8 Best Motherboard For i5 9400f [Top Choices Of 2023]
Intel has recently released its 13th generation processor, the “Raptor Lake” series, but not everyone has the budget for those processors.
However, there are lots of other CPUs that will be a bit less expensive but still offer great performance and an attractive price.
One such processor is the i5 9400f, which comes with six threads and six cores, and promises a great price-to-performance ratio.
We got the opportunity to test this processor in various motherboards personally, and after that, we’ve come up with the list below detailing the best motherboard for i5 9400f.
Selecting a motherboard for i5 9400f or any other processor is not simple.
There are many factors you have to consider, and everything depends on your budget.
It also depends on whether you are building a machine primarily for gaming, streaming, or productivity.
You’ll need to make sure that the motherboard you choose has all the right features, such as M.2 slots, USB ports, and HDMI connectors.
You can also decide if it is necessary to have a board with integrated WiFi or one that supports NVLink and CrossFire.
We understand that all this information can be quite confusing sometimes, so we decided to help you select the best motherboards available in each price segment on the market – from entry-level to high-end.
If you’re looking for the max performance out of your Core i5 9400f processor, it’s essential to have a powerful motherboard installed in your chassis.
But what are the premium options for this processor? Well, that’s what you’ll find below!
However, if you’re willing to purchase a motherboard right away, without putting so much time into researching and reading the detailed reviews of each option, These are top picks from the below list.
Following are the in-depth reviews for these options to help you take a bird’s eye view into their features.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | MSI Z390-A PRO | Turbo M.2 slots Proc & RAM boost tech Support multiple GPUs Extended heatsink | Check Price |
 | ASUS Prime Z390-P | Pleasant aesthetics 6xPCIe slots Enhanced audio Ultrafast connectivity | Check Price |
 | MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus | Built-in LEDs Supports top-tier hardware Visually appealing Turbo USB type-c port | Check Price |
 | GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi | Built-in Wifi 2 NVMe slots with heatsinks Quality voltage regulation Comes with 2 PCIe slots | Check Price |
 | GIGABYTE Z390 UD | Value for money Versatile connectivity opt Ultra-Fast NVMe slots Enhanced VRM Design | Check Price |
 | ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) | Designed for overclocking Aura Sync RGB lighting Flexible BIOS settings Incredible dynamic cooling | Check Price |
 | MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon AC | RGB lighting Powerful cooling system Various fan headers Built-in Wifi and Bluetooth | Check Price |
 | MSI Intel B365 | Fast transfer speed Reliable built quality Optimized for performance Works right out of the box | Check Price |
8 Best Motherboard For i5 9400f – Top Choices!
1. MSI Z390-A PRO – Editor’s Choice – Pairs Well with 1660 super
- Turbo M.2 slots
- Processor & RAM boost technology
- Support for multiple GPUs
- Extended heatsink for max performance
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.9/5 |
If you’re looking for the best compatible motherboard for intel i5 9400f, your search is over; since the MSI Z390 is all you need.
The motherboard is not only visually appealing but offers incredible features for the price. It offers support for the latest processors, including the 9th generation, so running Core i5 9400f will be a cinch.
What’s even more exciting is it offers up to 4400MHz DDR4 memory, which is among the fastest RAM technologies, right behind DDR5.
Another amazing part about this MSI motherboard is the support for the Turbo M.2 SSD interface, which delivers the maximum performance for NVME SSDs.
In simple words, the motherboard lets you get the most out of your powerful SSD to make processes faster and smoother (especially the boot-up time).
If you’re building a powerful computer for gaming and thinking about overclocking, this MSI motherboard is a great option to consider.
It offers an incredible CPU and RAM boost technology with a powerful 8+4 pins connector for adequate power.
Furthermore, another great addition that makes it one of the best motherboards for Core i5 9400f is that you can hook up over two dedicated GPUs via risers for enhanced performance for either gaming or productivity.
Final Verdict:
MSI Z390-A is the best option for anyone willing to enjoy a supreme performance out of his Core i5 9400f.
