Not having the newest processor on your PC might be economically beneficial. However, newer CPUs are more efficient and perform better, but you can achieve your desired performance using an old but appropriate motherboard with your older i5 6600k processor. Finding the best motherboard for i5 6600k can save you time and money. So, if you’re using your PC for casual surfing and gaming, an older CPU may save you money, and you won’t need expensive hardware.
The well-known I5 6600K was considered a high-end processor when it was released and still is today. Our I5 6600K processor is a K series CPU with unlocked cores. The chipset needs a motherboard with good power delivery and an excellent cooling system, especially when overclocked. So, because of these requirements, choosing a motherboard that can support this CPU at its top speed and performance is essential.
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Top 10 Picks for the Best Motherboard for Ryzen i5 6600k – A Professional Review
We’ve listed the top 10 motherboards for the Core I5 6600K based on the needs of PC builders, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible setup, whether you’re starting from scratch with a new PC build or updating an older system. Next, let’s look at the options and decide which is best.
1. Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 – The Overall Best Motherboard for i5 6600K
2. ASUS Prime B360M-A – The Best High-performance Motherboard
3. Gigabyte B365M DS3H – The Motherboard with Premium Overclocking
4. ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 – The Best Gaming Motherboard for i5 6600K
5. MSI Pro Intel Z170A PC Mate – The Budget-friendly Best Motherboard for i5 6600k
6. ASUS Z170 PRO – The Perfect Motherboard for Novice Gamers
7. ASRock Z170M EXTREME 4 – The Best Built Motherboard for Long Life
8. Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 – The Best Motherboard for i5 6600K at an Affordable Price
9. MSI Z170A – The Best Motherboard for i5 6600K with ATX Form Factor
10. MSI Pro Series B250 – The Best Motherboard for Cryptocurrency Mining
1. Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 – The Overall Best Motherboard for i5 6600K
The Gigabyte GA170X Gaming 7 is our top choice for the Intel Core I5 6600K. That’s because Gigabyte is widely known as one of the best motherboard makers. From earlier versions, this board’s architecture and hardware have been updated.
This motherboard has shielding plates and heatsinks that also show greater strength than competitors. So, the overall impression is that the motherboard is well-made and won’t wear out quickly.
Moreover, this fantastic hardware has beautiful aesthetics: a black front with white and red accents. With the help of RB lighting built into the heatsinks and the setup software, it can look like hundreds of color schemes.
The motherboard also shines regarding the hardware it works with and how well it performs. It has an Intel LGA 1151 socket and an Intel Z170 chipset, so you can use any Intel 6th-generation CPU and upgrade to a 7th-generation Intel processor. At up to 3,866MHz, the board’s four DDR4 RAM slots can hold up to 128GB of RAM.
Moreover, this Gigabyte GA170X Gaming 7 is the best motherboard for the i5 6600K because it can be overclocked and has both ECC and non-ECC RAM modules.
Gamers won’t be disappointed with this i5 6600k-compatible motherboard’s performance. It has one PCI-E 4.0 x16 port and one PCI-E 3.0 x8 port, so even the most powerful graphics card is easy to install. This Intel i5 6600K LGA 1151 Board has USB 3.1 Type A and Type C ports that let it send and receive data at a very high speed.
This Intel Core i5 6600k LGA 1151 has a 10-bit, 4-channel stereo audio system, making it fun to use for competitive gaming. Not only that, but it’s also the best motherboard you can buy for an Intel Core i5 6600K.
Our Verdict
This Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7 is a superb option if you’re looking for a high-end Z170 motherboard with a wealth of valuable extras. Although its design may not appeal to everyone, it has almost all the functions one may desire and performs quite well.
2. ASUS Prime B360M-A – The Best High-performance Motherboard
Consumers love ASUS products because they last a long time and work well. They like them more than any other major brand by a large margin. That’s because ASUS makes some of the most reliable products on the market, and if you take good care of the peripherals, they can last for six to eight years or even longer.
Anyone looking for a PC that will last at least five to seven years should look at Asus products. When it comes to durable parts, the ASUS Prime B360M-A is your best bet. This 6600k-compatible motherboard is made to last, partly because it is solidly built and uses high-resistance capacitors.
This ASUS Prime B360M-A is the best motherboard for i5 6600k due to its compatibility and performance. It also has several great features and specifications that make it perform well. Asus has combined the older LGA 1151 socket with the newer, more widely used B360 chipset. First, it works well with I series processors from the 6th to the 8th generation.
