7 Best Motherboards for i5-9400F

The i5-9400F processor may not be your perfect specimen of a CPU. However, there’s no denying that it’s still one of the best mid-range processors for gaming enthusiasts because it provides a decent gaming performance.

The i5-9400F is designed using Intel’s proprietary Coffee Lake microarchitecture. It lacks Hyper-Threading, but it compensates for this with its 6-core & 6-thread design. When it comes to its default boost speed and overclocking ability, it’s a slightly improved version of the older model, i5-8400. This processor has a default speed of 2900 MHz, and it can be boosted up to 4100 MHz.

However, it isn’t all roses here because its locked multiplier prevents it from overclocking. Plus, the i5-9400F doesn’t come with a dedicated graphics card. The clue is in the model name. The “F” in the “i5-9400F” means that if you’re purchasing this processor, you’ll require a dedicated graphics card. But this isn’t a big deal because you’ll still have to purchase a graphics card either way if you intend to use your PC for gaming.

Despite its lack of multi-threading and overclocking ability, this processor comes with the new in-built silicon protection, which prevents the system from overheating to the point of a meltdown. Aside from that, it also comes with both software and hardware-based mitigations for the L1TF and Spectre vulnerabilities. This makes i5-9400F a catch.

With the i5-9400F, there’s less impact on the overhead of software-based patches. Its speed won’t wow you, but at least its improved mitigations will give you comfortably better performance compared to what you would have gotten from older processors.

With the Coffee Lake microarchitecture, this processing unit comes with a STIM (solder-baser thermal interface material). This improves the spread of heat between the heat spreader and the processor’s die. This is in contrast with its earlier version, i5-9400, which came with a polymer-based thermal interface. It’s equipped with Intel’s proprietary Optane Memory support.

This processing unit works best with motherboards based on chipsets including:

  • Intel B360 chipset
  • Intel Q370 chipset
  • Intel Z370 chipset

Best Motherboard for i5-9400f

  1. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon – Best High-Performance Motherboard for i5-9400F
  2. Z390-A Pro – Best Budget Motherboard for i5-9400F
  3. Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi – Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for i5-9400F
  4. Gigabyte Z390M – Best Micro-ATX Motherboard for i5-9400F
  5. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra – Best Z390 Motherboard for i5-9400F
  6. ASRock Z390 Taichi – Best Mid-range Motherboard for i5-9400F
  7. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E – Best Premium Motherboard for i5-9400F

Quick Summary

ImageMotherboardFeaturesPrice
Best High-Performance Motherboard for i5-9400F
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon
  • Maximum Capacity: 128GB
  • Maximum Speed: 4400 MHz
  • Four Memory Slots
  • Six PCI Slots
  • Six SATA ports
  • 16 Phase Power Design
9.4
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Best Premium Motherboard For i5-9400F
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E
  • Maximum Capacity: 64GB
  • Maximum Speed: 4266 MHz
  • Excellent power delivery
  • Great aesthetics
  • Extensive RAM compatibility
  • Good connectivity options 
9.3
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Best Z390 Motherboard For i5-9400F
Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra
Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra
  • Memory Capacity: 128 GB
  • Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
  • 4x DIMM, DDR4
  • 12-phase VRM design
  • Sufficient M.2 slots
  • Excellent aesthetics
  • Advanced thermal design
9
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Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i5-9400F
Gigabyte Z390M Gaming
Gigabyte Z390M Gaming
  • Memory Capacity: 128 GB
  • Memory Speed: 4133 MHz
  • 4x DIMM, DDR4
  • 6x SATA 6 Gb/s ports
  • Intel Z390 Chipset
8.9
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Best Mid-range Motherboard for i5-9400F
ASRock Z390 Taichi
ASRock Z390 Taichi
  • Maximum Capacity: 128 GB
  • Maximum Speed: 4200 MHz
  • 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 / 3x PCIe 3.0 x1
  • 3x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A
  • 6x SATA 6 Gb/s ports
8.8
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Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-9400F
Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi
Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi
  • Maximum Memory: 32GB
  • Maximum Speed: 4400 MHz
  • 4 DDR4 DIMM sockets
  • Chipset Type: Intel Z390
  • PCIe 3.0 x4 Dual Mode
  • 6x SATA 6 Gb/s ports
8.5
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Best Budget Motherboard For i5-9400F
MSI Z390-A Pro
MSI Z390-A Pro
  • Memory Capacity: 128 GB
  • Memory Speed: 4400 MHz
  • 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 / 4x PCIe 3.0 x1
  • 6x SATA 6 Gb/s ports
  • 8 + 4 Power Phase Design
8.4
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Best High-Performance Motherboard for i5-9400F

