Best LGA 1200 Socket Motherboards – Intel Z490 for Core 10900K 10700K

As we welcome the 10^th Generation desktop processors from Intel, we have a few recommended list for the best LGA 1200 Socket motherboards supporting the comet lake CPUs.

Related: Budget Z490 Chipset Motherboards

If you have been following the news surfacing concerning the best options in the realm of new generation desktop processors, you would have heard about the new Comet Lake S processors from Intel. The processors came into being during the first half of 2020. One of the prerequisites that these processors require is that you would be the new socket viz LGA 1200 based boards. That would mean you need to go with a totally new motherboard with these processors since it is not pin-compatible with its predecessors.

The new Comet Lake S processors will come with the new LGA 1200 socket, and that is precisely why you will need an all-new motherboard if you want to check out the new series processors. So, we thought of listing out the new 400 series motherboards that offer you an LGA 1200 socket.

Best LGA 1200 Motherboards in 2020:

Before we get into the motherboard details, check out the table below. You can see how the 400 series chipset compares with its predecessors. The Z390 was the flagship chipset for the last generation of Intel CPUs. However, with no backward compatibility, you will have to upgrade the motherboard if you want to jump into the 10th Gen Intel Comet Lake CPUs.

Intel finally announced its new 10th Generation “Comet Lake-S” based desktop CPUs today, along with an additional 400 series of system-level interconnected chipsets. This is an all-new platform, and with its release, it is triggering a tide of new motherboards built on these distinct chipsets. The Intel Z490 is primarily targetted at the high-end market designed to bolster these new CPUs, while boards based on budget focussed B-series (B460, mainstream) and H-series (H410, necessary/budget) chipsets will be rolling out a smidge later.

Before we dig into looking at these individual boards, however, let’s first take a look at what the flagship Z490 chipset has to offer, and at some conventional features that you will expect to see on boards of this generation.

With these new motherboards and chipsets also comes a new CPU socket for the 10th Generation comet lake chips, dubbed as “LGA 1200.” So, just to be clear: The last-generation processors are not pin-compatible and will not work on the 400-series platform. Don’t attempt to install an LGA 1151 CPU (the socket used in the previous few chipset generations) on any one of these new LGA 1200 based boards, or vice-versa. If you do, the best you can prey for is that nothing happens.

In the image below, you can see the new Z490 chipset’s block diagram alongside that of the other Intel high-end chipset, the last-gen Z390. The Z390 description is more detailed, but what’s essential to see here is that not much has changed from one generation to the next on both the CPU and the chipset fundamentals.

Both of these interconnected circuits continue to use the older PCI Express 3.0 interface for connecting to SSD drives, PCIe cards, and other peripherals, which means we won’t see support for quick PCI Express 4.0 M.2 storage devices on these Z490 motherboards, at least not for the time being. On AMD’s side of things, they are currently supported on AMD’s X570 chipsets as well as the TRX40-based Threadripper boards.

But it’s likely we may see this feature in the eventuality. Asrock, Gigabyte, Asus, and MSI have certified that all of their new Z490 motherboards ship PCI Express 4.0 “ready.” But, don’t get too excited; at the time of shipping, all of the PCI Express and M.2 slots on these boards will still only operate at the older PCI Express 3.0 bus speeds, because that’s all the current 10th Generation CPUs can handle. Instead, this simply indicates that these boards have been developed up to spec to handle the newer PCI Express 4.0. This was likely done to future-proof the boards and make them available should Intel opt to release a CPU with an integrated PCI Express 4.0 controller on future LGA 1200 merchandises. Intel would not comment on any such prospective silicon.

Likewise, the motherboard manufacturers didn’t confirm (or deny) that Intel is working on any such processor at the time. There may not be a PCI Express 4.0-compatible processor for the socket LGA 1200, but if one does come out, then Asrock, Gigabyte, and MSI will superficially be ready to take advantage of it.

One meaningful change on this new platform is the introduction of processors with thermal design power (TDP) ratings of up to 125 watts, accompanied by new 10-core Intel CPUs. This comes with an analogous increase in power consumption, which suggests that motherboard OEMs have had to beef up the power circuitry on motherboards to cope up.

