The BEST Motherboards For i5-13600KF

Intel launched its Raptor Lake, which offers essential performance upgrades across the previous Intel Alder Lake lineups. As far as performance is concerned, AMD and Intel compete for head to head with their latest launches to bypass and dominate the market; Intel has made an amazing effort with its 13th generation CPUs. Before moving on to Best Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF, let’s overview i5-13600KF’s specs.

The Intel i5 13th gen CPU has two variants, 13600K and 13600KF, with a powerful performance upgrade compared to the last generation. The 13600KF is cheaper than the 13600K variant because it does not provide you with iGPU, Intel’s Integrated Graphics. It is based on the LGA1700 socket and has a hybrid core architecture that contains 14 cores, 8 E-cores (Efficient cores) and 6 P-cores (Performance cores) and 20 threads, and an L2 Cache of 24MB which ensures a considerable performance uplift compared to the Alder Lake. The processor supports a maximum of 20 PCI Express Lanes in total alongside Dual-Channel DDR5-5600 Memory, and because of the LGA1700 socket, it can also support DDR4 RAM. i5-13600KF is overclocking unlocked, attracting users, especially gamers who can extract intense performance from it.

If you’re looking for DDR5 RAM for i5-13600KF or any 13th-generation processor, check out our guide on BEST DDR5 RAM.

Best Motherboards For i5-13600KF

Last update on 2023-11-28

Now let’s move on towards the best i5-13600KF motherboards we gathered after thorough testing of different options available in the market and categorization based on Best Overall, Best Value, Best Overclocking, and many other categories relatable to our readers.

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Best Overall Motherboard For i5-13600KF

Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: DDR5 7600 | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 2x USB Type-C, 7x USB 3.2 | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA

Due to its high-quality computer goods, GIGABYTE is regarded as one of the industry’s top computer hardware manufacturers. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is ranked as the Best Overall Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF because it offers performance, excellent aesthetic appeal, and power delivery.

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX delivers performance that can compete with the best motherboards, thanks to its Twin 16+1+2 Digital VRM Design and 70A Smart Power Stage. The motherboard also features MOSFET heatsinks with a 6mm Heatpipe, 7.5 W/mK thermal conductivity pad, and an integrated IO shield for effective heat dissipation. A 6-layer 2X Copper PCB design also effectively dissipates heat near the voltage regulators and provides extra headroom for CPU overclocking. Additionally, it uses Smart Fan 6 Technology, which has 5x PWM fan headers for proper thermal radiation.

The twin channel 4x DIMM DDR5 RAM in the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers blazing-fast memory access for 128GB at a top speed of 7600 MHz. This board offers the best networking capabilities, featuring a PCIe SMD 5.0 slot with a PCIe EZ-latch and 4x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for your NVMe SSDs. The four PCIe M.2 ports and PCI Express 5.0 compatibility guarantee rocketing storage, simple management, and accessibility.

The screwless operation of the EZ-latch makes installation simple and increases user comfort. A 24-pin ATX power connector and one 8+8-pin CPU power connector are among the solid pin power connectors used by the motherboard. Everything a user might want is included, including a quick 2.5 Gbe LAN connection and WiFi 6E connectivity for the most aggressive gameplay.

GIGABYTE AORUS Elite AX, one of the top motherboards for i5-13600KF on the market, will offer competitive performance and overclocking capability enhanced by its quick memory requirements, modern chipset support, power delivery, and thermal dissipation system.

What we liked:

Twin 16+1+2 VRMs with MOSFET heatsinks are used in the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX to offer optimum thermal efficiency; this is required because the premium motherboard has a high power rating and generates a lot of heat. For successful overclocking, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts an effective VRM layout and heatsinks included in the box. Additionally, a lot of users are drawn in by an attractive design.

What we disliked:

When it comes to the market’s Best Overall Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF, there isn’t much to be disappointed about. The only problem we can identify is the expensive price tag associated with this top-tier motherboard. However, a 10-layer PCB design would have been the cherry on top.

Why we picked it?

