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Are you one of those people that enjoys online competitive gaming? Perhaps, you want to stay updated with all the latest technology that is also efficient?
Or are you one of those who use their PC to the max with upgrades, additional storages, and more?
Whatever the case may be, the latest Z390 motherboards have become the envy of its predecessors as it offers superb performance and some of the powerful components.
These boards were initially introduced at the end of 2018 and work best with the 9th and 8th generation intel core processors.
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The board has some exceptional overclocking capabilities that cannot be found in previous models.
It also features the latest USB technology; some even have type-C connectivity options. The Z390 board is a powerful board for those looking to enter top tier gaming.
You will find entry-level, mid-range and high-end boards in the Z390.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best Z390 motherboards available on the market. We will explore the components and features provided by individual manufacturers and what makes them unique.
Let’s get into it.
Are Z390 Motherboards Good?
Yes, if you are a gamer or want to enter the gaming scene.
The Z390 motherboards are the newest entry in the motherboards market and are specifically aimed at gamers. The board has exceptional overclocking abilities and heatsinks that are able to manage and disperse high temperatures.
It also has some cool nifty features that are explained further in the article. If you’re not a gamer, then we still suggest the Z390 because you can find the latest features that will aid you in terms of fast speeds, transfer speeds, and more.
It caters to all budgets and people looking for niche features too.
Now Let’s have a look at the list…
Best Z390 Motherboard List
1. MSI MEG Z390 ACE
MSI MEG Z390 ACE is unique than many other boards on the Z390 platform. It has a pair of heatsinks that are joined together by a heat pipe dispersing the thermal heat across both the heatsinks.
This helps improve the efficiency and longevity of the components since heat is not being focused in one place.
The board comes with full-length PCIe slots and is capable of a 2-way SLI and 3-way crossfire configurations.
This is great for gamers looking to upgrade their GPU set up by adding additional units to it. There is a total of 6 PCIe 3.0 with different bandwidths.
The board has 4 DIMM slots for support of 64GB DDR4 RAM memory. The audio is an 8channel (7.1) that is delivered perfectly through the Audio boost HD which is based on the ALC 1220 audio processor. The capacitors on the audio system is golden since it is a better conductor.
The internal I/O consists of a single 24 pin power, 2 8 pin power, 6 SATA 3 capable of speeds up to 6Gbps, 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.1 1st gen and 2 USB 3.1 2nd gen with two type-C front panel headers.
These are more than sufficient for those looking to add other hardware such as storage (HDDs and SSDs), additional fans, coolers, and more.
There is an onboard power and reset button (Standard with many new boards), 2 digits led for diagnosis, and USB BIOS Flashback.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O has the standard audio jacks, LAN ethernet, Wi-Fi antennas and also 10 USB connectivity options spread over 4 USB 2.0 and six USB 3.1. The 10 USB port connections are more than sufficient for even a prosumer.
However, the thing that seems odd is the lack of display outputs cutting out the support for integrated graphics. This should not be much of a concern since those looking to get motherboards with SLI and Crossfire capabilities would want to use a dedicated graphics card rather than integrated.
Our Thoughts
The MSI MEG Z390 ACE is a high-end performer with all sorts of different connectivity options and features. The brand has focused on its VRM heatsink solutions to prevent the system from throttling, done away with an integrated graphics to provide space for more connectivity options like 8 internal USB ports.
This MSI MEG Z390 is the best Z390 motherboard on this list in terms of price, performance, and features and is simply a great buy for heavy gaming users that need more options to cater to their connectivity needs.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th i9-9900k, i7-9700k, i5-9600k, and 8th Generation
- Dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 64GB
- LAN and Wi-Fi
- M. 2 Shield frozr
- Dual front USB 3. 1 Gen2 Type-C
- Mystic Light Infinity
- Audio Boost HD
2. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI
The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro has three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots allowing for a two-way SLI or a three-way crossfire. This is a great option for those looking to add extra graphics units to boost their framerates or achieve that stable 4K video.
These slots are steel armor reinforced for maximum protection since the graphics card can be quite bulky. You can use 8 4pin headers for users to connect their RGB options, additional fans, or a cooling system.
The integrated RGB has four zones that are customizable and great for those looking to have an inbuilt RGB action going on.
The audio chip is a Realtek ALC 1220-VB HD audio codec which is a superb chip for providing great quality audio. The four DIMM slots are capable of holding 128GB of DDR4 RAM, which means that it is also future proof and able to support 32GB UDIMMs.
The board has 6 SATA slots which is standard, however, two M.2 slots come with their own heatsinks.
