5 Best Gaming Motherboards for i5 6600K

A good gaming motherboard for i5 6600K should be able to provide stable and smooth performance for your gaming needs. It should also come with features that will give you an edge in your game.

Benefits of high-end PC motherboards:

• More PCIe lanes for graphics cards and NVMe storage;
• Better overclocking potential;
• More USB ports, including Type-C;
• Higher quality audio codecs and amplifiers;

So if you are looking to build a high-end gaming PC with an I-series processor, then you will need to choose a motherboard that offers the best features and performance.

Are you looking to build a gaming PC with an i5 6600K processor? In this comprehensive guide, we will recommend the best gaming motherboards for your needs. PC gaming experts answer some of the most common questions about these products and provide product reviews to help you make the best decision for your system. Whether you’re looking for a high-end or budget motherboard, we’ve got you covered!

GIGABYTE LGA1151 Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 Motherboard – the Editor’s choice!

Plus, it comes at a very decent price point. If something goes wrong, you can always count on the manufacturer’s warranty to bail you out.

This board also supports multiple graphics cards for even more gaming power. Finally, it’s simple and efficient to overclock on this board.

The new Gigabyte G1 Gaming Motherboard series is a gamer-centric motherboard range that includes handpicked features to give gamers and enthusiasts the best performance and greatest gaming experience possible.

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Asus Dual DDR4 3400 Intel LGA1151 SATA (6Gb/s) Motherboard – the best connectivity ports!

Plus, it comes with many connectivity ports so you can easily hook up all of your devices. The Supreme X quality of audio will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, and thanks to easy overclocking and quick booting, you’ll be up and running in no time. Best of all, this motherboard is stable and upgradable so it will last long into the future.

The ASUS Z170 PRO Gaming can be a fantastic motherboard for anybody who wants an inexpensive PC with cutting-edge features at a reasonable price. This motherboard is ideal for gamers that want to optimize their system and overclock without difficulty. With 5-way optimization controls, this beauty has everything you need in one package!

The Asus-optimized Z170 ATX HDMI DVI-D Dual DDR4 3400 CPU is a 6th Gen Intel Pro Gaming Motherboard with an LGA1151 socket. To make applications run faster and smoother, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology improves processing speeds when demand rises.

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MSI Pro Solution Intel Z170A LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 ATX Motherboard – the best layout!

Traditional memory designs are plagued with electromagnetic noise from other components, which makes the system operate slowly or become erratic. DDR4 Boost technology from MSI, uses specialized traces and fully secluded memory circuitry to guarantee that the memory signals stay pure for optimal performance and stability. An illuminated XMP LED indicates an active Extreme Memory Profile for the best possible RAM speed and stability setting.

MSI’s Pro Solution motherboard can be great for serious gamers and power users who need the best performance possible. This board has great overclocking support, making it easy to get the most out of your hardware. The aesthetic design is also pleasing, making your system look great inside and out.

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MSI Performance Gaming Z170A Krait Gaming LGA 1151 Motherboard – the best for an audio boost!

In addition, it supports USB 3.1. ports for 10 Gbps speed and overclocking ability! And to top it all off, it includes bundled software. So not only will you be able to game in style, but your gameplay will be improved thanks to the amazing features this motherboard has to offer.

The MSI Z170A KRAIT GAMING features three SATA 3.0 hard drive slots. These offer theoretical data transfer rates of up to 6GB/s, as opposed to the 3GB/s offered by SATA 2.0. Only high-performance hard drives, particularly solid-state drives, will be able to profit from the bandwidth available through SATA 3.0 ports, although it is backward compatible, so you won’t have to take advantage of it.

The MSI Krait series is a popular choice, and the black-and-white color scheme is easy to understand. The Z170A Krait Gaming 3X has a long list of features to back up those good looks. DDR4 Boost improves the performance of your DDR4 memory.

This MSI motherboard is the perfect choice for gamers looking for a board that has a great color scheme and superior audio quality. Audio Boost 3 sound tech gives you the best gaming experience with crisp clear sound, while the RGB header allows you to set your motherboard to any color you want.

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ASRock MicroATX DDR4 LGA 1151 Z170M EXTREME4 Motherboard – the best application features!

With its Z170 Extreme4, ASUS becomes another bite at the value-supremacy apple, continuing a decades-old rivalry with ASRock. The most significant difference between the Extreme6 and Extreme4 appears to be the loss of the add-in SATA controller in the former.

