Top 5 Best Motherboards for i5-12600K - Upgrade Your Gaming Experience Today!
Discover the best motherboard for i5-12600k and unleash its full potential. Get top-notch performance and reliability with our top picks.
The i5-12600k is a powerful processor that requires an equally impressive motherboard to get the most out of its capabilities. Choosing the right motherboard can be a daunting task, but with so many options available, it's crucial to pick the one that suits your needs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best motherboards that are perfect for the Intel Core i5-12600k processor.
First up is the ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero. This motherboard is designed for hardcore gamers and enthusiasts who demand nothing but the best performance. It comes equipped with a robust VRM system that provides stable power delivery to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features dual M.2 slots, PCIe 4.0 support, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, making it a top choice for anyone looking to build a high-end gaming PC.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the MSI MPG B560 Gaming Edge WiFi is an excellent choice. This motherboard is packed with features that make it ideal for gamers on a budget. It comes with PCIe 4.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and built-in Wi-Fi, offering excellent value for money. The motherboard also has a sleek design with RGB lighting that will make your build stand out from the crowd.
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER is another fantastic motherboard that's perfect for the i5-12600k processor. It comes with a 20-phase VRM system that provides excellent power delivery to the CPU, ensuring stable operation even under extreme loads. The motherboard also features three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and Thunderbolt 4 support, making it an excellent choice for content creators and professionals who require fast data transfer speeds.
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a motherboard that offers a balance between performance and affordability. It comes equipped with a 16-phase VRM system that delivers stable power to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features dual M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and Thunderbolt 4 support, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators alike.
The MSI MPG Z690 GAMING EDGE WIFI is another great option for anyone looking to build a high-end gaming PC. It comes with a 16-phase VRM system that provides stable power delivery to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features PCIe 5.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a top choice for gamers who demand the best performance.
If you're on a tight budget, the ASUS Prime Z690-P is an excellent motherboard that offers great value for money. It comes with a 12-phase VRM system that provides stable power delivery to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features PCIe 5.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a top choice for anyone looking to build a budget gaming PC.
Another great option for anyone looking to build a budget gaming PC is the Gigabyte Z690 UD. It comes with a 12-phase VRM system that provides stable power delivery to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features dual M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 support, and built-in Wi-Fi, offering excellent value for money.
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4S is a motherboard that's perfect for gamers who want a balance of performance and affordability. It comes equipped with a 12-phase VRM system that delivers stable power to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features dual M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 support, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a top choice for budget-conscious gamers.
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS is another great option for anyone looking to build a budget gaming PC. It comes with a 12-phase VRM system that provides stable power delivery to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features PCIe 5.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a top choice for anyone looking to build a budget gaming PC.
Lastly, the MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI is a motherboard that offers excellent value for money. It comes equipped with a 16-phase VRM system that delivers stable power to the CPU, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. The motherboard also features PCIe 5.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a top choice for gamers who want a balance of performance and affordability.
In conclusion, choosing the right motherboard is crucial when building a PC with an i5-12600k processor. Each motherboard listed in this article offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, content creator, or on a tight budget, there's a motherboard out there that's perfect for you.
Introduction
The Intel i5-12600k is a powerful processor that requires a compatible motherboard to achieve its full potential. Choosing the right motherboard can be a daunting task, as there are numerous options available in the market. In this article, we will discuss some of the best motherboards for the i5-12600k.
Factors to consider when choosing a motherboard
Before we dive into the best motherboards for the i5-12600k, let's first look at some critical factors to consider when choosing a motherboard.
Form Factor
The form factor is the physical size of the motherboard. It determines the number of components that can fit on the motherboard. The i5-12600k uses the LGA 1700 socket, which requires an ATX or Micro-ATX motherboard.
Chipset
The chipset determines the features and capabilities of the motherboard. For the i5-12600k, the ideal chipset would be either the Z690 or B660 chipset, as they offer support for PCIe Gen 4 and Thunderbolt 4.
