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Intel’s Core i5-8400 processor offers six cores and six threads, which means that this processor doesn’t feature any Hyper-threading and has a clock speed of 2.80 GHz and a Max Turbo Speed of up to 4 GHz.
This processor can only achieve maximum performance when paired with a motherboard that can supply the necessary power and the correct cooling system. A motherboard needs to have the correct socket for the processor and support the processor in the BIOS.
Since the Intel Core i5-8400 is an older processor compared to today’s standard, any motherboard with the LGA 1151 socket should have a BIOS that supports the processor.
Read Also: Best GPU for Intel Core i5-8400 processor
Best Motherboards for Intel Core i5 8400
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 is the cheapest LGA1151 motherboard on this list, but it’s not without its features, making it worth the $63.99 price tag listed on Amazon.
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 have various devices connected, including items like the Elgato Pro capture card or an audio card.
The full-sized PCIe slot is designed to stop the GPU card sag and bending, which can happen with larger graphics cards.
The MSI ProSeries MicroATX Motherboard features just two RAM slots, which can support DDR4 RAM with a maximum speed of up to 2,666 MHz. This motherboard features a total of just six USB ports, with two of those ports being just USB 3.0 while the rest of the ports are USB 2.0.
This Motherboard is perfect for the Intel Core i5-8400 due to the lowered cost while still offering some fantastic features like having an M.2 and NVMe SSD slot, which can be easily accessed from the front of the Motherboard.
The MSI ProSeries MicroATX Motherboard also features an Audio boost that offers fantastic audio quality by using premium-quality audio components. This higher-quality audio allows the user to enjoy game-changing sound to create dynamic soundscapes.
This motherboard also has a feature called X-Boost, which auto-detects and boosts the performance from any storage, Optane, or USB device, which means storing games on an external HDD is now very viable!
- Supports 8th Gen Intel Core/ Pentium gold/ Celeron Processors for LGA 1151 socket
- Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 2666MHz
- DDR4 Boost: advanced technology to deliver pure data signals for the best gaming performance and stability
- Audio Boost: reward your ears with studio grade sound quality
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’s design is very similar to the first listing, being mostly just black in color with a metal shielding shown on the full PCIe Slot to help reduce GPU sag or GPU bending. This Motherboard also features two RAM slots allowing for up to 32 GB of 2,666 MHz RAM.
This motherboard features a bit higher specs when compared with the previous motherboard on this list, this motherboard still features just six USB ports, but now four ports are USB 3.0 while only two ports are USB 2.0. The higher amount of USB 3.0 ports are perfect due to the vast majority of devices being built.
This motherboard is a solution for new PC builders thanks to the easy layout and the overall design being easy to understand. The PCIe slot features a metallic silver color instead of the standard black shown on the two mini PCIe slots located at the bottom of the motherboard.
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 increase in price is due to the chipset that this motherboard uses, which is more developed and better when compared to the first motherboard.
- Supports 9th/8th Gen Intel Core/Pentium gold/Celeron Processors for LGA 1151 socket
- Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 2666 MHz
- Audio Boost: reward your ears with studio grade sound quality
- Ez Debug LED: easiest way to troubleshoot
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 motherboard that offers some features that the previous entries didn’t have. This motherboard features four RAM slots instead of just two RAM slots, which offers a maximum RAM size of 64 GB instead of just 32 GB. These new features do make the price of the mother a bit more when compared to the previous entries, this entry is priced at $79.99.
This motherboard features the same number of PCIe and mini-PCIe slots and offers a similar placement to the second entry. Since this motherboard also features metal shielding, the larger GPUs have a harder time bending when compared to motherboards without metal shielding.
This motherboard features a total of four USB 3.0 Type-A ports while having a single USB Type-C port allowing for further expanded connectivity when compared to other motherboards.
The ASUS Prime B365M-A motherboard features five times the protection III and has hardware-level safeguards that provide both component longevity and higher reliability when compared to other motherboards.
This motherboard is the best match for the Intel Core i5-8400 processor in both performance and in price. The features that set this motherboard apart when compared to other entries are the dual M.2 / NVMe slots, which are Intel Optane Memory Ready.
These dual NVMe / M.2 Slots allow for a SATA-free PC if configured correctly. This motherboard features a total of six SATA ports if users want to expand the storage of their PC system easily.
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.
- Designed for 9th/8th Generation Intel Core processors for LGA 1151 socket
- Dual Channel Non-ECC Un-buffered DDR4, 4 x DIMM slots support up to 64GB DDR4 Memory
- Ultrafast connectivity: Dual onboard M.2 with Intel Optane Memory Ready, USB 3.1 Gen2 and USB 3.1 Gen 1...
- 5x Protection III Hardware-level safeguards provide component longevity and reliability
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 is a significant price jump, costing $249.99 on Amazon, which can support the Intel Core i5-8400 processor with ease. This higher costing motherboard offers a significantly different color scheme and design with more connectivity that many PC builders will greatly appreciate.
