The i9-12900 processor by Intel is the most standard version of the 12th generation series with no overclocking potential. Though most gaming enthusiasts prefer an unlocked processor to get the maximum benefits, such processors as the i9-12900 are mostly suitable for casual users who are not looking for extreme gaming or heavy workstation use.
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The Intel i9-12900 comes with 16 Cores (8 Performance and 8 Efficient Cores) and 24 Threads. It has a base clock speed of 1.8GHz which can be boosted up to 5.1GHz. The processor supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with a max memory speed of 4800MHz and features an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770.
Being a non-K version, it is locked and can’t be pushed beyond its limits. Hence, it is better to avoid Z series motherboards as they are mostly for overclocking purposes and also cost a lot. Keeping that in mind, I have rated and reviewed the 5 best motherboards for Intel i9-12900.
Best Motherboards for Intel i9-12900
As I said before, i9-12900 is a locked processor and doesn’t offer any overclocking capabilities. In that case, a B-series motherboard will be a perfect pick to run this processor. They neither cost you a fortune nor offer flagship features.
So before we move on to the more detailed version of each motherboard, the below table will give you a quick overview of the 5 best motherboards on the list.
| Best Motherboards for Intel i9-12900 | Form Factor | Chipset | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk | ATX | B660 | Yes | |
| GIGABYTE B660 AORUS Master | ATX | B660 | Yes | |
| ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming | Mini-ITX | B660 | Yes | |
| ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming | ATX | B660 | Yes | |
| MSI MAG B660M Mortar | mATX | B660 | Yes |
| Best Motherboards for Intel i9-12900 | Form Factor | Chipset | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk | ATX | B660 | Yes | |
| GIGABYTE B660 AORUS Master | ATX | B660 | Yes | |
| ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming | Mini-ITX | B660 | Yes | |
| ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming | ATX | B660 | Yes | |
| MSI MAG B660M Mortar | mATX | B660 | Yes |
1. MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk
One of the best B660-based motherboards is none other than the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk. Its premium black appearance gives off a rich vibe and looks cool when fitted inside your PC case. Unless you are planning to go for an overclockable processor, this one will be the perfect choice for the Intel i9-12900.
The MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk comes with support for Intel 12th generation, 13th generation, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors based on LGA 1700 sockets. It has four DDR5 DIMM slots that can hold up to 192GB of memory with a max memory speed of up 6200+MHz. For display connectivity, it offers one HDMI 2.1 port and one DisplayPort 1.4, both supporting a max resolution of 4K@60Hz.
Apart from that, the board includes three M.2 slots, six SATA III ports, two PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, built-in Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.3, one 2.5GbE LAN, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports.
What We Like
The overall dark appearance of the motherboard looks stunning and feels a whole lot different than the regular motherboards. Its 192GB memory support is enough to speed up your performance and three M.2 slots and six SATA III ports make it just better. The board has plenty of USB ports to offer, including Wi-Fi 6E.
What We Don’t Like
While it might not be a problem for a few, RGB lights all over the board would have added to its attractive looks.
Summary
Overall, the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk is a solid option for enthusiastic users who are looking to get the best out of their processors. With plenty of features to offer, it serves its purpose well without burning a hole into your pocket.
Pros
- The black color looks stunning
- 192GB memory capacity
- High-speed memory support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Plenty of USB ports
Cons
- No RGB lights
2. GIGABYTE B660 AORUS Master
Anyone looking for a motherboard with RGB lights as well as well-balanced features can take a look at the GIGABYTE B660 AORUS Master. A well-to-do Intel motherboard for those who don’t bother to overclock their processor (even in the future) can opt for this one also. It costs less than the Tomahawk and offers almost equal features.
The GIGABYTE B660 AORUS Master comes with support for Intel 12th generation, 13th generation, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors based on LGA 1700 sockets. It has four DDR5 DIMM slots that can hold up to 192GB of memory with a max memory speed of up 6000MHz. For display connectivity, it offers one HDMI 2.1 port and one DisplayPort 1.2, both supporting a max resolution of 4K@60Hz.
Other notable features of the board include three M.2 slots, four SATA III ports, three PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slots, built-in Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.2, one 2.5GbE LAN, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports.
What We Like
The RGB lights around the back panel look awesome. Its 192GB memory capacity and high-speed memory support are added advantages. It has ample USB ports, dual display connectivity, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and three M.2 slots for storage expansion.
What We Don’t Like
Less number of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports can be disappointing for many. Also, it has only four SATA III ports, which again puts it on the back foot. It lacks a little bit in the looks department and gives an average appearance.
Summary
Summing up, the GIGABYTE B660 AORUS Master is an all-rounder with all the important features needed for great performance. Also, it has lots of connectivity options to make sure you don’t get left behind in any department. So if you aren’t bothered to be fewer SATA III ports or an average design, this motherboard can be your best bet.
Pros
- RGB lights on the back panel
- 192GB memory capacity
- High-speed memory support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons
- Looks average
- Only four SATA III ports
- Lesser USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
3. ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming
If you are building your system around mini-ITX motherboards, then the ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming is an ideal choice for your build. It is one of the best B660 mini-ITX motherboards out there and offers plenty of impressive features despite being small.
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming comes with support for Intel 12th generation, 13th generation, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors based on LGA 1700 sockets. It has two DDR5 DIMM slots that can hold up to 64GB of memory with a max memory speed of up 6200MHz. For display connectivity, it offers one HDMI 2.1 port and one DisplayPort 1.4, both supporting a max resolution of 4K@60Hz.
