Youll want to ensure youre looking at the absolute best CPU coolers and memory kits with the highest speed lowest latency possible.

Msi Motherboard Support How To Build Games

While they wont be able to hold out forever as developers learn how to build games that utilize the higher core and thread counts offered by Zen 2 (and beyond), single-threaded performance and clock speed still reign supreme for game performance.

Here we arrive at the Core-i9 10900K, Intels new gaming CPU champion.

Not only has Intel managed to provide marked improvements over the Core-i9 9900K from last-gen, but (while having 2 fewer cores and 4 fewer threads), they even trade blows in productivity benchmarks with the likes of the 12 core24 thread Ryzen 9 3900X.

Such excellent performance is mostly thanks to their new manufacturing techniques for their 14nm () process.

By shrinking the height of the silicon, increasing the thickness of the IHS, and improving the quality of their materials overall, the K-Series Comet Lake CPUs all have impressive thermal performance.

These improvements come at a cost, however, with the TDP for the 10900K quickly reaching 250W when unrestricted and overclocked.

Msi Motherboard Support Upgrade To The

Thus, if youve decided to upgrade to the 10900K, youre going to need to invest in some robust cooling; at minimum, a high-end dual-tower air cooler or 240mm AIO.

If youve already got a beefy cooling solution, rest assured, the new LGA 1200 socket is compatible with all LGA 115X mounting hardware.

Here are the 5 best motherboards you can buy to power your new 10900K.

However, that doesnt necessarily mean you have to empty your savings.

With power delivery this excellent, youll have no trouble overclocking to get as much performance as youd like out of your 10900K.

The weakest aspect of the Z490 Gaming Edge is probably its USB support.

Another option to consider, especially if you dont need or care about integrated Wi-Fi support, is the Asus Prime Z490-A.

At 230, youre trading integrated wireless for 2 more USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Intel 2.5G LAN, Realtek ALC S1220A Audio CODEC, and Asuss superior UEFI BIOS interface proprietary motherboard software.

Whichever option you have the budget for, you cant go wrong either way.

MSI is providing flagship performance and features at a much lower price than you would expect: 300 flat.

The Z490 Unify is a bit jaw-dropping and is hands-down the absolute best pick for most people looking to crush performance benchmarks with the 10900K in games and productivity.

The Asus Maximus XII Apex continues its streak from our motherboard roundups for the 10 th Gen Core-i5 and Core-i7 as our choice for the best high-performance Z490.

Long live the king.

While there are arguments to be made for picking up the Apex with its little brothers, this board truly belongs with the Core-i9.

The laundry list of extreme overclocking features alone proves that there is no better option on the market for experienced tweakers and prospective newbies alike.

The Apex also offers integrated Intel AX201 Bluetooth 5.1 Wi-Fi 6, Intel 2.5G LAN, SupremeFX S1220A Audio CODEC, 4x M.2 slots (1 is DIMM.2 with included riser), 6x SATA 6Gbs ports, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 is Type-C), 5x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an integrated IO shield, and RGB.