The Intel i5 6600k is a powerful processor with excellent overclocking capability. Matching this processor with a top MOBO will unlock its full potential and enhance your gaming and content creation experience. This review will help you identify the best motherboard for Intel i5 6600k.
Are you looking for the best motherboard on the market in 2024 to use with Intel i5 6600k? The top-rated MOBO for the Intel i5 6600k is the Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 ATX and the MSI Z390-A Intel 8th and 9th Gen Pro LGA1151.
Best MOBO For I5 6600k: Quick Comparison
BEST RATED  |
Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 MOBO
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MSI Z390-A Intel 8th and 9th Gen Pro LGA1151
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ASRock Z170M DDR4 1151 MicroATX MOBO
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Asus Prime H310M-E DDR4 Micro ATX Intel 8th Gen
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Asus B365M-A Intel 8th and 9th Gen LGA 1151 MOBO
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Gigabyte B365M DS3H MicroATX LGA1151 MOBO
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Best Motherboard For i5 6600k 2024: Reviews
1. Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 ATX DDR4 MOBO
Best Intel I5 6600 Motherboard Speed
This means Gigabyte Intel Z170 comes with all the features and attributes of the latest technological advancements of the last several years.
This MOBO is distinguished by its neutral color code of black and silver metal details. It features an improved PCIe slot which helps to minimize GPU sag and is compatible with the EVGA 1070 SC.
This advancement makes this motherboard deliver an incredible gaming experience. Besides, this motherboard features a front panel connector which ensures the installation is straightforward even for newbies.
Also, this motherboard supports Thunderbolt 3, which ensures the MOBO has a single wire bandwidth that can achieve up to 40 GB/S, double performance compared to the previous Gigabyte motherboards.
The water pump-powered header in this motherboard allows you to customize the cooling performance when overclocking. However, this motherboard only features red LEDs that pulsate to the sound of the music.
Pros
- The improved PCIe slots minimize GPU sag
- The front panel connector enhances installation
- Allows the customization of the cooling performance
Cons
- The red LEDs might not impress some users
2. MSI Z390-A Intel 8th and 9th Gen Pro LGA1151 Motherboard
Best Motherboard For I5 6600k Gaming
With the LGA 1151 processor socket, ATX form factor, and the Z390 chipset, this MOBO is compatible with the 9th and 8th generation Intel Celeron, Intel Core, and Pentium Gold processors.
When it comes to memory, this motherboard features DIMM slots that can handle up to 4400 OC MHz of dual-channel DDR4 memory for an improved multitasking experience.
This motherboard ensures the diversity of connectivity options by featuring a wide range of connectivity options such as M.2 slots, USB 3.1 slots, and PCI ports.
This motherboard features six fan headers and one water pump connector with PWM and DC controls for cooling. This allows you to alter the fan speed as you desire using third-party software or the BIOS.
This motherboard comes with Core Boost technology, a combination of optimization and layout design to facilitate undistorted and faster current delivery to the CPU.
However, you may need to insert one RAM stick in the third slot for the computer to boot with this motherboard.
Pros
- Excellent multitasking capability
- Allows the customization of the cooling performance
- Enhances the delivery of undistorted current to the CPU
- Features a wide range of connectivity options
Cons
- Sometimes the computer fails to boot if there is no RAM stick inserted in the third slot.
3. ASRock Z170M DDR4 LGA 1151 MicroATX Motherboard
Best Versatile MOBO For Intel I5 6600k
Although you might not like the fixed voltage when overclocking this motherboard, it is still perfect for designing and gaming.
This motherboard features 4 RAM slots which allow you to connect additional RAM for enhanced multitasking. The M.2 slot included in this motherboard ensures that future upgrades will be smooth and straightforward.
This motherboard’s versatility and compact form factor make it a perfect option for anyone looking for a minimalistic-style computer system for graphic designing or mid-range gaming.
Besides, this motherboard features 12 power phases, which ensures a better overclocking experience and enhanced power stability.
This motherboard also supports multiple graphics and high-quality Blu-ray audio, which further enhances the gaming experience. However, the port panel has the ports close together, leaving a blank space.
Pros
- The power phases enhance the overclocking performance
- Versatile and compatible with different processors
- Deliver high-quality audio
- Supports multiple graphics
Cons
- The port panel design is less impressive
4. Asus Prime H310M-E DDR4 Micro ATX Intel 8th Gen
Best Budget Intel I5 6600k Motherboard
Although smaller than many gaming motherboards, this motherboard is sturdy and comes with features suitable for gaming.