These can be used for HDDs and SSDs allowing gamers to expand their storage options. The board has an inbuilt 802.11 ac Wi-Fi that is capable of touching speeds of 1.7Gbps enabling gamers to stream videos and games very smoothly.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O panel consists of 2 2nd gen USB 3.1 type-A, a single 2nd gen USB 3.1 type-C, three 1st gen USB 3.1 type A and four standard USB 2.0 ports.
Users also have USB options for front panels too. LAN Ethernet port can also be seen in the rear I/O accompanied by five 3.5mm audio jacks. There is also a single HDMI video output for those who wish to use integrated graphics.
Our Thoughts
The Gigabyte Aorus is one of the best Z390 motherboards for gaming and stands tough against competition from other Z390 manufacturers.
It has all the premium features that gamers look towards too like multiple headers for RGB and fans, a lot of USB options, Crossfire and SLI configurations, fast Wi-Fi, and many more.
It is a solid buy for those looking for a high-end motherboard at a fraction of the price.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th and 8th Intel Core processors
- Dual-Channel DDR4, 4 DIMMs up to 128GB RAM
- Advanced thermal design
- Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi
- Alc1220 audio codec
- Intel Gigabit LAN
- RGB fusion
- Smart Fan 5
3. Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming
ASUS ROG Strix Z390 E gaming has two full lengths PCIe slots that are supported by reinforced metal pins. The pins allow the board to hold SLI configurations in place without putting any strain on the slots since graphic cards can be quite bulky.
There are a couple of metal heat spreaders and some are even present near the two M.2 storage slots.
ASUS Strix Z390 E gaming comes with the standard 6 SATA III ports allowing users to connect several storage options at one time.
There is a total of 7 USB ports (1 3.1, 2 3.0 and 4 2.0 USB ports) for internal use. The USB 2.0 is perfect to conserve resources and better utilize 3.0+ connections in the future.
There is a total of 7 headers all capable of supporting 3 or 4 pin fans. The RGB options in this unit are plenty for a gamer with space for adding more lights.
The board even has a Wi-Fi that is capable of touching speeds up to 1.7 Gbps.
Rear I/O Components
In the rear I/O you will find a couple of 2nd gen USB 3.1 ports, 2 standard USB 2.0 and a PS/2 port that can be used by gamers to connect their mouse and keyboard. However, these ports have been outdated but still is a nice feature to see for those still using such components.
There is a single HDMI 1.4 display port for gamers looking to tap into the integrated graphics, a LAN ethernet port and an audio chipset with S1220A codec that is capable of delivering exceptional quality. The audio is a 7.1 channel system delivered through 5 analog jacks and a stereo optical output.
Our Thoughts
ASUS ROG Strix Z390 is a mid-level board that aims at the gaming market. The board may not have over the top features, but have all the necessary components that are required for smooth gameplay like fast Wi-Fi or ethernet port, expandable storage option, SLI configurations and more.
Where the board shines, is in the overclocking compartment. The overclocking capabilities of the board stand at par with some of the expensive high-end boards. Thus, making this a perfect option for intensive gamers on a budget and one of the best Z390 motherboards for overclocking.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors
- Dual M.2 slots with USB 3.1 Gen 2 options
- 802.11AC Wi-Fi
- ASUS optimum III for overclocking
- Revamped 5-way Optimization
- FanXpert 4 for fan control
- ESD Guards
- Pre-mounted I/O shield
4. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming
Components found on the ASUS TUF Z390 plus gaming like the VRMs, capacitors and more are created to have more than five times the durability than components found in other affordable boards.
The TUF Z390 plus gaming has extra chips to protect the PCB against fluctuations and overvoltage. One extra feature that distinguishes the TUF Z390 plus gaming from other boards is the steel on both sides and the preinstalled rear I/O. These are not seen with other motherboards in a similar price range.
The board has five headers for fans and cooler setup. It has temperature sensors that run along the board and can be used to control your fans from a software. You will find 2 PCIe x16 slots that are reinforced with steel and 4 PCIe x1.
The full-lengths are capable of AMD crossfire support allowing two AMD graphic cards to be working in synergy. This allows gamers to run all the latest games by adding an extra GPU.
There are 4 DIMMs slots capable of having 64GB DDR4 RAM in total. The ASUS TUF Z390 plus gaming has six SATA III ports, which are a standard with boards now a days.
However, it is a particularly sufficient amount of ports to expand your HDD and SSD options. There are 2 M.2 ports for additional attachments making this board future proof.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O has 3 audio jacks, 6 USB 3.1, PS/2 ports, LAN ethernet port, a single HDMI and display port. The addition of video output options is great to see since many boards, especially gaming, tend to focus on other features and therefore lack video outputs.