You may even get to enjoy the same I/O panel design, with six USB 3.0 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, triple video outputs, comprehensive digital and analog audio connections, and a handy CLR_CMOS button.

This ASRock motherboard is perfect for overclocking and offers many features, like the support of USB 3.1. Additionally, it has a top-notch Intel network controller and dual BIOS chips. The nice-looking dark black color scheme makes it an eye-catching addition to your computer build.

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The Buyer’s Guide

What Is Intel i5 6600K?

Intel I-series processors are some of the most popular CPUs on the market. The 6600K is the sixth generation of this CPU. It’s an unlocked processor, meaning that it can be overclocked to increase its performance. This makes it a great choice for gaming and other high-demand tasks.

The Intel I-series lineup also includes the 6700K and the 6850K, both of which are slightly more powerful than the 6600K. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line processor, one of these may be a better option for you. However, if your budget is tight or if you don’t need all that extra power, the  6600K is a great choice.

The 6600K has four cores and eight threads, and it runs at a base clock speed of ​​3300 MHz. It also has a thermal design power (TDP) of 95 watts. The TDP is the amount of energy that the processor consumes under normal operating conditions. This number can be important to consider when choosing a motherboard, as some boards have higher TDPs than others.

A word of caution: overclocking can increase the amount of heat that the CPU produces. If you’re not comfortable with handling this kind of extra heat, you may want to avoid overclocking altogether or choose a board with better cooling capabilities [1].

Which Type of Motherboard Can I Use for Intel Core i5 6600k?

Because the Intel i5 6600K CPU is designed specifically for LGA 1151 motherboards, not all motherboards are compatible.

The term “chipset” refers to the entire microarchitecture of a computer, rather than specific hardware components. Every chipset has particular needs and characteristics. These variations make them compatible with certain processors, such as the Intel i5-6600K processor.

A motherboard with a large power delivery system and support for DDR4 will allow you to achieve the maximum performance of your CPU. You’ll receive the fastest, as well as the most accelerated, gaming experience with the most compatible motherboard [2].

Advantages of Investing in a New Motherboard:

Accelerated Performance

One of the biggest advantages of upgrading to a new motherboard is the accelerated performance you’ll experience. This is especially true when paired with a newer CPU. If you’ve been using an older motherboard and are looking for a way to speed up your system, investing in a new one is definitely the way to go.

Increased Stability

Another big advantage of upgrading to a new motherboard is increased stability. With so many different devices and components connected to it, your old motherboard may not be able to handle all the stress. Upgrading can help improve overall system stability – meaning fewer crashes and glitches.

Better Compatibility with Newer Components

Yet another reason to upgrade your motherboard? Better compatibility with newer components!  If you’ve been eyeing that shiny new graphics card or processor, make sure your motherboard can support it. Otherwise, you may end up with an expensive paperweight.

Reliability and Longevity

Finally, upgrading your motherboard can also lead to increased reliability and longevity. A newer board will likely have more features (and be better supported) than an older one, meaning you won’t need to replace it as often. So if you’re looking for a long-term solution, a new motherboard is definitely the way to go.

So those are some of the main advantages of upgrading your motherboard! If any of these reasons sound appealing to you, it might be time to consider investing in a new one. 

But with so many different options on the market, which motherboard should you choose? Read on for our recommendations – starting with the best gaming motherboards for iSeries processors. 

Main Features:

Form Factor

Every motherboard is unique in its own way. There are also connections, port types, and locations to think about, all of which may vary from one system to the next. The power interface’s mounting holes and overall layout are significant factors to consider [3]. 

The form factor of the motherboard is what will determine its size. There are three main sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. The most popular by far is the ATX standard, which measures 305 × 244 mm (12 × 0.96 inches). It’s worth noting that some cases may be designed to only accept certain form factors; for example, an ATX case won’t fit a Mini-ITX board. So it’s important to double-check your chosen case’s specifications before making a purchase.

There are also numerous variations on these three sizes, so make sure you get the right one for your needs. For instance, there are Extended ATX motherboards that are larger than ATX, and there are also Flex-ATX motherboards that offer a bit more flexibility in terms of the number and placement of connectors.

