Intel has been improving its technologies for years. Therefore, we can see its current-era processors beating in gaming and multitasking performance. For example, the Intel Core i5 7600k was released in 2017, but it’s still compatible with current computing systems and workloads. The basic combination of four cores and four threads, along with hyper-threading, is still enough to tackle the current-era basic gaming and lightweight content creation. In short, this chip is for you if you want to build an affordable custom PC for basic usage like internet surfing, watching multimedia, or basic gaming.
| Award | Design | Best | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Performance Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best RGB Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best Budget Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best Gaming Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best Overclocking Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best Value Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best Overall Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View | |
| Best Cooling Motherboard for i5 7600K |  | View |
Besides that, this is a “K” addition unlocked CPU so that you can easily boost the clock speed up to 4.2GHz. Additionally, if your setup has the best motherboard for i5 7600k, you can even take the clock speeds beyond the 4.2GHz mark. This is because a processor needs effective input power, supporting GPU, and other same-tier components to utilize its true potential. So a good-quality motherboard will do this for the i5 7600k. Therefore, we have tested some famous boards for the following processor, selected top-tier ones, and written their reviews. Read this article until the end to uncover the best one.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Finding a compatible motherboard according to your needs, usage, and system specifications is a challenging process. You have to consider a bunch of factors to hunt a suitable one. If you want an in-detailed article, read this motherboard buying guide to get help. But for now, let’s explore some important factors that you must consider when buying a motherboard!
Chipset: The motherboard’s chipset is like the brain of the component, and it works as the CPU works for a system. The speed of the mobo is influenced by the chipset, and the motherboard’s performance affects the efficiency of all the elements attached to it. Further, it defines the compatibility between the CPU and the mother circuit. You have to ensure that the mobo you are purchasing has a Z270 chipset as it is a must for an i5 7600k processor.
Form factor and Socket: Every mother circuit comes with a specific size or form factor, and the PC case has a particular socket to accommodate the board. No one would like to purchase a product that cannot fit into its proper place. Hence, ensure that you buy a product after adequately looking at the product description. In addition, socket compatibility plays a crucial role in boosting the overall performance of the processor. The Intel Core i5 7600k uses the LGA 1151 socket type for connectivity.
Overclocking and Cooling: Overclocking and cooling both are interrelated to each other. You need to maintain the cooling nearest to the optimal level to keep the overclocking at an adequate level. However, every mobo has the capability to reach up to a certain level of clock speeds. Hence, you should prefer a board with higher overclocking headroom and base clock speeds. Moreover, the mobo you’re buying can handle the rise in temperature due to a higher overclocking level.
The Best Motherboards for i5 7600K You Can Buy Today
ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E
Best Performance Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: ASUS | Series: ROG Strix | Chipset: Intel Z370 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 4000MHz | WiFi: Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent performance
✓WiFi, Bluetooth, LAN
✓Wide range of connectivity
✓Attractive design
✓FanXpert 4
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Slight lag in overclocking
ASUS has been a well-acknowledged name among computer enthusiasts for years and is famous for manufacturing advanced gaming equipment. We have the ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E on our list of best motherboards for i5 7600K. The Z370 chipset is ready to cooperate with the latest Intel Core processor without compromising any aspect required for gaming. Performance-wise, it helps to explore the processor’s true potential to maximize the performance with enough overclocking and other must-needed tools. It possibly has everything you might need during intense gaming sessions.
You can accommodate up to 64GB of memory split into four memory sockets running at 4000MHz of memory clock speed. Further, it supports Intel XMP for a smooth overclocking experience. Connectivity-wise, it has every type of connection like USB 3.1 Type-A/Type-C, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports, six SATA 6Gb/s ports, PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16, and PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 support. Moreover, the wireless connectivity is handed over to the Intel 1219V chip for LAN ethernet, WiFi 802.11 chip, and Bluetooth v4.2. In short, you will not face any issues regarding communication.
If we put the performance of this best performance motherboard for i5 7600K aside for a moment, it would still have a lot to discuss. Knowing the cruciality of cooling for excellent performance, the FanXpert 4 enables the product to meet the demands of maintaining the temperature at an optimal level. Further, the heatsinks effectively dissipate the heat being produced to peak-level performance. I think the design, RGB lighting, color schemes, and aesthetics are all going to impress you in no time. In short, you must go for this masterpiece; modern games are nothing in front of this beast.