It has lots of connectivity options and delivers a solid performance when it comes to gaming, streaming, or video editing.
Furthermore, the motherboard offers all the essential ports like USB Type-C and Type-A, Display port, VGA, DVI-D, and so on.
Pros
- Amazing value for money
- Versatile connectivity options
- A very easy setup
- M.2 storage & Bluetooth slots
- Includes a (1) M.2 NVME Heat Guard
Cons
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi
2. ASUS Prime Z390-P – Best Runner Up – Pairs well with RTX 2060
- Pleasant aesthetics
- 6xPCIe slots available
- Enhanced audio boosters
- Ultrafast connectivity options
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Asus |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.8/5 |
An amazing alternative to the previous MSI motherboard is the Asus Prime Z390-P. It is also the perfect choice if you want a motherboard for i5 9400f and RTX 2060 since it pairs well with both of the hardware.
The hardware offers significant features that make it stand out from the rest.
These particularly include the various connectivity options and immersive sound quality.
Speaking of the fast connectivity, Asus has maximized the connectivity speed with M.2, USB 3.1 Gen2, and ASUS OptiMem II also make way for enhanced DRAM overclocking.
Another amazing part about the motherboard is the inclusion of 5x protection features that particularly include overvoltage protection and a rear panel shield.
The motherboard features the incredible Realtek ALC887 Audio CODEC, which delivers an amazing audio quality to help you while gaming, as well as when watching movies and playing other media.
Final Verdict:
The Asus Prime is a fantastic and best white motherboard for i5 9400f for connectivity-freaks looking forward to enjoying smooth and fast connectivity.
Aside from that, the motherboard is great for overclocking, and if you are someone who would be using i5 9400f to its maximum, then this might be something of interest for you.
Pros
- Various protection features
- Dynamic cooling with FanXpert 4
- Solid power delivery
Cons
- No USB Type-C ports
3. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus – Best Gaming Motherboard – Pairs Well with 1660 TI
- Built-in LEDs
- Supports top-tier hardware for performance
- Visually appealing
- Turbo USB type-c port included
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.6/5 |
The MPG Z390 has been made for gamers with their particular interests and hardware in mind.
Fortunately, it excels in nearly all the aspects of a gaming motherboard which is why we have included it in our list of the best motherboard for i5 9400f.
The most exciting part about this motherboard is the visually attractive design which gives an amazing feel inside any gaming chassis, and further beautifies your gaming setup.
But looks aren’t everything to it; the motherboard also offers the support for Core i5 9400f and is equipped with modern cable management for beautification.
Another amazing part about this gaming motherboard is the versatile connectivity options that offer all the essential ports, including USB Type-A, Type-C, and HDMI.
It features an extended heatsink and MSI’s flagship core boost technology that allows you to use your processor at its maximum without overheating.
Besides the modified heatsink, you also get various extra headers for multiple fans.
Final Verdict:
The MSI MPG Z390 is the best choice if you want to buy a motherboard for i5 9400f and GTX 1660 ti.
It is a perfect choice when it comes to a powerful motherboard designed with gaming and advanced hardware in mind, this is the option for you.
Aside from the aesthetic looks, the motherboard offers powerful features and supports various connectivity options and easy upgrades.
Pros
- DDR4 and core boost technology
- Highly reliable for long sessions
- Easy overclocking options
- Visually appealing
Cons
- Doesn’t support SLI
- Troublesome to use BIOS feature
4. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi – Best Budget Wifi Motherboard
- Built-in Wifi
- 2 NVMe slots with heatsinks
- Quality voltage regulation
- Comes with 2 metal-reinforced PCIe slots
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | GIGABYTE |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.7/5 |
Although not as affordable as the previous options, the Gigabyte Aorus motherboard is another amazing choice to consider for i5 9400f.
The most exciting part about this motherboard is the built-in Wifi and Bluetooth.
The Z390 Aorus Pro WIFI has pretty much every feature that you would like to have with a solid i5 9400f build, including SLI compatibility.
