Which motherboard to choose for Intel Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i5-13400

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is a motherboard that offers maximum capabilities. Although it may seem excessive for Intel Core i5-12400 and i5-13400, it has significant potential that will come in handy in the future when upgrading the system, and at this stage - for overclocking experiments.

The key feature of the board is the presence of a external clock generator, which allows overclocking via the BCLK bus. Its presence is especially valuable for processors with a locked multiplier, such as the i5-12400 and i5-13400, as it opens up additional opportunities for increasing their performance.

The board's power system is impressive: 20+1 phase with support for currents up to 90A per phase ensures exceptional resilience even to extreme loads. This results in more stable performance of current processors, as well as a solid foundation for use with more powerful CPUs.

The board is equipped with four M.2 slots supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 drives. Thus, the motherboard can be used in systems designed to work with large amounts of data and fast loading of resource-intensive applications.

The integrated OLED display, although not mandatory, is convenient in that it allows you to monitor key system parameters in real-time, simplifying the setup and debugging process. It displays information about the processor temperature, operating frequency, and other critical indicators.

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master is no less impressive a solution than the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero, but with a slightly different approach to design and functionality. This board is also built on the Z690 chipset and offers BCLK overclocking capability, but has its own unique features. Including the Q-Flash Plus button and DualBIOS technology to protect against failures when updating the BIOS.

The power system here is implemented according to the 19+1+2 scheme using a digital Intersil PWM controller. Each VCore phase can withstand current up to 105A, which in total gives an impressive 1995A. This power reserve will be more than enough for stable operation in a setup with i5-12400 and i5-13400, and will also become a solid foundation for powerful processors in the future.

Massive VRM heatsinks with direct contact and heat pipes effectively dissipate heat from critical components. And Fins-Array II technology increases the surface area of the heatsinks by 33%, which significantly improves heat dissipation and allows temperatures to remain stable even under heavy loads.

The network part of the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master is based on 10G Ethernet with the Aquantia AQC113C controller. This combination is useful when working with network storage or creating home media servers. This setup is complemented by the Wi-Fi 6E module (Intel AX210), which provides the system with wireless connectivity at speeds up to 2.4 Gbps.

The memory here is quite okay. Support for DDR5 with a frequency of up to 6400 MHz (when overclocked) allows you to use fairly fast modules. Support for the XMP 3.0 profile is also provided, which simplifies the memory setup process, bringing the performance of systems with i5-12400 and i5-13400 to higher values.

There are also four M.2 slots, three of which support PCIe 4.0 x4. The Thermal Guard III system effectively cools NVMe SSDs, preventing thermal throttling during intensive operations.

The audio subsystem uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec with a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB for playback and 120 dB for recording, complemented by the ESS Sabre ES9118 amplifier for headphones. This solution provides exceptional sound quality, which will be appreciated by both audiophiles and professional users working with sound.

MSI MEG Z690 Unify

MSI MEG Z690 Unify stands out with its minimalist design and focus on functionality, attracting the attention of users who value performance, overclocking capabilities, and stylish appearance.

The board supports the installation of up to five M.2 drives, four of which operate in PCIe 4.0 x4 mode, providing read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s, while the fifth slot operates in PCIe 3.0 x4 mode.

The power system of the board uses a 19+2 phase scheme with server-class components. They ensure high stability even during overclocking, which is implemented thanks to a clock generator with support for BCLK overclocking.

Heat pipes and massive heatsinks efficiently dissipate heat from critical components, allowing stable VRM temperatures to be maintained even under the most stressful operating conditions. Combined with advanced BIOS settings, this allows you to get the most performance out of i5-12400 and i5-13400 processors, despite their locked multiplier.

There is also support for DDR5 memory with frequencies up to 6666 MHz when overclocked, allowing you to use the fastest modules on the market. The Memory Boost technology helps to keep the signal more intact and stable, preventing "bottlenecks".

MSI MEG Z690 Unify in general looks like a versatile solution that will be especially attractive to overclockers, audiophiles, and just users who appreciate functionality combined with convenience. The board has Power and Reset buttons, which is convenient when testing the system outside the case.

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi is a more affordable alternative to flagship models, while retaining most of the key features. This board, as philological cliché lovers say, has a competent balance of price and features.

The power system uses an 18+1 scheme with a digital PWM controller, with currents up to 80A per phase, or 1440A in total. So, for upgrading the system to a more powerful processor, the board will also be suitable. With it, you can continue to improve your build even when you outgrow the Intel Core i5 and want something more advanced.

Like more expensive models, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi is equipped with an external clock generator. This opens up additional performance enhancement opportunities for the system even with processors with a locked multiplier. In general, it is what you need for Intel Core i5-12400 and i5-13400. And to prevent overheating, the ROG Cooling Zone technology is used.

The board supports DDR5 memory with a frequency of up to 6400 MHz. For ease of use, there is a BIOS FlashBack button that allows you to update the BIOS without a processor installed, a Q-LED indicator for quick problem diagnosis, SafeSlot technology to reinforce PCIe slots, which is important when using heavy graphics cards, and a pre-installed I/O Shield for easier assembly and improved cooling.

The network part consists of a combination of a 2.5G Ethernet interface and WiFi 6E for high-speed operation with low network latency. Additionally, the board is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port on the rear panel with a data transfer rate of up to 20 Gbps, and also supports Thunderbolt 4 technology through an additional connector on the board.

