8 Best Motherboards for Core i5-10400F in 2024
Intel Core i5 10400F is a decent processor with seamless performance, thanks to its 6 cores and 12 threads. But like any other processor, it can only provide an efficient performance when coupled with a good motherboard.
So, what is the best motherboard for Intel Core i5 10400F? Well, it greatly depends on your unique needs, which makes it hard to find a good option for yourself.
But don’t you worry, as we’ve reviewed the topmost motherboards for Intel Core i5 10400F in detail in this guide. Read through each review to find out which motherboard best fits your needs.
That said, let’s dive in.
Quick Picks
If you’re in a hurry here are our top recommended motherboards for i5 10400F:
Image | Product | Summary | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall: Gigabyte B460 AORUS PRO AC | – Fast-speed WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity – Efficient cooling system – Power delivery design – Ideal for Intel Core i5 10400F – Best overall motherboard choice for Core i5 th generation processors |
Check Price | |
Runner-Up: MSI B460M-A PRO | – Versatile connectivity options – Superb audio quality – Remarkable cooling capabilities – Runner-up choice for Core i5 10400F motherboards |
Check Price | |
Budget-Friendly: ASUS Prime B560M-A | – Fast-speed Gigabit Ethernet – Thunderbolt port for high-speed data transfer – M.2 slots for fast storage support – Best budget motherboard for Core i5 10400F |
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That said, here’s an overview of these motherboards:
1. Best Overall: Gigabyte B460 AORUS PRO AC
This motherboard packs fast-speed WiFi and Bluetooth along with an efficient cooling system and power delivery design to make it the best motherboard for Intel Core i5 10400F overall.
2. Runner-Up: MSI B460M-A PRO
This motherboard offers versatile connectivity options, superb audio, and remarkable cooling, making it a great runner-up for Core i5 10400F motherboards.
3. Budget-Friendly: ASUS Prime B560M-A
This motherboard offers remarkable features like Gigabit Ethernet, Thunderbolt port, and M.2 slots to make it the best budget motherboard for Core i5 10400F.
With that out of the way, let’s dive into the reviews.
Reviewing the Best Motherboards for i5 10400F
1. Gigabyte B460 AORUS PRO AC – Best Overall
This motherboard offers a great value for its features. It boasts a sleek design with a solid build quality, making it a great choice for those who want to build a remarkable Core i5 10400F system.
In terms of connectivity, it has WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity and fast data transfer, as well as 2.5GbE LAN for fast wired networking.
For storage, it features 6 SATA III ports and 2 M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and has an advanced thermal design with an enlarged heatsink to ensure cooling during demanding tasks.
Its power delivery system is efficient, with 8+2 power phases that keep the system performing optimally and extend the lifespan of components. And with multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2, data transfer is fast and convenient.
One potential drawback is that this motherboard has limited overclocking options, making it less suitable for extreme enthusiasts. Additionally, it lacks an x1 PCI slot, which may limit options for those using older expansion cards.
Overall, we believe it’s the best motherboard for Intel Core i5 10400F, thanks to its efficient cooling system, support for WiFi and Bluetooth, and effective power delivery.
Pros
- Value for money
- Supports WiFi and Bluetooth
- 2 M.2 slots
Cons
- Limited overclocking
- No legacy PCI slot
2. MSI B460M-A PRO – Runner Up
This motherboard is an excellent choice for those who want a budget-conscious system with a solid range of features. With two M.2 slots, 6 SATA ports, and Gigabit Ethernet, you get a great combination of performance and convenience.
The Mini-ATX form factor makes this motherboard ideal for those who don’t require a lot of expansion slots. Its rear I/O panel is packed with useful features, such as DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, and plenty of USB ports, which make it a fantastic option for a basic home or office build.
Audio is also a strong point, with audio boost technology that provides improved audio quality. To ensure that your SSDs don’t suffer from performance loss due to high temperatures, this motherboard features a heatsink design with M.2 Shield Frozr that provides thermal protection.
One downside to this motherboard is that it doesn’t support overclocking, which limits the performance potential of your processor and other components. Also, because of its Mini-ATX form factor, it has limited expansion slots.