GIGABYTE AORUS GA-Z270X-Gaming K5
Best RGB Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: Gigabyte | Series: Aorus | Chipset: Intel Z270 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3866MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Gigabit LAN networking
✓ALC1220 Audio Codec
✓RGB lighting
✓Smart Fan 5
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Customizable RGB lighting
If you have built a gaming system before, you must have heard about Gigabyte; a leading hardware manufacturer brand in the tech market. We have Aorus GA-Z270X-Gaming K5, compatible with the latest 7th and 8th generation Intel Core processors via LGA 1151 type socket. Further, the unique black look mixed with attractive lighting transfers an appealing outlook. The dual-channel memory architecture is ready to provide 64GB of memory space running at 3866MHz of memory speed. You can experience a fair overclocking boost with the help of the Intel XMP feature and other technologies.
It has multi-GPU support and DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 for onboard graphics support, where both can provide 4k resolution. Coming to the connectivity options, it has support for Thunderbolt 3 3, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/Type-C with 10Gb/s of data transfer rate, and ASM2142 chipset can run at 40Gb/s of speed. Moreover, there are M.2 connectors, one U.2 connector, six SATA ports, all-type PCIe connectivity options, and more in one packet. It features effective LAN Ethernet and sound quality but lacks WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
Thermal management is the key to utilizing the true potential of any motherboard. Knowing this, the manufacturer has introduced Smart Fan 5 and an advanced heat dissipation design. The board has various temperature sensors, hybrid fan headers, fins-array heatsink, direct touch heat pipe, and more to maintain the temperature. Now let’s talk about the most exciting aspect of this best RGB motherboard for i5 7600K; the RGB lighting. You can fully customize the RGB LEDs with the help of the Fusion App and choose any multi-zone light show design among the numerous effects and themes.
ASUS Prime Z270-A
Best Budget Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: ASUS | Series: Prime | Chipset: Intel Z270 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3866MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Affordable
✓5-way optimization
✓LAN ethernet with LANGuard
✓Audio codec with Realtek S1220A
✓5x protection
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No UEFI RGB LED design
When we’re trying to fulfill the needs of every user, how can we forget about a budget-friendly option? We have added the ASUS Prime Z270-A to our list since it’s the best budget motherboard for i5 7600k with an affordable price tag. You can pair it with the latest 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors, and the Z270 chip will help you effectively use its salient features. With Intel’s Turbo Boost and 5-way Optimization features, the board will have an impressive overclocking performance. The motherboard is famous for its build quality, affordable price, attractive design, and more.
The choice of this product could be beneficial for gaming, video streaming, education, professional activities, and more. You get USB 2.0/3.0 support with several headers, Type-A and Type-C connectors, Thunderbolt 3 support, a pair of M.2 drive connectors, six SATA 6Gb/s ports, and more. Further, the LAN ethernet comes with LANGuard; hence, the ethernet can effectively operate while being protected from any type of imbalanced electrical issues. Moreover, the 5x protection feature of the series includes overvoltage protection, Digi+ VRM design, ESD guard, stainless steel backplate, and more.
In short, the product will last for years and keep providing long-term performance with an affordable price tag. Besides other temperature-maintenance features, the pre-installed fan acts as the cherry on top and optimizes the temperature level to keep everything under control, especially performance. Like the Z270-AR variant, this board has an audio codec with a Realtek S1220A chip to deliver crystal-clear audio quality—it will help you detect your target while gaming. On top of the attractive aesthetics, the integrated RGB lighting conveys an eye-catching look like some of the premium boards do.
MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon
Best Gaming Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: MSI | Series: Pro Carbon | Chipset: Intel Z270 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3800MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Affordable price
✓M.2 shield
✓Eye-catching RGB lighting
✓harp audio quality
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No WiFi support
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon comprises the latest technologies and innovations to enhance the gaming experience. Interestingly, this is a mid-priced motherboard, and you can buy it yours without breaking the bank. You can pair it up with the latest 6th and 7th generation processors, plus the Z270 chipset is perfect for achieving peak-level performance. Also, it is rare to get an all-rounder mobo like this one that offers all the necessary features for the current era. It is integrated with the latest technologies to make it the perfect choice for an appealing VR experience.
The dual-channel memory architecture with four memory slots allows running 64GB with 3800MHz of memory speed. Further, it has all connectivity options like USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen1, and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/Type-C support with 10Gb/s of transfer speeds. There are three PCIe x16 ports, three PCIe x1 slots, six SATA ports to expand the storage, and two M.2 slots. A dual-Turbo M.2 link helps in achieving 32GB/s of speed. Moreover, DDR4 slots have a steel structure while PCIe has armored, protecting from EMI and tearing with a rigid frame.
An Intel i219 chip with a 15kV anti-surge guard allows wireless communication effectively. If you have played games at an intense level, you would know the importance of cooling capabilities. Don’t worry; this best gaming motherboard for i5 7600K has enough fan headers to cool your system, plus the M.2 shield keeps the processor’s temperature impressively low. Build-wise, the brand has used Military Class 5 components to ensure running the product for a more extended period. On top of that, the carbon fiber structure gives ultra-edge accuracy and performance.