The motherboard also comes with two M.2 slots, four SATA III ports, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, built-in Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.2, one 2.5GbE LAN, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (supports additional two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports), three USB 2.0 ports, and one USB 2.0 header (supports additional two USB 2.0 ports).
What We Like
One of the benefits of this motherboard is its size. Being small, it can fit into a PC case of any size. But despite being small, it is nowhere far from other motherboards on this list. It still packs four SATA III ports, built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, PCIe 5.0 support, and two M.2 slots for storage.
What We Don’t Like
Lesser number of USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports is a bit disappointing. Also, it lacks RGB, if that’s what you want to have on your motherboard.
Summary
That said, if a compact motherboard is your preference, there’s no motherboard better than the ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming. It packs lots of impressive features with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Though it doesn’t have RGB lights, it is still worth your investment if you are trying to build a system around mini-ITX motherboards.
Pros
- Compact size
- 64GB memory capacity
- High-speed memory support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Four SATA III ports
Cons
- Lacks RGB
- Lesser USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports
4. ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming
One of the most affordable gaming motherboards that give the best return on investment, the ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming attracts lots of gaming enthusiasts. Powered by the B660 chipset, the board offers the latest features at reasonable pricing.
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming comes with support for Intel 12th generation, 13th generation, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors based on LGA 1700 sockets. It has four DDR5 DIMM slots that can hold up to 128GB of memory with a max memory speed of up 6000MHz. For display connectivity, it offers one HDMI 2.1 port, supporting a max resolution of 4K@60Hz, and one DisplayPort 1.4, supporting a max resolution of 8K@60Hz.
The motherboard is also equipped with three M.2 slots, four SATA III ports, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, built-in Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.2, one 2.5GbE LAN, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, five USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (supports additional two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports), two USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 header (supports additional four USB 2.0 ports).
What We Like
With 8K support, integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, three M.2 slots, and ample USB ports, the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING is one of the finest choices for gaming enthusiasts with a limited budget. The overall design and RGB lights also add to its advantage.
What We Don’t Like
Though it is a well-balanced board, it is equipped with only four SATA III ports, which is a bit disappointing.
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming is a great choice for PC builders who are looking to save a few bucks without losing out on performance. The motherboard performs great under stress and handles the i9-12900 pretty well. It is equipped with integrated Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth and offers plenty of USB ports for a wide range of connectivity.
Pros
- RGB lights on the board
- 128GB memory capacity
- High-speed memory support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 8K resolution support
- Plenty of USB ports
- Value for money
Cons
- Only four SATA III ports
5. MSI MAG B660M Mortar
For budget users, the MSI MAG B660M Mortar is just as good as the above motherboards. This $200 motherboard is a decent choice with some impressive features to count on, though it also lacks in other areas. But again, at this price, you can’t be too picky or expect this board to blow your mind.
The MSI MAG B660 Mortar comes with support for Intel 12th generation, 13th generation, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors based on LGA 1700 sockets. It has four DDR5 DIMM slots that can hold up to 192GB of memory with a max memory speed of up 6200+MHz. For display connectivity, it offers one HDMI 2.1 port and one DisplayPort 1.4, both supporting a max resolution of 4K@60Hz.
Other than that, the board includes two M.2 slots, six SATA III ports, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, built-in Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.3, one 2.5GbE LAN, five USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports.
What We Like
The MSI MAG B660M Mortar is a budget-friendly option with some impressive features, including support for up to 192GB of memory with a max speed of 6200+MHz, two M.2 slots, and six SATA III ports.
What We Don’t Like
The board comes with only two M.2 slots for storage expansion.
Summary
The MSI MAG B660M Mortar is a decent option for budget users, but it lacks some of the features found in the other motherboards on this list. If you are willing to sacrifice some features for a more affordable price, this motherboard may be a good choice for you.
Pros
- 192GB memory capacity
- High-speed memory support
- Six SATA III ports
- Built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Plenty of USB ports
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Only two M.2 slots
Conclusion
Best Motherboards for Intel i9-12900: MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk
If you are looking for a motherboard to pair with your Intel i9-12900 processor, a B-series motherboard will be your best bet. In that case, the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk is the best option among the five listed in this article.
It has plenty of features to offer, including a black color that looks stunning, support for 192GB memory, high-speed memory support, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and plenty of USB ports. The other motherboards on the list are also great options depending on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Intel i9 12900 good for gaming?
The Intel i9 12900 is a great processor for gaming, but it is not the best option for extreme gaming enthusiasts who need overclocking capabilities. The processor’s base clock speed of 1.8GHz can be boosted up to 5.1GHz, which is more than enough to handle most modern games.
2. How fast is i9 12900?
The Intel i9 12900 is a very fast processor with a base clock speed of 1.8GHz that can be boosted up to 5.1GHz.
3. Is i9 12900 overkill?
The Intel i9 12900 is a very powerful processor, but it may be overkill for some users who only need a computer for casual use or light gaming. It is best suited for users who need a lot of processing power for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking.
4. How much RAM do I need for the i9-12900?
The Intel i9 12900 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with a max memory speed of 4800MHz. The amount of RAM you need will depend on your specific use case. For most users, 16GB or 32GB of RAM should be sufficient, but users who work with large files or run multiple demanding applications simultaneously may need more.
5. Does the i9 12900 run hot?
The Intel i9 12900 is a powerful processor that can produce a lot of heat when under heavy load. It is recommended to use a high-quality CPU cooler to keep temperatures under control.
ALSO READ: Best Motherboards For Intel i9-12900KS
