Introduction
Intel’s latest 13th-Gen CPUs have been a hit success since they landed back in October of 2022, but just which motherboards are best for their new lineup of CPUs? In this piece we’ll be covering off the best budget, mid-range and high-end motherboard designs for the mid-range i5 13600K – a CPU which punches well above its weight class in terms of performance.
We’ll also be covering off what all of the chipset numbers mean, and which chipsets are and aren’t compatible with the new 13th Gen Core i5 13600K.
Suggested Article: Intel Core i5 13600K Review – A Mid-Range Performance Titan
Our Top Choices
Keep reading for a more in-depth coverage of each motherboard in this roundup!
One of the best priced options on the B660 chipset.
A Micro-ATX board with an awesome alternative aesthetic.
A cheaper Z690 white board with plenty of RGB lighting.
A cheaper DDR5 motherboard with plenty of awesome features.
A budget gaming-oriented board from ASUS with an all-black design.
A Gigabyte DDR5 board geared towards a price-conscious consumer.
Motherboard Chipsets
One of the most important areas to consider before deciding on a motherboard is, which chipset are you going to pick? We’ve covered all of the chipsets in the above heading within various pieces of content (which we recommend you go and check out), so we’ll keep it brief here. For those that aren’t entirely sure what I’m talking about here, your motherboard chipset effectively determines what features you’ll have access to.
Z790 vs Z690 – Chipset Comparison:
Z690 vs B660 – Chipset Comparison:
Unlike AMD, Intel tend to lock features behind a particular chipset. This might like a shame at first, but having different chipsets allows you to spend a little bit less on a motherboard if you don’t need access to particular features. If you’re building a more budget oriented PC it is likely you won’t need access to all of the next-gen features, which gives you the opportunity to save some money by picking a up a cheaper board. For those wanting to build a top-end system with the best features possible, you’re also being catered to as well with slightly more expensive boards that are kitted out with better options.
Regardless, we’d recommend considering your use-case before choosing a motherboard. Determining your budget and the kind of features you’d like to see is a good place to start, giving you a clearer direction of which motherboard to pick up.
Z690 vs B660 vs Z790
To give you a clearer idea of what’s on offer for 13th-Gen users we’ve put together a comparison of the three main chipsets you can utilise. We’ve highlighted some of the key features that come with each chipset with a breakdown afterwards discussing the options you’ll have access to.
The Z-series chipsets will always rank more highly in features than the B chipsets, due to their higher cost, but the differences between Z690 and Z790 are, in truth, very minimal.
| Features | Z690 | B660 | Z790 |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes | No | Yes |
| Memory Overclocking Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Socket Support | LGA1700 | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| CPU PCI Express 5.0 Lanes | 1×16+4/2×8+4 | 1×16+4 | 1×16+4/2×8+4 |
| Chipset PCI Express Revision | 4.0/3.0 | 4.0/3.0 | 4.0/3.0 |
| Max Number of PCI Express Lanes | 28 | 14 | 28 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 & DDR5 | DDR4 & DDR5 | DDR4 & DDR5 |
| Max Number of SATA 6Gb/s Ports | 8 | 4 | 8 |
| Max Number of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Ports (20Gb/s) | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Max Number of USB 3.2 Gen2 Ports (10Gb/s) | 10 | 4 | 10 |
| Max Number of USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (5Gb/s) | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Max Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 14 | 12 | 14 |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 14 | 12 | 14 |
Features Breakdown
As you can see from the table, there’s a fair amount of information to take in here. Both of the ‘Z’ designated chipsets are quite different when compared to B660 motherboards, but when compared to each other there are barely any changes generationally. B660 motherboards have less features by comparison which means these boards are often cheaper.
You’ll still get access to features such as PCI-E 5.0 slots ready for the next graphics cards and SSDs when they release, but you can’t utilise multiple GPUs in a 2×8 configuration. For that you’ll need a Z690 or Z790 motherboard. USB ports have also taken a slight hit here with the amount of USB 3 ports being cut in half. This means your rear IO might have less high speed options, but still offer a reasonable amount of IO.
The biggest loss here is CPU overclocking, which has been the case with ‘B’ series chipsets basically forever. This is a bit of a downside, but arguably I can’t see many budget users wanting to overclock their CPU anyway, especially if you’re building a PC for the first time.
