The Core i5-13600K is on the lower end of the 13th-generation Intel spectrum, meaning it is more geared toward efficiency and uses the least power as a result. With that being said, every CPU in the world can benefit from a platform and motherboard that can deliver the most stable, and clean power. With the 13600K only topping out at 125w, you don’t need an exceptionally powerful motherboard.

You can choose a motherboard based on the features and connectivity you need. Going for a Z790 for example will give you better connectivity, features, and power delivery than opting for a B760, for example, as they are designed to be more budget-friendly. As a result, those motherboards exclude a lot of “comfort” features to save money. So the ideal motherboard for you, regardless of your CPU, will cater to your needs, rather than the one that provides the most power.

Best motherboard for Intel i5-13600K: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi

Form factor

ATX

Power stages

16+1 phase power delivery system

Connectivity

2.5 GbE LAN, audio, DisplayPort, WiFi 6E, USB 3,2, thunderbolt 4, and more.

PCIe Gen 5

GPU X16 slot and M.2 slot

DDR5

Yes

How We Review

Pros

16+1 phase power delivery system
Great overclocking support
WiFi 6E

Cons

large price tag

The ROG Strix lineup from ASUS has some incredible options for the Z790 chipset, and the Z790-F Gaming is no exception. It is a bit more expensive than we’d like, but it also is a cut above the rest when it comes to features. Under the sizeable VRM heatsinks, ASUS has provided a 16+1 phase power delivery system with 90A power stages. This VRM setup, coupled with the robust cooling solution, is more than capable of handling any overclocking on the Core i5 13600K.

Networking is handled by a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E, while the storage suite is comprised of four M.2 slots as well as several SATA ports for your traditional drives. You also get a Thunderbolt 4 header on the board, which is a bonus at this price point. The board also features the trademark design and styling of the ASUS ROG lineup. The RGB lighting over the I/O cover looks particularly unique and helps this board stand out from the crowd.

There is not a lot to complain about with the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming, apart from the price tag. It might be a bit too expensive for the Core i5 13600K, but that is subjective and should be judged by the individual buyer.

Runner up Motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Form factor

ATX

Power stages

16+1+2 phase VRM design

Connectivity

2.5 GbE LAN, audio, DisplayPort, WiFi 6E, USB 3,2, thunderbolt 4, and more.

PCIe Gen 5

GPU X16 slot and M.2 slot

DDR5

Yes

How We Review

Pros

16+1+2 phase VRM design
WiFi 6E
Stealthy, less RGB than most models

Cons

not as feature rich as other motherboards in the same price range.

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. It is not the most feature-rich Z790 motherboard in the world, but it gets the job done. Gigabyte has used a twin 16+1+2 phase VRM design with 70A power stages in this motherboard. The VRM is also well-cooled thanks to large fully aluminum heatsinks.

The Aorus features four M.2 slots and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the board for your storage needs. Networking is handled by a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E, which is a lot of storage potential for the price. There is not a lot that stands out about the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, aesthetically. The motherboard is mostly black with small Aorus accents on the heatsinks. This might come as a breath of fresh air for some people, considering the lack of RGB.

In essence, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a great Z790 motherboard to consider if you are on a relatively limited budget. It does not have all the bells and whistles, but it provides decent value for your money overall.

Best Budget motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K: MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi DDR4

MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi DDR4

Form factor

ATX

Power stages

14+1+1 phase VRM

Connectivity

2.5 GbE LAN, audio, DisplayPort, USB 3,2, and more.

PCIe Gen 5

GPU x16

DDR5

How We Review

Pros

Budget friendly
14+1+1 phase VRM
Simplistic

Cons

no DDR5
not very feature rich.

The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi DDR4 is ideal for value hunters who want to maximize their bang for the buck. It is a DDR4 motherboard, which allows it to be a bit more affordable than other Z790 options on the market.

You may not get to maximize the full capabilities of your Core i5 13600K through extreme overclocking, but the 14+1+1 phase VRM is certainly more than good enough for this CPU. The board is also quite well-equipped when it comes to features such as storage and connectivity.

Aesthetically, the MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi is a bit underwhelming, especially due to the lack of RGB lighting and no built-in I/O shield. Still, this board is more about performance per dollar than visuals and it certainly delivers in that respect. It is one to be considered if you want to buy a motherboard for your Core i5 13600K on a reasonably limited budget.

Why are motherboards important for PC performance?

Motherboards are crucial for PC performance because they serve as the foundation of the computer.

Determine the CPU compatibility, meaning AMD or Intel, and also the generation of the CPU.
Provide connectivity for peripherals (e.g. graphics card, storage drives, RAM)
Determine the amount and type of RAM and expansion slots
Control the power supply to the components.

What is the best Chipset for the 13600K?

One of the first decisions you need to make in the buying process is regarding the chipset of the motherboard. The Core i5 13600K is compatible with all Z790 and Z690 motherboards, in addition to other budget chipsets from the B and H series. Since the Core i5-13600K is an unlocked K-series SKU, it makes sense to pair it with a Z-series motherboard to have access to overclocking.

We prefer Z790 over Z690 thanks to its improved PCIe lane distribution and advanced connectivity. This will help you make the most out of your system and allow you to equip it with faster internal components, like a better GPU and SSD. These components specifically rely on the PCIe bandwidth and speed.

All of the motherboards on today’s list come equipped with the latest PCIe gen 5 technology. So you don’t have to worry on that front.

Is a DDR4 or DDR5 motherboard best for the i5-13600K?

After you have decided on your chipset of choice, you also have to decide whether you want to buy a DDR4 or DDR5 motherboard. The Raptor Lake platform supports both memory generations, and it is up to the user to decide which generation of motherboard they want to purchase.

If you already have DDR4 memory lying around, then you might want to pick a DDR4-compatible Z690 or Z790 motherboard. These boards are a bit more affordable than their DDR5 counterparts, and the memory kits themselves are cheaper too.

On the other hand, DDR5 memory kits are almost double the price of comparable DDR4 kits. However, DDR5 is the present and the future, so it makes sense to upgrade to DDR5 if you are building a brand-new system. In that case, you will need a DDR5-compatible Z690 or Z790 motherboard.

FAQs

What sockey is the Core i5-13600K?

Socket LGA 1700. It may be obvious to some, but not so much to others. You need to pick up a motherboard that belongs to the same socket as your CPU. In this case, it’s the LGA 1700 socket, not to be confused with AMD’s LGA 1718 socket. But that’s at least mainly named AM5.

Nothing will happen if you get a CPU and motherboards with incompatible sockets. The CPU simply just straight-up won’t fit into the socket, and you’ll probably cause a lot of damage trying, so please don’t. if you happen to have picked up the wrong motherboard, you can always refund it and get another.

How much power does the 13600K use?

Final word

In 2022, Intel launched its 13th-generation desktop CPUs, featuring the Raptor Lake architecture. Among them, the Core i5-13600K stands out for its impressive price-to-performance ratio, even surpassing the newer i5-14600K in value.

To optimize the capabilities of the i5-13600K, selecting the right motherboard is crucial. Our recommendations include the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, both offering robust features and performance. For budget-conscious users, the MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi DDR4 provides excellent value. Considerations when choosing a motherboard for the i5-13600K include chipset compatibility, with Z790 preferred for overclocking capabilities, and the decision between DDR4 and DDR5, depending on user preferences and existing memory.

The role of motherboards in PC performance is pivotal, influencing CPU compatibility, connectivity, RAM capacity, expansion options, and power supply control. The Z790 chipset is particularly recommended for its enhanced PCIe lane distribution and advanced connectivity, ensuring optimal system performance.