Best Motherboard For Intel Core i5 13600K | ErrorBook’s Top Picks

It feels like only yesterday when our ears were filled with news of the 12th-generation processors, and now, here we are again! The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here. Intel has already released the all-new 13th-generation processors last October. And now, we’re on a mission to find the best motherboard for i5 13600K.

We’ve also covered the motherboards for Intel’s other 2 processors namely, i7 13700k and i9 13900K, so go check it out! But today, we’ll focus on the i5 13600K, which houses a 14-core processor with 20 threads. Also, it has a max turbo frequency of 5.10 GHz! This is why we have to put this processor in a perfect motherboard.

Best Motherboard For i5 13600K In 2023

Since it came out, ErrorBook Tech Experts have been searching to find the perfect motherboard for i5 13600K. After an extensive investigation, we managed to find the best motherboards for i5 13600k in every price range.

After many reviews and sales pitches from different tech influencers, that hunt finally concludes. The final result is way better than they imagined. It led us to test various boards from other manufacturers. We evaluated them and decided that ASRock, Gigabyte, and MSI were our best bets.

What’s Good?
1
best motherboard for i5 13600k
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI
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What’s Good?
2
best motherboard for i5 13600k
ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WIFI
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What’s Good?
3
best motherboard for i5 13600k
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
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What’s Good?
4
best motherboard for i5 13600k
ASRock Z790 PG Riptide
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What’s Good?
5
best motherboard for i5 13600k
ASRock Z790M-ITX WIFI
Specifications
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1

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI

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Of course, you expected MSI to be here. Why wouldn’t you? MSI Mag Z790 Tomahawk WIFI is an ATX motherboard with Intel’s new Z790 chipset. The motherboard was designed explicitly for Intel’s 13th-generation processors, but now, we’ll focus on why it’s the best motherboard for the i5 13600K.

We all know that the i5 is one of the mid-range Intel Core processors, and with the use of MAG Z790 Tomahawk, it can ultimately perform to its extent with the Core Boost feature. It’s also equipped with ​​a 16+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 90A SPS, a lightning-fast game experience with its PCIe Gen 5.0 slot, Lightning Gen 4 x4 M.2, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2! Plus, it’s only priced at $309.99! How cool is that?!

If you put your i5 13600K processor into MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI, you may get the highest performance ever with the processor. This board offers excellent performance in its price range that can easily handle gaming or any other demanding tasks while staying cool and quiet at idle, thanks to its thermal design.

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Specs
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Pros / Cons
Specifications
Socket: LGA 1700
Form Factor: ATX
Chipset: Intel Z790
RAM:  4x DDR5
Audio Chip: ALC4080
WiFi: N/A
Pros
The I/O of the motherboard is the one to look for due to its amazing design
The motherboard also controls the fans and the cooling
Temperature speed can be modified in the BIOS without any apps
Cons
Our Tech Experts haven’t tested this motherboard yet, we’ll update the cons ASAP.
2

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WIFI

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Looking right at its name, Steel Legend, this motherboard series has been out and about ever since. It represents the stability and durability of the board. Together with its optimized VRM design—the Smart Power Stage and the 16+1+1 Power Design- it makes up a true Steel Legend with reliable performance. Even with the 16+1+1 Power Design, you are already a winner with its overclocking capabilities and astounding performance, resulting in even lower temperatures. 

ASRock has always been serving quality motherboards for everyone. So certain features get us interested, like its newly fortified DIMM slot, which can genuinely overclock your DRAM with ease. And the high-speed M.2 with the PCI Gen 5.0 slot is another must-await; it can perform twice as great as the previous generation with a whopping 128 GB/s transfer speed!

Now partnering it with the i5 13600K is not an insane idea, but very insane. Together, they’d have an excellent dynamic due to their abilities, and they perform very well in most applications—gaming, programming, content creation, etc., you name it, these two can give it to you. 