Z690 and Z790 motherboards are of course the cream of the crop when it comes to features and performance. These motherboards maximise the amount of USB ports you can have, quantity of PCI-E slots, and they support overclocking out of the box. You’re probably thinking, these boards must be expensive? For the most part, these motherboards compare quite well to B660 boards in terms of price. The B660 chipset will always be cheaper, but Z690 and Z790 motherboards cater to a variety of budgets giving users the opportunity to build something cheaper, or something more powerful with DDR5 RAM.
Motherboard Compatibility
One of the biggest concerns about new chipsets is whether the old motherboards support the new generation of CPUs. Luckily for Intel 12th and 13th-Gen users, you don’t necessarily need to pick up a new board. Z790 motherboards will of course support the Core i5 13600K out of the box, but Z690 and B660 motherboards will require a BIOS update.
This means for those upgrading you’ll simply need to navigate to the motherboard manufacturer’s website and grab the new BIOS for a 13th-Gen CPU. For those building a 13th-Gen PC with a 12th-Gen motherboard you’ll likely want a board that supports BIOS Flashback so you can easily install the update without needing to install a CPU.
| Motherboard Chipsets | Intel 12th-Gen CPUs | Intel 13th-Gen CPUs |
| Z790 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Z690 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| B660 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| H670 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| H610 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| Z590 | ❌ | ❌ |
| B560 | ❌ | ❌ |
| H570 | ❌ | ❌ |
| H510 | ❌ | ❌ |
Why You Can Trust Us
Before heading into the details of our product recommendations, we wanted to outline why you can trust our recommendations. Our team of PC hardware experts work around the clock to make sure that all of the products that come through our office doors are fully tested in a range of different scenarios, games, and benchmarks. For those interested in learning more about who we are and what we do, head over to the About Us section, where you’ll also find our editorial promise.
How We Picked the Best Motherboards for Intel Core i5 13600K
We’ve had the chance to put a wide range of motherboards through their paces in the GeekaWhat office. From this testing, we are able to determine how each product holds up in a range of gaming-based PC builds. Using the latest and greatest competitive titles, high-intensity productivity apps, and general day-to-day use, we forge a detailed verdict on every product that comes through our doors, along with an understanding of how the benefits and limitations would impact the gaming experience.
For motherboards in particular, we also consider key factors such as connectivity, compatibility, and design choices to highlight whether the inclusion or lack of a certain feature would impact specific gaming setups.
For a deeper dive into our testing and evaluation methods, take a look at our full reviews for a range of motherboards below:
| Brand + Chipset | Review Link |
|---|---|
| MSI B660 | MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi Review |
| Gigabyte B660 | Gigabyte B660 DS3H AX Review |
| MSI Z690 | MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi Review |
| ASUS ROG Z690 | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Review |
| Gigabyte Z790 | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 Review |
Best Motherboards for the Core i5 13600K
1. Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4
👑 The best budget motherboard.
Introduction
Gigabyte‘s B660 Gaming X is one of the best mid-range DDR4 motherboards on the B660 chipset. Equipped with multiple PCI-E 4.0 slots ready for the Nvidia’s 4000 series cards, along with blazing-fast SSDs. On the networking front you’ve got the choice between the onboard WiFi 6, or for a more stable connection, 2.5 Gigabit LAN. The rear IO also features plenty high speed USB ports providing exceptional transfer speeds, along with extra USB 2.0 options if you run out.
Key Specs
| Features | Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes |
| RAM Overclocking Support | No |
| VRM Power Phases | 8+1+1 |
| Memory Support | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E 5.0 Slots | N/A |
| PCI-E 4.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 4.0 Slot 3 x4 PCI-E 4.0 Slot |
| USB Connections (Rear) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 5x USB 2.0 |
| USB Connections (Front) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 4x USB 2.0 |
| LAN Type | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| WiFi Module | WiFi 6E |
| SATA Ports | 4 x 6Gb/s |
Things We Like
First of all, the overall look of this motherboard is awesome! The gunmetal grey heatsinks with the cybernetic detailing will help to give the internals of your build a futuristic aesthetic that is perfect for gamers. Whilst we’re fans of a lot of the designs on Gigabyte‘s budget-friendly motherboards, this one might just be the best of the bunch.