The Intel Turbo Boost support feature lets you get more processing power and faster clock speeds. Moreover, it has four DDR4 RAM slots. Additionally, the system’s four DDR4 memory slots can hold up to 64GB of NON-ECC Un-Buffered RAM running at 2666MHz. This running speed makes them compatible with an i5 CPU from the sixth generation. Still, one can raise the rate to 3400MHz with dual-channel RAM and the Intel XMP profile.
For connectivity, there is one PCI-E 3.0×16 slot and two PCI-E 3.0/2.0 slots on the motherboard. The motherboard also has two M.2 slots and six SATA ports. Each port on the PC can go as fast as six Gb/s. This Intel i5 6600k-compatible motherboard does not break the bank and works well. It is another excellent choice.
Our Verdict
A space shuttle-like design, four M.2 connections, Intel-based 2.5 GbE, and a space shuttle-like design are just some of the prominent features included at such an affordable price. Therefore, this Prime Z690-A is an inexpensive motherboard for around $300.
3. Gigabyte B365M DS3H – The Motherboard with Premium Overclocking
This Gigabyte B365M is significantly improved over its predecessor. Therefore, it is the best motherboard for i5 6600K. The motherboard’s layout is simple, with only stripes of black and white for decoration.
This 6600k-compatible motherboard is an excellent choice for those who want a mid-range option with advanced features, like the Dual Bios system, usually found only on high-end boards. Still, this is the least expensive motherboard on the list, so it will do what you desire without breaking the bank.
The motherboard has a much simpler design, which makes it hard to tell at first glance how powerful it is. This Intel i5 6600k board has a B365 Chipset and an LGA 1151 Socket so that you can use any Core I series processor from the 6th generation up to the 9th generation.
The other specs are the same as the other motherboards, with a few exceptions. For example, it has four DDR4 memory slots and can hold up to 64 gigabytes of RAM. This motherboard works with the Intel Core i5 6600K processor. It has a dual-channel operation, an Intel XMP memory profile, and only uses memory that doesn’t fix mistakes.
Plus, it features a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot and two PCI Express 2.0/30 slots, both locked at 8.0 Gbps. The best things about these Intel i5 6600 motherboards are the capacitors for the best sound quality and the M.2 port for faster SSDs. Inside the BIOS, you can find Rainbow Fusion, Quick Tune, Intelligent HUD, Smart Survey, Gaming Boost, and a lot more.
Our Verdict
We can safely say that this Gigabyte B365M DS3H motherboard is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a stable platform on which to run a 9th or 8th-generation CPU. Also, its current price is one of the least expensive alternatives to Intel CPUs for low-end computers.
4. ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 – The Best Gaming Motherboard for i5 6600K
This gaming motherboard is a strong competitor to the ASUS B360M motherboard because it has slightly better specs and a more attractive design. It stands out because of how good it looks. It has a black background with red stripes and accents, which makes it stand out.
The RGB lights shine on the metal heatsink and shield for the motherboard, which is silver in color. In conclusion, if you want an attractive motherboard, the most exciting thing about this 6600k model is how it looks. As I said, this motherboard is better than the ASUS B360M in a few key ways. One of the essential hardware updates, though, is that it works with the 9th-generation Intel Core processor.
Even though it has the same LGA 1151 socket as the B360M, the B365 chipset on this best motherboard for i5 6600k is a bit faster. Like the ASUS B360M, the 4 DDR4 RAM slots can handle up to 64GB of RAM at a maximum speed of 2666MHz. But this time, you can use both ECC and non-ECC modules.
This i5 6600 motherboard stands out from the rest because it has several cutting-edge features, such as a 50A premium power divider, I/O Protection, the best High-Density Glass Fiber PCB, and two ultra-M capacitors. The two expansion slots and Nichicon 12K Black Caps capacitors on the motherboard make it last much longer.
This i5 6600k motherboard costs a little more than the B360M, but it has more and better features.
Our Verdict
The ASRock B365M Phantom is a great gaming motherboard that won’t break the bank and is best for people who don’t want to overclock.
5. MSI Pro Intel Z170A PC Mate – The Budget-friendly Best Motherboard for i5 6600k
If you want a low-budget motherboard, the MSI Pro Intel Z170A is another best motherboard for Core i5 6600K. Even though most people wouldn’t expect much from a motherboard in this price range, the best budget motherboard for i5 6600K has a few interesting and unusual features that make it stand out.
Due to its Intel Z170A chip and Intel LGA 1151 port, the MSI Pro Intel Z170A PC Mate can use Core I CPUs from the 6th generation. However, you can use any I-series CPU from the 6th generation. Also, it has the usual 4x DDR4 RAM slots. These slots can hold up to 64GB of memory at a speed of up to 3200MHz.
Moreover, MSI put a lot of money into the software of this Intel Core i5 6600k motherboard so that you can use a wide range of optimization tools and features like Dual Channel RAM and Intel XMP configuration, Overclocking mode, etc.
