Best Z390 Chipset Motherboards For Intel 9th Gen Processors 9700k 9900k

Intel announced the Z390 chipsets sometime back. They launched their 9^th Gen Core processors along with the chipset. In an earlier article on the upcoming Z390 chipset based motherboards, we had carried a few options that were expected to be available. The Z390 has been an incremental update to the Z370, and the manufacturers have already flooded the marketplaces with a host of options in the genre. Let us check out the latest options available in the realm of best Z390 motherboards from multiple manufacturers.

Best Z390 Chipset Motherboards in 2018

The Z390, as we already mentioned, is an incremental update to the Z370 and offers a few new features. Some of the prominent additions include support for USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity options and an integrated WiFi 802.11ac. There is also a further Intel Management Engine support.

How many new motherboards have been announced based on the new Z390 chipset? We are not exactly sure, but we assume around 50 new motherboards have begun making their presence felt. The prominent manufacturers include ASRock, Asus, EVGA, Gigabyte, MSI, and NZXT. We will cover a few significant launches from all these manufacturers in more exquisite detail.

Z390 Motherboards from ASRock

They have launched a host of motherboards with the Z390 chipset, and the ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate has been the prime offering among all of them. There are around 12 motherboards currently available.

1. ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate

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The motherboard comes with a host of updated features, making it one of the pricer options you can give it a try to. The support for DDR4-4266 memory modules and a 10GbE LAN port are a couple of features that would make it a good choice for the enthusiasts.

If you are looking for advanced performance improvements, the ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate should be the excellent choice. It comes with a new 10 Gbps network standard which is something the performance lovers would appreciate. The AQUANTIA’s AQtion™ client controller onboard offers a blazing fast connectivity option. Specifically designed for the 9^th gen Intel Core processors, it has a robust VRM design that is capable of excellent overclocking.

In addition to the built-in RGB illumination, it also comes with onboard RGB headers and an addressable RGB header. That should aid you to connect to a wide range of LED devices and customize your gaming experience to the next level. The M.2 heatsink is designed to provide an excellent heat dissipation functionality as well.

2. ASRock Phantom Gaming 6

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ASRock has been trying to push its Phantom range of gaming motherboards for quite some time now. High-performance Z390 chipset should possibly be the best option in that direction, and ASRock does not want to miss this chance.

The motherboard comes with Phantom Gaming 2.5Gb/s LAN platform for maximum network performance. Whether you are looking for the uncompromised connectivity options for gaming, backup or file transfer – the platform ensures outstanding performance.

Excellent cinematic sound experience is yet another feature you would indeed find interesting enough. Enable the 5.1/7.1 surround sound with the “Reality 3D technology.” Fully compatible and customized for working with 9^th Gen Intel Core processors, the motherboard is designed to provide you with a fantastic performance with full spike protection.

Z390 Motherboards from ASUS

ASUS has rolled out over 15 different motherboards based on the Z390 chipset. Almost all the models come with integrated WiFi functionality. Some of the worthy mentions for the best regarding Z390 enabled motherboards to include the following options.

1. ROG MAXIMUS XI EXTREME

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The unique and high-end Z390 motherboard from Asus comes with a 5-way optimization functionality. Ut will help you opt for an automatic intelligent overclocking facility that would offer you an excellent performance. The high degree of customization options that the motherboard offers you would help you build a system of your preferences.

The multiple fan headers, four M.2 slots, high-speed memory support, and onboard 5G Ethernet, are some of the features that should make it a great choice to go with. The motherboard supports WiFi standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.

Designed to unleash the power of Intel Z390 chipset, the ROG MAXIMUS XI EXTREME offers you optimized overclocking and excellent gaming experience. It is coupled with excellent water and fan cooling functions; the motherboard is indeed the best you can opt from Asus.

2. ROG STRIX Z390-E GAMING

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An excellent cooling functionality coupled with an upgraded power delivery options, the ROG STRIX Z390-E GAMING should be an attractive option for memory and storage. Unique cybertext pattern and the excellent customization options are a few features that should ideally make it a great choice by every standard.

The firmware controls and software utilities designed specifically for multiple skill levels, you would find setting it up and configuring it to meet your needs as one of the most straightforward options. That would make it simple to work with your system maintenance. Build your system to the best performance ever.