If you don’t require advanced overclocking and are looking for a budget-friendly option, then this motherboard is a great choice. With its solid range of features and affordable price, it is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Great connectivity options
- M.2 shield frozr
Cons
- No overclocking
- Limited expansion options
3. ASUS Prime B560M-A – Budget Pick
This is the best budget motherboard for i5 10400F offering a good balance of features. It has two M.2 slots, Gigabit Ethernet, plenty of USB ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs, making it a great option for both gamers and everyday users.
This motherboard is designed for stable and efficient power delivery, with an enhanced power design featuring 8 power stages. It also offers comprehensive cooling options, with various heatsinks for optimal performance.
In terms of audio, this board supports HD audio and comes with Sonic Studio III audio processing software, making it a great choice for music lovers and audiophiles. With multiple expansion slots, SATA connections, and M.2 slots for storage, you have plenty of options for expanding your system.
Another great feature of this motherboard is the BIOS flashback button, which makes it easy to update the BIOS without a CPU or RAM installed. Additionally, it supports memory clocking of up to 5000MHz, providing a boost in performance.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. This motherboard doesn’t have built-in WiFi or Thunderbolt support. Additionally, its overclocking capabilities are average, although this may not be a problem for users who don’t require advanced overclocking features.
Overall, this motherboard offers a good balance of features for its price and is a great option for budget-conscious users looking for a reliable, feature-packed motherboard for their i5 10400F system.
Pros
- Supports memory clocking of up to 5000MHz
- High-quality audio
- Gigabit Ethernet Internet
Cons
- No WiFi
- Average Overclocking capabilities
4. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus – Gaming Pick
This budget-friendly ATX motherboard is perfect for gamers looking to build a powerful gaming PC without breaking the bank. It offers excellent connectivity options and fast data transfer speeds with dual M.2 slots, 2.5G LAN, and USB 3.2 Gen 2.
The 6-layer PCB and digital power IC ensure that your system runs smoothly and provides strong stability, even under heavy loads. The M.2 shield frozr and pre-installed IO shielding improve EMI protection and give the build a sleek look.
Gamers will appreciate the advanced LAN networking capabilities, enhanced audio, and Mystic Light for customizable aesthetics. The solid VRM design and heatsinks also make overclocking a breeze, allowing you to push your system to its limits without worrying about lagging.
This motherboard features 3 PCIe x1 slots, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for your graphics card and other components. While the first slot is protected by a shield for added stability, it would have been a plus if the RAM slots were protected as well.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an i5 10400F gaming motherboard at an affordable price, this board is definitely worth considering. It offers great features and performance for the price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Pros
- Lots of VRM phases
- M.2 shield frozr
- Affordable high-end premium
- Pre-installed IO shielding
Cons
- RAM slots without protection
See our guide on the best PCIe 4.0 motherboards to find a motherboard with support for the latest PCIe version.
5. MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE – ATX Motherboard
The ATX motherboard is a top-performing option in the Z490 chipset, boasting impressive features and reliable performance. With a sleek black and silver color scheme and RGB lighting, this motherboard is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
The power delivery system is solid, providing support for powerful CPUs and improved overclocking capabilities. For storage and connectivity, this motherboard offers 2 M.2 slots, 6 SATA III ports, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.5 G LAN. The M.2 shield frozr adds extra protection for your M.2 drives.
For audio quality, the Realtek ALC1220 provides high-quality sound, making it a great choice for gamers, music enthusiasts, and audiophiles. The motherboard also features fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Its layout is well-designed, making it easy to work with.
However, it should be noted that this motherboard does not support Thunderbolt 3 and ECC memory, which may be a disadvantage for some users. Despite this, the ATX motherboard is a well-rounded choice that offers excellent features and performance, making it a great option for power users.
Pros
- Robust power delivery
- Good overclocking
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Great connectivity options
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 3 support
6. ASROCK H470 Steel – Most Reliable Motherboard
This motherboard is designed to deliver stable and reliable performance for years to come, with its unique sapphire black PCB and XXL Aluminum Alloy heatsinks. Based on Intel’s H470 chipset, this motherboard performs well and offers a range of features to meet the needs of common users.
It offers 6 SATA III and 2 M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, providing ample storage options. With 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 and 7 3.2 Gen1 ports, you can enjoy fast data transfer speeds. It also features a 2.5 GB LAN and an M.2 cooler to enhance the performance and stability of your M.2 SSD by reducing heat buildup.
For an enhanced audio experience, it includes Nahimic 3D audio, and the polychrome RGB connection allows for the customization of RGB lighting.
