Best Motherboards for Intel i5 8400 Processor

The Intel Core i5-8400 processor offers six cores and six threads, with a clock speed of 2.80 GHz and a Max Turbo Speed of up to 4 GHz. It lacks Hyper-threading. To maximize its performance, it needs a compatible motherboard with the correct socket and BIOS support. Motherboards with the LGA 1151 socket should generally support this older processor.

Read Also: Best GPU for Intel Core i5-8400 processor

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Best Motherboards for Intel Core i5 8400

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MSI ProSeries MicroATX Motherboard (H310)

Cheapest Motherboard for Intel i5 8400 Processor

Brand	MSI
CPU Socket	LGA 1151
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	Intel Celeron, 8th Generation Intel Core, Intel Pentium Gold
Chipset Type	Intel H310
Memory Speed	2400 MHz
Series	H310M PRO-M2 PLUS
Memory Storage Capacity	32 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	32 GB
Graphics Card Interface	Integrated

The MSI ProSeries MicroATX motherboard, priced at $63.99 on Amazon, offers value with its features. It has a compact MicroATX form factor, including one full-sized PCIe slot and two mini PCIe slots for various device connections. The full-sized PCIe slot prevents GPU sag. This motherboard has two DDR4 RAM slots with support for speeds up to 2,666 MHz and a total of six USB ports, including two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0.

This MicroATX motherboard features a smaller form factor compared to the standard ATX size motherboards; this MicroATX features one full-sized PCIe slot while having two mini PCIe Slots. These slots can connect various devices, including items like the Elgato Pro capture card or an audio card.

The full-sized PCIe slot is designed to stop the GPU card from sagging and bending, which can happen with larger graphics cards.

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MSI ProSeries MicroATX Motherboard (B365)

Second Cheapest Motherboard for Intel i5 8400 Processor

Brand	MSI
CPU Socket	LGA 1151
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	Intel Celeron, 8th Generation Intel Core, Intel Pentium Gold
Chipset Type	Intel B365
Memory Speed	2666 MHz
Platform	Android
Series	B365MPROVH
RAM Memory Maximum Size	32 GB
Main Power Connector Type	24-pin

The Second cheapest motherboard, which can be paired with the Intel Core i5-8400 processor, is the MSI ProSeries Intel B365. This ProSeries motherboard is a bit more expensive when compared to the previous listing; this motherboard costs just $3 more, having a price of just $66.99.

This motherboard shares a design similar to the first listing, with two RAM slots supporting up to 32 GB of 2,666 MHz RAM. It offers six USB ports, with four being USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0, making it suitable for modern devices. The PCIe slot is metallic silver and user-friendly for new PC builders.

The cost of MSI ProSeries Intel B365 costs just a bit more when compared to the first listing, but the placement of the Mini PCIe slots makes installing cared in those slots tough but makes this Motherboard perfect for DIYs that are planning to utilize PCIe extenders. This motherboard currently costs $66.99 on Amazon, which is only $3 more than the previous listing.

This price increase is due to the chipset that this motherboard uses, which is more developed and better when compared to the first motherboard.

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ASUS Prime B365M-A

Mid-Range Value Motherboard for Intel i5 8400 Processor

Brand	ASUS
CPU Socket	LGA 1151
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	8th Generation Intel Core
Chipset Type	Intel B365
Memory Speed	2666 MHz
Platform	Windows 10
Series	PRIME B365M-A
Memory Storage Capacity	64 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	64 GB

The ASUS Prime B365M-A motherboard is a value option priced at $79.99. It stands out with four RAM slots, supporting up to 64 GB of RAM, and features metal shielding to prevent GPU bending. It offers four USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a USB Type-C port for expanded connectivity. The motherboard provides enhanced protection and hardware-level safeguards.

Notably, it pairs well with the Intel Core i5-8400 processor and offers dual M.2/NVMe slots for SATA-free PC configuration. It also includes six SATA ports for easy storage expansion.

This motherboard is currently on sale at Amazon for the cost of $79.99; this price is completely valid due to the hardware-level protection installed in this fantastic motherboard. This low-cost motherboard is a perfect choice for a budget gaming or budget VR PC.

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ASRock Z270 Killer

Best High-End Motherboard for Intel i5 8400 Processor

Brand	ASRock
CPU Socket	LGA 1151
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	8th Generation Intel Core
Chipset Type	Intel Z370
Memory Speed	2400 MHz
Platform	Windows 10
Graphics Card Interface	PCI-E
Number of Ports	9
Wireless Type	802.11ac

The ASRock Z370 Killer Motherboard, priced at $249.99 on Amazon, offers robust support for the Intel Core i5-8400 processor. It features a different design with improved connectivity. With four RAM slots supporting up to 64 GB at speeds ranging from 2,133 MHz to 4,266 MHz (overclocked), it outperforms the processor’s limit of 2,666 MHz.

This motherboard has an ATX form factor, larger than previous entries, providing more full-sized PCIe slots and four mini PCIe slots. It offers five USB 3.0 ports and a USB Type-C port for connectivity. Notably, it includes an internal WiFi card and WiFi antenna attachment points.

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EVGA Z390 Dark

PC Enthusiast Motherboard for Intel i5 8400 Processor

Brand	EVGA
CPU Socket	LGA 1151
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Chipset Type	Chipset – Intel Z390
Memory Speed	4600 MHz
Memory Storage Capacity	32 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	32 GB
Memory Slots Available	2
Number of Ports	7
System Bus Standard Supported	SATA 3

The EVGA Z390 Dark Motherboard is a high-end option priced at $499.99 on Amazon. It features an E-ATX form factor, offering more features and hardware-level safeguards compared to smaller motherboards. It has two RAM slots supporting up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM at speeds exceeding 4600 MHz.

For connectivity, it offers two USB 3.0 ports, five USB 2.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port, along with dual Intel GbE LAN with Teaming Support. It includes EVGA OnBoard Audio with Creative 5.1 Channel Audio and EVGA NU Audio for Headphones.

This motherboard features a higher gold content in the CPU socket for better power delivery and boasts a 17-phase PWM for stable power design. While it may be excessive for the Intel Core i5-8400, it’s suitable for future processor upgrades.

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Factors to Consider when Choosing a Motherboard for i5 8400

When choosing a motherboard for the Intel Core i5-8400 processor, consider these factors:

Form Factor: Choose a motherboard with the right physical size (ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX) to fit your computer case and provide the necessary expansion options.

Chipset (Intel 300-series): The i5-8400 works with Intel 300-series chipsets like H310, B365, and Z390. Pick the chipset that suits your needs, with Z390 being the most advanced.

Overclocking: The i5-8400 doesn’t support overclocking, so you don’t need a motherboard with overclocking capabilities. Reserve those for CPUs like the i5-8600K or i7-8700K.

I/O Ports: Check the available I/O ports for connecting external devices. Ensure it has sufficient USB ports and compatible video outputs for your monitor.

Price: Consider your budget, as motherboard prices vary widely. Aim for a motherboard that balances features and cost to ensure good value for your investment.

Final Words

In conclusion, choosing the right motherboard for your Intel Core i5 8400 processor is crucial to ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. When selecting a motherboard, consider the form factor, chipset, I/O ports, and price to find the best option for your needs.

Selecting a compatible motherboard for the i5-8400 with the Intel 300-series chipset is crucial. Prioritize options with ample I/O ports and consider a motherboard that strikes a balance between features and affordability. Thorough research and comparison can lead to a reliable and long-lasting computer, making a quality motherboard investment worthwhile.