Price is also a massive bonus of this design, as this is one of the cheapest offerings to include a B660 chipset. Despite the lower price point, this motherboard isn’t too light on features either. For example, the choice of a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet or WiFi 6E for networking is a nice inclusion that is fairly uncommon for a budget board. As a result, the B660 Gaming X AX is a solid choice for gamers that are looking to save their funds, or just want to spend more of their allocated budget on other components.
Things We Don’t Like
Due to this board being a budget-friendly option, it lacks support for additional features such as upgradability and overclocking, which will limit the potential of any system you decide to build with this board. The lack of PCI-E 5.0 support in particular is something that will stop potential upgrades to future graphics cards and high-speed SSDs. While these additions will probably struggle to fit into a current mid-range or budget build anyway, adding another item to the upgrade list is always a pain.
Another limitation of this design is that the rear IO doesn’t include a USB-C port for improved compatibility and performance when connecting high-end gaming peripherals and accessories. This won’t be a deal-breaker for most budget and mid-range gamers, as it less likely that their peripherals would include a USB-C port, but it is worth considering for those looking to hook up the best keyboard and mouse combination possible.
Summary
Overall, the Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 is a great option for anyone on a budget, as it is an awesome-looking design that provides plenty of features for a reasonable price. However, those looking for a motherboard that will support future upgrades to components and peripherals may want to look at investing in a more feature-heavy alternative.
Pros
- One of the cheapest B660 motherboards available.
- Excellent set of networking options.
- Plenty of Gen4 slots.
Cons
- No Gen5 slots or ports.
- DDR4 memory speed isn’t amazing.
Where to Buy
Buy the Gigabyte B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 on:
2. MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4
👑 The best compact motherboard.
Introduction
MSI‘s MAG B660M Mortar is a board that we’ve reviewed in full on the website quite a while ago, and it still holds up well today. The Micro-ATX design means that you’re missing out on some extra PCI-E slots here and there and maybe some RGB, but MSI makes up for these losses with some excellent features. You’ve got Gen4 ready x16 and x4 slots for some of the latest GPUs and drives, giving you plenty of options to build a high performance system. This board also features an integrated IO shield reducing any frustration that comes with installing that annoying sharp piece of metal we’ve all come to know. Speaking of the rear IO, you’ve also got plenty of high speed USB ports, providing speedy transfers for your peripherals and accessories.
Key Specs
| Features | MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi D4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes |
| RAM Overclocking Support | No |
| VRM Power Phases | 12+1+1 |
| Memory Support | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E 5.0 Slots | N/A |
| PCI-E 4.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 4.0 Slot 2 x4 PCI-E 4.0 Slot |
| USB Connections (Rear) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 4x USB 2.0 |
| USB Connections (Front) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 4x USB 2.0 |
| LAN Type | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| WiFi Module | WiFi 6E |
| SATA Ports | 6 x 6Gb/s |
Things We Like
Even though the B660M Mortar possesses a micro-ATX design, it is still packed with enough features to satisfy the demands of any mid-range gaming PC. Reduced performance or connectivity is always a concern when opting for a compact motherboard, but there is no need to worry here, as the B660M Mortar supports the latest GPUs and SSDs, as well a number of USB-C ports for gaming peripherals and external devices.
In terms of design, this motherboard is a suitable fit for a compact white-themed gaming PC. The silver heatsinks located around the board act as a great compliment to any white RAM kits or graphics cards, and it does a great job at reflecting RGB to create a bright and colourful interior – perfect for RGB lovers!
Things We Don’t Like
The main downside for a lot of consumers will be the smaller form-factor. Whilst the reduced size is a necessity for gamers building a compact micro-ATX system, most builds will be able to fit larger boards that have the space to support a wider range of features and connections. If you’re PC case can support a larger ATX motherboard, then it’s definitely worth picking a larger board up for the more expansive feature-set.
Similarly, the silver and black aesthetic means that this motherboard less appealing to those gamers that aren’t opting for a white-themed build. It’s possible that the hints of silver is the missing piece for your unique gaming PC, but in our opinion, this motherboard looks out of place when paired with anything but an all-white system.