Our product, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX, delivers all we could ask for. It has a balanced design and a respectable amount of connection. With M.2 slots and six SATA connections, AORUS Elite AX will likely satisfy all your storage needs, so you are not constrained by its storage options. When talking about performance, it also comes packed with solid features.

Who it’s for?

Both productivity and gaming duties are well-suited to the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX. It is an incredibly capable solution because of its cutting-edge thermal design and digital 16+2+1 phase VRM configuration. Several M.2 connections, a 2.5G ethernet connection, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port are among the features that professionals will appreciate.

Verdict

If you’ve funds to spare for your build and want the best of the best, GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the way to go, as it surely ranks among the best for running a Core i5-13600KF processor when it comes to the best-performing motherboard with top-of-the-line components, VRM specification, and carefully thought-out architecture.

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO

Best High-End Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF

Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128 GB, DDR5 7800+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, Intel Thunderbolt, VGA | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 9x Front | Network: WiFi 6E, LAN | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA

Who hasn’t heard of ASUS when it comes to gaming? The ROG brand, which stands for “Republic of Gamers,” holds a prominent place in the hearts of the gaming community and is regarded as one of the top hardware producers of the time. Let’s talk more about ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO and why we named it among the Best Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF.

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO’s 8+8 pin Dual ProCool II power connectors and 20+1 VRM Power Stages enable the CPU to operate efficiently. ASUS offers its 2.5 Gbe LAN support chip and WiFi 6E compatibility to enhance the gaming experience for lag-free competitive performance. The motherboard has 2x Type-C ThunderBolt 4 USB ports that can carry data at up to 40 Gbps in each direction, which is high-speed.

A 4x DIMM DDR5 memory module with a maximum frequency of 7800 MHz and Dual Channel Memory Architecture is included with the ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO, enabling blazing-fast memory access. It will be one of the fastest memory specs in a motherboard, with 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and PCIe 5.0 M.2 card support. 

The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO has numerous 4-pin PWM fan headers and VRM heatsinks with integrated IO covers. Three M.2 slots have heatsinks, and the best thermal pads are available. A water cooling zone with a water flow tachometer and a water ROG supplied In/Out sensor helps benefit from the cooling solution. A self-contained water cooling system, two CPU fan headers, and four chassis headers for PWM fan auto-detection are all controlled via a dedicated header. Since the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO is LGA1700 compliant, it can also support older coolers compatible with that socket; ROG did everything possible to provide the most effective heat dissipation.

In terms of overclocking, ASUS offers AI overclocking, which enables you to improve your performance. It automatically detects the ideal setup and recommends the optimized parameters of the system to gain the utmost performance. The motherboard configures the expected values, yet another action that enhances the user experience. The ROG MAXIMUS Z790 is one of the Best High-End Motherboards For Core i5-13600KF offered to users because of all these high-end characteristics.

What we liked:

The 20+1 VRM Power Stage used by the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO has an 8+8 pin DUAL ProCool II power connector, which is sufficient to draw even the latest generation CPU power and effectively dissipate the enormous amount of heat generated as a result. There is support for two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots running in parallel with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 card slot, which is something that even most high-end motherboards cannot do. The new Z790 version can still use the old coolers that the users had installed because the motherboard uses the same LGA1700 socket as the Z690 motherboards.

What we disliked:

There aren’t many things to say under this section, considering that we label the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 the Best High-End Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF. However, one could anticipate that a costly, high-performance motherboard would also provide PCIe 5.0 x4 modes. Although the motherboard includes PCIe 5.0 x16 modes and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 support would have been preferable to PCIe 4.0 x4.

Why we picked it?

It has numerous distinctive characteristics you wouldn’t typically find in a unified platform. Significant upgrades from the previous iteration include multiple PCIe Gen 5.0 slots, faster DDR5 memory compatibility, and an improved VRM design. The 20+1 VRM design enables customers to push their CPUs to the absolute limit as long as they are given enough thermal headroom. For gamers who want to get the most out of their processors, the sturdy VRM architecture guarantees a stable overclocking performance.

Who it’s for?

