The motherboard is the real game-changer in building a perfect PC. In fact, it plays the role of backbone in getting your dreamy setup. On a clear note, an ideal motherboard makes sure that your PC and all its components are running at their destined performance. In addition to making the best interactions between the internals, it also ensures high-end performance and better overclocking. In short, your chosen motherboard can make or break your PC.
Compared to the Z270 and Z370 motherboards, the Z390 is a modern generation of Intel’s motherboards built specifically to work well with their latest generation range of voguish processors. Overall, they’re one of the powerful motherboards in the marketplace. So, after you’ve grabbed a trendy Intel CPU, storage, memory, case, power supply, and a graphic card, now it is time to plug them all in, and you can’t find a better place than the best Z390 motherboards for every activity including gaming and mining. Intel has now also gotten the Z690 Motherboards, that are part of 12th generation, however, for today, we are only going to talk about Z390 Motherboards, thus, stick around.
Besides, whether you are streaming videos on YouTube or Twitch or editing professional videos, you really need premium quality, ultra-durable motherboard under the budget that can be offered by none other than the Z390. I admit that there are other superior generations like Z590 motherboards; they may cost you a lot which probably is why you need a budget board to get the most out of it.
Undoubtedly, the Z390 Chipset can maximize the performance power of your newer Intel processor. Believe it or not, it’s tiring to choose one board when there’ve many different components, sizes, brands, and price ranges. How would you know that which Z390 motherboard is precisely for you? A tricky question! But we’ve answered it by compiling the top-notch Z390 motherboards of all the time to accomplish all your dreamy needs. Let’s look at these models!
10 best Z390 motherboards 2022:
- ASUS Prime Z390-P
- MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon
- ASRock Z390 PRO4
- GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi
- ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
- MSI Z390-A PRO Gaming
- Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Elite Gaming
- ASRock Z390 Steel Legend ATX
- MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
- Supermicro MBD-C9Z390-PGW-O
1. ASUS Prime Z390-P LGA1151 ATX
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Platform: Windows 10
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 64 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX motherboard is carved in a black and white theme which isn’t new in this category. Moreover, this motherboard contains a set of heatsinks that don’t contain the rear panel cover, and hence all the appeal comes from the onboard set of controllers. Furthermore, the Z390-P Motherboard incorporates amazing support for DDR4-4266 to offer a maximum of 64GB on the provided four RAM slots.
Another thing is the PCIe configuration, which is quite basic in this model and supports two full-length PCIe 3 x 4 slots, one full-length PCIe 3 x 16 a lot, and three PCIe 3 x 1 slots which can hold up the two-way CrossFire multi-graphics card configurations.
The ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX motherboard offers two M.2 slots compatible with PCIe 3 x 4 and SATA-based drives. And the four basic-looking SATA ports are provided, which all are attributed with cheaper straight angled connectors. Furthermore, four USB 3.0 Type-A and a pair of USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports enable the connectivity of this motherboard with the Display Port, two PS/2 ports, and HDMI for video output on the place.
Most importantly, Z390-P entails Realtek Gbit LAN port and Realtek 3.5mm audio jacks to complete the rear panel effectively on the road of audio performance. Above all, it’s the best ASUS Z390 motherboard.
2. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon
Features
- Brand: MSI
- Platform: Windows 10
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 64 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
To get on with the accuracy, MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Motherboard is outranking the existing similar priced models by providing MPG moniker, which is a short form of MSI Performance Gaming. Besides, the board features a narrow RGB section on the top cover of the I/O section, a lower M2 drive cover that looks fully integrated into the design.
Another innovative thing is the Carbon standalone cover at the top M.2 slot. Plus, the innovative addition to this model is the front-panel USB 3.1Geb two connectors which provides a 10 GB/s interface based on the integration of the Z390 chipset controller to provide you with advanced high0end technology.
Inching forward, MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon entails four doubled phases, one for the CPU core and the other for the graphics silicon, which means that you will be getting six groups of MOSFETs on each board. Furthermore, it provides an I/O shield and the blank space between the audio jacks and ethernet port to reside the AC model’s Wi-Fi module on the empty key slot. I
Interestingly, the motherboard is equipped with five analog jacks, HDMI and Display Port output for incorporated video, and one advanced digital audio output to make it superior to other generations. Above all, the new M.2 heat spreader design effectively dissipates the massive heat produced by the lower M.2 slot, which helps maintain the built-in excellent performance.