Summary
This motherboard is the perfect match for anyone with a compact, white gaming PC. For a micro-ATX board, the B660M boasts some impressive performance and connectivity. But for anyone with space for a larger ATX design might not find the B660M Mortar as appealing.
Pros
- Alternative white heatsinks look great.
- Offers plenty of Gen4 slots.
- Supports NVIDIA and AMD’s latest generation of GPUs.
Cons
- Micro-ATX design won’t be for everyone.
- More exposed PCB offering a barebones look.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi on:
3. ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4
👑 The best white motherboard.
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A is another board that we’ve taken a look at in full before. This board is perfect for those that want an alternative themed gaming PC with an all-white design. The rear IO plate sports an RGB panel that can be fully customised within ASUS’ AuraSync software. This ATX design also comes kitted out with a PCI-E 5.0 ready x16 slot slated for the next generation of graphics cards. For storage expansion you’ve got access to four Gen4 ready slots, which you can equip some of the best SSDs available such as Seagate’s FireCuda 530, or Samsung’s 990 PRO.
Key Specs
| Features | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes |
| RAM Overclocking Support | No |
| VRM Power Phases | 16+1+1 |
| Memory Support | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E 5.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 5.0 |
| PCI-E 4.0 Slots | 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 Slot |
| USB Connections (Rear) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 2x USB 2.0 |
| USB Connections (Front) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 4x USB 2.0 |
| LAN Type | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| WiFi Module | WiFi 6 |
| SATA Ports | 6 x 6Gb/s |
Things We Like
One of the best features on this board is the inclusion of a PCI-E 5.0 expansion slot, as this increases the motherboard‘s longevity by leaving plenty of room for future upgrades. Not only does this provide solid support for current graphics cards, it also means this board is prepared for the next-generation of GPUs as soon as they arrive.
In a similar fashion to the previous entry on our list, the ROG STRIX Z690-A adopts a white and silver aesthetic on the heatsinks. This provides a nice contrast to the black base of the board, and will be a great fit for a white-themed build. Plus, there is a lot of RGB integrated into the design, which means RGB lovers can bolster their lighting effects.
Things We Don’t Like
As the Core i5 13600K is a CPU that is predominantly for mid-range systems, the heftier price tag on this motherboard compared to the B660 alternatives is going to be a hard pill to swallow for some. Whilst the bump in performance and features helps to justify the more higher price point, it’s difficult to say that the upgrade form the more affordable chipsets would be worth it to those wanting to keep costs down to a minimum.
Like many gaming components with a white design, this motherboard has a perhaps more limited target audience than one that includes a more traditional appearance. Obviously, this is only a negative if a white aesthetic doesn’t suit with the rest of the components in your build, but it is a factor that weakens the overall usability of this board.
Summary
As a whole, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4 is a solid design that will act as a strong foundation for a mid-range gaming PC with a white aesthetic. With support for PCI-E 5.0 and plenty of room for SSDs, this motherboard will survive multiple upgrades. Though these upgrades come at a premium, it’s slowly becoming a better value option due to the arrival of Z790 motherboards.
Pros
- Crazy amount of RGB.
- PCI-E 5.0 slot for the next-gen GPUs.
- Excellent networking and rear IO.
Cons
- White design won’t be for everyone.
- Not as cheap as B660 options.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A WiFi D4 on:
4. MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi
👑 The best looking motherboard.
Introduction
MSI’s MPG Z690 Force WiFi is an excellent DDR5 motherboard offering up plenty of features with an impressive amount of power phases perfect for overclocking Intel’s latest 13th-Gen CPUs. With a good overclock and a high performance kit of RAM, you’ll be in a good position to get a performance boost in a variety of games and applications. Much like the above ASUS board, the Z690 Force WiFi sports an alternative design aesthetic giving consumers an option to spice up their build with an all-white style.