Gigabyte Z390 Motherboards

Gigabyte – one of the major manufacturer partners with Intel – has come up with 10 motherboards with the Z390 chipset. Expected to arrive in October or November 2018 – the primary option among them is E-ATX Z390 Aorus Xtreme.

1. Gigabyte E-ATX Z390 Aorus Xtreme

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Coming with an innovative design and state of the art architecture, the E-ATX Z390 Aorus Xtreme offers you a Hi-Fi audio system. It is developed with an extreme power design; the motherboard employs quality components with longevity in its interface ports. Claiming to provide an innovative and state of the art thermal technology, you can be assured of a stable and low-temperature performance at its best.

The Gigabyte E-ATX Z390 Aorus Extreme comes with support for high-frequency XMP memory, and full SSD thermal guard for optimum performance. The systems support next-gen technology and thus ensures that the system remains futureproof in all its probability.

2. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS MASTER

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Equipped with 12 Phases IR Digital VRM, the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Master is an excellent option for the Z390 chipset based motherboard. Full compatibility and optimization for the 9^th generation Intel Core processors.

The advanced thermal design specifically acts as a perfect balance for the gaming and a converged functionality. The thermal design comes with Fins-Array heatsink, a heat pipe, and a thermal baseplate and ensures the lowest temperatures. The Gen3 x4 NVMe PCIe SSDs offer you excellent performance and correctly configured for the RAID technology.

Ensured best DDR4 compatibility, they support over 1000 different modules from multiple manufacturers. The Aorus Audio offers you a high fidelity function par excellence.

MSI Z390 Motherboards

Another well-known motherboard manufacturer, MSI has come up with around 11 new motherboards based on Z390 chipset. The motherboards come with a new nomenclature – MEG indicating MSI Enthusiast Gaming. These motherboards offer the most advanced features and functionality. Some of the worthy mentions for the new technology include  Killer Networking LAN ports, dedicated audio DAC, and Mystic Light RGB lighting.

1. MSI MEG Z390 Godlike

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It is one of the top end offering from MSI. It is equipped with a decked-out 18-phase power delivery subsystem; the MSI MEG Z390 Godlike motherboard is designed to provide an outstanding performance from the Intel’s chipset.

The preinstalled I/O shielding helps you protect your I/O devices. The high-end customization options would be extremely helpful in designing your system the way you would wish to. The Optimized layout design and a fully isolated memory circuitry ensure that you stand to gain excellent stability and performance.

Developed and designed with the industry standards workmanship, you can be assured of maximum performance and an excellent cooling option as well. The dedicated dual front and rear HiFi audio performance should make it an outstanding audio performance. The isolated audio design ensures that you tend to get a crystal clear performance.

2. MSI MEG Z390 ACE

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Designed with the 13 phases, VRM is optimized for the Intel Core i9; it comes with a built-in I/O shielding. Outstanding temperature management coupled with a large case is what you would find one of the best features on your MSI MEG Z390 ACE.

The M.2 SHIELD FROZR would offer you an excellent functionality with an effective heatsink design. This will ensure that you will get the best performance from your SSDs. The thermal control can be adequately controlled from within BIOS. Configure temperature controls with four targets.

Get excellent functionality with advanced features like Mystic light, audio boost HD, game boost and other options.

Other Z390 Motherboards

Well, apart from these specific popular manufacturers – there are a few other manufacturers who are offering excellent functionality.

Some prominent options include

• EVGA Z390 DARK (Amazon|Newegg)
• EVGA Z390 FTW (Amazon|Newegg)
• Supermicro C9Z390-CG-IW (Amazon|Newegg)
• MAXSUN iCraft Z390 and (-|-)
• NZXT N7 Z390 (Amazon|Newegg)

AsRock Z390 Taichi

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It can be termed as the new motherboard with an old design. It brings in the chipset based, native USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. It offers you an excellent level of DRAM overclocking. The motherboard supports both the 9th and 8th Generation Intel Core Processors with the LGA 1151 socket construction.

If you are looking to go with the Intel Core i9 processor, can be one of the best options to go with. The motherboard packs in three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, three M.2 slots (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3), 5 USB 3.1 Gen2, eight USB 3.1 Gen1, dual GbE RJ-45 ports, and onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. It also offers you a 12 power phase design functionality as well.

Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390

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Another motherboard designed explicitly for the 8^th and 9^th gen Intel Core processors, the Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 is meant for maximized connectivity and speed. The 5-way optimization overclocking offers a better system cooling performance.

The motherboard is built for overclocking and offers you an excellent performance. The Aura Sync functionality is designed to bring the best in class customization option. The Asus proprietary audio enhancement solution, thanks to the SupremeFX feature is yet another added advantage. You stand to gain from the ROG level of installation ease, details and quality performance.

ASRock Z390 Pro4

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MSI has made several announcements concerning the implementation of the Z390 chipset based motherboards. One prominent leak that we have found is ASRock Z390 Pro4. The motherboard is yet to be launched, and the exact specifications are not however clearly available.

However, a few inputs suggest the following parameters –

• Socket: Intel 1151v2
• Form Factor: Standard ATX
• Chipset: Intel Z390

In addition to the ASRock Z390 Pro4, there have been a few other motherboards that have appeared in the design stage. Some of them are ASRock Z390M-ITX/ac and ASRock Z390M Pro4. However, none of them seems to be coming with any specific details concerning the exact specifications.

As can be seen from the above discussion, it should be evident that the Z390 chipset is yet to make its appearance. From that perspective, we may not be able to pinpoint the exact features and specifications of any of the motherboards as things stand as of now. The chipset will be released in the second part of the year 2018. Until then, it will be nothing more than mere speculation.

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Master

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The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS master ensures that you stand to gain the best performance with 12 phase digital power design. The motherboard provides you the performance levels that equal servers. Strike a perfect balance between the style and performance for an enhanced level of performance.

The motherboard comes with the Fins-Array Heatsink that enhances the heat dissipation area for up to 300 percent. The triple PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 provides you access to the maximized potential for the system. The ultra-Efficient M.2 Thermal Guard will ensure that dissipating the heat efficiently. The motherboard will also offer you an exceptional performance with Optane technology from Intel.

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon AC

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Powered by MSI Mystic Light RGB, the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon AC is an excellent option that supports 9th / 8th Gen Intel® Core™ / Pentium® Gold / Celeron® processors for LGA 1151 socket. The highly customizable motherboard can be an excellent option for DIY fans so that you can check out any of the options for an enhanced experience.

The motherboard features an excellent USB and SATA locations for easy compatibility with practically any component. You stand to gain high-performance gaming – ATX Form Factor. The MSI MPG Z390 motherboard supports Dual Channel DDR4 memory, up to 4400(OC) MHz.

We would expect all these options would offer you an excellent functionality regarding the outstanding performance we have been expecting from the new generation Z390 chipset.

The Parting Thoughts

Well, that was just an insight into the considerably more extensive list of best Z390 motherboards you can give a thought to. It may not be easy to cover all the 50 odd motherboards based on Z390 chipset. We have chosen our favorite options from each of the major players in the realm of the functionality that they offer you.  You may visit the official websites of the individual manufacturers for a full list of Z390 motherboards you can work with.

Have you been using any of the Z390 motherboards or are planning for one? Share your inputs with us.

Our Earlier Post >

The chipset war of supremacy between AMD and Intel is quite evident. If you are keenly observing the improvements and announcements being made by both the manufacturers, you may have already concluded the one-upmanship that both these players have had since long. As part of this ongoing war, Intel has recently announced that it will be releasing its new range of chipsets in the form Z390. Which motherboards can we expect to come with this new gen chipset? Let us take a look at the best Z390 chipset Motherboards expected from the top manufacturers.

Best Z390 Chipset Motherboards

The chipset has been announced only recently. It could be too early to expect the motherboards based on the new chipset. Even then, in the technology world, where things change over a matter of just a month, it is not impossible either.

There have been a few announcements being made, but have no specific inputs as to what exactly they will be like and what features will they incorporate. Even then it would be interesting to note that there has been an interest generated.

Before we can check out the new Z390 chipset motherboards, let us check out the features that the new Intel chipset promises to offer.

Intel Z390 Chipset – An Overview

The product description for the new Intel Chipset Z390 went online in May 2018. However, there have been no previous inputs any developments, and as such experts and bloggers began speculating that it was an accidental leak.

