The Intel i9 12900K might be topping charts, but the i5 12600K isn’t coming slow as well, with competitive prices and tough competition to its Ryzen counterpart, the 5600x (you can check our take comparing both processors in gaming benchmarks here), the i5 12600K is here to rock the mid-range market. Now you might be wondering about the Best Motherboards For i5-12600k. Well, take a look at them:
Last update on 2023-10-03
Best Motherboards for i5-12600K
Following are our recommendations for the best motherboards for i5-12600K:
- MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X
- Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master
- Gigabyte Z690 Aero D
- MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
- MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4
- Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi
- MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4
- ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4
- ASUS Prime H610M-E D4
MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X
Best Overclocking Motherboard For i5 12600k
Specifications: Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR5-6800 | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 2x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Intel Wi-Fi 6E Module | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Great Power Delivery
- Stealthy Looks
- 5x M.2 Sockets
- High Speed RAM support upto 6800Mhz
Cons
- No Video Outputs
The all Black MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X is once again here to rock alongside Intel’s Alder Lake CPU‘s. MSI hasn’t worked on the look much as it still remains all black, but they’ve surely given a buff to the Hardware, featuring 5x M.2 slots, WiFi 6E doubled with Dual 2.5 GbE, whilst also offering PCIe 5.0 alongside DDR5 upto 6800Mhz. MSI has surely, this time, packed a ton inside the ATX Motherboard. Make sure to also check out all Z690 Motherboards available.
Coming out with a massive 19+2 VRM design combined with 105A power stages, the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X isn’t scared of the power-hungry Intel AlderLake CPUs. The Intel Core i5 12600K has a ton of overclocking potential packed into it, and we believe only the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X is capable of unleashing it, all thanks to its High power and Cooling capabilities. In terms of cooling, MSI has provided us with their extended PWM heatsink and enhanced circuit design, ensuring us of low temps at high power designs.
Talking of Aesthetics, once again, the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X is available in all black with no signs of RGB’s. Featuring all-black heatsinks and more massive heatsinks, the UNIFY-X is pretty much just dark, though if you are afraid of the dark, you can always add in some RGBs using the RGB headers provided.
The MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X is also, or as MSI calls it, “DIY-Friendly.” MSI has provided all extreme power users with DIY stands set, helping users bring their PC to life with all ease. The Motherboard also comes with a Pre-installed I/O shield and a Tuning Controller. The tuning controller offers a variety of overclocking options with just the click of a few buttons. The MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X also comes with a “System Saver” option; with just a click of a button, the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X allows you to Clear your CMOS or Flash your BIOS.
The MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X allows you to add a total of 64GB of system memory with speeds up to 6800 MHz. It also comes packed with PCIe Gen 5.0, offering crazy transfer speeds. The MSI MEG Z690 also offers dual 2.5G LAN alongside the latest WiFi 6E solutions, thus, gifting their users a lag-free life.
What We Liked
The best thing about the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X is its strong VRM structure, and that’s why we call it the perfect motherboard for overclocking the i5-12600K.
What We Disliked
The lack of video outputs on such a high-end motherboard is disappointing.
What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i5-12600K
Ultimately, the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY-X is our best overclocking Motherboard for i5 12600k AlderLake processor – thanks to its high power and cooling capabilities. Although it is not the cheapest in its league but it surely proves to be the best.
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master
Best High-End Motherboard For i5 12600k
Specifications: Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400 | USB Ports: 11x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 10 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi Module 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Best High-End
- Very Aesthetic
- 5x M.2 Sockets
- 11x USB Ports
Cons
- Expensive
Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Master is our recommended Motherboard in the best high-end Motherboards for Intel’s Core i5 12600k or, as Gigabyte calls it, “The New King of Gaming Motherboards.” It comes with a VRM design of 19+1+2 phase coupled with 105A smart power stages capable of handling all Intel high-end AlderLake CPU’s. It also features the new Intel Hybrid Technology, which is going to be an essential part of the performance boost by handling and adjusting P-Core and E-Core performance.
