Best Motherboards for Intel CPUs in 2022

Buying an Intel processor will require you to select from various chipsets that support the different generation of CPUs. The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E is a great modern motherboard that was designed for the latest generation of processors and will work with 9th Gen Intel processors like the Core i5 9600K out the box.

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E

Latest Z390 chipset

The ASUS ROG Strix line of motherboards are known for two things. One is the obscene designs that can be a little too much for even the more hardcore fans, but the other is high-quality components and VRMs. Being able to comfortably overclock a system with excellent performance and stability makes these motherboards a great choice for Intel system builders. This board will work with 8th and 9th Gen Intel CPUs.

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC

Value pick

Not only does this board support 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors, but it also comes with some killer features like 4400MHz RAM support, built-in wireless connectivity, and RGB lighting for those who enjoy creating some form of a light show inside their PC case. It's also priced aggressively, making it well-positioned for new budget builds.

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming LGA1151

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming LGA1151

Small and mighty

When you're tight on space and opt for a small form factor PC build, you'll need a mini-ITX motherboard. The ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming from ASUS is a great example, though it's a little on pricey side. This board supports 8th and 9th-gen Intel Core processors, has dual M.2 slots, USB 3.1 Gen 2, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and ASUS Opti-MEM II for better DRAM overclocking stability.

ASUS TUF X299 Mark 2

ASUS TUF X299 Mark 2

Enthusiast platform

If you need more power than what Intel Core i7 processors offer, you may want to upgrade to the Intel Core X-Series, which offers more beefy versions of Core processors. The only downside is you'll need a different motherboard since these CPUs use a unique socket type and chipset. This ASUS board will allow you to take full advantage of the performance of the Intel processor with additional features like enhanced passive cooling. Got to keep them VRMs cool.

Depending on what processor you have (or are planning to purchase), your choice of motherboard may be determined by compatibility. If you're going for the latest from Intel, we'd recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E from ASUS.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.