However, with the ASUS TUF Z390 plus gaming has both, an HDMI output and a DisplayPort. It even comes with a Wi-Fi which is very rare to find with boards at such a price point.
Our Thoughts
THE ASUS TUF Z390 plus gaming provides a lot of features and extreme durability for entry level gamers. At this price point you can get boards with additional features like more USB connectivity options and more.
However, you would have to let go of the durability if you were to go for more features. This is the tradeoff that one needs to make when considering buying the TUF Z390 plus gaming or any other motherboard in the same pricing range.
If you want to have that extra durability rather than additional USB ports, then TUF Z390 plus gaming is by far the best choice since it will last you 5 times more than any other board.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors
- Dual M.2 slots with USB 3.1 2nd gen options and more
- Gigabit LAN
- Military-Grade TUF Components
- Gamer’s Guardian with Safe Slot
- FanXpert 4 for fan control
- Realtek S1200A high definition audio codec with 7.1 channel audio capabilities
5. Asus Prime Z390-A Motherboard
The board has 3 PCIe 3.0 x16 and 3 PCIe 3.0 x1. The motherboard is capable of a 2-way SLI and a 3-way AMD crossfire configuration. This makes the board future proof and ready to play any games that you throw at it, condition being, you need to add another GPU if the existing one is not adequate enough.
The ASUS Prime Z390-A has 4DIMM slots that is capable of running a total of 64GB DDR4 RAM. It even has M.2 slots that is capable of supporting SATA drives and additional six SATA ports which are a standard with motherboard these days.
This gives users the option to add a lot of storage space in the form of HDD and SSDs. There are heatsinks next to the M.2 slots giving it the right amount of cooling to avoid throttles during high load performance.
The board has 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0, 3 USB 3.1 type-A and 1 USB 3.1 type-C. These are a lot of different connectivity options which is great for such a price. The board’s audio system is powered by Realtek ALC887 audio codec that is able to drive audio into 8 channels.
It is perfect for gamers using headphones delivering a stunning hearing experience. It is not one of the best codecs but it gets the job done with high-quality audio deliverance.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O also has a couple of USBs 3.0 and 2.0 for users to plug in their devices. It features a high-speed LAN ethernet port that is controlled via Intel Gigabyte networking controller.
PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports can also be seen, these are quite traditional and become redundant if you’re using USB ports for connecting your mouse or keyboard. However, it is a good option if you have all the USB ports occupied. There are two video output options, which is very welcoming by ASUS, these are a single HDMI 1.4 and a DisplayPort.
Our Thoughts
The ASUS Prime Z390-A is a superb board for those looking to enter the gaming scene. The board offers fast performance at a great price. It has additional USB ports and is capable of overclocking through the software. The board is a must-buy for new gamers who are looking for a bit of a professional gaming touch to their hardware.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors
- M.2 slots and USB 3.1 Gen2 options
- Revamped 5 Way Optimization
- 5X Protection III provides longevity
- Fan Xpert 4 for fan control
- Realtek ALC887 high definition audio codec for 7.1 channel audio
- Headphone amp
6. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA
The board works well with an 8th generation and 9th generation intel core processors. In the top part of the board, you will find an 8+4 EPS connector and a 4-pin header for fan connection. There are 4 DIMMs slots capable of supporting up to 128Gb of DDR4 RAM.
Next to the DIMMs slots, there is a 4pin header, 2 for CPU fan and 2 for additional CPU fan. Along the board’s edge, users will be able to see 2 RGB headers, a 24-pin ATX connector for power, 4 pin headers, and a few USB 3.1 and USB type C internal headers.
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra has three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Gamers can use two graphic cards for sli and crossfire configurations. The slots where the GPUS go are shielded with reinforced metal so that when using two GPUs, the weight does not impact the slots negatively.
The three PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots have all integrated heatsinks in them. These are able to support your SSDs enabling quick bootup.
As you go down the motherboard, you will come across a thunderbolt header and six SATA III ports. The SATA ports can be used to connect optical and hard drives. Just at the bottom of the board, there are all the other headers and connections. These include audio headers, RGB, COM port, 2 USB 2.0 and more.
The audio chip used in the board is Gigabyte’s own solution using the Realtek ALC1220 codec with a smart headphone amp. This helps in reduction of distortion and lower volumes. The capacitors used are H-Fi grade meaning they are really high-quality conductors.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O is covered by a silver I/O shield. Over here you will find 4 USB 2.0, 6 USB 3.1 (Type A and C), Wi-Fi antenna, HDMI, Lan ethernet port and audio jacks. The Wi-Fi and Lan onboard are high speed allowing gamers to have a seamless smooth experience.