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Specs
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Pros / Cons
Specifications
Socket: LGA 1700
Form Factor: ATX
Chipset: Intel Z790
RAM:  4x DDR5
Audio Chip: ALC897
WiFi: WiFi 6E
Pros
 It has a solid configuration in terms of speed and power with two antenna ports for WiFi, one port for HDMI output, and one port for DisplayPort
Cons
Our Tech Experts haven’t tested this motherboard yet, we’ll update the cons ASAP.
3

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

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Another fan favorite comes in third, Gigabyte, with their Z790 AORUS Elite AX. Gigabyte is known for its outstanding motherboards; they follow the latest trends and add new features every time they release new ones. We understand that every motherboard they release is equipped with an upgraded power solution, which is why we are so excited to put Z790 AORUS Elite AX on this list.

The Z790 AORUS Elite AX has impeccable performance due to its thermal design, which has been modified for greatness. This motherboard ensures that the performance of your CPU goes to its full potential; with its Twin 16+1+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution and 8+8 Phases Parallel Power Design, you know they are true to their words. 

The motherboard is designed to serve powerful CPUs like the 15 13600K, and again, Gigabyte did not disappoint. Gigabyte has made the perfect motherboard specifically for 13th and 12th-generation processors, so, together, they make a glorious team. The CPU will be able to deliver its full capabilities without a doubt. 

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Specs
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Pros / Cons
Specifications
Socket: LGA 1700
Form Factor: ATX
Chipset: Intel Z790
RAM:  4x DDR5
Audio Chip: ?
WiFi: WiFi 6E
Pros
There are plenty of options for connectivity
The motherboard is also on the more affordable side of the spectrum that has good specifications too
Cons
Our Tech Experts haven’t tested this motherboard yet, we’ll update the cons ASAP.
4

ASRock Z790 PG Riptide

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The second ASRock on the list is the Z790 PG Riptide. As per ASRock, Riptide means “representing the philosophy of sea’s double-side,” wherein they focus on calm and strength, and just like in the motherboard, it is powerful and smooth, like any PC user wants. It is built to withstand AAA games and applications with stability. 

New features are also included here—a whole new gaming design, optimized VRM with 14+1+1 Power Phase Design. There’s also an assurance in this motherboard when it comes to electricals when risking RAMs by removal or installation, so ASRock made a protection circuit not to damage your RAMs even when you forget to turn off the power completely. 

It’s another perfect fit with the i5 13600K; the PCIe 5.0 can improve signal flow and get the full benefit of your CPU at full speed without going in high temperatures. It has a high potential of performing great every time you use it, primarily when gaming.

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Specs
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Pros / Cons
Specifications
Socket: LGA 1700
Form Factor: ATX
Chipset: Intel Z790
RAM:  4x DDR5
Audio Chip: ALC897
WiFi: N/A
Pros
There are plenty of M.2 slots
BIOS is also easy to navigate as well as easy cable management can be done due to its design
Cons
Our Tech Experts haven’t tested this motherboard yet, we’ll update the cons ASAP.
5

ASRock Z790M-ITX WIFI

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The third ASRock on this list and the final choice for one of the best motherboards for i5 13600K, the Z790M-ITX WIFI. It has a 7+1+1 Phase Power Design with one PCIe 5.0, perfect for a Mini-ITX board. It also has the same protection circuit system in the RAM slots. A polychrome RGB is also included that can connect to your CPU coolers, fans, and chassis, for a synchronized effect!

When it comes to performance, it is still one of the best that you may see today despite its size. With its rock-solid durability, you can get the most out of your CPU due to the Nichicon 12K Black Caps that are high-quality and made in Japan! Productivity is also seen as the best partner with this motherboard. You can become a high-yielding user with the PCIe Gen 5.0 slot and the Dual Channel DDR5.

And lining up ASRock Z790M-ITX WIFI with the i5 13600K is something that can take you places. Even with overclocking, you can have an easy time doing it. It has a perfect budget price for starters or even for upgrading. Having both is truly a must-have. 