This the first glimpse of the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master, and I’ve got to admit this is one good-looking board, the majority of the board is black and covered in massive heatsinks, but it comes with a few gun metal bit accents here and there, it also offers some RGB lighting effects over the massive I/O cover offering a very sleek look. But, with all the crazy looks and VRM power, cooling also matters.
In terms of cooling, Gigabyte offers their new thermal performance solution, the “Fins-Array III”. Having Fins on the heatsink will help dissipate heat faster than traditional heatsinks. The Fins Array III offers some serious cooling to the massive power coming in, enabling us to get the most out of our AlderLake CPU’s.
What We Liked
There is so much to love about the Z690 Aorus Master that we can’t just say that we liked one thing the most; the motherboard is perfect in every way.
What We Disliked
Aimed for the high-end segment, it comes as no surprise that it is quite an expensive board.
What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For i5-12600K
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master comes loaded with all the latest features, from DDR5 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM running at 6400Mhz to PCIe 4.0 M.2 sockets. With the Gigabyte Z690 Aurous Master, you will never fall short of USB ports, as its features a staggering 11x USB ports, including USB Type-C ports only on the rear I/O port. The board also offers 4x M.2 slots with support for PCIe Gen 5.0, providing us unimaginably speeds in the forthcoming future. However, for me, the last nail in the coffin is the 10GbE LAN port coupled with 2x WiFi 6x antennas, making the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master our best choice as the Best High End Motherboard For i5 12600k.
Gigabyte Z690 Aero D
Best White Motherboard For i5 12600k
Specifications: Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400 | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 11x internal | Network: 1x 10 GbE LAN, 1x 2.5GbE, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Best White Build Motherboard
- Built-In WiFi
- Cheaper in the White Build category
Cons
- No RGB
- No SLI support
This has to be the prettiest Motherboard listed on this forum; the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D steals the show with its black exterior and sharp-finned silver heatsinks leaving everyone in awe. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D, is, indeed, a Motherboard everyone would want with their white builds; Packed with premium controllers, good compatibility, and high-end features, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D makes it to our top list of Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i5 12600K.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D remains to be the best choice for gamers and content creators who rely the most on fast and reliable connections. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D puts a dead end to all those scary lag thoughts with the onboard Marvell AQtion 10GbE and Intel 2.5 GbE LAN chips. It also gives us the all-new Intel WiFi 6E wireless solution, packed with the new dedicated 6GHZ band; you can be assured uninterrupted network anywhere!!
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D comes equipped with PCIe 4.0 M.2 sockets and DDR5 Memory supporting up to a massive 128GB running at 6400MHz, meaning no matter what you’re doing; you’ll be now doing it way faster than before.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D comes in an E-ATX form factor with a VRM design of 16+1+2 phases, all powered through the 8 and 4 pins at top. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D is capable enough to run any Intel AlderLake CPU with this power.
With massive power comes massive heat, and well, Gigabyte has given it a thought. Ensuring lower temps and keeping the looks aesthetic, Gigabyte has covered the Motherboard in massive heatsinks keeping the perfect balance in looks and performance. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D makes use of the new M.2 Thermal Guard III design, by elevating your M.2 and increasing the surface area, Gigabyte lets you enjoy higher transfer speeds all day long.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D introduces us to Gigabyte’s very own VisionLINK. The VisionLINK allows users to Transfer data, charge their gadgets, and even output video all through a single USB Type-C cable. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D enables us to use up to 3x USB Type-C (1x through the internal header), reducing the use of more cables and increasing productivity.
The lower half of the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D is all ruled by a pair of full-length PCIe 5.0 slots operating at x16 and x8/x8. The full-length PCIe 5.0 allows us to make full use of AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire and 2-Way AMD CrossFire technologies.
What We Liked
Apart from every other feature, the thing that we love the most about this motherboard is its white body.
What We Disliked
Despite looking drop-dead gorgeous, it is disappointing to see that the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D has no RGB.
