When building a powerful and efficient PC with Intel's 13th generation Core i5-13400 processor, selecting the right motherboard is crucial. Through our experience as PC builders, we know the importance of finding the most suitable match between your processor and motherboard. In this article, we will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a motherboard for the Core i5-13400. With our analysis and breakdown, you can make an informed decision to optimize your system's performance.
Additionally, we researched the motherboard options available and provide our Recommended Motherboards
for the Core i5-13400 below. This will simplify the decision-making process for you, making it easier to choose the right motherboard for your needs.
Motherboard Requirements for Core i5-13400 Processors
For Intel's 13th generation Core i5 13400 processor, you'll need a motherboard with an LGA 1700 socket and a compatible 700-series or 600-series chipset. However, 600-series chipsets were designed for the 12th generations Core processors and may limit the capabilities of your system.
Motherboards for Intel processors are made with chipsets provided by Intel. Each chipset offers a unique set of capabilities. However, motherboards must explicitly support features and capabilities for you to use them. Verify that a motherboard supports the features and capabilities you desire.
The lack of a "K" suffix in the model name 13400 means it doesn't support overclocking. Because of this, you may not need to use the top of the line Z690-based or Z790-based motherboards that typically support overclocking. Instead, you can use a motherboard with Intel's other 700-series or 600-series desktop chipsets (e.g., H770, B760, H670, B660, H610).
The W680 and Q670 chipsets are intended for workstation and business use cases; their availability in stand-alone motherboards is limited.
To use 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs with the 600-series chipsets, you'll need an updated BIOS. You either need to purchase one with an updated BIOS, perform the update with a 12th Gen CPU installed, or use the USB BIOS Flashback feature (if available).
Products that ship with a compatible BIOS are typically marked as "Ready" for 13th Gen Intel processors.
For a detailed comparison of these chipsets, check out my article Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i5-13400 CPU?.
Find Z790 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find H770 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find B760 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find Z690 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find H670 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find B660 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find H610 Chipset Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Check out out Recommended Motherboards for the 13th Gen 13400 below.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E
Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Affiliate Link
DDR4 or DDR5 Memory
It is worth noting that DDR5 memory, based on our research, tends to come with a higher price tag than DDR4. However, what we have personally witnessed is the exceptional advantage offered by DDR5, which boasts data rates up to double that of DDR4. Our overclocking experimentation has even allowed us to push these limits higher.
Furthermore, our analysis revealed that DDR5 supports significantly higher-capacity DIMMs, with an impressive 256 GB compared to DDR4's 64 GB.
Although DDR5 may have slower timings initially, our experience has shown that as the technology matures, it will surpass DDR4 in multiple aspects. It is important to remember that timings scale inversely with the clock rate (frequency). While timing values are measured in clock cycles, DDR5 performs more cycles per second. For instance, let us consider the comparison between DDR3-2133 CL10 and DDR5-8400 CL40. DDR3-2133 CL10 has latency levels nearly equivalent to DDR5-8400 CL40. Therefore, it is essential not to be misled by DDR5's seemingly higher CL40 latency.
| DDR4 | DDR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max UDIMM (Unbuffered) Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB |
| Bandwidth | 12800–25600 MB/s | 38400–57600 MB/s |
| Transfer Rate | 1600–3200 MT/s | 4800–7200 MT/s |
| Base Frequency | 800–1600 MHz | 2400–3600 MHz |
| Effective Frequency | 1600–3200 MHz | 4800–7200 MHz |
| Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.1 V |
| On-die ECC | No | Yes |
Other Considerations When Choosing a 13400 Motherboard
When choosing a motherboard for the 13400, we've thought of a few other factors you may want to consider. This is in addition to selecting a compatible socket type and chipset. As we delved into our research and analyzed various options, we identified several considerations that played a significant role in determining the ideal chipset for our needs. Our considerations can help you narrow down which features are important to look for.
Memory Overclocking
To be able to overclock DDR memory, such as via an XMP profile, your motherboard chipset needs to support memory overclocking.
Find which chipsets support overclocking in our article, Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i5-13400 CPU?.
Video Output Port
The lack of an "F" in the 13400 model name indicates that the CPU has integrated graphics support. You will need to make sure that your motherboard also has a video output port (e.g., HDMI) if you want to use the integrated graphics.
Even if you primarily connect your monitors to a graphics card, we found that integrated graphics can be beneficial when troubleshooting and fixing graphics card problems.
Storage: M.2 Slots and SATA Ports
NVMe M.2 cards are the latest and fastest SSD storage form. However, we suggest ensuring your motherboard includes enough slots.
The Z790, H770, Z690, and H670 chipsets support the most PCIe 4.0 lanes, which means that motherboards with these chipsets are likely to have the most x4 NVMe M.2 slots available.
Learn more about storage types in our article Storage Type Comparison: M.2, U.2, NVMe, SATA, SSDs, HDDs.
Connectivity
USB
We found that it's wise to make sure the motherboard provides enough USB ports at your desired speeds. The Z790, H770, Z690, and H670 can support the most USB ports for the 13400 at USB 3.2 2x2 (20 Gbps), USB 3.2 2x1 (10 Gbps), and USB 3.2 1x1 (5 Gbps) speeds.
In our experience, the devices that usually require high bandwidth rates are primarily limited to storage devices and high-resolution video devices. We have observed that these devices often rely heavily on fast data transfer speeds. In fact, we encountered situations where slower bandwidth rates significantly hindered such devices' performance.
