Best budget motherboard for an Intel i5-13600K build?

Question

Finally saved enough for a 13600K but now I'm stuck on the motherboard. Looked at the MSI B760s because they are cheap but read some mixed stuff about VRM cooling issues. I dont plan on heavy overclocking so should I just stick with a B760 or is it worth paying extra for a Z790 board? Need something reliable for gaming under 200 bucks. Any ideas?

vgluoeenrh · Accepted Answer

If you dont wanna shell out for Z-series, the ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi is honestly a sleeper pick. The VRMs are surprisingly beefy for the price and stay way cooler than those cheaper entry-level boards. If you want a bit more room to breathe, the ASRock Z790 Pro RS DDR5 is a solid middle ground that feels much more premium without the insane tax. Just watch those VRM temps if you push it hard.

tisidhereg · Answer

Honestly, skip the cheap B760s. Over the years, I've seen too many budget VRMs choke under the 13600K load. If you want stability without breaking the bank, grab a solid Z790 board instead.

MSI PRO Z790-P WIFI DDR5 ATX

ASUS Prime Z790-A WIFI DDR5 ATX These run way cooler. Even without overclocking, the power delivery is just better. Spend the extra cash now so you dont have to worry about thermal throttling later.