ASRock Z690 Taichi

ASRock Z690 Taichi is an excellent choice for Intel Core i5-12400 and i5-13400 processors, and also provides potential for future upgrades thanks to its well-balanced specifications.

Its unique heatsink design with gear-like elements not only enhances aesthetics but also increases surface area for better heat dissipation, allowing stable VRM temperatures under any conditions.

Out of the box, the board supports DDR5 memory with frequencies up to 6400 MHz. These are not the fastest modules on the market, but with XMP 3.0, their performance will be quite high. The ASRock Full Spike Protection technology helps protect all I/O ports from electrostatic discharge, providing quality protection for the system.

The board offers support for 2.5G Ethernet (Killer E3100G) and WiFi 6E module (Killer AX1675). The Killer DoubleShot Pro technology allows simultaneous use of wired and wireless connections to optimize network traffic.

It is very convenient that the board has features that many other solutions lack for some reason:

• Power and Reset buttons on the board itself for convenient testing outside the case.

• Dr. Debug switch for displaying POST codes and diagnosing problems.

• Multi-point temperature sensor for accurate monitoring of heat dissipation in various areas of the board.

• Reinforced PCIe slots with Steel Slot technology to support heavy graphics cards.

ASRock Z690 Taichi also supports Thunderbolt 4 technology through an additional expansion card, which allows adding support for this high-speed interface if necessary.

MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi

MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is an ATX form factor motherboard built on the Z690 chipset with all the resulting good specs, a well-thought-out layout of key elements, and a corresponding price, which - surprise, surprise - will be higher than the processors for which we are looking for a motherboard.

The board comes with an 18+1+1 phase power system, where each phase can handle up to 75A, or 1350A in total. There is also an external clock generator, advanced BIOS settings, a high-quality cooling system for the board, which includes massive VRM heatsinks and heat pipes to maintain stable temperatures even during intense gaming sessions or when working with resource-intensive applications.

The board is equipped with four M.2 slots, which are accompanied by the proprietary Shield Frozr heat dissipation tool, preventing thermal throttling.

The board design includes RGB lighting with Mystic Light technology support, allowing synchronization of the lighting of all compatible system components. Carbon elements on the heatsinks not only improve the appearance but also contribute to better heat dissipation.

ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming WiFi

ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming WiFi is a board on the B660 chipset that offers a number of features that are usually found in more expensive models.

First of all, an external clock generator is used here, as in boards on the Z690 chipset. Therefore, it is also possible to overclock via the BCLK bus here, albeit with some reservations. But in combination with advanced BIOS settings, the board allows you to extract additional performance from basic Intel Core i5s, allowing you to save on the purchase of more expensive K-series processors.

The power system here is simpler: 12+1 phase, but there is a digital PWM controller. The VRM heatsinks and heat pipes here are massive and solid.

However, DDR5 is not supported. Nevertheless, DDR4 can be overclocked to 5333 MHz. OptiMem II technology will ensure a more integral signal structure and stability.

As for the slots, it's also a complete standard: three M.2 with speeds up to 7000 MB/s. A special mention goes to the proprietary ROG solution for easy installation and replacement of M.2 SSDs without using screws. And the FlashBack button allows you to update the BIOS even without a processor installed.

ASRock B660 Steel Legend

ASRock B660 Steel Legend is a reliable and functional solution at an affordable price with many proprietary developments not found in analogs. One of these is the Steel Armor technology for PCIe and DIMM slots, which not only improves aesthetics but also provides additional mechanical strength, which is important when using heavy graphics cards and memory modules.

Or the XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsink technology, which is responsible for efficient cooling of the chipset and VRM. This also includes the M.2 Armor mechanism for dissipating heat from M.2 SSD slots, preventing thermal throttling during intensive data operations.

Besides, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend supports ASRock Polychrome SYNC technology, which allows you to customize RGB lighting and synchronize it with other compatible devices. This gives you the ability to create a unique look for your system.

For working with i5-12400 and i5-13400 processors, this board provides an optimal set of features, while also offering potential for future upgrades. It is well-suited for users who want a reliable and high-performance platform without spending extra on features that may not be useful in everyday use.

Gigabyte B660 AORUS Pro AX

Gigabyte B660M AORUS Pro AX is one of the most affordable solutions in the B660 chipset motherboard lineup among the "good" ones. This board does not have the premium features usually found in more expensive models, but it remains an attractive choice for builds based on the classic Intel Core i5-12400 and i5-13400.

Overclocking via BCLK bus, 12+1+1 power system, current up to 60A per phase, high-quality VRM heatsinks and heat pipes that efficiently dissipate heat from critical components, as well as Smart Fan 6 technology that allows precise adjustment of cooling curves for each fan - all this is in place.

To improve reliability and durability, Gigabyte uses server-grade components in the board design, including long-life capacitors and reinforced PCIe slots. This is especially important for users planning long-term system operation or working with high loads.

Overall, this motherboard is an excellent choice for building a powerful and reliable system based on Intel Core i5-12400 and i5-13400 processors, providing users with the opportunity to not spend too much. It already includes 2.5G Ethernet (Intel I225-V) and WiFi 6 (Intel AX201) interfaces, cFosSpeed Network Traffic Management for traffic optimization, Q-Flash Plus button, and a tool for RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting control.