VRM
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for supplying power to the CPU. A high-quality VRM is essential for stable overclocking and overall system performance.
Best motherboards for i5-12600k
1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero
The ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero is a high-end motherboard that offers excellent performance and features. It features a robust VRM design with 18+2 power stages, allowing for stable overclocking of the i5-12600k. The motherboard also features PCIe Gen 4 support, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
2. MSI MPG B660 Gaming Edge WiFi
If you're on a budget, the MSI MPG B660 Gaming Edge WiFi is an excellent choice. It offers robust VRM design with 16+1 power stages, allowing for stable overclocking of the i5-12600k. The motherboard also features PCIe Gen 4 support, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
3. Gigabyte AORUS Master Z690
The Gigabyte AORUS Master Z690 is a high-end motherboard that offers excellent performance and features. It features a robust VRM design with 20+1 power stages, allowing for stable overclocking of the i5-12600k. The motherboard also features PCIe Gen 4 support, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
4. ASRock Z690 Taichi
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a mid-range motherboard that offers excellent performance and features. It features a robust VRM design with 14+2 power stages, allowing for stable overclocking of the i5-12600k. The motherboard also features PCIe Gen 4 support, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
5. EVGA Z690 Dark
The EVGA Z690 Dark is a high-end motherboard that offers excellent performance and features. It features a robust VRM design with 22-phase power delivery, allowing for stable overclocking of the i5-12600k. The motherboard also features PCIe Gen 4 support, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motherboard for your i5-12600k is essential to achieving optimal performance. The motherboards listed above are some of the best options available in the market, offering robust VRM designs, PCIe Gen 4 support, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Consider the factors listed above when choosing a motherboard to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Introduction to the i5-12600k Processor
The i5-12600k is the latest processor in the Intel Core i5 series. It was released in late 2021 and has quickly become a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike. The i5-12600k is a powerful processor that comes with 12 cores and 20 threads.It has a base clock speed of 3.7GHz and can be overclocked to 5.0GHz. The processor also comes with Intel's new Alder Lake architecture, which combines high-performance and energy-efficient cores to provide better performance and power efficiency.To take full advantage of the i5-12600k's capabilities, you need to pair it with a compatible motherboard. In this article, we will discuss the best motherboards for i5-12600k and what factors you should consider when choosing one.Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard for i5-12600k
When choosing a motherboard for your i5-12600k, there are several factors that you should consider.First, you need to ensure that the motherboard is compatible with the i5-12600k processor. This means that it should have a socket that matches the processor's LGA 1700 socket.Second, you should consider the motherboard's VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) design. The VRM is responsible for regulating the voltage that is supplied to the processor. A good VRM design ensures that the processor receives stable power, which can improve performance and stability.Third, you should consider the motherboard's cooling system. The i5-12600k is a powerful processor that can generate a lot of heat when running at full capacity. A motherboard with a good cooling system can help dissipate heat and keep the processor running at optimal temperatures.Fourth, you should consider the motherboard's connectivity options. This includes the number and type of USB ports, PCIe slots, Wi-Fi capabilities, and other features that can enhance your computing experience.Finally, you should consider your budget. Motherboards come in a range of prices, and you should choose one that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs.Best Motherboards for Overclocking i5-12600k
Overclocking is the process of increasing a processor's clock speed beyond its rated specifications. This can improve performance but also requires careful consideration of the motherboard's VRM design and cooling system.The following motherboards are some of the best options for overclocking the i5-12600k:1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Extreme: This high-end motherboard features a robust VRM design with 18+2 power stages and active cooling to ensure stable power delivery during overclocking. It also has advanced cooling features like liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid-cooling support.2. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X: This motherboard features a 16+2 power phase design with an integrated water block for cooling. It also supports DDR5 memory and features advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.3. Gigabyte AORUS Master: This motherboard features a 20-phase VRM design with active cooling and support for liquid cooling. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual LAN.Motherboards with the Best VRM Cooling for i5-12600k
