10 Best Z390 Motherboard For Overclocking in 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

The Z390 is Intel’s new generation motherboard, specifically designed for the latest 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Cofee Lake processors. The Z390 motherboard was introduced at the end of 2018, and it is widely considered one of the most powerful & durable motherboards in today’s market.

That’s why it would be challenging to find the best z390 motherboard among several well-performing z390 motherboards. So, if you have got the 8^th or 9^th Gen Intel Core CPU and planning to push it to its maximum speed with some overclocking, then you might be in the market for the best z390 motherboard for overclocking.

In this post, we will review the top 10 best z390 motherboards that are highly suitable for overclocking. So, whether you’re a budget user or one who wants every extra feature in their board, don’t worry – we have got you covered. We also provide an ultimate buying guide which will help you to make better decisions.

However, if you’re in a hurry, then we recommend you - ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E is the best Z390 motherboard for overclocking. This motherboard is exclusively designed for 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

This gaming motherboard features the most comprehensive cooling ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS. Plus, it features a dedicated pair of PWM/DC fan headers for CPU coolers, a dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups, and a dedicated header that can supply over 3A high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

Also, read our latest guide about Best Motherboard For Overclocking Ryzen 2600

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E

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If you’re ready to invest in a high-performance without worrying about price point, then this ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E motherboard would be an ideal option to consider. This motherboard is exclusively designed for 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz. Additionally, this gaming motherboard features the most comprehensive cooling ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS.

Plus, it features a dedicated pair of PWM/DC fan headers for CPU coolers, a dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups, and a dedicated header that can supply over 3A high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

What’s more, this ROG Strix motherboard delivers sterling performance and superior aesthetics to outshine the competition. While the ASUS AURA of this board offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for the built-in RGB LEDs and strips connected to the onboard RGB header.

Not just this, this ASUS motherboard comes with Exclusive SupremeFX technology, which is an integrated audio solution specially designed to provide a flat frequency response for a neutral and detailed sound signature.

Furthermore, the Gamer’s Guardian feature ensures component longevity with a Safe slot, ESD guards, and DRAM overcurrent protection. However, the only downside of this model is that it is on the pricier side, making it less suitable for budget users.

GIGBAYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI

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If you’re one who loves to show off his gaming rig to friends and relatives, then this Gigabyte PRO WIFI has got you covered. This motherboard supports the latest 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, 1TB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed 4400MHz. Plus, it comes with 4 DIMM slots.

Additionally, this Z390 motherboard is designed with thermals and speed in mind ensuring users can take the best advantage of their Intel Core processor. Besides, this best motherboard for overclocking under $200 is loaded with a variety of premium features and provides a sweet spot in performance and value.

What’s more, this Gigabyte motherboard uses a 12+1 phases digital CPU power design. It has an additional 8+4 Solid pin CPU power connectors that allow users to get the absolute maximum performance from their new Intel processor.

With its smart fan 5 feature, users can ensure that their gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool. Not just this, this feature also allows users to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the motherboard.

Furthermore, the onboard Digital LED’s shine beautifully against the motherboard’s monochrome pallet. So, paint your system with bold colors with full RGB support and redesigned RGB Fusion application that gives the users complete control over the LEDs.

Lastly, this AORUS PRO WIFI motherboard is layered with ultra-durable protection such as integrated I/O shield, memory armor, PCIe armor that provides users a strong foundation to build their gaming systems.

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite

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Here is another high-end, powerful, and yet affordable z390 motherboard for overclocking from the GIGABYTE AORUS Series. This board also supports 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 1TB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 4400MHz.

When it comes to design, this board features a sleek, ergonomic, and appealing to eyes design, which makes it a top-notch choice for many customers. Plus, this model is equipped with a smart 5 Fan feature which features multiple temperature sensors and Hybrid fan headers with FAN STOP that allows your system to stay cool while dealing with higher frequencies.

Additionally, with durability in mind – Gigabyte offers a thermal solution for M.2 SSD devices. Not just this, it also offers an M.2 thermal guard, which prevents throttling and bottlenecks from high-speed M.2 SSDs as it helps to dissipate heat before it becomes an issue.

What’s more, this board comes with next-generation connectivity, as it already supports the chassis of the future. Furthermore, it is also equipped with high-quality audio capacitors, which provide warm, immersive, crystal clear sound.

Overall, this is an excellent motherboard for hardcore gaming, overclocking, and professional working.