It is evident that ASUS spared no expense regarding the motherboard, with the ROG Maximum Z790 HERO being a good choice for both professionals and gamers. Its superb I/O architecture and the storage possibilities it offers will especially satisfy content creators. Thanks to the 5x M.2 slots and 6x SATA connections, even the most demanding users won’t have to worry about storage.

Verdict

Due to its massive power consumption, superior VRM architecture, and overclocking capabilities, ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO is a reliable top-performing motherboard option. Although it may seem pricey, this motherboard will give its customer the most value for their money.

GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G

Best White Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF

Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128 GB, DDR5 7600 | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 4x Rear, 4x Internal USB headers | Network: Intel 2.5 GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA  

Most PC fans prioritize aesthetics when creating a PC setup; they like a dark, preferably black, configuration; however, some prefer a lighter color scheme privately. GIGABYTE released the Z790 AERO G, which we have classified as the Best White Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF in the market for these users.

The memory configuration includes 128GB of 4x DIMM DDR5, which operates at a maximum frequency of 7600 MHz. The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G offers good fast storage options thanks to the inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 Express x16 slot, a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for M.2, and two PCIe 4.0 Express x16 slots operating at x4. There is no need to be concerned if you need the fastest storage compatibility because M.2 slots, including a full-speed PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, will meet your needs. A total of 5x M.2 slots ensure that memory is accessible as quickly as possible anywhere, enhancing performance and maximizing chipset use. GIGABYTE, likewise, built the VRM heatsinks with meticulous attention to every last detail. The ideal cosmetic heatsinks will handle all overheating and heat dissipation operations, ensuring that all users have a smooth and trouble-free gaming experience.

An Onsemi NCP81530R 8+2 phase PWM controller is a feature of the GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G. The Z790 AERO G’s 16+1+2 twin digital power stage design, which has increased transient response advantages, is included in the VRM. The motherboard has an 8-phase Vcore with two Onsemi FDMF5062 smart power stages, each with a peak current rating of 70A. Thanks to its peak current handling capacity of 1120A, the Z790 AERO G is theoretically capable of substantial overclocking with any 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core processor.

Overclocking performance is the most crucial characteristic to observe when it comes to motherboards for the most recent flagship chipsets. The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G, one of the greatest motherboards currently available on the market, offers overclocking performance on par with that anticipated from a flagship motherboard; the motherboard will draw out the Z790 chipset’s maximum performance. Considering these facts and figures, we recommend GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G to users as the Best White.

What we liked:

GIGABYTE used a PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 card slot in conjunction with two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Including several temperature sensors, hybrid fan headers, and noise detectors in its Smart Fan 6 technology suggests that the creator devoted great attention to effective heat dissipation. Additionally, the GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G supports the Q-Flash Plus specification, enabling BIOS updates without needing to install extra parts like the CPU.

What we disliked:

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G lacks the cooling features necessary for sustained performance, notably overclocking while having a strong Z790 chipset on board. A strong chipset without PCIe 5.0 x4 slots cannot use quick storage devices like NVMe SSDs at the quickest interface; Thunderbolt 4 support would have been the icing on the cake.

Why we picked it?

We selected Z790 AERO G as the best motherboard for Core i5-13600KF out of various white motherboards because it was the most effective and aesthetically pleasing in the entire list. Alongside fast DDR5 memory and support for PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, the motherboard has an advantage and good heat dissipation made possible by internal temperature sensors and PWM fan connections. The stunning VRM design also drew our attention. Combining all this information with the particular standards for the best white aesthetics made its inclusion on the list inevitable.

Who it’s for?

If you need a solid Z790 motherboard with promising specs and white aesthetics on board, Z790 AERO G is made for you. The mixture of white PCB and a well-rounded setup made us choose it in the first place among the Best Z790 Motherboard.

Verdict

There aren’t many motherboard options available that feature a light motif. The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G is the only motherboard that comes in second place when comparing VRM heatsink specifications, fastest memory support, network connectivity, video and IO compatibility, and overclocking performance. We advise the readers to get this motherboard if they want a light-colored PC setup.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi

Best Value Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF

Specifications = Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400+ | Video Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 | Network: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip | USB Ports: 7x USB 3.2 Type A, 2x USB 3.2 Type C, 2x USB 2.0 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA.