What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i5-12600K
It comes as no surprise that the looks of the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D make it to our list as the Best White Motherboard for i5 12600K. Our GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G Review can be read here.
MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
The Best Motherboard For i5 12600k
Specifications: Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6600 | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 1x Wi-Fi Module 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Premium Thermal Design
- Very Aesthetic Design with RGB
- Lightning USB 20G
- Built-In WiFi
Cons
- A little Expensive
A fantastic ATX form factor and the magnificent Z690 chipset installed in the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi makes it the best choice for gamers. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi Motherboard startle the computing system with increased memory speed by delivering pure data signals, which in return helps provide faster gaming speeds and better overclocking performance. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi motherboard combines various features to create a durable and unparalleled design.
As a result of the 2.5G network solutions and lighting USB 20G, the transfer speed increases by 4 times. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi uses seprate layers in the PCB ensuring flawless sound quality to both left and right channels. With all these features the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is a highly compatible product and The Best Turbo Boost Motherbard for the Intel Core i5 12600k. The aggressive VRM heatsink design and 75A power stage maximizes efficiency despite hectic conditions.
MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi motherboard can fulfill many wishes and make it a significant Motherboard with higher efficiency and compatibility. As the Best Turbo Boost Motherboard for the i5 12600K the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi possesses many features that I adore.
In terms of heat dissipation, the extra chokes and the enlarged chipset heatsinks contribute to creating a good gaming environment because they make for maximum heat dissipation. As a result of its heatsink, the system does not overheat; In addition, there are LED error code indicators and troubleshooting LEDs on the MSI MPG Z690 WiFi making the mid-tier product get all the attention it deserves. The MSI MPG Z690 WiFi also makes use of MSI’s new heat sink design, the M.2 Shield Frozr. It is, as said by MSI, “The Next Gen M.2 Thermal Solution”. The M.2 Shield Frozr ensures your M.2 stays cool and remains capable of its maximum performance all day long.
MSI always try to come up with something innovative, and with their “DIY Friendly” Motherboards they surely achieved that. Introducing their new EZ M.2 Clips, allowing for a very quick and easy M.2 installation. the MSI MPG Z690 WiFi comes pre-installed with the I/O shield, making our Motherboard installation very effortless. In the box, we also get a few goodies like, Cable labels, Stickers, Brushes, and even MSI’s own screwdrivers; now that’s customer service for me!!
The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi utilizes a dual 8-pin CPU power connector with an 18+1+1 phase power design for maximum performance in the power department. Furthermore, it features various power-saving and overclocking features such as Core Boost and Memory Boost. The heatsink is paired with heat pipes and MOSFET thermal pads rated at 7W/mK to provide an advanced thermal solution. With additional choke thermal pads and MSI M.2 Shield Frozr, your components are protected under the most extreme gaming conditions.
With the 2.5G LAN you can enjoy excellent network stability, bandwidth-intensive games, and video streaming without lag. Coupled with the 2.5G LAN we also get the Intel WiFi 6E Solution giving us even more options of connectivity. Also, with the 5x M.2 slots and 6x SATA III ports, content creators will be able to choose from a range of storage options.
I think the Mystic lights deserve to be mentioned; with sixteen million colors and fancy LED effects to choose from, I think MSI has really given us a lot to drool over.
What We Liked
There is so much to like about the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi that we can’t just select one thing.
What We Disliked
There isn’t anything significantly wrong with the motherboard. However, it is a bit expensive.
What Makes It The Best Motherboard For i5-12600K
Due to its high-quality power design, premium thermal solution, and ample storage options, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is an excellent choice for the best gaming Motherboard, and thus, We are proud to declare this as The Best Turbo Boost Motherboard for the i5 12600K. The prices are reasonable and very in reach of all gaming enthusiasts.
MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4
Best Budget Motherboard For I5 12600k
Specifications: Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5200 | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Very Budget Friendly
- High-quality ditigal Power IC’s
- Support for PCIe 5.0
Cons
- No DDR5 Support
- No WiFi
When it comes to professional-level ATX motherboards with impressive power and circuitry, The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 Pro-Series is an outstanding choice for budget gamers.
