Design, Premium Choke and Capacitors, 8-pin Solid Pin CPU Power Connector
- Comprehensive Thermal Design: M.2 Thermal Guard
- Next Gen Connectivity: PCIe 4.0, Dual NVME PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, HDMI 2.0,
Pros
- Best-Seller for the B660s due to its very cheap price.
- Decent features for its price, great price/performance ratio.
- Good Brand
Cons
- Not as good as the following B660
- Not recommended for overclocking
- Does not support DDR5 RAM
The GIGABYTE B660M DS3H does an excellent job of supplying users with a low-cost, high-performance motherboard. It’s one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, motherboards on the market while yet meeting all of your fundamental needs. The major drawback is that you can’t overclock as effectively or as consistently as you can with a Z690, and it doesn’t have as many features or as good a quality as the Z690s.
The GIGABYTE B660M DS3H is a Micro-ATX motherboard with Dual Channel DDR4 support, PCIe 4.0 support, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, HDMI 2.0, and a variety of connection choices for general customers.
It has better audio, a digital video interface, and a Gigabit LAN connection with the newest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard to fully support Intel 12 generation CPUs and give up to 1 Gbps network speed for a smoother internet experience and quicker data transfer with up to 2.5TB/s SSD.
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Comprehensive cooling: VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+
- ASUS OptiMem: Careful routing of traces and vias to preserve signal integrity for improved memory stability
Pros
- One of the best B660 in the market currently.
- Offers the best features & quality
- Good Brand
- Cheaper than Z690s
Cons
- More Expensive than the previous option although it’s still cheaper than Z690s
- Can’t use DDR5 RAM
- Not recommended to use for overclocking
If you choose to go with a B660 instead of a Z690, we recommend the ASUS Prime B660-PLUS. It distinguishes itself from the other B660s as the finest in its chipset. Has the bulk of the essential features you’d expect from a motherboard, as well as great overclocking capabilities; nevertheless, it’s still not as good as the Z690, but it’s also much cheaper.
The ASUS Prime B660-PLUS motherboard is a small and inexpensive motherboard designed to provide you with an advantage while creating or updating your desktop computer.
It is built around Intel’s LGA1700 socket and is compatible with all 12th generation Intel CPUs. It supports memory capacities of up to 128GB at speeds of 3200+ MHz.
Heatsinks on both the VRM and M.2 storage drives are linked to one another to decrease the total operating temperature of your system by swiftly dispersing heat.
Hybrid Fan Headers recognize which fans have 12V PWM control and automatically switch them to full mode.
Best H670 Motherboards:
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Ultrafast connectivity: PCIe 4.0 slots, three M.2 slots, Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet and Thunderbolt 4 support
- Comprehensive cooling: VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+
- ASUS OptiMem: Careful routing of traces and vias to preserve signal integrity for improved memory stability
Pros
- Decent basic features
- Good Brand
Cons
- Not as good as the B660s
- Only has the most basic features & their quality is overall lower than B660
- Relatively expensive for what it provides
- Can’t Overclock
- Can’t use DDR5 RAM
The ASUS Prime H670-PLUS motherboard is designed for gamers and enthusiasts. With an LGA 1700 socket suited for the newest generation Intel Core Processors, VRM heatsinks, extensive cooling, and front panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection.
Ultrafast storage with three PCI 4.0 M.2 ports, Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, and ASUS OptiMem for better memory reliability are among the features.
Best H610 Motherboards:
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Ultrafast connectivity : PCIe 4.0, Intel 1 Gb Ethernet ,rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and front USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
- ASUS-exclusive self-recovering BIOS technology for automatic system BIOS recovery from a verified backup
- ASUS CSM motherboard: ASUS Corporate Stable Model, with up to 36-month Supply, EOL notice & ECN control
- ASUS Control Center Express(ACCE) to make IT endpoint management
Pros
- Cheapest option available in this list
- Offers all the basic features needed
- Good Brand
Cons
- Lacks a lot of features when compared to other motherboards
- May not be able to allow your GPU/CPU/RAM to reach its full potential while gaming
- Can’t use DDR5 RAM
- Can’t Overclock
If you choose to go with a B660 instead of a Z690, we recommend the ASUS Prime B660-PLUS. It distinguishes itself from the other B660s as the finest in its chipset. Has the bulk of the essential features you’d expect from a motherboard, as well as great overclocking capabilities; nevertheless, it’s still not as good as the Z690, but it’s also much cheaper.
If you’re still interested in the H610s, the Prime H610M-A D4-CSM is one of our favorites; it’s the finest in this chipset in terms of functionality and general quality, in our view. Despite being the greatest, keep in mind that it is still inferior to any other B660/Z690.
The Prime H610M-A is a micro ATX (mATX) motherboard featuring an upgraded power solution, complete cooling, dual M.2, Intel 1 Gb Ethernet, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C front panel connection compatibility.
The Prime H610M-A is a low-cost basis for a variety of PC configurations, with reliable power delivery and cooling, as well as versatile connection choices.