Related: Best white motherboards for Intel CPUs
3. ASRock Z390 PRO4
Features
- Brand: ASRock
- Compatible processor: 8th Generation intel core
- CPU Socket: LGA1151
- Wireless Type: 801.11ac
- Memory storage capacity: 64 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Hard to swallow, the ASRock Z390 Pro4 Motherboard features a black PCB with the gray color pattering to offer a classy look. As per ASRock’s marketing resources, this board incorporates the 10-phase power delivery function and 4-pin fan headers to let you take good mileage out of it.
Moreover, this mATX board contains two full-length PCIe 2 slots with the bottom slot running at x4 and the top one at x16 which means that two-way Cross-Fire is supported, but there is no dice on the SLI. Another basic innovation is the three PCIe 3 x 1 slots to provide broader connectivity.
Provided with the storage, the ASRock Z390 Pro4 motherboard arrives with two PCIe 3 x 4 and SAT-based M.2 slots which make a total of 6 SATA ports, and these ports are split into two straight angled and four right-angled connectors for convenient operation. Furthermore, this motherboard has four RAM slots making up to 64 GB and the incorporated support for DDR4-4300.
On the rear panel of this board is the two USB 2.0, two USB Gen2 Type-A and C, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports to ensure a wide range of connectivity. It holds up HDMI, D-sub, DVI-D, and PS/2 ports for a better experience for the video output. In addition, the Wi-Fi adapter can be installed on the motherboard at the empty sitting bracket on the rear I/O.
4. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi
Features
- Brand: Gigabyte
- Compatible processor: 8th Generation Intel Core
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 128 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Hitting hard the information, Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro Wi-Fi Motherboard is specifically designed for gamers as it incorporates a premium feature set at an affordable price range. Some of the amazing features of this motherboard include Intel I219-V NIC, Realtek HD audio codec, and Intel wave 2 WIFI module.
Moreover, Z390 AORUS Pro contains 12+1 power delivery that is spread-headed by a 7-phase controller to provide you with the best of both worlds. Two solid heatsinks are pieced together across a single heat pipe placed smartly beneath the rear panel cover to cool the system.
The theme of the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro Wi-Fi Motherboard is kept orange and silver just like many existing models to maintain the Aorus Falcon-inspired design. Another attractive addition on this motherboard is the plenty of RGB, which let the users integrate and customize four selected zones, covering the audio PCB separation line which tends to create the glowing effect, the rear panel cover lighting, fine array on the RAM slots, and Z390 chipset heatsink illumination to offer you with overall good feel.
Surprisingly, to meet any further needs, Gigabyte also included four RGB headers, two for addressable RGB and two for standard RGB LED strips to boost your lighting experience. If you really prefer RGB Setup, here is a list of the best RGB motherboards for gaming.
5. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Compatible processor: 8th Generation Intel Core
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 64GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
To be at crossroads, ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming Motherboard is a mini-ITX motherboard that is excellent for design and specifications. The most stunning thing about this motherboard is the gaming-themed rear panel cover, which has a built-in rear panel I/O shield and RGB LEDs placed at the underside of the board.
The M.2 heatsink covers the chipset for hot-running NVMe SSDs, and the other M.2 slot is kept on the rear side of the PCB. The most high-end up-gradation made in this model is the increase in memory support to DDR4-4600, which makes it the fastest among all the Z390 motherboards and the best Z390 motherboard for gaming.
Grounded in fact, ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming Motherboard permits users to install up to 64 GB of the system memory on the Mini-ITX motherboard and show compatibility with 32GB G. Skill. Coming to the controller set, this motherboard contains a Realtek-based HD audio codec, Intel network controller, and Intel wave2 supported Wi-Fi adapter, which also incorporates Bluetooth 5.0.
The motherboard supports HDMI 2.0 at the rear panel in addition to a single Display Port to let you take an excellent mileage out of it. Above all, the stability level of overclocking in this model is quite brilliant compared to other existing same featured models. Hence, it offers top-notch performance in all conditions.
6. MSI Z390-A PRO Gaming
Features
- Brand: MSI
- Compatible processor: Intel Celeron, premium gold, 8th, 9th generation
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 64 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
To tread carefully, MSI Z390-A Pro Gaming Motherboard is carved specifically to offer solid features set at an affordable price range to make it a dedicated motherboard. As far as the processor is concerned, it’s compatible with the 8th and 9th generation intel core processor to equip you with plenty of power.
The board also supports NVMe based SSD to proffer exceptional performance. Plus, you are free to couple the powerful M.2 SSD drives with the DDR4 memory, which can operate at 4400 MHz; this speed is achievable at the time of better overclocking. Above all, the system will run cooler so that your components can last longer and is the best Z390 motherboard under 200.