All Z490 motherboards have been built to handle the progressed power draw, but the equivalent is not necessarily true of the Intel B460 and entry-level H410 chipset motherboards that were also stated today. Although these boards may be able to command the pressure, we’ve been advised that using a low-end board with a top-tier variant of the Comet Lake-S CPU may result in the processor thermally choking under some conditions. (That said, if you’re ordering a 125-watt-TDP Core i7 or Core i9 processor, you presumably shouldn’t be buying a low-end H410-based board, nevertheless.) Ultimately, however, it will be essential to keep a closer eye on the power capacities of 400-series motherboards to avoid a CPU-and-motherboard mismatch that could commence to throttling, especially with the budget focussed B460 and H410 chipset boards.

With the latest Comet Lake S processors coming up now, motherboard manufacturers have already come up with a vast number of LGA 1200 motherboards. We will check out a few excellent options for the best LGA 1200 motherboards for your requirements.

The Z490 motherboards are primarily designed to provide you with a choice to be able to handle the increased power draw. Moreover, almost all of them come with compatibility with the PCIe 4.0 port. Thought the Z490 processor does not necessarily support PCIe 4.0 yet, the compatibility with PCIe 4.0 has turned the motherboards listed here compatible with the future processors.

Asrock Z490 Taichi

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The Asrock Z490 Taichi is the flagship motherboard from the house of ASRock in the Z490 range of motherboards. The board comes with a 14-stage power design along with 60-amp chokes. The large heatsink is yet another added advantage.

The motherboard comes with four M.2 slots and supports 10th Gen and future generation Intel Core TM Processors. You would also get access to an enhanced experience with the NVIDIA SLI TM and AMD 3-Way CrossFireX. The motherboard comes with an improved experience with the new PCIe 4.0 standard. The additional external base clock generator can be one of the excellent options we found impressive for delivering the best PCIe experience.

The XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsink with Active FAN Design provides you access to an even further efficiency as the best heat dissipation compatibility. This would necessarily make the motherboard one of the excellent options for the overall performance. The Zero dB silent operation should be yet another viable option ever. The ES9218 SABRE DAC provides you access to an improved audio experience that would offer you a stunning audio experience. You would never get any sort of distorted digital signal ever.

ASRock Z490 Motherboard List
Model Names	Form Factor	Check Online
ASRock Z490 Aqua	EATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 PG Velocita	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Taichi	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3	mITX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Steel Legend	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Extreme4	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/2.5G	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ac	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Pro4	ATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490M Pro4	mATX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490M-ITX/ac	mITX	Newegg | Amazon
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4SR	ATX	Newegg | Amazon

ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula Z490 Motherboard

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The ATX gaming motherboard from ASUS has really been one of the exciting options in the long run. It is equipped with the LGA 1200 socket that unleashes the full power of the new Intel Core 10th generation processors.

The support for 16 Infineon power stages should make it a great power solution ever for almost every one of your needs. The power stages are rated to handle over 70 amps and offers you high-quality alloy chokes. The CrossChill EK III VRM block and Extra-large heatsinks for VRM provide you with an improved powerful hybrid cooling. The Intel Wi-Fi 6 compatibility is what would primarily offer you higher connectivity options par excellence.

The connectivity options are abundant with Dual Ethernet with Marvell AQtion 10Gb and Intel 2. 5Gb Ethernet with LANGaurd technology along with Triple M. 2 slots, USB 3. 2 Gen 2×2 front panel connectors. You would get access to an enhanced level of experience through a high degree of personalization. You would get access to a higher efficiency through 2″ Livedash OLED, ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, including 2X 4-pin RGB header and 2x Gen 2 addressable RGB headers.

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard

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Here is yet another excellent option for the best motherboards in the Z490 range of processors. The motherboard supports a massive number of processors that include 10th Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron Processors.

The motherboard features a pre-installed I/O Shielding. This can be quite useful and practical enough for a wide range of processes, such as protection from electrostatic discharge. The Twin Turbo M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr offers an added advantage for use with higher transfer speeds. You can be assured of transfer speeds that range across 32 GB/s for ultra-fast SSDs. The motherboard also features 2.5G LAN plus Gigabit LAN support with the Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

The MAG series of motherboards are designed for sturdiness and durability. A simple installation service coupled with a user-friendly user interface is a few features we found extremely impressive. The motherboard should be an excellent option for entry-level gamers.