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon
Source: MSI

The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon motherboard was designed with performance in mind. It’s a very versatile motherboard because of its extensive compatibility with several Intel processors such as Celeron, Core, and Pentium. MSI’s array of high-quality motherboards rivals that of even ASUS. In addition, this motherboard comes with an incredible power delivery system plus a host of premium features that will compete well with other key players.

Its cooling solution comprises VRM heatsinks, under which lies a perfect VRM design. This VRM design provides the power essential to maintain stability in the i5-9400F processor during aggressive overclocks. In addition, the motherboard’s heatsinks and nearby metal components help diffuse the heat quickly from the VRM. This helps to keep the motherboard cool during heavy operations.

This motherboard is also equipped in other relevant areas. However, this motherboard lacks Wi-Fi connectivity which gives other motherboards an edge over it. Aside from that, there’s nothing else to criticize negatively here. This motherboard is equipped with many connectivity options such as USB ports, a couple of M.2 slots, and 6 SATA ports. There are also multiple peripheral components that interconnect express slots.

The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon has a unique design that borders on rugged styling in the area surrounding the VRM heatsink. This heatsink stylishly blends with the heat-spreader of the M.2. The motherboard is also equipped with a good display of RGB lighting. Overall, the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon is the best performance motherboard on this list.


Best Budget Motherboard For i5-9400F

MSI Z390-A Pro

MSI-Z390-A-PRO-LGA1151
Source: MSI

The MSI Z390-A Pro is not a high-end motherboard, but it’s undoubtedly a worthy budget offer. It provides decent power delivery, and it’s capable of handling the i5-9400F motherboard at its usual boost speed. It can handle some moderate overclocking as well. We don’t recommend aggressive overclocking to avoid destabilizing your PC setup. It’s the ideal motherboard for gamers or PC users on a budget as well as those who don’t perform heavy tasks.

The VRM design and power delivery are just about okay, but it will still get the job done. We also appreciate that a motherboard in this price range is equipped with some heatsinks for the VRM parts. However, we also advise that you refrain from over-tuning this motherboard manually.

When it comes to the video display options, this motherboard features a DVI-D and VGA port. A gamer or PC user can connect various displays to the motherboard with these ports. Besides, this motherboard is equipped with one M.2 slot, a small number of USB ports, and six SATA ports. While the connectivity options are not impressive, they are quite fair for this price.

When it comes to the appearance, the board is also satisfactory. It has a stealthy and subtle look. It lacks RGB lighting, which may be a turn-off to consumers who love aesthetics but will perfectly suit consumers who prefer a blacked-out gaming rig.

The specifications mentioned above and features make the MSI Z390-A Pro the best budget motherboard for i5-9400F.


Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-9400F

Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi Motherboard
Source: Gigabyte

This motherboard is equipped with a decent power delivery system, which is impressive for a motherboard of its size. In addition, its VRM has great cooling options. The Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi is equipped with heatsinks and heat pipes. It can also handle light overclocking for the 9400F processor, although overclocking is not its forte.

Because of its small size, some features have been inevitably omitted. However, it compensates with certain features unexpected of a Mini-ITX motherboard. First, it comes with a single slot for PCIe and a pair of DIMM slots. It features a pair of M.2 slots, one of them is positioned at the rear to prevent more clutter on the PCB’s front. It’s also equipped with Wi-Fi, RGB, and Gigabit Ethernet. Finally, it features ports for display outputs.