For users looking to build a mid-range gaming PC, the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is the best value motherboard you’d find in the market. For an approximate price of $300, you can get the best features for a budget PC. 

Another thing that shouldn’t be left undiscussed is the amazing looks of the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi. The exposed PCB with a black look makes it pleasurable to look at. Although it doesn’t feature RGB lighting, you can still use internal headers if you are an RGB lover.

The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi uses a Duet Rail Power System, providing a 16+1+1 Phase power configuration and has a power stage of 70A. It features a 2x 8-pin EPS power connector for power delivery, enough to deliver power to the i5-13600KF. For heat sinking, it comes with aluminum heat sinks splatted in half. However, it doesn’t feature a heat pipe, but as the i5-13600KF doesn’t dissipate much heat like the i9-13900K, it shouldn’t be an issue. Its DDR5 DIMM slots are soldered on the 6-layer PCB, allowing it to improve its overclocking quality and increase headroom for memory overclocking.

Talking about the storage capabilities, the MAG Z690 Tomahawk supports 4x DIMM DDR5 RAM slots that can handle a memory capacity of 128 GB with a max overclocking speed of 6400 MHz, enough for its price and can be a good base to overclock the i5-13600KF. For PCIe lanes, it offers Gen 3.0 PCIe slots and Gen 5 M.2 compatibility comprising PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, and PCIe 3.0 x4 with the addition of a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The motherboard also has 6x SATA ports and 4x M.2 slots consisting of 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 slot and 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, which should be enough for i5-13600KF if you are on a budget. Also, it comes with 8 USB ports containing 3x USB 3.2 G2 Type-A ports, 2x USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 ports, and one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C port.

What we liked:

For a low price, it is surprising that this motherboard can provide 4x M.2 slots and DDR5 memory compatibility up to 6400 MHz, good overclocking, and a 16+1+1 VRM. Among the many other features, these are the best things about the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi. 

What we disliked:

The thing we disliked about the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is the lack of good connectivity features. Yes, it features many USB ports, which are impressive for a mid-priced motherboard but still, there aren’t much varied options; they could still have improved their overall connectivity, which would have been a plus point. Also, the lack of good connectivity and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot play a part in the board’s downgrading.

Why we picked it?

As we know, not everyone can afford to make a high-end gaming PC, though it is still possible to build a decent-performing one that is also easy on your pocket. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is the best we found in this regard. With its overclocking features being good enough for the i5-13600KF and a low price, it left us amazed, which gave us no choice not to consider this motherboard.

Who it’s for?

The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is a perfect choice for users and gamers low on budget. It might not be well-performing as its successors, but it still should be a considerable choice as it only ranges around $300, which is fair enough and can compensate for the price of the i5-13600KF.

Verdict

With all the features the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi offers at an incredibly low price, it is the Best Value Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF. It isn’t as good as its competitors on this list, but with a decent overclocking ability, cooling solutions, and solid VRM specs, it is good enough to use with the i5-13600KF.

ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF

Specifications=  Chipset: Intel Z790 | Memory: 2x DIMM 64GB, DDR5-7600 | USB: 2x USB 2.0, 4x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C. | Network: Intel 2.5Gigabit LAN | Video outputs: HDMI, Thunderbolt. | Storage: 2x M.2 slots, 2x SATA III ports.

For users looking for a Mini-ITX motherboard, the ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI is one of the best choices for i5-13600KF. Despite its small size, it has many useful features, including many PCB layers and overclocking capabilities, making it the best choice for i5-13600KF.

ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI has a 10+1+1 scheme; 12 phases total, 10 for VCore,1 for iGPU, and 1 for VCCIO, capable of delivering 105A current. For CPU power delivery, it uses an 8-Pin ProCool II Power Connector. One of the most remarkable features STRIX Z790-I has is its 10 PCB layers which is a great addition so that the motherboard’s PCB doesn’t heat up quickly and can withstand light overclocking despite Mini-ITX format. 