However, it is worth noting that this motherboard does not fully support PCIe Gen4 SSDs, causing the SSD to run at lower speeds. Additionally, it supports memory only up to 2933MHz.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for an affordable motherboard with a decent number of features, strong performance, and an outstanding appearance, this motherboard may be a great choice for you.
Pros
- Supports two M.2 slots
- Effective cooling
- Value for money
- Various storage options
Cons
- Does not fully support PCIe Gen4 SSDs
Check out our guide on the best LGA 1200 motherboards to find yourself a decent motherboard for your Intel processor.
7. ASRock Z490 Steel – Best Overclocker
This motherboard is a solid choice for those looking for a mid-range solution with a range of essential features. This motherboard offers 2.5Gb Ethernet, 2 NVMe M.2 slots for fast SSD storage, ALC1200 gaming audio with optical output, and the ability to modestly overclock the CPU.
With high-quality 60A power chokes, an 11-phase design, and 8+4 pins for 12V power, this motherboard provides your processor with reliable and effective power. The dual M.2 SSD heatsink helps keep your system running cool and stable.
The design of this motherboard is both long-lasting and stylish, featuring a sturdy metal construction and a clear and functional layout. The integrated I/O shield simplifies the installation process.
While this motherboard may not be suitable for heavy users due to its lack of premium features, it is a good choice for those looking for stability and good performance without breaking the bank. Some users have reported issues with overclocking certain components, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
In conclusion, this motherboard is a solid option for those seeking a mid-range motherboard with a good balance of features and stability.
Pros
- Solid ALC1200 Audio
- PCIE Gen4 and M.2 WiFi slots for future upgrades
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
Cons
- Overclocking issues with certain components
8. GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master – Mid-Range Pick
The motherboard is the perfect choice for those in search of a mid-range solution for their i5 10th generation system. It supports both Intel 10th and 11th Gen processors and boasts an impressive array of features, including three M.2 slots and support for the latest PCIe 4.0 technology.
For connectivity, the motherboard includes Bluetooth, WiFi 6E, and 10 GbE, along with other advanced networking options, providing you with fast and reliable internet access. With a 19-phase power design, this board ensures your CPU has a steady and reliable power supply.
In terms of design, it features a simple and elegant look, complete with a programmable RGB lighting system. The installation process is made easy with the integrated I/O shield, and the board offers impressive overclocking capabilities for demanding users.
However, there are a few drawbacks to note. For instance, this lacks PCIe x1 slots, and the VRM fan can be a bit loud, which may be a nuisance for some users.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a motherboard that offers premium features and performance, this should definitely be on your list of considerations.
Pros
- WiFi 6 E/10 GbE for fast networking
- Strong VRM design
- Support for PCIe 4.0
- 19-phase power design
Cons
- No PCIe x1 slots
See our article on the best SLI motherboards to get a motherboard that supports multiple GPUs.
What Kind of Motherboards Are Compatible With Core i5 10400F?
Motherboards with Intel 400 and 500 series chipsets are compatible with Intel Core i5-10400F. It’s a 10th gen processor based on the LGA 1200 socket.
The most common Intel 400 chipsets include Z490, H470, B460, and H410. On the other hand, Z590, H570, B560, and H510 are some great 500-series Intel chipsets.
Various brands offer motherboards with the above chipsets, including ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock. Whichever brand and motherboard you consider, ensure it has an Intel 400 or 500 series chipset, so it fully supports your processor.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard for Core i5 10400F
Form Factor
Form factor is the most important thing to consider when choosing a motherboard. To give you an idea, it refers to the size or dimensions of a motherboard.
While motherboards come in many form factors, three popular form factors are ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX. The ATX form factor is the most popular and recommendable.
But before choosing an ATX motherboard, see which motherboard form factors are supported by your PC case. Only invest in an ATX motherboard if your case is compatible with it.
You can also opt for smaller form factors like Micro ATX and Mini ATX, but the generally have fewer RAM and PCIe card slots. They also don’t support a big number of storage devices.
Again, a mismatched form factor can result in compatibility issues and restrict the fitting of your hardware components into the PC case. So, it’s essential to ensure compatibility between your motherboard form factor and PC case when getting a new motherboard.
Read our guide on how to determine if a motherboard fits my PC case for detailed information in this regard.
