The best motherboard for i7 9700k is aimed at mainstream gamers and multimedia makers that want more processing power to operate their apps without bottlenecks.
The B450 has fewer PCI Express lanes than the X470 series, and there are some small changes in overclocking capability. However, for 99 percent of users, these changes are insignificant in real-world use, and you may save a significant amount of money by choosing B450 chipset-based motherboards. In terms of real CPU performance, there is no change.
1 – MSI B450 Tomahawk
It is one of the most reasonably priced motherboards available on the market. Despite its inexpensive price, gamers and overclockers will be impressed with this board’s capabilities. Two SATA cables, an I/O shield, M2 screws, a construction guide, a driver DVD, and a user manual are included as standard. The design isn’t too flamboyant and is fairly appealing.
Ideal for Overclockers
Overclockers will be particularly happy to see a huge heatsink over the VRMs to keep temps in check. It’s a quick method to revert to an earlier BIOS version if an upgrade fails.
There is also an inbuilt USB 3.0 header for the front panel. The 4+2 VRM arrangement may seem to be relatively low in terms of overclocking, however, MSI attempts to compensate by employing more MOSFETs.
Superb Performance
In terms of performance, there aren’t many changes between the Tomahawk and other boards that use the B450 chipset. Most memory and CPU benchmarks work well, and the RAM may be overclocked using the BIOS’s XMP settings. Games run nicely, albeit there are better-performing Gigabyte products available.
The USB BIOS Flashback is one of Tomahawk’s greatest features. Assume you’ve ever seen situations in which newer AMD CPUs are incompatible with older boards owing to improper BIOS upgrades. In such an instance, the flashback function fixes the problem by immediately flashing a BIOS from a USB drive without the requirement for a CPU to be mounted.
It has a lot of helpful features, and the USB BIOS flashback is a nice addition to an already superb B450 board.
PROS:
- Excellent VRMs.
- Fan headers are hybrids.
- BIOS Flashback+
CONS:
- There is just one M.2 slot.
- Restriction on PCIe slots.
2 – MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC
Mini-ITX boards are ideal for designing tiny PCs that save space while yet providing enough gaming and overclocking capabilities.
However, because of the proportions, there are certain limitations you should be aware of. There is just one PCIe x16 slot, for example. If you want extra bandwidth, you might use a PCI riser to divide the x16 bandwidth into 4x and 4x.
Aside from that, this best motherboard for i7 9th generation is identical to other MSI motherboards we’ve reviewed. Although you may install both ECC and non-ECC memory, the memory itself only operates in non-ECC mode.
One drawback is that the board does not support USB Type-C; instead, it supports USB 3.1 Type-A. What are our thoughts? The total value in the bundle will convince you to choose the B450I Gaming Plus AC. There are no sophisticated RBG or overclocking features, nor are there any onboard advanced controllers.
PROS:
- Excellent for HTPCs and tiny PCs.
- The design is straightforward.
- Basic performance is excellent.
CONS:
- There is just one M.2 slot.
- There are no RGB or overclocking options.
3 – Asus ROG Strix B450-F Gaming
If money isn’t a problem and you need more versatility from your board, the B450 platform is for you. This motherboard is aimed towards gamers, although it lacks any needless RGB overload.
Even though the BIOS is typical for ASUS motherboards, it may lack functionality such as XMP settings and customizable core voltage adjustments when compared to the more costly X470 boards.
Recent BIOS upgrades, however, have provided some of the missing functionality. If you need complete control over your components, we suggest looking at the X470 boards rather than the B450.
A joy to play
Gaming on the B450-F is a true joy, and it is compatible with all of the current titles at their maximum settings. The only constraint is the configuration of your GPU and CPU. The only difference between the B450-F and X470 chipsets is a few additional PCIe lanes and a few more overclocking options.
The B450-F gaming is an excellent option for constructing a low-cost gaming PC with a strong base for future upgrades. The pricing also includes a decent set of accessories as well as a generous number of expansion slots. And, if you’re into personalization, you can replace the heatsink stickers with your own.
PROS:
- Excellent for gaming.
- There are a lot of fans and RGB headers.
- Excellent value.
- Outstanding performance.
- There are two M.2 slots.
CONS:
- There aren’t many overclocking options in the BIOS.
Buying Guide for the Best B450 Motherboards
When it comes to computer hardware, things can become rather stressful. That is why we developed this buyer’s guide. Its main objective is to guide you through the maze of motherboard possibilities and assist you in your motherboard purchasing adventures.
Support for a Wide Range of Graphic Cards
The B450 motherboard should be able to handle a variety of graphics cards. For graphics cards, AMD 2nd and 3rd generation processors with Radeon graphics are the best options. When it comes to enhancing performance, the flexible combine gives you more possibilities.
Memory Storage Expansion
Memory-boosting storage technologies, which are ubiquitous on the board, are critical because they impact the speed of operations. The memory transfer rate is improved by having a better PCIe. Purchasing a board with USB 3.1 or even 3.2 is a good way to expand the motherboard’s capabilities.
Several Display Ports
Multiple display ports must be supported by the motherboard. HDMI, DVI-D, and D-Sub are all possibilities. With a variety of display choices, you may connect your PC to practically any kind of display device for enhanced pleasure.
Headers in RGB
Having the power to personalize your PC is an essential component of owning a PC. As a result, RGB header light strips are one of your PC’s greatest features. You may change the light patterns and colors to fit your tastes and setup.
Heatsink
Heatsinks are required because they keep the computer’s components cool. They let the heat that has built within the computer escape. They are often constructed of an aluminum alloy.
Fans Who Are Astute
Smart fans in the best motherboard for i7 9700k are a major bonus since they maintain the motherboard at the same temperature as the surrounding environment. They help keep the motherboard cold from all sides, which is important given the impact it has on performance.