A small black plate VRM heatsink is also attached to keep the board cooled down; an AIO pump header and a 4-pin PWM Fan header also play a part in cooling down the system. It also features a smart overclocking system with AI overclocking, which predicts the optimal settings for overclocking by profiling the CPU and pushing the performance to its limits. 

For memory features, ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING has 4x DIMM DDR5 RAM supporting a memory capacity of 64GB with a memory speed of 7600 MHz, allowing its users to enjoy fast data accessing speeds. The ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI uses a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics processing; for storage options, it comes with a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 and a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot along with 2x SATA III ports. For USB ports, it comes with 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C, 4x USB Type A including USB 3.1 and 3.2 Gen 2, and 2x USB 2.0 Type A. There is also a rear panel included for BIOS flashback.

ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI also supports 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and WiFi 6E, providing up to seven 160MHz channels for fast data transfer.

The looks are also pretty decent. The board’s overall look is black, with a large ASUS logo printed on it. There are no RGB lights on the PCB, which would have made a great addition to the aesthetics.

What we liked:

There is no doubt that the ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI is one of the Best Mini-ITX Motherboards for i5-13600KF with its impressive features and quality hardware. The thing we liked the most about this board is the 10-layer PCB which is capable of enhancing signals, quality routing, and making complex compact devices more efficient, which can be a good thing when used with the i5-13600KF. The connectivity features, PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and Thunderbolt 4 add to the things we like about this board.

What we disliked:

Although the ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI is a great mini-ITX board, some facts about it make it a bit less impressive in some departments. The first reason would be its high price; no doubt it would make a good combo with the i5-13600KF but considering that both have a high price, it can be a little harsh on your pocket. The lack of SATA ports is also a drawback, as it comes with only 2; most motherboards have more than two ports. Also, the unavailability of RGB lights makes it less eye-pleasing despite its good looks.

Why we picked it?

We chose ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI for i5-13600KF because of some unique features, including quality hardware and AI overclocking features which is a huge advantage for users looking for overclocking their build with the i5-13600KF.

Who it’s for?

The ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI is a great choice for i5-13600KF users who need minimalistic setups at their desks. You will pay high for the board, but you will also get 10 PCB layers, good connectivity features, quality hardware, and more.

Verdict

With its unique and quality features, ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI is the Best Mini-ITX motherboard for i5-13600KF. Combining features like 10 PCB layers, AI overclocking, and good connectivity, you can rest assured that it will be a great match for your i5-13600KF. But you will need to spend a few extra bucks for it and will also have to compromise on the lack of SATA slots and RGB lights.

MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi

Best Overclocking Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF

Specifications=  Chipset: Intel Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128GB, DDR5-7600+ (OC) | USB: 4x USB 2.0, 10x USB 3.2 Type A, 3x USB 3.2 Type C. | Network: Intel 2.5Gbps LAN | Video outputs: 1x HDMI. | Storage: 5x M.2 slots, 6x SATA 6G port.

The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi is no stranger to the latest 13th-generation CPUs; for gamers and users seeking a great match for their i5-13600KF CPU, MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi can surely be an excellent choice. For users with a good budget, MPG Z790 is worth buying as it further proves itself by offering features that can justify its price. You can’t also ignore the visuals. The RGB lighting with a black-colored PCB design and a dragon logo makes it eye-pleasing for its users.

The MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a Digital 19+1+1 VRM design at a rating of 105A. With this VRM design, MSI ensures stability with an 8-layer PCB to remove any chances of meltdown due to heat generation from such a beastly CPU. For CPU power delivery, it uses a dual 8-pin connector. A direct-touch heat pipe and a set of 7W/mK thermal pads take care of heat dissipation; these thermal pads divert the heat from the MOSFETs to the extended heat sinks. There are also two methods available for overclocking. One of them is the MSI software that allows the user to do overclocking easier than ever with just a few clicks; this can come in handy, especially for newbies who are not so familiar with overclocking; overclocking with the BIOS is also available.