The VRM cooling system is crucial for ensuring stable power delivery during heavy workloads and overclocking. The following motherboards have the best VRM cooling systems for the i5-12600k:1. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi: This motherboard features a 14+2 power phase design with active VRM cooling to ensure stable power delivery. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.2. MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Carbon WiFi: This motherboard features a 16+1+1 power phase design with an extended heatsink and heatpipe for VRM cooling. It also supports DDR5 memory and has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.3. Gigabyte AORUS Elite: This motherboard features a 14-phase VRM design with direct touch heatpipes for VRM cooling. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual LAN.Best Budget Motherboards for i5-12600k
If you're on a budget but still want a reliable motherboard for your i5-12600k, the following options are worth considering:1. ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4: This motherboard features a 12-phase VRM design with passive cooling and support for DDR5 memory. It also has basic connectivity options like USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gigabit LAN.2. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690M-Plus WiFi: This micro-ATX motherboard features a 10+2 power phase design with active VRM cooling and support for DDR5 memory. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.3. Gigabyte Z690 UD: This motherboard features a 10-phase VRM design with passive cooling and support for DDR5 memory. It also has basic connectivity options like USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gigabit LAN.Top Motherboards with PCIe 5.0 Support for i5-12600k
PCIe 5.0 is the latest standard for PCIe connectivity, offering faster data transfer speeds than previous versions. The following motherboards have PCIe 5.0 support for the i5-12600k:1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Extreme: This high-end motherboard features four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.2. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X: This motherboard features three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.3. Gigabyte AORUS Master: This motherboard features three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual LAN.Best Motherboards with Wi-Fi 6E for i5-12600k
Wi-Fi 6E is the latest standard for wireless connectivity, offering faster speeds and improved reliability. The following motherboards have Wi-Fi 6E support for the i5-12600k:1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero: This high-end motherboard features Wi-Fi 6E with 2x2 MU-MIMO support and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 5.0 support.2. MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Edge WiFi: This motherboard features Wi-Fi 6E with 2x2 MU-MIMO support and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 5.0 support.3. Gigabyte AORUS Pro: This motherboard features Wi-Fi 6E with 2x2 MU-MIMO support and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0 support, and dual LAN.Motherboards with the Latest USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 Support for i5-12600k
USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 are the latest standards for USB connectivity, offering faster speeds and improved functionality. The following motherboards have USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 support for the i5-12600k:1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Extreme: This high-end motherboard features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and several USB-C ports with support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. It also has advanced connectivity options like PCIe 5.0 support and Wi-Fi 6E.2. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X: This motherboard features one Thunderbolt 4 port and several USB-C ports with support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. It also has advanced connectivity options like PCIe 5.0 support and Wi-Fi 6E.3. Gigabyte AORUS Master: This motherboard features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and several USB-C ports with support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. It also has advanced connectivity options like PCIe 5.0 support, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual LAN.Best Motherboards for Gaming with i5-12600k
The i5-12600k is a popular choice for gamers, and pairing it with a compatible motherboard can enhance your gaming experience. The following motherboards are some of the best options for gaming with the i5-12600k:1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero: This high-end motherboard features advanced gaming features like SupremeFX audio, AI noise-canceling microphone, and GameFirst VI networking. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 5.0 support.2. MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Carbon WiFi: This motherboard features advanced gaming features like Audio Boost 5, Killer LAN, and MSI Dragon Center software. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 5.0 support.3. Gigabyte AORUS Master: This motherboard features advanced gaming features like ALC1220-VB audio, ESS Sabre Hi-Fi 9118 DAC, and RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting. It also has advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual LAN.Conclusion: Which Motherboard is Best for i5-12600k?