The memory support is also very nice, working seamlessly with high-frequency RAMs up to DDR4-4400 MHz.
It has an advanced thermal design and runs efficiently during extreme gaming or productivity session while also providing some of the best power delivery in its class.
All in all, if you are looking for a solid Intel 9th Generation motherboard with built-in WiFi, then this might be your best bet.
Final Verdict:
The Gigabyte Aorus is a great option for those looking for a premium motherboard for Core i5 9400f.
It comes with ultra-durable protection, and the Dual M.2 thermal guard ensures that you never experience throttling or bottlenecks during data transfers.
Pros
- Powerful cooling system
- Built-in backplate
- Onboard temperature sensors
- Visually appealing design
Cons
- XMP II profile is missing in bios.
- Does not support 5v 3 pin fans.
5. GIGABYTE Z390 UD – Best Budget Motherboard
- Value for money
- Versatile connectivity options
- Ultra-Fast NVMe slots
- Enhanced VRM Design
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | GIGABYTE |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.4/5 |
Of course, not everyone feels comfortable with investing over $150 into the motherboard.
So, if you’re running low on budget and hunting for a cheaper option, the GIGABYTE Z390 is the way to go.
The motherboard is designed for the Intel 8th and 9th generation processors that also include Core i5 9400f.
Unlike some other motherboards designed specifically for Windows 10, the motherboard at hand also works great with the older versions like Windows 8, 8.1 Pro, and Windows 7.
So, if you’re into the older Windows, this will be an ideal choice.
The motherboard also functions perfectly with the Intel Optane Memory. It has a solid 12+1 Digital VRM design which ensures a stable power delivery to the CPU.
The GIGABYTE Z390 UD is one of the most affordable motherboards out there in the market and delivers amazing performance.
It also features an enhanced VRM design, a solid pin header, and the smart fan 5 system that makes it a great option for people who need a budget LGA 1151 compatible motherboard.
Final Verdict:
If you are looking for the perfect Intel Core i5 9400f motherboard, the GIGABYTE Z390 UD is what you need. It packs powerful components with the support for over 10TB storage.
Although you don’t get the USB type-c port when it comes to connectivity, this motherboard does come with a wide range of USB ports.
Furthermore, to offer the fastest data transfer speeds, the motherboard supports the Ultra-fast NVMe Gen3 SSD drives.
I would recommend the GIGABYTE Z390 UD to anyone looking for a cheap motherboard for i5 9400f.
Pros
- Multiple fan headers
- Effective thermal sensors
- Solid Pin Power Connectors
Cons
- The heatsink could be improved
- Not a fit for appearance-freak gamers
- Average overclocking
6. ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero – Best High-end Motherboard
- Designed for efficient overclocking
- Aura Sync RGB lighting
- Flexible BIOS settings
- Incredible dynamic cooling
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.7/5 |
If you’re looking for the best top-tier motherboard that you can pair up with i5 9400f, the Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero is your choice.
It offers incredible support for advanced hardware and enables effective overclocking to get the maximum performance out of your processor.
First thing’s first, gamers have a unique demand for RGB lighting and want their gaming setup to give a “beast’y” feel.
If that’s what you’re concerned about, this gaming motherboard makes a fit. Furthermore, the motherboard is completely future-proof and an amazing option for the long run.
For instance, it offers a Ram capacity of over 128GB for the smoothest multitasking ever.
The efficient cooling system is another marvelous feature of this gaming beast.
The motherboard is equipped with an enhanced heat sink and is completely optimized for overclocking.
Another amazing part about this Asus motherboard is that all the essential parts like the user guide, SATA cables, RGB strips, and screws are included in the package.
The significant downside, however, is the pricing, which can be quite high for some.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for the most premium Intel i5 9400f motherboard and your budget is not a concern, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero is a fantastic option to consider.
The motherboard is absolutely top-notch and a winner in all aspects. It offers an aesthetic look and durable construction, which makes it a great long-term investment.