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Specs
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Pros / Cons
Specifications
Socket: LGA 1700
Form Factor: Mini-ITX
Chipset: Intel Z790
RAM:  2x DDR5
Audio Chip: ALC897
WiFi: WiFi 6E
Pros
Price. It’s really affordable.
It also has basic overclocking for beginners which are perfect for its price range.
Cons
One of the cons here is that there is no internet BIOS flash, although, for some, it’s not a dealbreaker
There’s also no thunderbolt, and the overclocking isn’t that advanced

How To Buy A Motherboard For i5 13600K

The motherboard is one of the essential parts of a computer, besides the CPU and the RAM. A good motherboard will increase your computer’s performance. Now, you might think that you don’t need anything special in a motherboard, but it’s not as simple as it may seem. It would be best if you considered some factors when buying motherboards for i5 13600K.

Chipset

A chipset is a small PCB found on the motherboard of a computer. It contains all the components, such as a memory controller, bus support, and storage ports that allow communication between the processor and internal components. When you’re building a computer, the chipset is one of the most fundamental components of the system. Your motherboard choice will dictate which sockets your CPU can fit in and which chipsets it supports. As such, you want to make sure that you choose a motherboard that supports everything you need now and in the future.

Processor Socket

The processor socket is the main component on the motherboard that the processor mounts into. The type of socket your motherboard has will dictate what kinds of processors you can use on your computer. And when you’re building a custom computer, the processor is often the most expensive component you’ll have to purchase. So it would help if you chose a motherboard specific to your CPU socket. You can’t use a processor with a particular type of socket on a motherboard designed for a different kind of processor socket because it won’t fit properly.

Form Factor

In computer hardware, a form factor or computer form factor is the set of rules and mechanical standards that define the size, shape, and orientation of a printed circuit board (PCB) and its connectors. To pick the correct motherboard, you must consider form factors, as they affect the whole computer; they affect how you move air through and around your case. They also determine which parts fit and whether or not an expansion card will physically fit in your PC case. There’s E-ATX, one of the largest form factors. ATX comes second, and Mini-ITX is one of the smallest form factors. 

Overclocking

Overclocking is vital to consider before buying a motherboard because overclocking does a lot of things to your PC because it’s the CPU’s way of getting a boost in performance. And when the motherboard is capable of doing that for you, it can be a double-edged sword. This is why we recommend keeping an eye on overclocking features in a motherboard—the best motherboards for overclocking come with quality chipsets and features. But a reminder, overclocking is not for everyone or all computers. Do your research before proceeding with overclocking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Motherboard Is Compatible With i5 13600K?

A motherboard with a chipset of Z790 and Z690 is compatible with i5 13600K and the rest of the 13th-generation Intel processors. 

What chipset does the i5 13600K use?

The i5 13600K is designed explicitly for Z790 chipsets. But since it has the same LGA 1700 socket as Z690, it is backward compatible. 

What Is a good budget motherboard for i5 13600K?

A good budget motherboard for a CPU like the i5 13600K is if it’s a Mini-ITX board. If you look at the fifth motherboard in this article, the ASRock Z790M-ITX WIFI is only priced at $230.

What’s The Best Motherboard For i5 13600K?

And, the moment we’ve all been waiting for after we’ve researched through all the motherboards to narrow down the best motherboards for i5 13600k, we found that the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI is the Best Motherboard For i5 13600K

After all the intense research we went through, we found out that the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI is the choice of many enthusiasts and gamers because it offers incredible features such as its Core Boost Technology, the memory boost, the 16+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 90A SPS, the extended heatsink with pump fan support and M.2 Shield Frozr!

And will we forget the server-grade PCB and the steel armor aesthetics? Everything you can think of is in one motherboard, which is why it is the perfect choice for a powerful CPU like the i5 13600K.

Sources And Test Details
global.aorus.com – Intel 13th Gen and Z790 – Why it’s a great choice for gamers and content creators
i5 13600K CPU Coolers
i5 13600K Graphics Cards
i5 13600K RAMs
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Anna Bonilla
Anna Bonilla

Anna isn't just any ordinary Computer Hardware Expert, she's highly skilled and multi-talented. She's a graphic designer, a writer, and a social media expert. At ErrorBook, she helps her readers in understanding the purpose of different hardware components and also helps pick the best PC Parts for their money. She also loves babysitting her nephews, baking, and crafting coffee.

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