Digging around, MSI Z390-A Pro Gaming Motherboard comes with an excellent power management system that can deliver demanded power throughout the system to ensure better performance of every component to get optimal efficiency. Another handy feature of this motherboard is the available excellent BIOS, which is easy to navigate even for beginners.
The headers are kept at a considerable distance to maintain effective cooling. Plus, if you wish to use the onboard cooling system, the provided heatsinks wouldn’t let the components overheat. Overall, this Z390 motherboard is excellent for gaming and content creation and is considered the best budget Z390 motherboard.
7. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Elite Gaming
Features
- Brand: Gigabyte
- Compatible processor: 8th Generation Intel core
- CPU Socket: LGA 1151
- Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 128GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Elite Gaming motherboard features a remarkable rear panel cover and integrated RGB LED lighting. Moreover, it supports DDR4-4133 memory straight out of the box, mainly 64GB covered across four available RAM slots.
The rear panel of this motherboard includes Four USB 2.0, four USB 3.0 Type-A, and two USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports to let you take an excellent mileage out of it. Furthermore, it’s compatible with a single LAN port and a single HDMI video output port handled by an Intel networking system.
The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Elite Gaming motherboard’s audio is directed by Realtek HD codec, in addition to offering a single PDIF optical output, a total of five 3.5mm audio jacks to provide you with the best of both worlds and considered as the best Z390 motherboard for audio production. Like many existing models, Z390 AORUS Elite also contains a 13-phase power delivery in the 12+1 configuration.
Furthermore, this board incorporates two full-length PCIe slots and three PCIe 3 x 1 slots, with the top slot supportive for two-way CrossFire configurations. Plus, it arrives with two M.2 slots, and the top slot is being treated as the heat shield. And the available six SATA ports permit RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays for perfect utilization.
8. ASRock Z390 Steel Legend ATX
Features
- Brand: ASRock
- Compatible processor: Intel 8th & 9th generation
- CPU Socket: LGA1151
- Memory Speed: 4266 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 128 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Out in the open, ASRock Z390 Steel Legend Motherboard is specifically designed for 8th and 9th generation processors by ensuring compatible built-in aesthetic performance and features. If we talk about design, this motherboard looks cool as it’s carved in the black and grey style with some added gear imagery and a PCH cover to proffer a classier feel.
The board is covered with Aluminum Alloy heatsinks to ensure stability and excellent overclocking potential. As the dual full coverage, M.2 SSD heat sinks scatter all the heat to maintain the optimal working conditions for high-speed drives.
ASRock Z390 Steel Legend motherboard incorporates LED lighting to enhance the existing look. The top PCIe x16 slot is covered with a steel bar to make it safer. Plus, the integrated Nichicon 12K black capacitors are costly and can last longer.
Furthermore, six SATA ports and two full M.2 expansion options on the PCB are provided to let you use it in the way you exactly need. The Realtek chip is merged for audio purposes and the Intel I219V for better network capability.
Overall, all these features cumulatively make the ASRock Z390 Steel Legend much more distinct than similarly priced models and are the best Z390 motherboard for overclocking.
9. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
Features
- Brand: MSI
- Compatible processor: Intel Celeron, Platinum gold, 8th, and 9th Generation
- CPU Socket: LGA1151
- Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 64 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Behind you all the way, the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge Motherboard entails 12 RGB LEDs lined up on the bottom edge, but the considerable gap underneath the 24-pin power connector doesn’t allow it to become too bright or too spaced. Moreover, you can add more lighting bling through provided JRGB headers light strips to meet the present-day needs of all gamers. It supports 3.1 Gen2 Type-C USB for easy and premium modern chassis.
The stunning feature of this motherboard is the availability of an 8-pin power connector with the extra 4-pin to proffer sufficient juice for the overclocked processor and proved as the best z390 motherboard for i9 9900k.
The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge Motherboard comes with a somewhat unique heatsink design. The provided heatsinks are screwed perfectly, are larger in size, have good contact with all the components, and the one placed at the left side is multi-stacked to ensure maximum heat dissipation. Moreover, the provided two PCIe x16 slots are kept straight to let you take good mileage out of it.
This Z390 motherboard supports two-way SLI and the three-way CrossFire, which is the most demanded advanced feature. And the ample amount of gap between the slots allows you to use them in a way you imagine without any hurdle.
10. Supermicro MBD-C9Z390-PGW-O
Features
- Brand: Supermicro
- Compatible processor: Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium, 9th Generation Intel Core
- CPU Socket: LGA1151
- Memory Speed: 4000 MHz
- Memory storage capacity: 64 GB
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
On the moral high ground, Supermicro MBD-C9Z390-PGW Motherboard supports 10 LAN to ensure ultra-swift network speeds, which weren’t there in previously existing motherboards. Moreover, the motherboard contains an additional ethernet port, and an Intel I219V hip drives the 1G port.