Key Specs
| Features | MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes |
| RAM Overclocking Support | No |
| VRM Power Phases | 18+1 |
| Max Memory | 196GB DDR5 |
| PCI-E 5.0 Slots | 2 x16 PCI-E 5.0 Slot |
| PCI-E 4.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 4.0 Slot 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 Slot |
| USB Connections (Rear) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C 5x USB 3.2 Gen2 4x USB 2.0 |
| USB Connections (Front) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 2x USB 2.0 |
| LAN Type | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| WiFi Module | WiFi 6E |
| SATA Ports | 6 x 6Gb/s |
Things We Like
As the first motherboard on this list to support DDR5, MSI’s MPG Force is one of the best Z690 options for those wanting to maximise their gaming performance. Supporting higher clock speeds and capacities allows the system to render game environments and events at an ultra-fast rate, which lets you get straight into the action without being stuck on loading screens all the time.
Another area where this design excels is connectivity, as it provides a range of ports and slots that will cater for most devices. The rear IO alone has a whopping 10 USB ports, half of which are high-speed USB 3.2 ports that are a great match for the fast DDR5 RAM. Add in a USB-C 3.2 port to pair with the best wired gaming peripherals, and this motherboard offers gamers everything they need to enjoy great gaming performance.
Things We Don’t Like
We may sound like a broken record at this point, but a motherboard with a white design is not going to be to the liking of a lot of gamers as it simply doesn’t match a lot of PC builds. There’s no doubt that an all-white gaming PC looks great, which is why these type of builds are gradually increasing in popularity, but this design will most likely look out of place in any other setting.
As for the pricing, this design sits on the higher end for a motherboard with a Z690 chipset, meaning it might be outside the price range of some mid-range builders. On top of this, anyone looking to pick this board up will have to be prepared to spend more on upgrading other components.
Summary
Overall, the MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi offers solid performance in all the latest competitive titles thanks to its support for DDR5 memory and overclocking capabilities. And with the added connectivity features and stunning design, it will slot into any white-themed build with ease, making it a worthy option if you can part with the funds needed to pick one up.
Pros
- Alternative white design looks awesome.
- Reasonably priced for a DDR5 motherboard.
- Supports Gen5 and Gen4, ideal for future proofing.
Cons
- DDR5 memory overclocking is slower compared to newer options.
- No Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Buy the MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi on:
5. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4
👑 The best DDR4 motherboard.
Introduction
For our first Z790 board we’ve recommended another entry from the the ASUS – the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4. This DDR4 board is absolutely loaded up with features with an awesome set of high speed rear IO with no USB 2.0 ports in sight. All of the M.2 slots on this board are PCI-E Gen4 ready, with the main GPU slot offering Gen5 compliance enabling you to pick up the new generation of PCI-E 5.0 graphics cards. The industrial look to the board also offers a great aesthetic for those looking to build a darker themed PC.
Key Specs
| Features | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes |
| RAM Overclocking Support | No |
| VRM Power Phases | 16+1 |
| Max Memory | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E 5.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 5.0 slot |
| PCI-E 4.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 4.0 Slot 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 Slot |
| USB Connections (Rear) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| USB Connections (Front) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 2x USB 2.0 |
| LAN Type | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| WiFi Module | WiFi 6 |
| SATA Ports | 4 x 6Gb/s |
Things We Like
Like the rest of the motherboards in the ASUS TUF Gaming line-up, the Z790-Plus WiFi D4 features a distinct design that gives the inside of a system an industrial feel. This design is a fan-favourite within GeekaWhat HQ for how well it blends into a gaming PC, whilst adding a lot of detail that compliments most modern GPU designs.
But this design is not all about the looks, as it includes a lot of connectivity features, especially for a DDR4 design. The support for storage is a particular highlight, as the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus includes 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 slots for high-speed M.2 SSDs. This is more than enough to fit the biggest of games libraries without having to constantly switch games around for better in-game performance.
Things We Don’t Like
RGB lovers won’t be happy to hear that this motherboard doesn’t feature much in terms of lighting effects, which is a surprise for a premium design like this one. Whilst we think the design itself is enough to make this board stand out from the crowd, anyone looking to brighten up their build will be left disappointed.
Though the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus is pretty versatile when it comes to connectivity, the networking options are hindered slightly by it possessing a WiFi 6 module instead of the more powerful WiFi 6E. This shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most users, but the improved speed and lower latency of WiFi 6E is a notable exclusion for gamers that are always online.