Whatever it is, the spec sheet reads impressive enough. It has been considered to be part of the second generation high-speed chipset in the 300 series platform from Intel. It should be noted that the series was developed explicitly for the Coffee lake Desktop processors. The new chipset differs from the Z370 on two counts. It adds up six USB 3.1 ports capable of 10Gbps. Then there is an introduction of built-in wireless networking for dual-band 802.11ac. Plus, Bluetooth 5.0 is included in the chip!

It can be a game changer by all counts. With the introduction of WiFi and USB 3.1, the new Z390 seems to be the real high-end enthusiast focussed chipset for the Coffee Lake platform from Intel.

The Z390 Chipset Motherboards

There have been a few announcements from motherboard manufacturers after the specifications for the new Z390 chipsets have been made. Please note that none of these announcements is concrete in nature. In fact, it would be interesting to note that most of the inputs have been in the form of leaks and suggestions rather than being the exact announcements as such.

In any case, let us check out these announcements.

BiostarZ390 RACING GT3/GT5 motherboard

Biostar has recently announced its association with the newly declared Intel Z390 chipset. It has reported that they will be coming out with the Z390 based RACING GT3 and GT5 motherboards. The announcements have been made with teasing on the Z390 chipset.

We are not aware of the chipset as yet since Intel has still not come up with a formal announcement on the same. The leaks for the Biostar Racing GT5 motherboard indicate that the maximum TDP for the Z390 is likely to be 95 Watts. This should be evident from the maximum TDP supported by the Biostar Racing GT5 is 95 W.

However, the TDP limited to 95 W may also mean that it may or may not support the 8 Core CPU performances. However, without a proper announcement from both Biostar and Intel, it may not be easy to pinpoint the exact specifications as of now.

Super Micro C9Z390-CG-IW

Z370 for Reference

This is yet another motherboard that rides high on the announcement (or rather, leak) from Intel about the upcoming Z390 motherboard chipset. The motherboard came upon 3DMark results a few weeks ago, apparently leaked by SuperMicro.

The reported core clock speed has been 2.4 GHz, while the maximum turbo clock speed is stated to be at 3.9 GHz. It will come with six cores and employ the LGA1151 socket. This announcement can also mean that the new Z390 chipset will support both eight core and six core 8^th Gen core CPUs.

ASRock Z390 Pro4

Z370 Pro4 ASRock for Reference

MSI has made several announcements concerning the implementation of the Z390 chipset based motherboards. One prominent leak that we have found is ASRock Z390 Pro4. The motherboard is yet to be launched, and the exact specifications are not however clearly available.

However, a few inputs suggest the following parameters –

• Socket: Intel 1151v2
• Form Factor: Standard ATX
• Chipset: Intel Z390

In addition to the ASRock Z390 Pro4, there have been a few other motherboards that have appeared in the design stage. Some of them are ASRock Z390M-ITX/ac and ASRock Z390M Pro4. However, none of them seems to be coming with any specific details concerning the exact specifications.

As can be seen from the above discussion, it should be evident that the Z390 chipset is yet to make its appearance. From that perspective, we may not be able to pinpoint the exact features and specifications of any of the motherboards as things stand as of now. The chipset will be released in the second part of the year 2018. Until then, it will be nothing more than mere speculation.

Z390 to be discontinued?

Shortly after the announcement was made to indicate the launch of Intel Z390 chipset, few reports are coming in to suggest that the new processor may be scrapped and the features may be incorporated in the new and existing range of Z370 processors.

The report has come from the online benchmarks and sparked speculations that the launch may be halted. However, the rumor can be entirely unconfirmed and may need to be treated as just that – a rumor. In any case, the webpage for the product on the official Intel website has been taken down as per the reports.

In Conclusion

Well, the announcement about the Intel Z390 chipset has not yet gone public. It was part of a leak. Even the statements from the motherboard manufacturers have been inconclusive as they too may be waiting for the updates from Intel about the exact features and specifications. However, the benchmarks and test results appearing on test websites may also indicate the possibility of an impending launch.

Some of the manufacturers of existing Z370 motherboards have already released BIOS updates to support an 8-Core next-gen Intel CPUs. So, this brings in the question of the very existence of the Z390 platform.

There have also been reports that the existing Z370 will be renamed to Z390 as per the rumors. In any case, we may need to wait until the end of the year for any fruitful announcement.