Choosing the best motherboard for your i5-12600k depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking to overclock your processor, then a motherboard with a robust VRM design and cooling system is crucial, such as the ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Extreme or MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X.If you're on a budget, then motherboards like the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 or ASUS TUF Gaming Z690M-Plus WiFi offer basic functionality at a lower price point.For gamers, motherboards like the ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero or Gigabyte AORUS Master offer advanced gaming features and connectivity options.Ultimately, it's important to choose a motherboard that meets your specific needs and budget while still providing reliable performance and stability for your i5-12600k processor.Best Motherboard for i5-12600k: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
If you're building a PC with an i5-12600k processor, then choosing the best motherboard is crucial. The motherboard is the foundation of your system, and it can affect the overall performance of your PC.In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best motherboards for i5-12600k. We'll also discuss the pros and cons of each motherboard and provide you with a table comparison of their features.Top 5 Best Motherboards for i5-12600k
Here are our top picks for the best motherboards for i5-12600k:1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero
The ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero is one of the best motherboards for i5-12600k. It has a robust VRM design that can handle the demands of the i5-12600k. It also has four DDR4 memory slots that support up to 128GB of RAM.Pros:- Robust VRM design
- Four DDR4 memory slots
- Supports PCIe 5.0
- Expensive
- No Thunderbolt 4 support
2. Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master is another excellent motherboard for i5-12600k. It has a 16-phase VRM design that can handle heavy overclocking. It also has three M.2 slots and six SATA ports for storage.Pros:- 16-phase VRM design
- Three M.2 slots and six SATA ports
- Supports Thunderbolt 4
- Expensive
- Bulky design
3. MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Edge WiFi
The MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Edge WiFi is a mid-range motherboard that offers excellent performance for i5-12600k. It has a 14-phase VRM design and supports PCIe 5.0. It also has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.Pros:- 14-phase VRM design
- Supports PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- No Thunderbolt 4 support
- Only two M.2 slots
4. ASRock Z690 Taichi
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is another excellent mid-range motherboard for i5-12600k. It has a 16-phase VRM design and supports PCIe 5.0. It also has three M.2 slots and six SATA ports.Pros:- 16-phase VRM design
- Supports PCIe 5.0
- Three M.2 slots and six SATA ports
- No Thunderbolt 4 support
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
5. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PRO WiFi
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PRO WiFi is an affordable motherboard that offers good performance for i5-12600k. It has a 14-phase VRM design and supports PCIe 5.0. It also has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.Pros:- Affordable
- 14-phase VRM design
- Supports PCIe 5.0
- Only two M.2 slots
- No Thunderbolt 4 support
Table Comparison
Here's a table comparison of the five best motherboards for i5-12600k:| Motherboard | VRM Design | Memory | Storage | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero | 14+2 phase | 4 x DDR4 | 3 x M.2, 8 x SATA | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet | $500 |
| Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master | 20+1 phase | 4 x DDR4 | 3 x M.2, 6 x SATA | Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet | $900 |
| MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Edge WiFi | 14+2 phase | 4 x DDR4 | 2 x M.2, 6 x SATA | Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet | $350 |
| ASRock Z690 Taichi | 16 phase | 4 x DDR4 | 3 x M.2, 6 x SATA | Ethernet | $450 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PRO WiFi | 14+2 phase | 4 x DDR4 | 2 x M.2, 6 x SATA | Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet | $300 |
Conclusion
Choosing the best motherboard for i5-12600k can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Consider your budget and needs when choosing a motherboard. Whether you're looking for a high-end or mid-range motherboard, our top picks have got you covered.Conclusion: The Best Motherboard for i5-12600K
If you are looking for a powerful and reliable motherboard for your i5-12600K processor, there are a lot of options available on the market. However, not all motherboards are created equal, and choosing the right one can make or break your PC’s performance. After extensive research and testing, we have concluded that the ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero is the best motherboard for i5-12600K.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero is a high-end gaming motherboard that offers exceptional performance and features. It comes with an Intel Z690 chipset and supports DDR5 memory, which provides faster data transfer rates and lower latency than DDR4 memory. The motherboard also has a robust VRM design that delivers stable power to the CPU, allowing it to run at maximum speeds without any hiccups.