This model incorporates CNVi based Wi-Fi on the board by using the Intel Wireless AC-9560 part. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi supports up to 1.73 Gbps speed, in addition, to the support of Bluetooth 5.0 to provide you with the best of both worlds.
The most attractive feature of the Supermicro MBD-C9Z390-PGW Motherboard is the PLX chip to create additional PCIe lanes on the board. Moreover, it also supports Crossfire configurations, but it isn’t compatible with SLI. Furthermore, it incorporates six SATA ports, two M.2 slots, and two U.2 ports connected to the chipset.
Each of the M.2 slots has a heat spreader to cool the warm running PCIe drives. The PCIe slots are designed to improve the connection between the board and the peripherals. Above all, this motherboard holds up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4 using four slots.
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Buying Guide for the Z390 Motherboard
Grounded in fact, the Z390 chipset is the most advanced and highly proficient motherboard of recent time. But lots of Z390 Motherboards are there in the market so that you might feel lost. To make the decision easier, we have broken down the most significant features of the motherboard to let you make the correct choice. It would be best if you considered the following aspects when researching for one to purchase.
Chipset
On the clear ground, the very first factor which you consider before moving on with a motherboard is the right chipset. This is because it decides which features your motherboard can provide you, ranging from PCIe lanes and SATA ports to USB generation and overclocking support. You must be aware of your motherboards’ chipset before you buy other components. Shortly, the best Z390 Motherboard comes with the chipset that can support a maximum of SATA, PCIe, USB, and M.2 ports with a better overclocking mechanism to provide you with the best of both worlds.
Socket
There’re two major types of motherboard sockets, AMD AM4 and LGA 1151. What a socket actually is? It’s the physical slot of the motherboard which holds your CPU in place. Practically, Intel has LGA1151, and AMD comes with AM4. But keep in mind that the LGA1151 processor wouldn’t be compatible with AMD and vice versa. And putting the wrong processor in the wrong socket can cause fatal damage to the components.
In fact, Intel chipsets are now running the LGA1151 socket, and the Z390 Motherboard is basically designed for the latest Intel generations, so you must grab the LGA1151 socket to get excellent mileage out of your motherboard.
Form Factor
More clearly, the form factor is the physical size of the board. For Z390 Motherboards, the form factor ranges from E-ATX, which is larger, to mini-ITX, having a shallow footprint to provide you with great variety. Significantly, it would be best to consider the form factor because available slots and features dramatically from one size to another.
Practically, micro-ATX can better suit the need of medium-level users. Still, you must grab ATX or eATX if you need more functionalities, whilst mini-ITX or mini-ATX can accomplish your entry-level requirements.
Memory and its Location
Another basic thing that can influence your choice is memory. To get better coverage, you must consider the number of available memory slots, multi-channel support, memory speed, and maximum supported memory on the board to grab exactly what you expect from the best Z390 motherboard. How would you know about these all? You can get all this information by seeing the specifications of your chosen board.
One more thing that can affect very rarely is the memory location. Practically, the massive than normal heat sink could be a real problem. If you are made overclocking and grab a larger cooler, make sure that the RAM is located away from it to accommodate them better.
PCI Slots
PCI is the short form of Peripheral Component Interconnected. It’s actually the physical slot that allows you to expand the capabilities of your grabbed system. This might include things like
- Video Card
- WIFI card
- NVMe expansion card
- Extra USB ports
You must know that there exist two types of PCI slots, PCI and PCIe. Practically, the PCIe slot is a faster and larger version of the PCI slot and designed to house your graphic card. Another important thing in this regard is the available space. If you run multiple large GPUs, you might need PCIe slots that say way apart from each other to permit enough space.
Fan Headers
To saunter through excellent performance, the fan headers are quite necessary to run your planned things. If you’re planning to run lots of fans, or an RGB controller, you must make sure that the model you’re going to contain enough headers to support your compatibilities on the motherboard.
Conclusion
The best Z390 Motherboards are perfect for getting the maximum out of Intel’s 8th and 9th generation CPUs. This excellent chipset is considered a high performer in today’s market. They are equipped with powerful upgrades such as CNVI link support, USB 3.1 Gen2 support, expanded headroom for high-end overclocking potential, and many more. So, to let you take an excellent mileage out of your choice, we’ve reviewed ten Best Z390 Motherboards that incorporate almost all the advanced functions in a reasonable price range. Pick one and Get an A1 performance!