Whether you’re a professional or a multimedia enthusiast, specs on the MSI PRO Z690-A will ensure you that it is the perfect match. MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ProSeries Motherboard’s Mardi Gras design ensures your machine shines all year long and not just during the season; in addition, it also has a sturdy build and comes with a solid hardware setup.
With its extended heatsink design, this Motherboard can fit a high-performance system. Maximizing storage speeds with PCIe Gen4 x4. It supports 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron Processors, compatible with most devices today.
Having a dual M.2 means you can have up to 512GB of storage. The choice of being able to upgrade your network technology to suit professional or multimedia use, aswell, ensuring smooth, fast, and stable connection both at home and office.
Part of the Motherboards heatsink design, the new M.2 Sheild Frozr, offers users even more for their SSD’s. The M.2 Sheild Frozr is designed to prevent your SSD from throttling whilst also maximizing Drive performance and transfer speeds.
We commit to ensuring that your system doesn’t age down too fast when you depend on us to select the Best Motherboards for the i5 12600k. Using the PCI Express Gen 4 X4 connection, the M-SSD connector enables optimal performance for NVMe-based SSDs, enabling users to transfer data significantly faster than older generation systems.
With Intel’s high-performance CPU’s, you can overclock its Memory up to 5600MHz all with the help of MSI’s PRO Z690-A DDR4 Mobo. The ability to get the best out of your system makes this Mobo the perfect product for professionals and all the crazies out there.
This MSI PRO Z690-A also offers a 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E Network solution. Meaning, coupled with its LAN Manager, you can say goodbye to latency, as the new Lan Manager allows you to control bandwidth to specific applications with a few mouse clicks. The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ProSeries Motherboard is the perfect solution for outstanding computing performance at an affordable price, thanks to its thermal solutions and network enhancements. All this technology is built into their 2.5G LAN chipsets, paired with Lightning M.2 and PCIe Gen4x4 compliant. Meaning you’ll be able to enjoy 10x faster Ethernet connections than the standard RJ45 Ethernet.
What We Liked
The best thing about the MSI PRO Z690-A is its price. Given the performance, it is really the best bang for the buck motherboard you can get for an i5-12600K.
What We Disliked
We can’t really complain much, given the pricing. However, the lack of DDR5 may disappoint some people.
What Makes It The Best Budget Motherboard For i5-12600K
Moreover, The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 maintains high performance at all times, all thanks to MSI using Thermal Solutions, a professional-grade solution that Gamer enthusiasts will appreciate. This is MSI’s new Storm Cooling solution that offers a wide fin design, presenting more airflow and cooling options. Our Verdict: MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 Pro-Series is the Best Budget Motherboard For i5 12600k.
Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5 12600k
Specifications: Chipset: Z690 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6000 | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x Asus LANGuard (2.5Gb), 1x Intel WiFi 6E | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Good Overclocking Potential
- Built-in WiFi i5 12600k Motherboard
- HDMI and DP 1.4 supporting upto 8K
Cons
- Expensive
- No backplate
Coming to the big boys, or maybe not so big, the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi is our pick for the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for your Intel Core i5 12600K. With its small form factor but big gains, the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming deserves to be on this list.
The Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi comes with a 14+1 power stage combined with High and Low side MOSFETS, meaning it is more than capable of delivering power to any Intel AlderLake CPU. Asus has made use of High-end chokes and durable capacitors, making the Motherboard stand against any temperature.
Talking of temperatures, how’s the weather out there? Cause here my Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming is freezing (well, not really, but the temps are low). All thanks to the two thick heatsinks from Asus attached to the metal I/O shield keeping our VRM temps very low. Asus also uses “Specially Engineered” thermal pads to give birth to even more heat dissipation.
The Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming makes use of a lot of AI, from controlling Noise Cancellation and Network usage to AI Overclocking and Cooling. You can access the ROG AI through the AI Suite software or from the UEFI.