Supported RAM

You’ll require a motherboard that can support your existing RAM and one that can accommodate RAM sticks. DDRAM sticks typically come in either 2 or 4 slots. The number of memory slots on the motherboard is important to know as it will dictate how much RAM you can install.

Most gaming motherboards support up to 64GBs of DDRAM, which is more than enough for most gamers. If you’re looking to future-proof your build, however, then look for a motherboard that supports ECC (error-correcting code) RAM. Non-ECC RAM is cheaper and faster but doesn’t offer the same level of protection against data corruption as ECC RAM does.

Supported Processor

The Intel i5 6600k is the most powerful, but you’ll need a motherboard with the appropriate ports and slots for future additions. The speed of your processor should be supported by your chosen model. 

The motherboard should also have the latest BIOS update to support the new processor. You can find this information on the manufacturer’s website or by searching for your model number and “BIOS update”. 

The BIOS is the software that starts up your computer and loads your operating system. Updating it can help with compatibility issues and add features or fix problems with your hardware.

Your motherboard should also have a good warranty in case you run into any problems. Some of the more expensive models come with longer warranties, but all of them will cover at least one year from the time of purchase.

Many gamers choose motherboards based on their color scheme rather than performance or features, so be sure to pick one that you’ll be happy with long-term. 

Expansion Ports

You’ll need to select a motherboard that supports the speed and type of processor you want in order to get the most out of your system. You can check this physically by looking at the number of available processor sockets. The number of expandable ports and slots for each kind should also be investigated. 

PCI Express x16 slots run at the same speed as your processor. Some motherboards will have PCI Express x0 and/or PCI slots, which are slowly being phased out.

The number of USB ports is also important, especially if you plan on using gaming peripherals such as a joystick, steering wheel, or flight stick. Most high-end gaming motherboards should come with four USB ports. 

The type of port is also important – check to make sure that your motherboard has both USB Type-A and Type-C connectors. Other ports to look for include Ethernet (RJ45), S/PDIF (optical audio output), and HDMI [4].

Chipset

100 Series motherboards are required for building a PC that will just be used for gaming. These chipsets are non-replaceable, so double-check the model’s specs before purchasing.

The 200 Series offers a few more features, such as support for two SSDs and Optane Memory.

The 300 Series is the latest chipset from Intel and includes some of the most advanced technologies available, such as integrated WiFi/Bluetooth and support for Thunderbolt external graphics enclosures. If you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC that will last for several years, then the 300 Series chipset should be your top choice.

Most motherboards use one of two chipsets: Z270 or B360. The former supports overclocking while the latter does not. Overclocking allows you to increase the clock speed of your processor above its rated speed. This can provide a performance boost in some games or applications, but it should be used with caution as it can also decrease the lifespan of your hardware.

It will give you nearly all of the same features as a board with a Z270 chipset but without the ability to overclock.

Be sure to check what kind of memory your motherboard supports before purchasing any RAM. Not all motherboards support DDR-type RAM and some only support specific speeds or brands [5]. 

On-Board Attributes

When choosing a motherboard for gaming with an Intel Core i-series processor, there are many important factors to consider. One of the most critical decisions is which onboard attributes the best suit your needs. The most common onboard features include USB ports, audio capabilities, and storage options.

The number and type of USB ports can be especially important if you plan to use external devices such as controllers or gaming mice. Most motherboards have two or three standard USB ports, but some high-end models offer up to six or eight ports. It’s also worth considering whether you need USB Type-C connectors, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their fast data transfer speeds and reversible connector design.

Another key factor is the audio capabilities of the motherboard. If you want to use a high-end sound card, make sure the board has an appropriate connector. And if you plan to use built-in speakers or headphones, be sure to check that they’re supported.

Many gamers also need lots of storage space, especially if they’re storing games on their PC. 

Most motherboards include SATA connectors for hard drives and SSDs, but some offer M.Two or U.two connectors for even faster data transfer speeds.

Operating System

One of the first considerations you’ll need to make when selecting a motherboard for your gaming PC is what operating system you plan on using. If you’re running Windows, then it’s important to find a board that is compatible with that OS. For Mac users, however, almost any motherboard will work as long as it has an Intel processor.

If you’re not sure which operating system you want to use, or if you want to be able to switch between different systems, then consider choosing a motherboard that supports multiple platforms. These motherboards usually come with a variety of different connectors and adapters so that you can use them with whatever system you choose.

Just keep in mind that these types of motherboards can be more expensive than those that are specific to one type of system.