For a motherboard of little size and space, the Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi is perfect.


Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i5-9400F

Gigabyte Z390M Gaming

Gigabyte Z390M Gaming
Source: Gigabyte

This micro -ATX motherboard has a smaller size than other motherboards on the list. However, it features the same design and features as its ATX counterpart- the Gigabyte Z390 Ultra Durable. It’s a good budget purchase because it gives you the majority of the features of an ATX motherboard but at a lesser price. The Gigabyte Z390M has an average power delivery system. Its VRM design and overall qualities aren’t remarkable either; they are satisfactory enough to get the job done.

Still, the Gigabyte Z390M is well equipped for a budget-friendly motherboard. It lacks Wi-Fi connectivity but features a pair of M.2 slots, Gigabit Ethernet, six SATA ports, and multiple slots for PCIe. Furthermore, it also comes with two pairs of DIMM slots, which is impressive for a budget micro-ATX motherboard. PC users can also use it with old monitors thanks to its DVI-D feature at the rear. This is the ideal motherboard for PC users in the market for a pocket-friendly micro-ATX motherboard.

This MOBO deserves to be on the list as there is no better motherboard in this particular category. It’s the best micro-ATX motherboard for the i5-9400F.


Best Z390 Motherboard For i5-9400F

Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA
Source: MGigabyte

Gigabyte is another renowned brand when it comes to the motherboard market. Previously, Gigabyte has been lagging behind rival brands because of the simplicity of their BIOS. However, they have vastly improved on their flaws, and the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra motherboard is proof of that. The AORUS series is a list of enviable motherboards, and this particular motherboard happens to be the best ATX and Z390 motherboard for i5-9400F. It even has more features than the pro version of the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS.

It’s the only motherboard on this list to provide fins for its VRM heatsink. It’s also equipped with thermal pads on its backplate, enabling it to provide good thermal contact with the board. In addition, the 12-phase VRM is also of elite-quality, half of them are equipped with doublers, and they include the features of other motherboards. We dare say that the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra has better thermals than other motherboards on the list.

It features a digital processing power design comprising DrMOS and a digital PWM Controller. As a result, it can provide power to the most demanding and energy-sensitive components of the motherboard. It’s also equipped with RGB lighting and a superb audio system.


Best Mid-Range Motherboard For i5-9400F

ASRock Z390 Taichi

ASRock Z390 Taichi
Source: ASRock

ASRock Z390 Taichi is the best overall motherboard for i5-9400F because it has the best price to performance ratio of any motherboard on the list. The VRM design of this motherboard is a level above the standard VRM design common with other Z390 motherboards. Though it’s not inferior to high-end Z390 MOBOs such as the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E, it’s more than capable of handling the i5-9400F processor boost speed or overclocks.

This motherboard boasts many enviable features that make it a favorite for PC users and gamers. It’s equipped with 3 M.2 slots, which is very impressive for a motherboard of its caliber. It also comes with six SATA ports, several USB ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. Although it lacks Wi-Fi, this isn’t a big deal for a mid-range motherboard.

The design isn’t also really impressive. However, some users may not be too keen on how it appears. Though the boost speed is 2.13 GHz, it can overclock to a maximum boost speed of 4200 MHz. Finally, it doesn’t have RGB lighting for aesthetic effect.


Best Premium Motherboard For i5-9400F

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E

Source: Asus

Without any doubt, the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E is a high-end motherboard with a host of premium specifications and features for your pleasure. Just as its series, the ASUS ROG Strix series, have high-quality motherboards for any kind of chipset, this MOBO is for the Z390 chipset. This motherboard series also has several other MOBOs for the Z390 chipset, but we recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E over others.

This motherboard performs excellently in several departments. However, its major selling point lies in its amazing power delivery. This motherboard has a healthy-looking VRM design that’s more than capable of supporting the i5-9400F processor even while it’s overclocking. The performance of this motherboard is why it’s a favorite among PC users. The boost speed is 2133 MHz, but it can smoothly overclock to 4266 MHz.

