Best motherboards for Intel Core i5-11400 in 2021

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Intel Core i5-10600K
Intel Core i5-10600K (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Windows Central)

In order to get the most out of the Intel Core i5-11400 processor, you'll need to ensure it's inserted into a capable motherboard. We've rounded up the best motherboards for this mid-tier CPU to cover enthusiasts, gaming, and those with a tight budget.

ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming

Best overall

The ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming motherboard is brilliant for Intel 10th and 11th Gen processors. This motherboard has the Z590 chipset, which allows for PCIe 4.0 speeds, and you get the same excellent ASUS BIOS from other top-tier boards. Other features include Wi-Fi 6E, 14+2 power stage design for stable overclocking, DDR4-5333+ RAM support, dual Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Thunderbolt 4, and four M.2 SSD slots.

Gigabyte Z590 AORUS ELITE AX

Gigabyte Z590 AORUS ELITE AX

Runner-up

If you'd rather save a little but still enjoy the excellent performance offered by the Z590 chipset, Gigabyte's Z590 AORUS ELITE AX is a fine example of a high-end motherboard with a 12+1 power phase design, as well as support for PCIe 4.0 and speeds of up to 5400MHz for DDR4 RAM. Finally, there are numerous USB 3.2 ports on the rear for expansive PC builds.

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ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero
ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero

Best enthusiast

Want to go all-out with an impressive PC build? Look no further than the ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero. It's a monstrous motherboard. It uses a 14+2 power stage delivery design with high-quality chokes, capacitors, and other components for stable overclocking. Other highlights include 5Gb LAN, two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6, high-quality audio, and plenty of RGB headers.

ASUS PRIME Z590M-PLUS

ASUS PRIME Z590M-PLUS

Best budget

And if you're on a seriously tight budget for the PC as a whole, the ASUS PRIME Z590M-PLUS is a good place to start. This motherboard comes in at less than $200, which can be considered budget territory for the Z590 chipset. This board does, however, come with an 8+1 power phase design, high-quality components, Fan Xpert 4 for a quiet and cool PC, as well as all the rear USB ports you'll need.

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MSI MEG Z590I UNIFY
MSI MEG Z590I UNIFY

Best ITX

If you're going for a small PC build, you'll want to choose a mini-ITX motherboard. The MSI MEG Z590I UNIFY comes rocking DDR4-5333 support, PCIe 4.0, Thunderbolt 3, 2.5Gb LAN, and Wi-Fi 6. The power delivery design is good enough to handle even Intel Core i9 processors in such a compact chassis.

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Going for the best of the best, we recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming. It's one of the best Intel Z590 motherboards, which makes it ideal for the Intel Core i5-11400. Not only is it priced well (except during the current electronics shortage), but you also get plenty of features that would allow for the creation of a very powerful PC.

If you want to build a PC that will take up less desk space, or you don't need all the power of an Intel Core i9 and the best graphics card, there's always the MSI MEG Z590I UNIFY. This has the same chipset as our top ASUS recommended pick, but comes with fewer features due to the fact that it measures in at just 170mm by 170mm. Perfect for compact builds.

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.