ASUS TUF Z390 GAMING PLUS

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If you’re enthusiasts or professional overclockers looking for a high-performance from a popular brand, then this ASUS TUG Gaming Plus has got you covered. This motherboard support 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory technology with a maximum memory speed of 1000MHz.

When it comes to design, this board is equipped with military-grade TUF components like TUF LAN Guard, TUF chokes, TUF Capacitors and TUF MOSFETs to maximize system durability.

Additionally, this TUF Gaming motherboard features a Fan Xpert 4 feature that intelligently controls systems fans based upon the input of multiple sensors, including the temperature of ASUS graphics cards. This also ensures that your gaming system stays perfectly cooled, no matter how long you play or work.

What’s more, the ASUS AURA offers Full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for the built-in RGB LEDs as well as strips connected to the onboard RGB headers. And this can all be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of AURA-capable software.

Furthermore, the Safe slot is a PCIe slot reinvented by ASUS and specially engineered to provide superior retention for your graphics card.

Lastly, this board features 8-channel HD Gaming Audio with TUF Gaming headphones featuring Realtek S1200A high-definition audio CODEC driven by high-quality Japanese capacitors for crystal clear sound.

MSI Z390-A PRO

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If you’re on a really tight budget and looking for a high-end motherboard for overclocking with a Z390 chipset, then this MSI A-PRO is perfect for you. This motherboard support 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors for LGA 1151 socket.

Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 4400MHz. When it comes to design, this board features an extended heatsink on the top of VRM to help to dissipate excessive heat. The extended heatsinks have even more surface area for more thermal dissipation.

Additionally, this model features Exclusive Core Boost technology that combines with MSI’s premium circuit layout and digital power design to deliver undistorted current to the processor with pinpoint precision.

Plus, this MSI motherboard comes with Turbo M.2, so you will enjoy a blazing fast boot-up, quick application load times, and high data transfer rate with a maximum speed of up to 32Gb/s for NVMe SSDs.

What’s more, the Audio Boost technology of this model offers an HD Audio processor and high-quality sound components, all physically isolated from the rest of the motherboard circuitry for an immersive audio experience.

Furthermore, this best budget motherboard for gaming comes with several USB ports for maximum connectivity options.

ASUS Prime Z390-A

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Here is another high-quality, durable, and cheap motherboard for overclocking from the house of ASUS. This motherboard is exclusively designed for 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors to maximize connectivity and speed with M.2, USB 3.1 Gen2, and ASUS OptiMem II for better DRAM overclocking stability.

Moreover, this board support DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2400MHz. Plus, it comes with 4 DIMM slots. With its x4 PCI-Express 3.0/2.0 bandwidth, the M.2 supports up to 32Gb/s data transfer speeds.

It is an excellent choice for an operating system or application drive, providing fast access to data. Additionally, it is backward compatible with USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and reversible USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C ports.

So, you will experience ultimate connection flexibility and blazing-fast data transfer speed of up to 10Gbps. One of the best things is that this ASUS motherboard is cooler by design which means each header can dynamically reference three thermal sensors, and via Fan Xpert 4, you can even map the temperature of supported ASUS graphics cards.

Furthermore, ASUS OptiMem II carefully maps memory signal pathways across different PCB layers to reduce vias and also adds shielding zones that significantly reduce crosstalk.

Lastly, a well-tuned enthusiast system deserves a matching aesthetic. That’s why this ASUS board offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets.

ASUS TUF Z390-PRO GAMING

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This ASUS TUF Z390-PRO motherboard is similar to ASUS TUF Z390 GAMING PLUS that we reviewed above. The only difference is the price point and build quality. This motherboard support 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for maximum speed and performance. Moreover, it supports DDR4 memory technology and comes with 4 DIMM slots.

When it comes to building quality, this motherboard features military-grade TUF Chokes that deliver rock-steady power to the CPU, helping to improve system stability. Additionally, it also features TUF Capacitors that offer +20% temperature tolerance and a 5X longer lifespan.

Plus, the military-grade MOSFETs and LANGuard integrates advanced signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounted capacitors to improve throughput, protecting the board from lightning strikes and static electricity.

When it comes to performance, cooling is essential – that’s why this model comes with a fan Xpert 4 feature that intelligently controls system fans for innovative cooling. Not just this, it also comes with ASUS OptiMem II technology that improves memory stability and performance by improving trace isolation between PCB layers to maintain signal integrity even at higher frequencies.