With the two x16 PCI Express 3.0 expansion slots on the motherboard, you can run multiple graphics cards simultaneously for better performance. There are also three display ports (HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA) for connecting external displays, and one of them supports resolutions up to 4K. The motherboard has one M.2 slot and six SATA ports that can send data up to 6 Gbps. On the back are 6 USB ports, four of which are high-speed USB 3.1 Gen1 ports and two pairs of USB 2.0 ports.
Our Verdict
Even though it’s not huge, the MSI Z170A Gaming Pro is a good Z170 board with a nice look. It’s not suitable for power users who want to overclock, but it’s a good choice for people who wish for a modern computer.
6. ASUS Z170 PRO – The Perfect Motherboard for Novice Gamers
The ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING has four USB 3.0 ports and a Type-C or Type-A compatible USB 3.1 port. The Gigabit Ethernet connection is kept safe by the ASUS LAN Guard. The motherboard has audio based on Realtek ALC1150, a high-quality Intel I219V Gigabit network console, and a better way to power the CPU.
The high-end computer hardware made by Asus’s ROG line is well known. The ASUS Z170 PRO is your best bet if you have a small budget but still want top-notch performance. The tiny Z170 ATX board, part of Intel’s 100-series chipset cluster, is perfect for high-end gaming. Like ROG boards, the ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING motherboard has a 5-way optimization control for easy overclocking and high performance.
The Z170 ATX has an LGA1151 socket that works with DDR4 and DDR3 memory. It also works with double DDR4 3400 memory. The LGA1150 socket standard for Broadwell is also supported, so the motherboard is ready for the future.
The RAM Cache function on the fast motherboard makes loading games easy. Like most other gaming accessories, the board is red and black and works with CrossFire and SLI. The CPU’s improved ten-phase capability has an enhanced power solution and an eight-phase VRM. The Gigabit Ethernet connector makes it possible for the Guard firewall to protect the ASUS LAN and for the SupremeFX technology to improve the sound. Last, you can search for and study your enemies with the Sonic Radar II.
Our Verdict
The ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING is a motherboard with many unique features. It is best for gamers and enthusiasts who want a mid-range gaming solution at the price point given. Also, ASUS’s new Z170 Pro GAMING motherboard is a great product with a tremendous price-to-features ratio and is an excellent board for a first-time gaming PC.
7. ASRock Z170M EXTREME 4 – The Best Built Motherboard for Long Life
This motherboard is your best option if you need a powerful and fast video card to get the most out of your i5 6600K. Overclocking experts confirm that it works and recommend it to gamers who want to get the most out of their system without giving up GPU power or other parts that affect games, such as ram bandwidth access times.
The Z170 Extreme4 can fit three graphics cards. It still has room for cooling between the top and the rest, so it’s better for two cards with thick coolers.
Moreover, its third slot has four lanes, and its x4 connection to the CPU connects with other chipset features, including PCIe x1, connectivity, audio, and storage. Furthermore, all three PCIe x1 ports are also open-ended, which lets you use more popular PCIe x16 graphics cards. Therefore, this Z170 Extreme4 motherboard is a good choice for people who want to build it with an extra single-slot GPU. It’s best for low-bandwidth applications like wall-sized arrays of displays.
The ASRock Z170M EXTREME4 is the best motherboard for i5 6600k due to its performance and ease of use. It has 12 power phases and a reset button, which makes it perfect for building custom PCs. The HEX display at the top makes it easy to diagnose quickly and figure out what’s wrong with less guesswork and explanation. With four expansion slots, players of all types should be able to find a video card that works for them.
Because of its structure, the motherboard can fit into small computer cases. This tiny ATX motherboard is perfect for gamers who want to build a system with a lot of raw power because it can work with two SLI graphics cards.
Our Verdict
The ASRock Z170 Extreme 4+ is a great board. It boasts a comprehensive feature set that should get you through for the foreseeable future. The most attractive features include simple installation and updates—best for every PC builder.
8. Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 – The Best Motherboard for i5 6600K at an Affordable Price
This motherboard works with Intel Core processors from the sixth generation. It has an audio noise guard and LEDs that light up the paths on the board. With the help of the tools like Easy Tune and Cloud Station in the APP Center, you can run your system at full speed for longer than ever.
Moreover, whether you’re using it for work or fun, you won’t have any trouble using the 16 GB/s data transfer rate of SATA Express. This motherboard would greatly help anyone in the gaming or content creation industries who needs a powerful computer.