Chipset and Socket Compatibility
For Intel Core i5 10400F, you’ll require a motherboard compatible with 400 or 500 series chipset and an LGA 1200 socket. Otherwise, you cannot install this CPU on the motherboard.
Apart from that, the chipset of your motherboard also determines basic features like the supported PCIe version, RAM limit, and support for M.2 drives. So, carefully review the chipset when deciding on a motherboard for Intel Core i5 10400F.
Memory Support
The type of RAM that can be used with the CPU, and the maximum amount of memory that can be installed depends on the motherboard’s memory support.
While some motherboards only support DDR4 memory, some may also support DDR3 memory. Additionally, the motherboard will have a certain limit for the amount of RAM that can be installed, such as 32 GB or 64 GB.
Make sure the motherboard you select is compatible with the kind and amount of RAM you require. By doing this, compatibility problems or potential performance bottlenecks will be avoided, and the system will be able to operate at its peak performance.
PCIe Expansion Slots
The PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard determine which additional components you can add to the motherboard. These may include storage drives, sound cards, graphics cards, and expansion cards.
So, when deciding on an Intel Core i5 10400F motherboard, ensure it offers enough PCIe expansion slots of the right sizes. Generally speaking, ATX motherboards offer sufficient PCIe slots for most users.
Connectivity
When choosing a motherboard for Intel Core i5 10400F, ensure it has enough USB ports to connect your peripherals comfortably. If you wish to connect USB type-C peripherals to your computer, ensure the motherboard offers USB type-C ports.
Apart from that, check wireless connectivity options, too, including WiFi and Bluetooth. If you want a wired Internet connection, look for a high-speed Ethernet port in your motherboard.
Storage
Some users prefer HDD storage drives due to their economic costs, while others prefer SSD drives for their fast data transfer rates. Being a modern-day storage solution, SSDs are a preferred solution.
But if you want to connect an M.2 SSD to your computer, your motherboard must support M.2 slots. If it supports NVMe M.2 slots, that’s even better. Even if you choose to go with traditional storage drives, ensure your motherboard has enough SATA slots.
Most PCIe 3.0 lanes are supported by the Z590, Z490, and W480 chipsets. So, motherboards with these chipsets tend to have most x4 NVMe M.2 slots.
See our guide on which M.2 slot to use to ensure you install your SSD in the right slot.
Video Output Port
Just like other processors with “F” in the name, the i5 10400F also doesn’t have support for integrated graphics and requires a dedicated graphics card. Since a dedicated graphics card is the only way to connect your computer to a monitor, the video output port of your motherboard doesn’t matter.
Is Core i5 10400F a Good Processor?
Yes, the Intel Core i5-10400F is an excellent CPU. It can handle heavy tasks like gaming and video editing like a charm, thanks to its 6 cores and 12 threads.
Additionally, it’s blessed with a 2.9GHz base clock speed and a 4.3GHz turbo boost speed for maximum processing performance. The “F” in its name suggests that it lacks integrated graphics. But if you plan on using a dedicated graphics card, Core i5 10400F is a great cost-effective solution.
People Also Asked
We believe Gigabyte B460 Aorus Pro AC is the best motherboard for Core i5 10400F as it offers fantastic performance with decent features like WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.5GbE LAN, efficient power delivery system, and enlarged heatsinks.
Yes, the Intel Core i5-10400F supports overclocking. However, the level of overclocking you can achieve will rely on several factors, including the motherboard being used, the cooling system, and power delivery. We recommend investing in a performance-oriented motherboard to ensure a good overclocking experience.
The Intel Core i5 10400F is compatible with Intel 400-500 series chipsets, including H470, Z490, B560, and H510.
The Intel Core i5 10400F is a 10th gen processor.
The Intel Core i5-10400F offers decent gaming performance despite its relatively low price. It features 6 cores and 12 threads to provide a good multitasking and gaming experience overall. So, it’s an excellent option for most games and everyday users looking to build a low-cost setup with high performance.
Final Words
The Intel Core i5 10400F is an efficient mid-range processor with great gaming benchmarks. This processor is not only great for gaming but for normal use as well.
We’ve reviewed the 8 best motherboards for i5 10400F and we hope that this review helps you in selecting the best one for yourself. Until next time, cheers!
By the way, we’ve also rounded up the best motherboards for Core i5-1200F and Core i5-9400F in these guides.