Lastly, this ASUS TUF motherboard features 8-Channel HD gaming audio for a high-quality music experience while gaming.

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus

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If you’re an RGB lover and looking for a good-looking motherboard at an affordable price, then this MPG Z390 is perfect for you. This Gaming Plus motherboard supports 8^th & 9^th Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron Processors for maximum speed and performance. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 4400MHz.

Additionally, this board features extended heatsinks on the top of the VRM help to dissipate excessive heat. Plus, featuring the Intel Turbo USB 3.1 Gen2, this MSI motherboard offers a USB speed that you have seen before, ensuring an uninterrupted connection with more stability when connecting peripheral devices like USB.

When it comes to performance, this model comes with Twin Tubo M.2 that supports NVMe SSDs with a maximum speed of up to 32Gb/s. Not just this, this motherboard MSI Exclusive Audio Boost with amplifier for optimized gaming audio.

Furthermore, this best budget motherboard for gaming features Intel Turbo USB 3.1 Gen2 port, onboard Intel LAN, keyboard/mouse port, HDMI port, and golden audio jacks for maximum connectivity.

GIGABYTE Z390 GAMING X

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If you’re looking for a decent motherboard to get the most out of your latest Intel Core processor, then this Gaming X motherboard from Gigabyte has got you covered. This motherboard support 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 10000TB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 4400MHz.

When it comes to design, this board uses a 10+2 phase PWM + Lower RDS(on) MOSFETs design to support 8^th Gen Intel Core CPUs. Additionally, this Gigabyte motherboard features DualBIOS, which means that your motherboard has both “main BIOS†and “backup BIOS,†protecting users from BIOS failure.

Plus, the innovative one-piece stainless steel shielding design from Gigabyte reinforces the PCIe and memory connectors to provide additional strength required to prevent twisting or plate bending.

Furthermore, the Integrated I/O shield saves users from the hassle of having to reinstall their motherboard. In general, this board isn’t only stylish but also sturdy enough to protect your system.

For innovative cooling, this Gaming X motherboard comes with a smart fan 5 feature which ensures users that their gaming PC will maintain its performance while staying cool.

GIGABYTE Z390 UD

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Lastly, we have another Gigabyte motherboard for overclocking with the Z390 chipset. This motherboard support 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 10000TB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 4400MHz.

Additionally, this Gigabyte motherboard uses 10+2 phase PWM+Lower RDS(on) MOSFETs design for optimal power delivery to the CPU. Plus, this board went above & beyond to offer 8+4 solid pin-headers that support any kind of PC configurations.

What’s more, this model is focused on delivering M.2 technology to users who want to maximize their system’s potential. Not just this, this motherboard features multiple temperature sensors with Hybrid fan headers with FAN STOP for innovative cooling.

Furthermore, this product features Gigabyte’s Exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN with bandwidth management for maximum networking speed. Besides, it supports multi-way graphics with PCIe armor and RGB Light Strips in full colors.

One of the great things is that this is an Amazon’s recommended motherboard which means you don’t have to worry about the quality, performance, and price point. Because Amazon only recommends high-quality and well-priced products.

Ultimate Buying Guide For The Best Z390 Motherboard For Overclocking

As we promised, here is the buyer’s guide for the best motherboard for overclocking with the z390 chipset. In this guide, we have almost everything that you should need to know before making the final decision.

Benefits of Using A Motherboard For Overclocking

If you’re a regular gamer, then you need must need a decent motherboard for overclocking. Because overclocking has a direct impact on the system’s performance. And when you overclock your motherboard, it means you are increasing the performance of the motherboard.

And this performance comes from overclocking the processor, which helps you to yield more FPS (Frames-Per-Second) in your games.

Moreover, overclocking your motherboard also increases the overall performance of your system. That’s why the right choice of motherboard matters.

Key Things To For In A Motherboard For Overclocking

If you’re in the market or online, for the best overclocking motherboard, then there are factors that you need to consider before clocking the “add to cart†button. So, let’s take a quick at them!

Form Factor:

Basically, the form factor determines the original size of the motherboard. And there are a few factors or sizes of motherboards available in the market. Moreover, the form factor of the motherboard also determines the size of the case it will fit into, as well as how many expansion slots it has.