Our Thoughts
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra is an amazing motherboard that provides a lot of features. You have PCIe slots that come with their own heatsink, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, great audio components and adequate connectivity options. The board BIOS can be configured using the software easily. The board provides a lot of features and currently its price has gone down so it’s become a great buy too.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th and 8th Intel Core processors
- Dual-channel DDR4 support
- Advanced thermal design with heat pipe
- 802.11AC 2×2 wave 2 Wi-Fi
- Alc1220, SNR in microphone
- Intel Gigabit LAN
- RGB Fusion
7. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
The MSI MPG Z390 gaming edge AC has an 8-pin power connector for processor with additional 4 pins, in case the system requires more power during overclocking. The heatsinks can be found across the board, however, it is surprising that the brand has not included heatsinks near the M.2 slots since that is what the rage is about these days.
Even with this, the heatsinks are enough to keep the temperatures dispersed enabling minimal throttling.
There is a 2-digit LED for diagnosis purposes which is a standard these days and can be found right next to the DIMMs slot. The 4 DIMMs slot is capable of supporting 128Gb of DDR4 RAM which is essential for heavy users. The RAMs can be fit into place with a single locking mechanism.
The board has 3 PCIe 3.0 x16 which is capable of a 2-way SLI or a 3-way crossfire. Next to the PCIe on the far right, you will come across a single 2nd gen USB 3.1, four 1st gen USB 3.1 and four USB 2.0.
These are more than sufficient to connect all your internal hardware to it. There is a Wi-Fi chip with Bluetooth 5.0 making it great for wireless connectivity.
There is a total of 6 SATA port, however, only four are useable if users decide to populate its M.2 slots. This might seem less for optical and storage drives but then again it depends on what sort of user you are.
The audio board on the MSI MPG Z390 gaming edge AC uses the Realtek ALC 1220 codec and is a 7.1 channel panel.
The audio board is completely separated from the main PCB to reduce distortions. It also has a dedicated amp for high-end headphones delivering a superb audio quality.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O has the standard audio ports for its 7.1 connectivity, 2 USB 2.0, 2 1st gen USB 3.1 and 2 2nd gen USB 3.1. There is also a fast Lan ethernet port with PS/2 ports for your keyboard and mouse.
It also has some video output options through and HDMI. This is perfect for those that are using the integrated graphics.
Our Thoughts
The board provides great overall performance with overclocking capabilities of DIMMs. It supports SLI and crossfire and comes with a fast Wi-Fi capable of 1.73Gbps. So, if your configurations fall into the limitations mentioned above, buy the MSI MPG Z390 gaming Ace. It is a great board for users with i5 and i7 processors.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 8th and 9th generation intel core processors
- Dual-channel 4 DIMMs DDR4 memory slots
- 2x TURBO M.2 slots with Turbo USB 3.1 and other USB options
- MYSTIC LIGHT
- Extended heatsink
- Ready for multi-GPU
8. GIGABYTE Z390 UD – Best Budget z390 Motherboard
Gigabyte Z390 UD is an entry level budget board that comes with three full length PCIe 3.0 slots. Metal protection can be seen with the top PCIe slot. The top slot delivers speeds of x16 while the other two operate at x4. The board is capable of supporting AMD 2-way crossfire configuration as well.
There are three smaller PCIe 3.0 x1 slot as well which provides enough options for an average gamer. The board has a 8-pin and 4-pin ATX connector that can be seen with other high-end variant boards from the same manufacturer. This is an added advantage for people looking to provide more power during overclocking.
The board has pump connectors for cooling, several fan headers and sensors across the board that allows users to control each fan separately whenever they want. It is a cool feature that is also a premium with many other mid-range boards.
The Z390 UD comes with a standard six SATA III ports with all sorts of connectors around the port’s region. The six SATA ports are usually more than enough for a mid-level gamer or PC user and can hold different storage options like SSD and HDD.
You will also come across a single M.2 slot which is capable of supporting either a SATA drive or PCIe 3.0×4 for your storage needs. Next to the M.2 slot, you’ll find the 4 DIMMs slots that are capable of supporting 64GB of DDR4 memory.
Many boards nowadays support 128GB of DDR4 RAM but since this is an entry board, it is a standard. Many gamers will not go beyond the 64GB if they settle for an entry-level budget board.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O panel has a total of 6 type-A USB 3.0, 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboard and mouse and a single HDMI output. The board has also saved on costs by opting to have Realtek ALC 887 codec for their audio chip. You will also find a single LAN port and a couple of 3.5mm audio jacks.