The MPG Z790 Carbon also features 4x DIMM DDR5 RAM supporting a memory capacity of 128 GB with a memory speed of 7600+ MHz allowing it to access data quicker. It also has lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe slots and Gen 5 M.2 compatibility, which comes in handy for maintaining a bandwidth of 128 GB/s for fast data transfer rates. It also has 6x SATA ports and PCIe M offerings. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi also features 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot; for storage options, it also comprises 1x M.2 Gen5 x4 slot, 4x M.2 Gen4 x4 slots and 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports. 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, and 6x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports also come in the Z790 Carbon package.

MPG Z790 also supports 2.5 Gbps LAN and WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for networking purposes; you can also use a built-in magnetic antenna to get clear signals and reliable download speeds. Moreover, the MPG Z790 also has audio capacitors and special shielding for signals to be clean and clear. 

What we liked:

There are plenty of nice things about this motherboard considering the abovementioned features. We liked the option for easy overclocking with the MSI software, making it the Best Overclocking Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF. However, overclocking with the MSI software generates a lot of heat which isn’t good for 13600KF. But the BIOS option is also available for overclocking, which can be a much better way.

What we disliked:

There is no doubt that the MPG Z790 has a decent LAN and WiFi technology capable of transferring signals clearly and providing high download speeds; it still doesn’t feel pleasing to know that it lacks the support for 10GbE LAN, which could have been a great addition too. The lack of PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 also adds to one of its cons. It could have been improvised by providing better storage capabilities for PCIe 5.0 instead of adding PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. Despite supporting DDR5 memory up to the speed of 7600+ MHz, some limitations should be kept in mind. You can only achieve the memory speed of 7600+ MHz with single-rank memory; dual-rank memory is limited to 6600 MHz.

Why we picked it?

After reviewing the features that the MSI Z790 Carbon WiFi offers, there remain no doubts that this is one of the Best Overclocking Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF in the market due to its balanced overclocking features, making it a perfect choice for gamers and overclockers planning to build an i5-13600KF powered PC.

Who it’s for?

Although the Z790 gives us several reasons to recommend this board to the users, you should know that its price can be out of budget for some people. So it’s mostly suitable for users with a high budget for their setup, especially 13th-generation overclockers.

Verdict

The MSI can be a good choice to build on the Z790 platform. Despite being a bit pricey with cons like single-rank memory limitations and lack of support for 10GbE LAN, it is still equipped with elements like PCIe 5.0 M.2 x16 and x4 slots, and DDR5 memory support, making it one of the Best Motherboard For Core i5-13600KF. Not to forget the aesthetics it has for you to enhance your overall gaming experience, which further justifies its price.

Core i5-13600K vs Core i5-13600KF

Intel has been leading the CPU market for quite some time and has been among the top preferences for gamers for a long time. Intel recently launched the successor of Alder Lake, the Raptor Lake series of Core i5 containing 13600K and 13600KF variants on a price tag of around $300 and $330. They have almost no difference on paper; both CPUs use LGA1700 sockets, are equipped with 14 cores and 20 threads, and support DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. They both have a TDP of 125W, and this power consumption will cause heating problems requiring a solid cooling solution for a smooth workflow. 

The i5 lineup contains 14 cores, 8 of which are E-cores (Efficient cores), and the remaining 6 are P-cores (Performance cores). The support for Thunderbolt 4 technology reduces the connectivity latency of the external peripherals and helps provide high bandwidth for connecting high-speed devices. Both variants have overclocking unlocked, so gamers and high-productivity users can push their processors to the extreme level. i5-13600K and i5-13600KF have a base frequency of 3.50 GHz, a turbo boost frequency of 5.1 GHz, and a maximum turbo power of 181W, respectively. They have 24MB of Intel’s smart cache and 20MB of L2 Cache. The CPUs also support PCIe 5.0, which can help you run the GPUs and SSDs to their full potential. While gaming, using PCIe 5.0 compatible devices like NVMe SSDs and GPUs with these processors can give you intense results considering the whopping transfer speeds you unlock.

Looking for i5-13600K motherboards, look at BEST Motherboards For i5-13600K.