Summary
This motherboard is a fantastic choice for any mid-range gamer looking for a Z790 design that offers a solid blend of performance, connectivity, and aesthetics. Some tweaks such as WiFi 6E and a touch more RGB could have bolstered the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus to a top contender, but it is a suitable pick for gamers nonetheless.
Pros
- One of the cheapest Z790 boards out there.
- Awesome all-black design across the PCB.
- Huge amount of high speed rear IO.
Cons
- Not much in the way of RGB.
- Only supports WiFi 6, instead of 6E.
Buy the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 on:
6. Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
👑 The best DDR5 motherboard.
Introduction
For our final Z790 choice, we’ve picked out Gigabyte’s AORUS Elite DDR5 AX model. This is one of the best priced DDR5 motherboards that we’ve had in the office, offering plenty of features with a great aesthetic. In terms of PCI-Express slots you’ve got a number of Gen4 slots equipped to handle speedy SSDs holding all of your games and applications. Rear IO is very bountiful giving you the option to plug a number of accessories and peripherals into high speed slots. I’m a big fan of the design of this board too. Gigabyte have kept the RGB to a minimum while showing off parts of the PCB with extended heatsinks here and there.
Key Specs
| Features | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| CPU Overclocking Support | Yes |
| RAM Overclocking Support | No |
| VRM Power Phases | 16+1+2 |
| Max Memory | 128GB DDR5 |
| PCI-E 5.0 Slots | 1 x16 PCI-E 5.0 Slot |
| PCI-E 4.0 Slots | 2 x16 PCI-E 4.0 Slot 4 x4 PCI-E 4.0 Slot |
| USB Connections (Rear) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 4x USB 2.0 |
| USB Connections (Front) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 4x USB 2.0 |
| LAN Type | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
| WiFi Module | WiFi 6E |
| SATA Ports | 6 x 6Gb/s |
Things We Like
With support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and plenty of high-quality PCI-E slots for graphics cards and storage, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is designed to provide the best performance you can get, with an eye on the components on the horizon. What makes this even more surprising is that this support comes from one of the more cost-effective Z790 motherboards on the market.
Design-wise, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX has a sophisticated look that is fitting of its ‘Elite’ namesake. Whilst it is valid to expect a motherboard with a Z790 chipset to have a premium look, but the integration of decals and heatsinks on this specific board is full of details that will look great inside of a gaming PC.
Things We Don’t Like
The one area where the lower price point catches up with this design is the connectivity. For example, a lot of the rear IO connections are made up USB 2.0 ports, instead of the much faster USB 3.2 ports. This means that gamers with a lot of high-end gaming peripherals and accessories will struggle to get the best performance out of all of their external. However, this will only be a problem for a select few, and this board does feature a lot of overall USB ports for more flexibility when connecting the PC to the rest of your setup.
Summary
Overall, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a solid choice for any mid-range or high-end builder that wants to have the best gaming experience possible for a surprisingly good price. Packed with PCI-E 5.0 and DDR5 support, this motherboard can handle all the latest components, along with the ability to house potential upgrades for years to come.
Pros
- An excellent and reasonably priced DDR5 motherboard.
- Gen4 and Gen5 compliant, supporting plenty of components.
- High speed rear IO and networking options are bountiful.
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
- Offers USB 2.0.
Buy the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX on:
Conclusion
We believe that the best overall design to pair up with the Intel Core i5 13600K is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, as this design offers great performance and upgradeability for a price that is fairly affordable compared to the rest of the motherboards featured in this roundup. But for those wanting a more budget-oriented design that will be able to fit into a smaller gaming PC, then the MSI B660M Mortar WiFi D4 is a suitable alternative that is a great choice for white-themed builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i5 13600K worth it?
The Intel Core i5 13600K is one of the best mid-range processors on the market right now, offering incredible price to performance metrics.
Is the i5 13600K good for gaming?
This CPU provides solid performance in 1080p and 1440p, and managed to outperform more powerful processors during our gaming benchmarks.
What motherboard chipset is best for the i5 13600K?
To get the best performance out of the i5 13600K, we suggest pairing it up with a Z790 motherboard. But if this is out of your price range, then we suggest a B760 or B660 motherboard.
How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i5 13600K?
Depending on how far your budget can stretch, we would suggest spending around $150-350 on a motherboard for the i5 13600K.