Motherboard comes in three different form factors: ATX, Micro ATX (mATX), and Mini ITX. And most of the motherboards for overclocking comes with an ATX form factor. Tough, there are few less-known or less-common form factors that you can also find including, XL-ATX & HTPX.

However, we didn’t include any of those in this article.

BIOS:

BIOS Stands for Basic Input/Output System or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, which connects the hardware & software on the board to the operating system. Using BIOS settings, you can adjust system-level settings like the fan speed.

But modern motherboard comes with UEFI BIOS. As UEFI has largely replaced BIOS in most of the motherboards. But it is still in use.

Chipset Type:

This is the factor that allows your computer system to communicate across different parts of the system. And the Chipset is what determines the generation of processors that the motherboard is compatible with.

DIMM Slots:

DIMM Stands For Dual In-Line Memory Module Slots are the slots where you insert your RAM sticks. Moreover, the total number of DIMM slots contributes to the amount of RAM that your computer system will be able to handle.

Expansion Slots or PCIe Slots:

Expansion Slots or PCIe slots are the slots on the motherboard that used to accommodate additional features & components like high-quality graphics, SSD cards, and dedicated Sound cards.

These slots are measures in both length (x16, x8, x4, x1) and by the number of data transmission lanes provide (x16, x8, x4, x1). So, you will have to read the fine print for some of these because it may be a bit confusing for some users.

SATA Ports:

SATA Stands For Serial Advanced Technology Attachments; there are the ports that are used to connect the motherboard to different storage drives & devices. In general, it is the number of physical ports on your motherboards combined with the ports for NVMe storage.

USB Header:

Basically, the USB header is a connection on the motherboard that allows you to run a cable from the motherboard to the case. This also adds additional USB ports on the front panel.

Extra Features:

Lastly, let’s talk about some extra features that you can also consider.

RGB Lights:

RGB lights are common in high-end gaming motherboards. Nowadays, even mid-range motherboards have connectors and software for controlling RGB RAM, Fans, and other components of the motherboard.

Overall, the presence of RGB lighting is totally a cosmetic flair and is up to the user’s personal preference.

WIFI & Bluetooth:

These two features have become more common, especially in mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards. Because motherboard with these form factors have few PCI-Express slots and features like WIFI or Bluetooth are common user needs.

Conclusion:

We think that ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E is the best Z390 motherboard for overclocking. This motherboard is exclusively designed for 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, it supports 64GB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2133MHz.

This gaming motherboard features the most comprehensive cooling ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS. Plus, it features a dedicated pair of PWM/DC fan headers for CPU coolers, a dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups, and a dedicated header that can supply over 3A high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

Second, we have got GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI; this motherboard supports the latest 8^th & 9^th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket. Moreover, 1TB DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed 4400MHz. Plus, it comes with 4 DIMM slots.

This Z390 motherboard is designed with thermals and speed in mind ensuring users can take the best advantage of their Intel Core processor. Besides, this best motherboard for overclocking under $200 is loaded with a variety of premium features and provides a sweet spot in performance and value.

Last but the least, we have Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Elite; this board features a sleek, ergonomic, and appealing to eyes design, which makes it a top-notch choice for many customers.

Plus, this model is equipped with a smart 5 Fan feature which features multiple temperature sensors and Hybrid fan headers with FAN STOP that allows your system to stay cool while dealing with higher frequencies.

With durability in mind – Gigabyte offers a thermal solution for M.2 SSD devices. Not just this, it also offers an M.2 thermal guard, which prevents throttling and bottlenecks from high-speed M.2 SSDs as it helps to dissipate heat before it becomes an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Z390 Motherboards For Overclocking

Do you need a decent motherboard for overclocking?

Yes! You would need a good motherboard to effectively supply the additional voltage needed to overclock and to keep the crucial voltage related to the essential components cool under a heavy workload.

How do you know if your motherboard can overclock or not?

Boot into the BIOS; if you an option to overclock CPU, memory speed, and voltages, then your system probably has to overclock support. These settings are usually found in some kind of advanced tabs.

How to pick the best motherboard for overclocking?

Once you’ve decided which processors you’re going with, then the next step is to pick the right motherboard that uses the right socket & chipset. Technically, a socket is a mechanism through which a CPU is attached to the motherboard.

Can we do overlocking on a cheap motherboard?

No! the amount of success you might have overclocking on Z390 would depend on the motherboard. Dirt cheap motherboard will not perform well. That’s why you should opt for something with a decent power phase and compatible with faster memory.