We've tested various storage devices and found that the ones capable of handling large amounts of data transfer at high speeds yielded the best results. Similarly, when working with high-resolution video devices, we discovered that a reliable and fast connection was crucial for seamless playback and editing. Through our experience, we have come to appreciate the significance of high bandwidth rates for these specific types of devices.
Audio
We recommend making sure the motherboard has audio outputs. In my experience, it's crucial to check for rear and center speaker ports if you're using a surround sound system.
If you're like me and your audio equipment relies on optical input, it's worth looking for a motherboard that includes this specific port. On the other hand, we've found that you can also buy a separate PCIe or USB sound card. This way, you can expand your port options and even add features like optical or RCA connections based on your own preferences.
Form Factor
When it comes to motherboards, we've come across three main form factors. In our experience, ATX stands out as the most common form factor for desktop PCs. We've also tried and analyzed the Mini-ITX and MicroATX form factors for building a mini-PC. We have found that these smaller form factors typically have fewer PCIe card slots, fewer RAM slots, and can't support as many storage devices.
We've seen that these smaller Mini-ITX and MicroATX motherboard form factors are backward compatible with standard ATX cases. We observed that they use a subset of the ATX mounting holes. In fact, we've used Mini-ITX motherboards in ATX cases many times.
One crucial consideration is ensuring that your computer case is compatible with your specific motherboard form factor. We learned this through our own experiences and it's important to choose a case that matches your motherboard form factor.
PCIe Expansion Slots
Based on our analysis, the Z790, H770, Z690, and H670 chipsets provide the most flexibility when paired with the 13400, allowing multiple PCIe 5.0 graphics cards in the dual x8 configuration.
The H610 chipset, on the other hand, is very limited, with only a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot.
Recommended Motherboards for the 13th Gen 13400
Best Feature Motherboard: MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming
Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Core i5-13400 is the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming.
- Check the latest price of the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
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Through our analysis and research, we found that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming motherboard offers an impressive range of features designed to enhance your gaming experience. With PCIe 5.0 support, you can enjoy fast data transfer rates, giving you a competitive edge. The motherboard's support for up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance. This motherboard has the Z790 chipset.
We found that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming motherboard offered superior connectivity as well. Its 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port enables speedy file transfers, surpassing typical home internet speeds. Wi-Fi 6E technology provides fast wireless connections, making online gaming and streaming seamless. Plus, Bluetooth 5.3
support allows convenient music streaming to Bluetooth headphones.We also appreciated the plentiful storage options with the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming. It features five x4 NVMe M.2 slots
, allowing for efficient storage and quick access to your games, applications, and media. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 slots also offers 20 Gbps USB speeds.Overall, we concluded that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming motherboard strikes a balance between performance and functionality, offering an exceptional gaming experience. With its advanced features and versatile connectivity options, this motherboard is a reliable choice for gamers looking to elevate their gameplay.
MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Runner-Up Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E
Our recommended runner-up motherboard to pair with the Core i5-13400 is the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E.
- Check the latest price of the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E on Amazon (affiliate link).
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Through our analysis and research, we found that the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E motherboard offers an impressive range of features designed to enhance your gaming experience. With PCIe 5.0 support, you can enjoy fast data transfer rates, giving you a competitive edge. The motherboard's support for up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance. This motherboard has the Z790 chipset.
We found that the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E motherboard offered superior connectivity as well. Its 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port enables speedy file transfers, surpassing typical home internet speeds. Wi-Fi 6E technology provides fast wireless connections, making online gaming and streaming seamless. Plus, Bluetooth 5.3
support allows convenient music streaming to Bluetooth headphones.We also appreciated the plentiful storage options with the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E. It features five x4 NVMe M.2 slots
, allowing for efficient storage and quick access to your games, applications, and media. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 slots also offers 20 Gbps USB speeds.Overall, we concluded that the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E motherboard strikes a balance between performance and functionality, offering an exceptional gaming experience. With its advanced features and versatile connectivity options, this motherboard is a reliable choice for gamers looking to elevate their gameplay.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Best Value Motherboard
Our recommended Value motherboard to pair with the Core i5-13400 is the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4.
- Check the latest price of the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 on Amazon (affiliate link).
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Through our analysis and research, we found that the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 motherboard offers an impressive range of features designed to enhance your gaming experience. With PCIe 5.0 support, you can enjoy fast data transfer rates, giving you a competitive edge. The motherboard's support for up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance at a lower price than DDR5. This motherboard has the B760 chipset.
We found that the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 motherboard offered superior connectivity as well. Its 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port enables speedy file transfers, surpassing typical home internet speeds. Wi-Fi 6E technology provides fast wireless connections, making online gaming and streaming seamless. Plus, Bluetooth 5.3
support allows convenient music streaming to Bluetooth headphones.We also appreciated the plentiful storage options with the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4. It features three x4 NVMe M.2 slots
, allowing for efficient storage and quick access to your games, applications, and media. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 slots also offers 20 Gbps USB speeds.Overall, we concluded that the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 motherboard strikes a balance between performance and functionality, offering an exceptional gaming experience. With its advanced features and versatile connectivity options, this motherboard is a reliable choice for gamers looking to elevate their gameplay.
MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 Gaming Motherboard Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Learn More About the Intel Core i5-13400
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for Intel's Core i5-13400
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i5-13400 CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i5-13400
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i5-13400
- RAM: Best RAM for the Intel Core i5-13400 CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Core i5-13400 CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Core i5-13400 CPU Good for Gaming?
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors:
A Note From the Authors
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