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FAQ

Is i5 6600k compatible with Z390?

No, they are not. The Intel Z390 is a single-chipset motherboard that supports 9th Gen and 8th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors with Socket 1151. The I-series processors use Socket 115x [6].

What is the best gaming motherboard for I-series processors?

There are many different motherboards that would be great for gaming with an I-series processor, but one of the user favorites is the Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Ultra Gaming. It has a number of features that make it perfect for gamers, including RGB lighting, support for overclocking, and PCI Express slots that can accommodate multiple graphics cards.

What RAM is compatible with i5 6600k?

The best gaming motherboards for i-CPUs will be compatible with DDR RAM of up to 2666 MHz. So make sure to check the specifications of the motherboard you are interested in to see if the type of RAM you have is compatible.

Some good examples of DDR RAM that would be compatible with an i-CPU include Corsair Vengeance LPX, G.Skill Ripjaws V, and Ballistix Sport LT. These brands tend to offer high speeds and low latencies, which is ideal for gaming builds.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all motherboards will support overclocking. If you are looking to push your system to its limits, then you may want to consider a board that does support overclocking [7].

Does the H310 motherboard support the 7th gen?

Yes, the H310 motherboard supports the latest Intel processors. However, it does not have overclocking features so if you are looking for a board that will allow you to push your system to its limits, then you might want to consider a different option.

The ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F Gaming is an excellent choice for gamers who want to get the most out of their hardware. This board has all the bells and whistles, including support for DDR IV RAM and multi-GPU configurations. It also comes with five fan headers, which is perfect for gamers who like to overclock their systems.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Gigabyte GA-H110M-A might be a better option. It doesn’t have quite as many features as the ROG STRIX Z370-F Gaming, but it is still a great choice for budget-minded gamers.

If you are looking for a gaming motherboard that supports the latest Intel processors and offers to overclock features, then the ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F Gaming is definitely worth considering. 

However, if you are on a tighter budget, the Gigabyte GA-H110M-A is also a good option. Whichever board you choose, make sure to read through our comprehensive guide to learn more about what to look for when shopping for a gaming motherboard.

What socket is an i5 6500?

The CPU socket is LGA 1151. The best gaming motherboards for i-CPUs are those that use the LGA 115x socket. There are a variety of different boards to choose from, and each has its own set of features that may appeal to you depending on your needs. 

The LGA 115x socket is used by Intel processors with the codename “Skylake”. 

This includes chips such as the Core i-CPU lineup, which includes both the 6600K and 6700K models. If you have an older LGA 1150 motherboard, it is not compatible with the new Skylake processors.

What is the difference between Z170 and Z270?

The Z270 has up to 24 PCI-E 3.0 lanes, which is 4 more than the Z170. These additional four lanes probably don’t sound very appealing, but they will offer motherboard manufacturers the opportunity to enhance existing product lines. It will enable motherboard makers to integrate higher bandwidth connections like M [8].

Another key difference is that the Z270 allows overclocking of Kaby Lake CPUs, which wasn’t possible with Skylake CPUs on boards based on the Z170 chipset.

The final change (and this may be a big one for some) is that the Z270 offers integrated Intel Optane support. This technology accelerates traditional hard drives to offer SSD-like performance. If you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC and don’t want to splash out on an expensive SSD, then this could be a good way to future-proof your system.

Does the i5 6600K have integrated graphics?

No, the i-series processors do not have integrated graphics. Instead, they rely on a dedicated graphics card to provide all of the graphical processing power. This is great for gamers who want to get the most out of their games and don’t want to be limited by the capabilities of onboard graphics [9].

If you’re looking for a motherboard that will work well with an I-series processor, it’s important to find one that has a good built-in sound system and plenty of ports so you can connect all of your peripherals. You’ll also want one that has room to expand as your needs change in the future.

How do I overclock my Intel 6600K?

You can raise the multiplier of your i5 6600K to 42. After that, scroll down to the voltage settings and make a small boost there as well. To run a 6600K at 4.2GHz, you’ll need to set the voltage at about 1.250-1.260 volts [10].

 If you’re not comfortable with manually overclocking your processor, there are a number of software programs that can help do it for you. Some motherboards even have overclocking profiles that will automatically overclock the CPU for you.