This motherboard works very well and provides excellent performance. The metal casing strengthens the PCI lanes, making them last longer and stopping the GPU from sagging. Moreover, it has several vital features that any PC enthusiast can consider. Firstly, its dual-channel SATA Express ports allow lightning-fast data transfers of up to 16 Gbps. Moreover, it reduces GPU sag, giving it excellent endurance thanks to its metal casing on the PCI slots. The built-in speaker and RGB lighting system are the cherries on top.
Finally, for an immersive sound experience, It already has a Creative Sound Blaster, so you don’t need a separate DAC to enjoy higher-quality audio. Just plug your speakers or headphones into the board’s 33 watts RMS output port.
Our Verdict
The Z170-HD3, which retails for around $110, has all of the standard capabilities found on Z170 motherboards but stops short of offering anything that would sway consumers away from Gigabyte’s more expensive and feature-rich offerings. Here, the LGA-1151 socket and many firmware options help users overclock. The Z170-HD3 from Gigabyte is a high-performing board that costs less than most other options.
9. MSI Z170A Krait Gaming – The Best Motherboard for i5 6600K with ATX Form Factor
The MSI Z170A Krait Gaming is great for beginners because it has an easy-to-use interface and can safely overclock. The board’s main selling point is that once parts or connections are in place, they don’t bend or sag. It has a BIOS that is surprisingly easy to use and goes well with all of its other features. It also makes the machine run smoothly, reliably, and safely. In particular, the MSI Z170A Krait gaming board has a low profile and aims to last. It has all the important ports you need for excellent work and gaming.
Also, the MSI Z170A has everything you need to build a nice-looking PC. It has a red LED underflow and a glossy finish. The motherboard works with single-GPU and dual-GPU gaming setups, so a wide range of people can use it. Also, this MSI mobo doesn’t cost much and has many great features that could help designers and gamers. And, it is easy to put together, which makes it a good choice for people who want to build their first computer.
The MSI Z170A Krait Gaming Board is not a typical powerhouse, but it does its job well and looks good. Even though it works best for moderate overclocking, it still looks good and is easy to set up and boot up for most gamers and PC builders.
Our Verdict
While not a powerhouse, the MSI Z170A Krait Gaming is a competent Z170 motherboard with a sleek design. It’s best for PC enthusiasts who want average overclocking. However, if looks are your priority, it can be a good option.
10. MSI Pro Series B250 – The Author’s Choice for New PC Builders
Last but not least, the best way to mine Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies is with this MSI Pro Series B250 motherboard. These motherboards have a variety of expansion slots, such as PCI-EX1, PCI-EX16, and PCI-E GEN, so that you can connect multiple video cards and other devices simultaneously. It also has an optimized power design and unique BIOS settings to ensure the machine stays stable during long mining sessions. This power design increases your mining productivity.
As for a computer to keep working well while you use it, it must stay cool. MSI has given enough fully controllable fan headers for this to be possible. This MSI motherboard design is perfect for professional users to do their jobs better. It works with new display connections for things like Organic Light Emitting Diodes, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and older beamer connectors.
This MSI product also works with all modern storage protocols. If you connect a high-speed storage device, you can get a lot out of it. It keeps surprising us with how quickly it opens applications, loads data, and helps us get more done. The motherboard is fine-tuned for both professional and multimedia use. It comes with a top-tier networking solution that will reliably move large amounts of data around the clock.
MSI has worked hard to make tools like this great MSI Pro Series B250 board that is both high-quality and easy to use. Using these tools, you can get the most out of your motherboard and win your favorite games.
Our Verdict
If you are searching for the best motherboard for i5 6600K to help your mining, this is your Mobo. This MSI Pro Series B250 motherboard has many features that will speed up your system’s RAM and make it easier to overclock and more stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboard is compatible with an i5-6600K?
Since it is an 1151 CPU, the i5 6600K is suitable with any 200-family motherboard with an 1151 socket. So, the Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7, at number 1 on our list of best motherboards for i5 6600k, has the best overall performance.
Is i5 still useful in 2022?
It’s still an excellent way to play games in 2022, just like when it first came out in 2015. All it needs is the best motherboard so you can make the most of it.
Which motherboard is the best for i5 6th gen in 2022?
The Z270 and Z170 chipsets are good choices to help you get the most out of your CPU. It’s your choice to decide which one you’d like to use.
Conclusion
With the information provided in the article, you should be able to pick the best motherboard for i5 6600k confidently. After giving it much thought, we’ve put together this list for your benefit. It shows the above motherboards’ specs, comparisons, pros, and cons. This article is sure to be helpful for you to have a clear idea of what your best-suited motherboard looks like. Now it’s up to you to pick that motherboard and enjoy the best working experience with your Intel Core i5 6600k processor.