The World tries to move fast, and so does Asus; equipping the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming with support for DDR5 memory and 3x PCIe 4.0 ready M.2 sockets, the ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming is the best choice for people with a need for speed.
Asus also made sure to connect us to the world; with the Intel 2.5Gb LAN and built-in WiFi 6E you are never left out. The Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming surely has a Mini-ITX from factor, but it goes toe-to-toe with any big boy out there. With 6x SATA and 3x M.2 sockets combined with a total of 16x USB headers and ports, you will never be short on storage.
In terms of looks, Asus always win the game with its eye-catching ROG logo. The RGB ROG on the Strix heatsink, coupled with Asus’s own Aura Sync, with tons of presets to choose from, the Motherboard surely comes to life.
What We Liked
We liked many things about the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming, most importantly its VRM design and looks.
What We Disliked
The only thing that we dislike about the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming is its pricing.
What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-12600K
With all these features and aesthetic looks, we believe the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming deserves to be the best Mini-ITX Motherboard for the Intel Core i5 12600K.
MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4
Best B660 Motherboard For i5-12600k
Specifications = “Chipset: B660 Chipset | CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 4800MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (for Graphics) | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps (Type-C), 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps | Graphics: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | LAN: 1x Realtek 8125BG 2.5Gbps LAN | Wireless/Bluetooth + Audio: Intel Wi-Fi 6 module, Bluetooth 5.2 + 8 Channel (7.1) HD Audio”]
Pros
- Adequate USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (including Type-C) support
- Supports maximum 128GB DDR4 Memory at 4800MHz
- 12+1+1 DRPW VRM
Cons
- Expensive
From the numerous number of B660 motherboards from each vendor, it was a difficult task to pick the Best B660 Motherboard for i5-12600k. i5-12600k is an amazingly good processor capable of challenging the best and providing unparallel gaming performance in its tier; it needed a motherboard capable of using it to its best. MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 leads the tier predominantly in the B660 lineup. MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 is a minimalistic black-themed motherboard that comes in an ATX form factor. It has a quite powerful VRM, 12+1+1 Duet Rail with digital CPU power system VRM, and is powered by two 8-pin CPU connectors.
For Motherboard’s cooling, some steps like the 2oz 6-layer PCB alongside PWM and M.2 heatsinks disperse heat from the PCB and slow down the heating. MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 supports a maximum of 128GB DDR4 memory at 4800MHz, along with Memory overclocking assistance. The Motherboard also supports adequate storage options like two M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slots, one M.2 Gen4 x2 32Gbps slot, and six SATA 3.0 Ports. That basically sums up to three M.2 slots and six SATA ports which are plentiful for your NVMe SSDs and storage expansion for storing numerous games and testing your i5-12600k.
We also have diverse expansion slots with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot for your GPUs and Network cards. The USB game is strong too, with one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps, five USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps consisting of four Type-A and one Type-C port, two Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports and eight USB 2.0 ports. MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 has plenty of USB 3.2 ports, so you won’t have an issue plugging in supported devices.
MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 contains wired and wireless connectivity built-in to the Motherboard. Realtek 8125BG 2.5Gbps LAN covers the wired connection angle providing pretty fast ethernet speeds. For wireless connectivity, you get Intel WiFi 6 alongside the latest Bluetooth version, 5.2, for faster wireless connections across the board. As for Audio, MSI embeds the 8 Channel (7.1) HD Audio for premium grade audio. MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 does have a drawback, and that is the price. It’s priced around $200, which isn’t budget-friendly as you can get budget Z690 motherboards around that price point too. Other than that, it’s a powerful motherboard fully equipped to provide crushing performances with Intel’s i5-12600k Processor.
What We Liked
We really liked the inclusion of USB Type-C ports.
What We Disliked
The pricing is a bit disappointing.
What Makes It The Best B660 Motherboard For i5-12600K
The VRM design, USB Ports configuration, looks, PCIe slots, and all of these features combined make the MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 the Best B660 Motherboard For i5-12600K.
ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4
Best H670 motherboard for i5-12600k
Specifications = “Chipset: H670 Chipset | CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 5066MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (for Graphics) | Storage: 2x M.2 Gen4 x4 slots | USB Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-C + 2 Type-A), 7x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (On rear: 3 Type-A) and 5x USB 2.0 ports | Graphics: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | LAN: 1x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet | Wireless/Bluetooth + Audio: No Wi-Fi and Bluetooth + Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC”]
Pros
- Supports maximum 128GB DDR4 Memory at 5066MHz
- Robust 8 power stages DIGI+ VRM
Cons
- No Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support
- Lack of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
Out of all other H670 motherboards, it was a difficult choice to make picking out the Best H670 Motherboard for i5-12600k. However, on in-depth analysis and testing, ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 stood undefeated, built perfectly for the i5-12600k Processor. ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 is a nice-looking ATX motherboard with a black and silver combo throughout the whole PCB. The silver heatsinks on top give it a sleek look.
A stable power supply to the Processor is extremely crucial for superior performance. On ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4, the inclusion of 8 power stages DIGI+ VRM gives it this edge. DIGI+ VRM is an industry-commended standard providing clean and steady power to the CPU and other components, helping you get the best out of your system. The CPU connectors are 8-pin ProCool connectors helping disperse heat from the VRM.
It is also important that the Motherboard removes heat from the PCB to maintain optimal temps. ASUS has added VRM and M.2 heatsinks to ensure the timely dissipation of heat to keep lower temperatures and no hit on the performance. ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 supports a maximum of 128 GB DDR4 RAM at a maximum frequency of 5066MHz. The icing on the cake is the Memory overclocking assistance along with ASUS OptiMem support which makes it the Best DDR4 Motherboard for i5-12600k too.
Regarding storage options, ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 features two M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, one M.2 Gen4 x4/SATA3.0 slot, and four SATA 3.0 Ports which are a comfortable combination for your NVMe SSDs, non-NVMe SSDs and HDDs. As for expansion slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot supporting x4 mode, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot supporting x4 mode, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots provide numerous options to operate at PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 interfaces.
USB connectivity ports contain a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, two Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, seven USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and five USB 2.0 ports. USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports are enough, but there’s no USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port soldered on the Motherboard, which is a drawback. The rest USB configuration is fine, considering the i5-12600k CPU.
Another heartbreak the purchasers might feel is the unavailability of WiFi and Bluetooth. There’s an M.2 slot for the network card, but it’s at your expense. As for wired connectivity, Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet juices up the ethernet, providing 2.5x faster speeds than the common ethernet. The Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC powers up the audio providing a prime-level enveloping audio experience.
What We Liked
We liked the memory support the most.
What We Disliked
We disliked the lack of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, along with no Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support.
What Makes It The Best H670 Motherboard For i5-12600K
The memory overclocking support, strong VRM, and beautiful looks, all of these features make the ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 the Best Overclocking H670 For i5-12600K.
ASUS Prime H610M-E D4
Best H610 Motherboard for i5-12600k
Specifications = “Chipset: H610 Chipset | CPU Socket: LGA1700 | Form Factor: mATX (microATX) | Memory Support: 2 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 3200MHz max, 64GB | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot | Storage: 1x M.2 Gen3 x4 slot, 1x M.2 Gen3 x2 slot, and 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (On rear: 2 Type-A) and 6x USB 2.0 ports | Graphics: 1x D-Sub port, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | LAN: 1x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet | Wireless/Bluetooth + Audio: No Wi-Fi and Bluetooth + Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC”]
Pros
- microATX form factor
- Best value for the money
- DIGI+ VRM
Cons
- No PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot
The H610 chipset is a lowly powered and budget chipset built to assist users and gamers on a low budget wanting to enjoy Intel’s 12th generation. H610 chipset can support the i5-12600k very well, considering the low-spec basis. On a careful consideration of motherboards existing in the H610 Motherboards bracket, we chose ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 as the Best H610 Motherboard for i5-12600k.
ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 is focused on entry-level chipset users who want bang-for-the-buck performance. The Motherboard is in microATX form factor aimed at smaller builds alongside a minimalistic design and black-silver combination throughout the PCB. The DIGI+ VRM powers ASUS Prime H610M-E D4, a superior industry-standard VRM built for motherboard power stability. A PCH heatsink is also added for easier PCH cooling.
ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 supports 2 DIMM slots capable of supporting a maximum of 64GB DDR4 Memory at a 3200MHz data transfer rate. H610 chipset doesn’t have Memory overclocking support, so the Motherboard can’t assist it either. Considering the chipset, it’s pretty adequate for powering up an Intel i5-12600k processor. As for storage, ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 consists of one M.2 Gen3 x4 slot, one M.2 Gen3 x2 slot, and four SATA 3.0 Ports. You get two M.2 slots assistance for NVMe SSDs, which is excellent considering the value-for-money angle.
Regarding expansion slots for GPUs and network cards, we get a pretty simple setup with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for GPU and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot for the network card. I/O connectivity comprising USBs is managed by four USB 3.2 Gen 1 port comprising two Type-A ports and six USB 2.0 ports. There’s no WiFi or Bluetooth aid for wireless connectivity. However, for wired connectivity, you can use Realtek 1Gb Ethernet. As for audio, Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC provides outstanding audio for a unique sound signature. The Motherboard is priced at around $100, a pretty economical option for supporting the i5-12600k Processor.
What We Liked
Given the MicroATX form factor, the pricing of the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 is really good.
What We Disliked
The lack of a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot is quite disappointing.
What Makes It The Best H610 Motherboard For i5-12600K
For the price, the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 has a really good VRM, especially if you consider its MicroATX form factor, and that’s why it’s the Best H610 Motherboard For i5-12600K.
Intel Core i5-12600K
Intel Core i5-12600K is equipped with 10 cores / 16 threads – the manufacturer used a combination of 6 cores / 12 threads based on a more efficient architecture and 4 cores / 4 threads based on power-saving architecture. The Intel Core i5-12600K works with two-channel DDR4 / DDR5 memory sets and LGA 1700 socket motherboards. An additional advantage is an unlocked multiplier, which allows you to overclock the clocks (it is necessary to use better cooling – the base TDP coefficient was estimated at 125 W). You can check our recommendation of CPU coolers for core i5 12600K as well. Alongside, these, keep in mind, there are other Motherboards, like B660 as well, that support i5-12600k.
Intel Core i5 12600k Specifications:
- Performance Cores: 6
- Efficient Cores: 4
- Total Cores: 10
- Total Threads: 16
- Max P-core/E-core Turbo Frequency (GHz): 4.9/3.6
- Total Threads: 16
- Total L2 Cache: 9.5MB
- Max TDP: 150W
- Max Memory Support: 128GB
- Memory Type Support: DDR5 upto 4800MT/s
There’s no denying that i5-12600k is a powerful processor and a clear winner in its category. Its gaming performance has really shocked users around the globe, considering the price bracket it has covered. For users who don’t care about any of the CPU overclocking or the P-core and E-core count and just want solid gaming performance, it’s a treat for them.
How We Chose These Motherboards For i5-12600K
As said above, choosing a motherboard should always be a work of art, and art without proper knowledge is hard to execute. We chose the best Motherboard for the i5 12600K after careful consideration and extensive testing.
Our first priority always remains the Motherboard’s with the best VRM ratings. Choosing a Motherboard with a reliable VRM is the key. When building a PC, there should be no compromise in the Power department.
Secondly, you should always take the form factor into account. When it comes to Motherboards; they come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one should depend upon which size your PC Case can fit in.
We also take into account the durability and specs of the Motherboard. Choosing a Motherboard with more connectivity options, but bad thermals? no, not our cup of tea. We try to choose a Motherboard that ticks in all the boxes.
In the end, the features and brand matters. The Motherboards we chose have tons of storage options, connectivity ports, and of course, RGB.