The ASRock Z270 Killer Motherboard features a variety of supported RAM speeds ranging from 2,133 MHz all the way up to 4,266 MHz when applying an overclock to the motherboard, although this is limited by the Intel Core i5-8400 processor, which can only support up to 2,666 MHz RAM speed. This Motherboard features a total of four RAM slots, which easily allow up to 64 GB of RAM capacity.
This motherboard is in a different form factor when compared to the previous entries; this motherboard has an ATX form factor. This ATX form factor is considerably larger when compared to the MicroATX form factor. The ATX form factor features more full-sized PCIe slots and has a total of four mini PCIe slots.
The ASRock Z270 Killer Motherboard features a total of five USB 3.0 ports and a single USB Type-C port, which offers a good range of connectivity for any enthusiast PC builder. This motherboard is the first to offer an internal WiFi Card and features two points where PC builders can screw the WiFi antennas into.
This motherboard is currently available on Amazon for a significant jump in price from the value motherboards, this motherboard is currently listed at $249.99.
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 even more expensive when compared to any of the previous entries in this article. This motherboard is currently available on Amazon for the price of $499.99. This higher cost is shown in the motherboard’s overall design and size; this motherboard’s form factor is the largest possible for a desktop being an E-ATX motherboard.
This larger form factor allows this motherboard to offer more features and more hardware-level safeguards when compared to the MicroATX or ATX motherboards.
This motherboard features only two RAM slots, which can support up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM capacity at speeds surpassing 4600 Mhz.
For connectivity, the EVGA Z390 Dark Motherboard features two USB 3.0 ports, five USB 2.0 ports, and a single USB Type-C port. This wide range of connectivity is added by dual Intel GbE LAN with Teaming Support.
This motherboard features EVGA OnBoard Audio, which features a Creative 5.1 Channel Audio, and EVGA NU Audio for Headphones, which is perfect for content creators.
This higher cost of the EVGA Z390 Dark Motherboard features a higher gold content in the CPU socket; this is because gold is a perfect medium for lowering contact resistance, which can result in better power delivery. This motherboard features an amazing 17-phase PWM, which offers the most stable power design to ensure that any PC builder is ready to upgrade from the Intel Core i5-8400 processor.
This motherboard is over the top for the Intel Core i5-8400 processor, but for anyone looking to upgrade to a better processor in the future, this motherboard is for you!
- Intel Z390 Chipset, supports Intel Core 8th & 9th Generation Processor Family for LGA1151 Socket
- E-atx form Factor
- 2 DIMM Dual-Channel up to 32GB 4600+ MHz
- 7 USB 3. 1 Gen2 Ports (5x Type-A, 1x Type-C, 1x Type-C Header)
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Motherboard for i5 8400
When it comes to choosing the best motherboard for the Intel Core i5 8400 processor, there are a few key factors that you need to consider to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important factors to keep in mind when selecting a motherboard for your i5 8400 processor.
Form Factor
The first factor to consider when choosing a motherboard for your i5 8400 is the form factor. The form factor refers to the physical size and layout of the motherboard. The most common form factors for desktop computers are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
ATX motherboards are the largest and offer the most expansion slots and features, while Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are smaller in size and offer fewer expansion options. It’s important to select a motherboard with the appropriate form factor to fit the size of your computer case.
Chipset (Intel 300-series)
The chipset is another important factor to consider when choosing a motherboard for your i5 8400.
The i5 8400 is designed to work with Intel 300-series chipsets, which offer support for faster RAM speeds, more USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, and other features. The three most common 300-series chipsets for the i5 8400 are H310, B365, and Z390. H310 is the most basic chipset, while B365 offers more features, and Z390 is the most advanced chipset with the highest price tag.
Overclocking Capability
Overclocking refers to the process of pushing your processor beyond its stock clock speed for improved performance. However, the i5 8400 is not an overclockable processor, so you don’t necessarily need a motherboard with overclocking capabilities.
If you want to overclock your processor, you’ll need to choose a different CPU, such as the i5 8600K or i7 8700K, and pair it with a Z370 or Z390 chipset motherboard.
I/O Ports
The input/output (I/O) ports on your motherboard are where you plug in external devices, such as USB drives, mice, keyboards, and monitors.
When selecting a motherboard for your i5 8400, you’ll want to consider the number and types of I/O ports that are available. Look for a motherboard that offers plenty of USB ports, as well as video outputs that match the ports on your monitor.
Price
Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the motherboard when making your decision. Motherboards can range from under $50 to well over $300, depending on the features and specifications.
While it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest motherboard you can find, it’s important to remember that the quality of the motherboard can impact the performance and longevity of your computer.
It’s recommended to choose a motherboard with a good balance of features and price to get the best value for your money.
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.
It’s important to choose a motherboard that is compatible with the i5 8400 processor and the Intel 300-series chipset. Additionally, it’s recommended to choose a motherboard with plenty of I/O ports and a price that offers a good balance of features and affordability.
By taking the time to research and compare different motherboards, you can find the perfect match for your i5 8400 processor and build a powerful and reliable computer that meets your needs. Remember that investing in a quality motherboard can pay off in the long run by ensuring the longevity and performance of your computer.