GIGABYTE Z490 Vision D Motherboard

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The Creator series motherboard from Gigabyte can be an excellent option for your choice of the 10th Generation Intel Core Processors. You would get access to an improved thermal design that comes with an optimized surface heat sink functionality.

A robust power phase design should be something we found awe-inspiring in almost every respect. The direct 12 a phase digital VRM power feature can be what provides you with high-end stability and performance. This should be something you would find impressive irrespective of whether you are checking out the options for high-efficiency gaming or video editing.

The Shielded Memory Routing is a feature that offers you compatibility with faster memory profiles. It would provide you with enhanced access to single stick 32GB memory modules. The fastest single wire connection through Dual Thunderbolt 3 can be one of the enhanced options with transfer speeds that range to up to 40 GB per second.

MSI MEG Z490 GODLIKE Gaming Motherboard

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The motherboard comes with an e-ATX form factor and works with almost all 10th Generation Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron Processors for LGA 1200 socket. The Triple Turbo M.2 with double-side M.2 Shield Frozr can offer you access to transfer speeds (theoretical) of up to 32 GB/s bandwidth.

The motherboard provides you access to an improved and enhanced experience through a dynamic OLED screen panel. The panel would give you with complete status of your motherboard – the hardware monitor, debug codes, and other useful information. You can even go with the best possible customization for the display of your GIF animations.

Two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the rear panel offer you a total of 40 GB per second transfer speed. The motherboard also provides you access to daisy chain configurations and 4K displays. The compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 can be what would make it one of the great options ever. The active cooling can be yet another added advantage.

ASUS Prime Z490-A Motherboard

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The motherboard provides you access to improved and enhanced efficiency through an improved power solution. The 12+2 DrMOS power stages, along with a six-layer PCB, can be yet another great option ever for the die-hard gamers and video editors. The alloy chokes and capacitors provide a stable power delivery.

The ASUS AI Cooling can be yet another great feature we found rather impressive on the platform. It would help you automatically manage and control the cooling of your motherboard. The AI settings ensure that you would get access to an optimal configuration based on the current system settings and temperature. The automated feature provides you access to CPU Temperature Detection, Automated Optimization, and Ongoing Monitoring.

The number of connectors can be yet another enhanced feature you would find rather impressive and improved. A vast number of USB ports with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A & Type-C would be what would make it one of the great options ever. The motherboard also provides you access to a high-end personalization with ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, including RGB headers and Gen 2 addressable headers.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus Motherboard

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The Z490 Plus option is one of the excellent options you would find for your gaming expertise. The support for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity along with other connectivity options in the form of Intel Ethernet Connection I219-V, TUF LANGuard, and TurboLAN technology, provide you access to an excellent efficiency ever in terms of connectivity.

When it comes to the connectivity options offered on the motherboard, you have plenty of ports available on the board. The Front header for USB 3. 2 Gen 2 Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 support should help you hook up a vast number of peripheral devices. The motherboard is one of the best for the die-hard gamers out there. You get access to a synchronizable LED effects. It works seamlessly with a wide range of services that may be compatible with the motherboard.

The Realtek S1200A codec onboard the motherboard provides you with truly immersive and engaging sound effects. That would be yet another factor for the best gaming and video experience ever. The Dual M.2 support can be yet another option for an enhanced data transfer speed.

ASRock Z490 Extreme4 Motherboard

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The ASRock Z490 Extreme4 series processor has been one of the greatest ever for an enhanced and well-rounded solution for the mid-range and lowers budget requirements you may have. Of course, one of the issues you would come across on the motherboard can be the lack of audio shroud.

The availability of a 10 Phase Dr.MOS Power Design can be something you would find to be yet another enhanced option. In essence, the motherboard would be compatible with the future generations of Intel Core processors. As for the connectivity, you have access to two PCIe 3.0 x16, three PCIe 3.0 x1, and one M.2 (Key E) for Wi-Fi. The motherboard does provide you access to up to 2.5X bandwidth.