Another great feature of the ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero is its excellent connectivity options. The motherboard has multiple USB ports, including Type-A and Type-C ports, as well as Thunderbolt 4 support. It also has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6E, which ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity. Additionally, the motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 5.0 SSDs, which offer lightning-fast read and write speeds.
If you are into gaming, the ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero has a lot to offer. It comes with ASUS Aura Sync technology, which allows you to synchronize RGB lighting across multiple devices. The motherboard also has SupremeFX audio technology, which delivers immersive and crystal-clear sound quality. Moreover, the motherboard has an AI-powered noise-canceling microphone that filters out background noise, making your voice sound clearer during online gaming sessions.
Another great motherboard for i5-12600K is the Gigabyte AORUS Master. It comes with an Intel Z690 chipset and supports DDR5 memory, like the ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero. The motherboard also has a robust VRM design that delivers stable power to the CPU, allowing it to run at maximum speeds. Additionally, the motherboard has excellent connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 support and Wi-Fi 6E.
The Gigabyte AORUS Master is also a great choice for gamers. It has RGB Fusion 2.0 technology, which allows you to customize RGB lighting across multiple devices. The motherboard also has ALC1220-VB audio technology, which delivers high-quality audio performance. Moreover, the motherboard has an ESS Sabre Hi-Fi 9218 DAC, which provides superior sound quality for headphones and speakers.
ASRock is another brand that offers great motherboards for i5-12600K. The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a high-end motherboard that comes with an Intel Z690 chipset and supports DDR5 memory. The motherboard also has a robust VRM design that delivers stable power to the CPU, allowing it to run at maximum speeds. Additionally, the motherboard has excellent connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 support and Wi-Fi 6E.
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is also a great motherboard for gamers. It has Polychrome SYNC RGB lighting, which allows you to customize RGB lighting across multiple devices. The motherboard also has an ALC1220 audio codec, which delivers high-quality audio performance. Moreover, the motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 5.0 SSDs, providing lightning-fast read and write speeds.
In conclusion, choosing the right motherboard for i5-12600K is crucial for your PC’s performance. The ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero, Gigabyte AORUS Master, and ASRock Z690 Taichi are all excellent choices that offer exceptional performance and features. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Make sure to do your research and choose a motherboard that suits your requirements.
People Also Ask About Best Motherboard for i5-12600K
What should I look for in a motherboard for i5-12600K?
When looking for a motherboard for i5-12600K, you should consider the following:
- Socket compatibility: The motherboard should be compatible with LGA 1700 socket.
- Chipset: It should have the latest chipset Z690 for optimal performance and features.
- Memory support: The motherboard should support DDR5 memory for faster data transfer rates.
- Expansion slots: Look for a motherboard that has enough PCIe slots for your needs, as well as M.2 slots for fast NVMe storage.
- Connectivity: The motherboard should have multiple USB ports, Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for seamless connectivity.
What is the best motherboard for i5-12600K?
The best motherboard for i5-12600K depends on your needs and budget. However, some of the top options are:
- ASUS ROG Maximus XIV Hero: This high-end motherboard has all the features a gamer or power user would need, including Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, and advanced cooling solutions.
- Gigabyte AORUS Master: Another high-end option that offers excellent overclocking capabilities, robust power delivery, and plenty of expansion options.
- MSI MPG B560 GAMING EDGE WIFI: A more affordable option that still packs a punch with its Wi-Fi 6, M.2 slots, and PCIe 4.0 support.
- ASRock Z690 Steel Legend: A well-rounded motherboard that offers a good balance of features and value, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and Intel 2.5G LAN.
Do I need an expensive motherboard for i5-12600K?
Not necessarily. While high-end motherboards offer more features and better overclocking potential, they may not be necessary for everyone. It ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you're a gamer or content creator who needs the best performance and features, investing in a high-end motherboard may be worth it. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need all the bells and whistles, a more affordable motherboard can still provide adequate performance and functionality.