If you want to push your iGPU (integrated graphics) as well, you can raise the voltage by +50mv or so and then increase the frequency multiplier by two or three steps. You’ll also need to adjust the power limit to the maximum in order to get more stability when overclocking your integrated graphics.

There is no “one size fits all” approach to overclocking, so be sure to experiment with different settings until you find what works best for your system. The process can be a little daunting, but it’s definitely worth it when you get those extra few percentage points in gaming performance.

Does i5 6600K have hyperthreading?

The I-series processor does not have hyperthreading, which will affect the number of threads that can be run simultaneously. Most games are still able to take advantage of multiple cores and this should not present a problem when choosing a gaming motherboard. 

The Core i5-6600K is a six-core CPU with no hyperthreading. The 3.5GHz i5-6600k has a maximum Turbo frequency of 3.9GHz out of the box, in comparison to the i7-6700k’s 4GHz max Turbo frequency and 8MB of level 3 cache [11].

Is Gigabyte H310M good for gaming?

The Gigabyte H310M gaming motherboard is the finest solution in this price range, as it is both affordable and efficient. This gaming motherboard supports 8th gen Intel Core processors while also supporting dual-channel DDR4 memory.

Gigabyte H310M is a great motherboard for budget builds and casual gaming. It has some features that are attractive to gamers, such as support for overclocking. However, it does have some drawbacks. For example, it only has two DIMM slots and four SATA ports. 

Overall, Gigabyte H310M is a good option for budget-minded gamers who don’t need all the bells and whistles of more expensive motherboards. If you’re looking for a motherboard with more features, then you might want to consider Asus Prime H370-Plus or MSI B360 Gaming Plus. Both of these boards offer support for overclocking, multiple PCIe lanes, and more USB ports.

If you’re looking for a motherboard that will let you squeeze the most performance out of your i-series processor, then you should consider Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming or Asus TUF Z370-Plus Gaming. These motherboards support overclocking and multiple PCIe lanes, which can come in handy if you want to install a high-end graphics card.

Whatever motherboard you choose, make sure it is compatible with your CPU, case, and other components. 

Does H310M have WIFI?

The H310M chipset does not have WiFi capabilities. If you need wireless internet connectivity, you will need to look for a motherboard with a different chipset. For example, the Z390 or B360 motherboards would be good choices if you need WiFi. However, keep in mind that those motherboards may not be as compatible with your CPU choice as the H310M is. So it’s important to do your research before making a purchase decision.

If you don’t require WiFi and are looking for a more affordable option, the H310M is still a great choice. It has all of the features that you need for gaming, including support for overclocking and DDR RAM, which speeds up to 2666 MHz. 

If you’re looking for a motherboard that has all the bells and whistles, the Z390 chipset is probably what you’re after. This chipset supports overclocking WiFi and even built-in Bluetooth. It also comes with a number of ports and connectors, including six SATA III ports and two M. two slots. 

However, keep in mind that motherboards with the Z390 chipset tend to be more expensive than those with the H310M chipset. So you’ll need to weigh your needs and budget against each other before making a decision [12].

How old is the i5 6500?

The i-series processors from Intel are some of the most popular choices for a gaming PC build. The 6600K is an updated version of the Skylake processor and offers very good performance in games and other applications. 

If you’re looking to build a new system or upgrade an old one, then the 6600K should definitely be on your list. It has been presented on September 1, 2015 [13]. 

What is a Z270 motherboard?

The Z270 chipset from Intel is the most feature-rich solution for Kaby Lake processors. It has greater HSIO lanes, PCIe lanes, and USB 3.0 ports than the other 200-series chipsets, as well as the ability to overclock CPUs [14].

Is Ryzen 5 better than i5?

The AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs are generally slightly less powerful than the i5s. They have a clock speed of up to 4.4GHz, compared to the 4.6GHz of the i5. However, they do feature twice as many threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is distinguished thanks to its 65W low power consumption [15].

What is the best budget motherboard for i5 6600k?

The ASUS Prime B450M-A is an excellent motherboard for budget gamers. It has two DDR RAM slots and one PCIe x16 slot, which is perfect for running a graphics card. It also has four USB ports and six SATA III ports.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the ASRock H310M-HDV is a good choice. It only has one DDR RAM slot and one PCIe x16 slot, but it does have six SATA III ports and seven USB ports.

Both of these motherboards come with free software that allows you to overclock your CPU and monitor its performance.