The Asus Z490 Extreme4 motherboard can be an excellent option for faster connectivity, efficient gaming, and adequate backups and file transfers. The availability of the Nahimic 3D sound efficiency is one of the best choices you would find much more impressive in improving your gaming and video viewing experience. You can be assured of a 7.1 channel for a conventional stereo listening system ever. The Ultra M.2 sockets are designed for supporting PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3 M.2 SSDs and provide you transfer speeds of up to 32 GB per second.

ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4 Motherboard

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The motherboard does provide you access to an overwhelming experience concerning the best sound experience with support for 7.1 channel audio efficiency. The motherboard comes with a high-end optimization with support for gamers, moviegoers, or music lovers alike.

The motherboard comes with support for the fastest ever PCIe Gen3 x4 Ultra M.2 slot on a motherboard. You can be assured of an improved transfer speed of up to 32 GB per second. The motherboard also offers you support for SATA3 6Gb/s M.2 modules. Yet another added advantage that we observed on the motherboard would be the availability of the latest RGB LED header and addressable RGB LED header options. It would provide you with a unique PC style in its proper manner. The RGB Sync! The feature is what would make it one of the excellent options ever.

The 10 Power Phase Design would provide you with a viable choice option ever and offers you access to an improved efficiency ever for your processors and capability. The port availability provided on the platform includes two PCIe 3.0 x16, three PCIe 3.0 x1, and one M.2(Key E) For Wi-Fi.

ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula Z490 Motherboard

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If you are one of the strongest overclockers, you will find the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula Z490 motherboard a great choice ever for your needs. The motherboard comes with 16 power phases, and you should need to have access to up to 70 amps of power.

There are heatsinks available of the motherboard, and it does provide you access to compatibility with a custom water-cooling system as well. You should be able to cool down your system with just a few simple steps. The board does provide you access to high-end networking features. The CrossChill EK III VRM block and Extra-large heatsinks for VRM would provide you with a hybrid cooling system.

The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula Z490 Motherboard would offer you faster gaming connectivity through Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 along with Triple M. 2 slots and USB 3. 2 Gen 2×2 front panel connectors. Add to it the enhanced personalization with 2X 4-pin RGB header and 2x Gen 2 addressable RGB headers, which further enhances the personalization options. The motherboard also features high fidelity audio efficacy with SupremeFX S1220A codec, DTS Sound Unbound, and Sonic Studio III.

ASUS Prorate Z490-CREATOR Motherboard

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One of the excellent options for the best experience ever for the content creation requirements, the ASUS ProArt Z490-CREATOR motherboard packs in a host of the high-end features. The motherboard is designed to provide an extreme degree of efficacy for content creators and media production requirements.

The excellent graphic compatibility offered by the motherboard can make it an excellent choice for 3D modeling and rendering. Some of the best features we found on the platform can include 10G LAN card, onboard 2. 5G Intel LAN, dual Thunderbolt 3 that are designed to offer you a compelling performance. The 12+2 DrMOS power stages would be yet another huge factor that would ensure an improved and enhanced performance standard that would provide you with a high degree of reliable power design.

The dependability and unstoppable reliability are a couple of the best features we really found extremely impressive in the long run. The features such as multi-GPU support and ASUS OptiMem II memory trace layout can be something that would further improve the stability and compatibility. The best part with the motherboard would include the availability of ProArt Creator Hub software. This acts as the best option as the centralized software as a single solution for monitoring your ProArt series motherboards.

Best LGA 1200 Socket Motherboards – Biostar & EVGA

Biostar Z490 Motherboard Product Stack
Product Model	Size	Check Online
Biostar Racing Z490GTA Evo	ATX	Amazon | Newegg
Biostar Racing Z490GTA	ATX	Amazon | Newegg
Biostar Racing Z490GTN	mITX	Amazon | Newegg

The Concluding Thoughts

Well, the new Z490 platform does arrive with a considerable change in terms of the socket size for the motherboard. If you are checking out the best options for the right share of motherboards that would be compatible with the new LGA 1200 socket, you will find the list of best options we have featured here would be quite useful and efficient.

Check out the motherboards outlined here and share your best choices for the perfect options.