This motherboard is equipped with several USB ports on the internal headers and the rear IO when it comes to wired connectivity. There’s also Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity and Gigabit Ethernet, which gives you options for better connectivity. For storage, it comes with a pair of M.2 slots and up to 6 SATA ports for installing memory drives.

In the aspect of aesthetics, this motherboard comes out on top with a visually appealing look. Its elegant black surface, coupled with the installation of RGB lighting on top of the I/O cover, makes it highly attractive to users. Users can achieve a customized look with their motherboard with the RGB lighting. The pairing of the premium ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E motherboard with the i5-9400F processor is a match made in heaven.

The only downside with this motherboard is its high price. However, it’s the ideal motherboard to consider if you intend to use your PC or gaming setup for a long period before doing an upgrade.


Conclusion

Our top recommendations for the i5-9400F from this list are the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E and the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon. They are the very best of the bunch. They are closely followed by Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra and the ASRock Z390 Taichi.

For pocket-friendly options, we recommend the Z390-A Pro, Gigabyte Z390 I AORUS Pro Wi-Fi, and the Gigabyte Z390M.


Our Review Process: Why You Should Trust Us

Here at OvrClock, we are committed to keeping our editorial and product recommendation processes completely independent from our monetization — so, you can always be sure we are recommending the best PC Parts for you without any partiality.

The OvrClock team has been reviewing all parts of a PC build for years now, and we use our expert opinion and experiences when making recommendations. We try to get our hands-on and actually test all of the products we recommend, in addition to the dozens of alternatives that are not on the final list. This allows us to provide insights beyond what you can find from reading other online reviews, and get a true and more clear understanding of the best options. Our diverse team and vast experience also allow us to highlight each product’s ideal use cases, as well as the perfect customer profile for any given product.

For Motherboards, we test things including but not limited to: power delivery setup, base and overclocking speeds, ports, audio and Wi-Fi connectivity, and RGB customizability, among many other factors. Our experience allows us to translate these insights into actionable conclusions and purchase recommendations for you, without you having to test all the products, or having to sift through piles and piles of data from our motherboard testing. All of the recommended motherboards and dozens of others not in this roundup have been tested with an Intel Core i5-9400F processor, and the aforementioned motherboards have been shortlisted based on their stellar performance with the Intel Core i5-9400F processor.

For any questions about our product selection and recommendation process, feel free to contact us.


Best Motherboard for i5-9400F – Top Picks

Best High-Performance Motherboard for i5-9400F
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon
  • Maximum Capacity: 128GB
  • Maximum Speed: 4400 MHz
  • Four Memory Slots
  • Six PCI Slots
  • Six SATA ports
  • 16 Phase Power Design
Best Premium Motherboard For i5-9400F
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E
  • Maximum Capacity: 64GB
  • Maximum Speed: 4266 MHz
  • Excellent power delivery
  • Great aesthetics
  • Extensive RAM compatibility
  • Good connectivity options 
Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i5-9400F
Gigabyte Z390M Gaming
Gigabyte Z390M Gaming
  • Memory Capacity: 128 GB
  • Memory Speed: 4133 MHz
  • 4x DIMM, DDR4
  • 6x SATA 6 Gb/s ports
  • Intel Z390 Chipset

FAQs

Which motherboard is best for i5 9400F?

The best motherboard for the i5 9400F in our team’s testing was the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon, which delivered superior performance compared to all other motherboards we tested with the i5 9400F.

Is i5 9400F good for gaming?

The i5 9400F is a great processor for gaming, and delivers a consistent performance with steady output. While this processor can’t be overclocked, limiting its performance with high-intensity games, it is consistent and gets the job done for its relatively lower price point.

What does the F mean in i5 9400F?

The F at the end of the ‘i5 9400F’ means that this processor comes with a disabled integrated GPU. For this specific processor, this means that the Intel UHD Graphics 630 unit is disabled, and thus the i5 9400F requires an external GPU.

How old is the i5 9400F?

The i5 9400F was launched in early 2019, and should last for 5+ years if used properly.

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