The main difference between i5-13600K and i5-13600KF variants is that the KF version does not provide you with integrated graphics. You will require dedicated graphics for i5-13600KF, a graphics card to process the graphics and provide you with the display and far more powerful functionalities to get the best output that you expect from this high-end processor; that is why the KF variant is slightly cheaper than the K variant. The K version, in this case, provides you with Intel’s UHD 770 Graphics having a Base Frequency of 300 MHz and Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency of 1.50 GHz.

How We Picked

Buying a CPU processor worth over 300 bucks is a big deal, and with that whooping price tag, you need to have a motherboard that gets the extreme out of your processor. As Intel launched its Raptor Lake’s i5 lineup comprising 14 cores and 20 threads, you need to have a solid motherboard that helps you attain performance from your CPU while maintaining the temperature.

When buying a motherboard, you need to be extra vigilant because you wouldn’t want your processor to get damaged or malfunction. You must consider some key factors before buying a motherboard, and for that, we at Tech4Gamers, have prepared this guide which will even help you if you’re in the market to purchase a new one.

VRM

VRM, which refers to Voltage Regulator Module, is one of the key factors when choosing a motherboard. VRM helps supply adequate voltage to all the motherboard components, including the CPU. Especially when overclocking, VRM helps to provide firm power to the CPU, taking care of other components so they may not malfunction. With a robust VRM, you can overclock smoothly without any hurdles, and especially for a beast-like processor like i5-13600KF, people love to get such motherboards that help them get the ultimate out of their processor. VRMs vary from motherboard to motherboard, but as solid ones aren’t pocket-friendly, we chose those that fulfill your CPU requirements. 

Overclocking Potential

Overclocking helps the user push its processors’ performance to the extreme, providing more juice to extract every single bit and get better results. Gamers have always loved Intel’s performance with overclocking as it reaches another level. But, in the case of Core i5-13600KF, the CPU will generate an enormous amount of heat while overclocking as it requires 181W on max turbo power; for that, a motherboard is needed that can manage the heat efficiently and dissipate the heat quickly so you can do your work smoothly. Keeping in mind all the factors, we chose the best-in-class motherboards to help you overclock without facing any problems and attain the best out of your processor.

Heatsink – Cooling

Intel’s processors can give you good performance, but putting some intense workload on your processor may heat up quickly. This is where heatsinks, fans, and other cooling systems play a significant role in dissipating the heat, helping the PC stay cooler, and helping you do your work without any hurdles.

Motherboards with efficient cooling systems are categorized into several price ranges, but the right ones must be selected so that they do not get costly enough and fulfill your requirements evenly. Keeping in mind the heat generated by the Core i5-13600KF, we chose the motherboards that are just right for your system and are very pocket friendly.

Features

Features are the essential things one can wish for while buying a motherboard; they help you in future-proofing and enjoy some extra functionalities. Features may include extra PCIe 5.0 lanes and USB 3.0 or 4.0 ports which help you connect extra peripherals and reduce their input latency. Expansion slots can help you connect components like GPUs or NVMe SSDs supporting the latest PCIe interface to your system; it will help you boost data read and write speeds and give you an extra amount of performance. Some extra RAM slots can help you increase RAM, eventually increasing your system’s speed.

We’ve selected all the i5-13600KF motherboards with the latest features, which may enhance your experience and help you in the future.

Price

Price is one of the main factors on which the user usually depends. As the Raptor Lake series launch prices are on a hike, people may expect to empty their pockets after buying every component required. Spending more money on some extra useless features may not be the safer side. Furthermore, spending too low on something crucial like a motherboard can also harm your computer and deteriorate your experience, as there’s a risk of damaging other expensive parts too. Sending the right amount of money on a motherboard and saving the rest for some other peripherals may sound wise.

While keeping an eye on the requirements of Core i5-13600KF, we chose the best motherboards that will satisfy your requirements and will not be costly.

Why Trust Us

Tech4gamers has been keeping people updated about the tech industry since 2008; now, it has developed into a powerful team of professionals presenting the information after authentic research. Quality has been our priority, and for that, Tech4Gamers has a specific team of professionals that test hardware samples that comes out in the market day to day and provide an honest review in a user-friendly way. 

We also have a specified news section on our website that keeps you notified about every news from the tech industry.