This MOBO is backward compatible with several sockets, and you can use it with Frankenstein build, although you can’t obtain full power. This motherboard loads games faster than most motherboards, allowing you to switch between games easily.
The Gigabit Ethernet port featured in this motherboard helps to keep the games steady. Besides, the Supreme FX technology featured in this MOBO ensures the delivery of high-quality audio.
This motherboard features 5-way optimization controls, which makes it easy to overclock by enabling maximum capacity operation. Although you can customize cooling, it is advisable to pay attention to the heat levels.
The small form factor of this motherboard makes it ideal for use with casings that have irregular shapes or when you want to add options in your build positioning.
Pros
- Backward compatibility facilitates versatility
- Delivers high-quality audio
- The small form factor makes it ideal for use with small casings
- Allows easy switch between games
- Gigabit Ethernet port eliminates lag when gaming
Cons
- Although backward-compatible, you might not obtain full power.
5. Asus Prime B365M-A Intel 8th and 9th Gen LGA-1151 MOBO
Best Intel I5 6600k Motherboard With Smart Power Saving Mode
This motherboard features the B365 chipset, making it compatible with the 9th and 8th generation Intel Core processors.
If power consumption is a concern, this motherboard comes with the Energy Processing Unit (EPU), which helps to save power through the Smart Away Mode settings that shut down the input and output controllers that are not in use.
This motherboard features one of the most advanced cooling designs, which you can control using the UEFI BIOS or the Asus Fan Xpert software. The onboard CHA FAN headers support the DC and PWM mode, and every header can react to a dedicated thermal sensor.
The USB 3.1 generation 1 ports featured in this motherboard can achieve a maximum throughput of 5 GB/S, synonymous with the USB 3.0 and USB 3..2 generation 1.
The Intel Optane technology featured in this motherboard helps to accelerate the attached storage to minimize the loading time, ensuring the responsive and fast performance of the SATA III drives. However, the memory slots are too tight, and you may have problems inserting the RAM.
Pros
- The Smart Away Mode feature reduces the power consumption
- Enhances control over the cooling performance
- Reduces the loading time by accelerating the attached storage
Cons
- The tight memory slots make it challenging to insert their RAM.
6. Gigabyte B365M DS3H MicroATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Best Intel I5 6600k Motherboard HD Audio
This motherboard features four memory slots that can support dual-channel DDR4 RAM of up to 64GB at 2666 MHz.
Also, this motherboard features a dual BIOS design with a secondary BIOS backup to help you recover from a hardware problem or computer viruses that may endanger your computer system.
The resistors in this motherboard are coated with an anti-sulfur layer to prevent sulfur compounds from causing electrical malfunctions.
The Smart Fan 5 technology used in this motherboard helps keep the system cool by allowing you to interchange the headers to correspond with the thermal sensors.
The Realtek 8118 Gaming LAN ensures bandwidth allocation to priority applications such as games when it comes to networking. The high-end audio capacitors ensure the delivery of high-fidelity and realistic sound for music, games, and movies.
The audio noise guard helps separate the motherboard electrical components from sensitive audio components to keep the sound clean. However, you might face some connectivity challenges due to the close spacing of the PCIe slots.
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance
- Enhances bandwidth allocation to priority applications
- The audio capacitors enhance the delivery of high-quality sound
- The dual BIOS design allows you to recover from a hardware or software failure
Cons
- The closer spacing of the PCIe slots makes it challenging to connect some devices.
Good 6600k MOBO FAQs
Is Intel Core i5 6600K Good For Gaming?
Although the Core i5 6600k is limited to four threads, it is still an excellent pick for gamers looking for a powerful CPU on a budget.
Can Any MOBO Work With i5 6600k?
Not all motherboards are compatible with Intel Core i5 6600k. For a motherboard to support Intel Core i5 6600k, it must have a B365, Z170, Z390, or H81M chipset and the LGA 1151 processor socket.
Which MOBO Is Best For Intel Core i-5 6th Generation?
There are many MOBO options with varying features, but if you are looking for a motherboard that will unlock the true potential of the i5 6th generation processor, then go for the Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170.
Final Words About Best Motherboard For Intel I5 6600k
Motherboards for Intel i5 6600k vary in features, sizes, and build quality. You will need a motherboard that can fit your casing, supports overclocking, and features advanced cooling capability. But, which is the best MOBO for the Intel I5 6600k in 2024? The top motherboard for Intel i5 6600k is the Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 ATX and the MSI Z390-A Intel 8th and 9th Gen Pro LGA1151.
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