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Apex
Best Overclocking Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: ASUS | Series: | Chipset: Intel Z270 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Memory Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 2 DIMMs | Memory Size: 32GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 4266MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 4 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Efficient overclocking
✓5-way optimization
✓FanXpert 4 technology
✓Durability
✓Attractive RGB lighting
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Found NO Con
ASUS has intelligently made numerous improvements to the Maximus X Hero and given us the ASUS ROG Maximus IX Apex. You get a great mixture of performance and gaming since the board is from the Republic of gamers motherboard’s lineup. With the help of the LGA 1151 socket, we can pair it up with the latest 6th and 7th-generation Intel Core processors to get full performance. The brand has used high-quality components to manufacture this board that improves signal integrity, performance, speed, and overclocking to make it the best overclocking motherboard for i5 7600k and other mid-tier chips.
The dual-slot memory design of this EATX motherboard allows the 32GB of two memory modules to run at 4266MHz of memory speed. It will enable multi-GPU support and has technologies like NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI Technology, 2-way SLI technology, and AMD 4-way CrossFireX Technology besides HDMI and DisplayPort to deliver 4k resolution. There are 3.0 ports, USB USB 3.1 Type-A/USB Type-C ports, ASMedia USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller with USB 2.0 support, two M.2 sockets, and four SATA 6Gb/s ports together with Intel I219V Gigabit LAN Controller with ASUS LAN Guard for networking.
For RGB lovers, this board could be an excellent choice being the best motherboard for i5 7600K with attractive RGB lighting. You can fully customize the RGB LEDs with ASUS Sync lighting-control software and let them glow with various lighting schemes. Further, the ROG water cooling zone lets you monitor the temperature at every spot, and with the 5-way optimization, cooling becomes more efficient than before. Structure-wise, it has a SafeSlot PCIe slot for long-lastingness and a SafeDIMM slot for increased durability. Except for WiFi and Bluetooth, this board offers every necessary feature.
ASRock Z270 Extreme4
Best Value Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: ASRock | Series: Extreme | Chipset: Intel Z270 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3866+ MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 8 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Wide range of compatibility
✓Perfect performance-to-price ratio
✓All required connectivity options
✓Power phases design and alloy chokes
✓Audio quality
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No WiFi
We already know that ASRock is one of the few brands that always has something for gaming enthusiasts; take its ASRock Z270 Extreme4 motherboard as an example. You can use this ATX mobo with the latest 6tht and 7th generation Intel Core processors via an 1151 type socket. Also, it’s the best value motherboard for i5 7600K since it has a perfect performance-to-price ratio, and you can buy it without putting much burden on your pocket. Like most of the products on our list, its dual-channel memory architecture allows 64GB of memory to run with 3866+ MHz of memory speed.
It seems that the brand is well-aware that the gaming world is moving toward virtual reality and advanced fashion. So, this board is made for VR scenarios and if you have the rest of the components of the same caliber, just enjoy the VR ride. It can support triple monitors and has supported graphics technologies like 3-way CrossFireX and Quad SLI beside the HDMI, DVI-D, and D-Sub ports for connection. Besides the fast Intel Gigabit LAN networking, other connections include USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A + Type-C support with 10Gb/s data transfer rate and two Ultra M.2 slots for up to 32Gb/s SSD connections.
As the boards sometimes need more power to keep running during overclocking sessions or intense performance. Therefore, the 10 power phases design and premium 45A alloy chokes ensure smooth power and current flow to the processor while keeping the temperature low. Build-wise, it has matte black and copper color accents mixed beautifully into the combination of the other components—you will also enjoy a controllable colorful RGB lighting system. Further, the Purity Sound 4 purified the sound with Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec, helping you focus on your target during gaming.
ASUS Z17-A
Best Overall Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: ASUS | Series: | Chipset: Intel Z170 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3466MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent overclocking
✓Wide range of compatibility
✓Has all required connectivity options
✓Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Has Realtek ALC892 codec, not the ALC1150
We have added ASUS Z17-A to our list as the best entry-level motherboard for i5 7600K due to numerous specs and performance stats. Performance-wise, it has beaten MSI Z170 Gaming M7 mobo with many plus points; however, it has a pretty similar overclocking performance and can ramp up to 4.7 GHz of overclocking speeds. Moreover, it’s available at a pretty affordable price compared to other boards having the same capabilities. In short, if you’re a gamer, content creator, or regular internet browsing person, you’re going to enjoy your practical experience with this item.