Things You Must Know Before Buying a Motherboard
Choosing the Best CPU can get messy at times, but choosing the best Motherboard should always be a work of art. When selecting a motherboard, you should always look out for the following:
- Pricing
- Connectivity
- VRM
- Upgradation
- Aesthetics (Why not?)
Connectivity
Connectivity matters; always look out for the number of USB ports, whether they are USB 3.0 or above; always make decisions based on your needs. Also, make sure your new Motherboard fits inside your PC Case.
VRM
VRM is short for Voltage Regulator Module. Some Motherboards are meant for power-hungry CPU’s while some aren’t. So, make sure your requirements match and decide if you want to overclock your Processor.
Upgradation
If you plan to add on a second GPU later on, then make sure you have more than 1 slot for it. When it comes to choosing Motherboards, always think ahead.
Aesthetics
Looks are subjective to each to own; some folks might prefer a stealth look, while on the other side, some will go for the full RGB show. RGB might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but go with what you Love and let your PC scream at you!
Quick tip
Always look out for the best Deals in town; maybe wait a little because, who knows, your next Motherboard might be up for grabs in the upcoming Sale!
When it comes to choosing a Motherboard for the Intel AlderLake series, make sure the Motherboard you choose is capable of handling the VRM performance alongside the heat!
Why Buy The i5-12600K?
You already know the Best Motherboard For i5 12600k; now, let’s talk about the Processor. The Intel Core i5 12600K is the best value for your buck processor; with almost similar performance to the i9 and a lot a lot cheaper than the Intel i9; the Intel Core i5 12600K is the best choice for Gamers. With its 6 Performance cores paired with 4 Efficient cores, the i5 12600K turns up to be the best multi-core performing chip in its department.
The Intel Core i5 12600K is the go-to Processor if you are looking for a capable CPU in the $300 price range. Thanks to the 12600 K’s six performance cores and four efficiency cores, it beats out both the last-gen 11600K and 5600X (Read Motherboard For Ryzen 5 5600x) in multithreaded workloads. With its excellent gaming performance and the Processor being future-proofed with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, the i5 12600K is an excellent option for those on a budget.
Being an AlderLake CPU, the Intel Core i5 12600K isn’t very power-hungry and, on the bright side, does not require an oversized cooling system since it consumes just a bit more power than the 5600X when gaming. CPU consumption can reach 100 watts when using Cinebench or Blender. Although the CPU uses modest amounts of energy, a budget to mid-range dual tower cooler should cool it without any issues. To overclock your CPU, you’ll need an NH-D15 or a capable AIO. We do not recommend OC due to the modest gains it brings and the sky-high power consumption it causes.
Pros of i5-12600k
- Very good gaming performance
- Good multi-threaded performance
- Great single-threaded performance
- DDR4 and DDR5 RAM support
- PCI-Express 5.0 support
Cons of I5-12600k
- Low Overclocking potential
- Higher power consumption
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
With over 12 years in the making, we have now created the perfect platform for Tech enthusiasts. Having writers and editors with hand-on experience, we have made a name in the Tech industry, providing reviews (+150 in our Review section) and covering all aspects of Technology, Consoles, PC, and Entertainment.
We are a group of individuals willing to provide, all out there, seeking free and trusted reviews. Here at Tech4Gamers, after proper testing and benching, we choose the best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motherboard should have optimal VRM power capable of running your CPU, it should also be equipped with the latest heatsinks to further help cooling. Also, make sure you choose the correct chip and lga socket. Other than that, you can also look out for what ports and connections you require in your Motherboard.
The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 is the best budget motherboard. With its capable performance and low prices, it provides the best user experience.
The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is the best motherboard for i5-13600K. It has a great VRM to deliver power to the processor. It looks beautiful, comes with lots of USB ports, and has a plethora of other features that make it the best.
Yes, when paired with the right GPU, the Core i5-12600K is a beast CPU for gaming.
The article has now been updated after the release of H670, H610, and B660 Motherboards For i5-12600k.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
What a material of un-ambiguity aand preserveness oof precipus know-how concerning unexpected
feelings.