Our Thoughts
Gigabyte Z390 UD has some nifty features but does lack connectivity options when compared to other boards on this list. However, it is the cheapest board out of all the above mentioned, making this an entry-level and the best budget Z390 motherboard on this list.
It is 15% power efficient too making it a solid buy for those looking to get into the gaming scene without spending a lot of money.
Technical Specifications
- Works wells with 9th and 8th Intel Core processors
- Dual-channel 4 DIMMs slot for DDR4 RAM
- Fast M.2 Connectors
- 2-way crossfire support
- LAN ethernet
- RGB light options
- Smart Fan 5 for fan control
9. MSI Z390-A PRO
MSI Z390-A Pro supports 8th and 9th generation intel core processors. The board is not targeted towards gamers specifically and can be used by anyone. It comes with the standard heatsinks that can be seen in different parts of the board.
There are two full length PCIe 3.0 slots with the top slot delivering x16 speeds while the other runs at x4.
There are 4 PCIe 3.0×1 port for connecting network cards, sound cards and more. The board features several storage options like six SATA ports and a single M.2 slot.
This is the only MSI board that has a single M.2 slot. So, if you’re in need of more M.2 slot then consider going for mid-level boards as this is aimed for entry-level users. You will also find 4 DIMMs which can support a maximum of 64GB DDR4 RAM, perfect for new users.
Rear I/O Panel
The rear I/O panel has standard options; however, it does have a type-C port that is not available in many entry-level boards. The board has a USB 3.1 2nd gen type A, type C, and 4 USB 2.0 ports. If you’re using internal headers then there are a total of 2 USB 3.0 and 4 2.0 ports extra.
The audio board is powered by Realtek ALC892HD codec and you will find a LAN port that is controlled by a gigabyte networking chip to achieve those high speeds.
There are no HDMI connectivity options but a DisplayPort and a DVI-D output. Those looking towards HDMI options will need to have a dedicated GPU in place.
Our Thoughts
The Z390 is the cheapest board available in the MSI arsenal of motherboards. It is an entry-level budget motherboard that has all the basic features with the addition of decent controllers and a USB type C port.
It is perfect for users who want to start building their first system or great for those who want a solid entry-level board.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th and 8th Generation Intel Core processors
- Dual-channel DDR4 DIMMs slots
- 8+4 pin CPU power connector for CPU boost
- Fast USB ports
- Supports 2-way AMD crossfire
- Extended heatsink design
10. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I gaming is designed to support 8th and 9th generation intel core processors. The board has a single PCIe 3.0 which runs at x16 speeds. There are M.2 slots that is able to support PCIe 3.0 at x4 speeds or SATA.
These can be great for adding additional hardware to your system. Due to the lack of space, since it is a mini ITX, the board offers four SATA ports for HDD and SSD options. There are a couple of fan headers across the board for additional fan support.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I gaming has many USB options. It has support for USB 3.1, USB 2.0 and audio port for front panel. The board comes with extension cables to allow gamers to be able to connect these ports with their case.
The audio capacitors are gold connectors due to their conductive properties which help in reducing audio loss.
Rear I/O Components
The rear I/O shield is integrated into the board and the I/O includes 2 4K display outputs which is impressive, 7 USB ports that split between type-C and all other USB generations. The board features a LAN port with an integrated Wi-Fi as well. Its great for those who cannot use wired connectivity. It even has a Bluetooth 5.0.
Our Thoughts
The ASUS Strix Z390-I gaming is a great motherboard for users looking to get a compact built. Mini ITX boards are expensive since manufacturers put a lot of features in it while reducing the size of the board.
This increases the cost of the board. However, the cost for Z390-I gaming in that aspect is completely justified and a solid buy for those looking for mini ITX boards.
Technical Specifications
- Works well with 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors
- Dual M.2 slots with USB connectivity options
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi and LAN port
- Revamped 5-Way Optimization for overclocking
- Safe slots and heatsinks
- Pre-mounted I/O shield
- Supports HDMI 2.0
Conclusion
We have discussed some of the best Z390 motherboards available on the market in all categories, all-rounder, entry-level, mid-range, high-end and more. With lots of options to choose from it can become difficult for a user to select a motherboard or at least narrow it down from the top 10 to their preferred top motherboard.
Consumers need to look at a few factors like form factor, features, and price before purchasing the board. Some of these boards have features that might not be available in others. There will always be a tradeoff but keeping your preferences in mind, you will be able to find that sweet spot and narrow down to the best Z390 motherboard for you.
Have you already decided on the best Z390 motherboard for you? If so, share this article with your friends and family who are looking to buy a Z390 motherboard. Help them narrow down their choices while saving on time looking for the perfect board.