Starting from wireless networking, it has an Intel 1219-V chip for LAN ethernet having 1000Mbit of speed. Moreover, it has six SATA3 ports, one PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot for super-speedy SSDs with NVMe support, PCIe 3.0 x16@ x16/x8/x4 support, USB 3.1 10 Gb/s Type-A + Type-C ports are provided by an ASMedia ASM1142 controller, USB 3.0 5 Gb/s, and USB 3.1 gen1 5Mb/s. There is one DVI-D port, one DisplayPort, one HDMI out port, and one VGA port; the PEG-16 graphics slots support Nvidia SLI and AMD Crossfire technologies for multi-GPU graphics support.
This board has a Realtek ALC892 codec for audio purposes; however, many of the mobos use ALC1150 at a similar price which is a more advanced version. Anyhow, the audio quality is still okay and gives no distractions while gaming. Interestingly, you can spot a header for the CPU water pump and utilize it for water cool effectively. It seems that the manufacturer has spent hours of research before designing and manufacturing this masterpiece. If I conclude in one line, you must go for it if it’s compatible with the processor.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z270F
Best Cooling Motherboard for i5 7600K
Brand: ASUS | Series: ROG Strix | Chipset: Intel Z270 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Memory Architecture: Dual Channel | Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 3866MHz | WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0
REASONS TO BUY
✓Excellent performance
✓Adequate cooling
✓Dual M.2 slots
✓RGB lighting
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Slightly on the high-priced side
✗No WiFi
We have added this ASUS ROG STRIX Z270F to our list for several reasons, most importantly, the optimistic customers’ reviews. It is the more advanced version of its successor, the Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard series. Packed with the latest technologies and exclusive ROG innovations, it can handle 6th and 7th-generation Intel Core processors with 1151 Intel sockets. The dual-channel memory architecture is ready to run 64GB memory split into four DIMM memory slots running with 3866MHz of memory frequency. It comes with a slightly higher price tag; however, if you can afford it, just go for it.
It’s straightforward to install the motherboard into the PC case, so you can work it out without damaging its structure. Interestingly, there are two PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slots and one PCIe x16 slot that can help the SSDs to run at optimal pace and boost the speeds up to 32GB/s of speed. Moreover, you can experience 10Gb/s data transfer speeds with one USB 3.1 Type-A port and one reversible USB 3.1 Type-C port plus USB 3.0 support with a 5Gb/s speed. The Intel Gigabit Ethernet with LANGuard and GameFirst features ensure stable wireless gaming networking.
The LANGuard and ASUS SafeSlot technologies guarantee safer and more reliable communication and connection while protecting the PCIe from shears and boosting signal transmissions. We call this board the best cooling motherboard for i5 7600K since it features a compounded cooling method grouped with FanXpert 4 and 5-way Optimization technologies. Other features include ROG SupremeFX audio for crystal-clear audio quality and 3D printing to customize the appearance according to your own choice. The cherry on top is its fully-customizable RGB lighting concept to enhance the overall look.
Conclusion
The tech market is full of numerous brands with hundreds of boards starting from the very basics up to the premium product. Spotting the best motherboard for i5 7600K was really a time-consuming task; however, we have done it to save you time. Knowing the importance of the mother circuit for a gaming rig, we have done a thorough research and come up with eight best out of bests motherboards for 7th generation Intel Core processors. A compatible mobo helps all the rig’s components communicate properly and helps the processor keep up running games at a peak-level pace.
Moreover, our motto was to give any gamer at least one board despite the nature of the needs. If you have fewer bucks in your pocket, you can go for ASUS Prime Z270-A as it’s pretty affordable, plus enough to let you play games on higher settings. Overall, the ASUS Z17-A is the winner of our list, and it also comes with a pocket-friendly price tag. However, we don’t know your needs more effectively than you do. So, track your usage, likes, and dislike and then start filtering out our list to spot the best-suiting product for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is i5 7600k good for gaming?
The i5 7600k comes in mid-way of the processor’s lineup and offers four cores, four threads, and a base clock speed of 3.8GHz that can go up to 4.2GHz. Looking at the performance, it can be a perfect combination for gaming if you pair it up with the other components of a similar caliber.
How to buy a motherboard for i5 7600k?
The tech market is full of hundreds of boards for an i5 7600k processor. However, if you know some factors before buying one, it becomes fairly easy to spot a compatible mobo. Those factors include socket type, connectivity options, motherboard’s chipset, cooling, overclocking capabilities, and more. If you’re really interested in finding one, you must read the buying guide section for your ease.
What motherboard is best for i5 7600k?
Without knowing your usage and needs, it is challenging to answer your question. However, you can choose ASUS Z17-A for the i5 7600k processor since it has a perfect performance-to-price ratio, excellent performance stats, and more in one packet. It also comes with an affordable price tag, so you can buy it without putting too many bucks into it.
Motherboards & Graphics Cards Writer
