5 Best Motherboards for Intel i5 10400f

A budget motherboard by today's standards based on the H470 chipset, i.е. suitable for assembling a working computer with a minimum pass to the world of games. This model is made in a compact micro-ATX form factor, has a meager set of ports and expansion slots, plus it is limited in terms of the amount and frequency of the used RAM. On the other hand, under the i5 10400f processor from Intel, it is now very difficult to find something cheaper, all the more capable of revealing the chip to the maximum, so the board got its place in our rating. But we repeat once again - this is an option for those who assemble a simple workstation and do not plan to overclock components.

A simple gaming motherboard without overclocking support. The Intel B460 chipset is the best solution for those who want to save money, but get a quality foundation for building a gaming PC based on the i5 10400f processor. There are tons of system expansion options and even a USB Type-C output on the rear panel. In addition, 4 RAM slots allow you to "plug" up to 128 GB of RAM, and support for CrossFire X technology will make it possible to use a pair of video cards. The board is made in the ATX form factor, there is enough free space between all the slots, i.e. nothing should prevent filling all SATA ports, etc. But still, some users complain about the large area of ​​\u200b\u200bradiators, which complicate the installation of individual cables and loops. On the other hand, such care for cooling guarantees 100% protection against overheating.

A compact micro-ATX motherboard, but with a very tasty content: there was a place for four SATA connectors and a pair of PCI-Ex1 and a sufficient amount of USB. In general, the model can be considered a budget one, especially considering the optimal price/extensibility ratio. In terms of compatibility with the i5 10400f, you can't count on much. Yes, the board allows you to fully use all the functionality of the chip, but it does not support overclocking options for the RAM, and the RAM itself is cut down in terms of supported frequencies, i.e. everything is designed exclusively for office use, so gamers are better off choosing other options. Among other shortcomings, we note the location of SATA ports on the very edge, which is why in some compact cases it may be difficult to connect L-shaped connectors.

The most expensive motherboard in our ranking, but it is also the most impressive in terms of features.The Z490 chipset unleashes the full computing potential of Intel's i5 10400f processor better than others, a rich selection of ports and connectors offers optimal system expansion options for every taste, the CrossFire X option allows you to use two video cards, and 4 RAM slots give the prospect of installing up to 128 GB of RAM, and more with support for frequencies up to 4800 MHz. As you can see, there is growth potential for a future upgrade, so the processor can easily “live” on this board for 5-7 years, providing sufficient performance even for gaming. As for the shortcomings mentioned in customer reviews, someone lacks a quick BIOS reset button (a jumper is used that is blocked by a video card), and someone complains about an audio codec that is too simple, but in general there are no serious complaints about the board.

A very interesting gaming motherboard based on the Z490 chipset. This means that it supports full overclocking of components, primarily RAM.True, there are reservations: the board has only two RAM slots, so it will not work to put more than 64 GB. But still, we believe that this is the most optimal model for unlocking the full potential of the Intel i5 10400f processor, especially considering the cost of the motherboard, because most competitors on the same chipset will cost significantly more. On the other hand, you will have to put up with very compact dimensions and a minimal set of expansion slots. The maximum of problems will arise during the installation of liquid cooling, in some cases it will be necessary to file regular radiators in the literal sense.