Pros
- Powerful built-in Wifi
- AI Suite to auto overclock your CPU
- Everything included in the box
Cons
- Very expensive
- RGB lighting consumes more power
7. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon AC – Best Overall
- RGB lighting
- Powerful cooling system
- Various fan headers
- Built-in Wifi and Bluetooth
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 |
MSI MPG Z390, is another best motherboard for i5 9400f and offers complete support for the Intel 9th generation processor and supports a memory speed of over 2400 MHz.
When it comes to RGB lighting, the motherboard stands out and comes with Mystic light technology, which supports over 16.8 million colors to suit your unique taste.
What’s even more exciting is the inclusion of a variety of ports. For instance, the motherboard offers both USB Type-A and USB type-c ports.
Besides, you also get the HDMI port for an effective display.
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon AC also offers incredible performance with the audio boost technology, turbo M.2 support with a capacity of 32 Gb/s.
Finally, it comes packed with various other features such as Intel Wifi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology and has a design that will look pretty cool in your PC case.
Final Verdict:
From built-in Wifi to Mystic light technology and the support for powerful hardware, MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon AC performs pretty well.
Overall, the motherboard offers one of the best streaming and gaming experiences at a reasonable price tag and is shipped with a Wifi antenna.
Pros
- Designed for overclocking
- Beautiful appearance
- Ready for multi-GPU
Cons
- Unclear instruction manual
8. MSI Intel B365 – Best Micro ATX Motherboard
- Fast storage & USB transfer speeds
- Reliable built quality
- Optimized for enhanced performance
- Works right out of the box
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Ram Technology | DDR4 |
| Our Rating | 4.1/5 |
If you believe in finding the best value for money, MSI B365 can be your choice.
The motherboard offers incredible features for the price and an amazing option for cheap motherboards.
Also, this is the only Micro-ATX form factor for the Intel i5 9400f that we liked during our test and passed most of our assessment.
Despite it being a Micro-ATX board, it still manages to include the essentials like an M.2 slot and USB 3.1 Gen 2 port.
Overall, this motherboard is recommended for people who are into streaming and video editing and are looking for an inexpensive motherboard for their new build.
Another great thing about this MSI motherboard is the extended heatsink you get.
It not only improves cooling but also results in improved performance of the CPU and other hardware components.
Final Verdict:
The MSI B365 is a fit for everyday users that are not into overclocking. It is well-priced and offers more features than other options in this category.
However, this motherboard isn’t recommended for extreme gamers because of its overall design and not a very decent overclocking performance.
Pros
- Perfect SATA & USB location
- Multiple cooling solutions
Cons
- Not great for overclocking
- Single M.2 slot
FAQs On The Core i5 9400f CPU
Is Core i5 9400f good for gaming?
Since the processor lacks integrated graphics and the Intel Hyper-Threading feature, Core i5 9400f isn’t an ideal option for gaming. However, the six cores and 4.1 turbo boost allow it to deliver adequate performance and make it a great pick for a mid-range gaming processor.
Is Core i5 9400F good for editing and streaming?
Lacking the Hyper-threading technology and integrated graphics, Core i5 9400f isn’t a great pick for high-end live streaming or photo/video editing. However, it gets the job efficiently done if mediocre-level streaming or photo/video tasks are your concern. In simple words, you cannot expect the top-tier performance from Core i5 9400f.
Can you overclock i5 9400F?
Core i5 9400f can be overclocked up to 4.1GHz. But if you’re planning on overclocking it for a lag-free gaming experience or smooth processing of demanding applications, then this isn’t the processor you need.
Conclusion
If you want the most out of your Core i5 9400F CPU, consider getting MSI Z390-A PRO, as it is one of the best motherboards available for that CPU.
Overall, it has decent performance and quality and is affordable compared to other motherboards that have the same capabilities.
However, there are other options depending on your preferences, and we have listed most of the above after conducting a brief experiment with each motherboard.
If you are still unsure how to buy a motherboard, then check out our motherboard buying guide, where we have discussed everything you would need to know before making a decision.
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