Introduction
Intel and AMD’s latest range of processors have been on the market for a while now, and the blue brand are currently one step ahead of the competition in our opinion. The 13th generation of Intel CPUs are the best option for consumers right now thanks to their solid performance and great value for money.
The mid-range Raptor Lake CPUs in particular offer an incredible price-to-performance ratio, with the Core i5 13500 being a great example. But buying a new CPU means you need a motherboard that can support it in full force.
In this buyers guide, we’ll be listing the best motherboards to pair up with the Intel Core i5 13500, and in typical GeekaWhat fashion, we’ll provide a rundown of what you need to know when choosing a motherboard.
Suggested Article: Best Motherboards to Buy for Intel Core i5 13400
Our Recommendations
Now that we’ve discussed the key details to look out for when browsing for a motherboard, it’s time to break down our picks to pair with the i5 13500 specifically. Using the knowledge acquired, we’ve included a variety of designs with different features, form factors, and price points.
1. ASUS TUF Gaming H770-Pro WiFi
👑 The best high-end motherboard for i5 13500.
Introduction
Starting off with one of the most luxurious options in this roundup, we have the ASUS TUF Gaming H770-Pro WiFi. We’ve featured this design in previous buyers guides as it is an relatively affordable motherboard that is guaranteed to last for a years to come. On top of this, it features the industrial inspired aesthetic that appears on all ASUS TUF Gaming motherboards, which will look great inside of most gaming PCs.
This motherboard also has the connectivity and performance to match the strong design. As the only option on this list to support 128GB of DDR5 memory, the H770-Pro WiFi is the best choice for those wanting the higher speeds whilst gaming. And with PCI-E 5.0×16 slot for graphics cards and four PCI-E 4.0×4 slots for M.2 storage, this motherboard is ideal for those wanting the best performance possible from their mid-range system for years to come.
As for the rear IO, the H770-Plus WiFi is packed with high-speed USB 3.2 ports, including a USB-C port for high-end gaming peripherals. In addition, there is a choice between 2.5 Gb LAN or WiFi 6E for networking, allowing you to remove the need to connect an Ethernet cable- if that bothers you.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS TUF Gaming H770-Pro WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 4x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
High performance capabilities: Thanks to the more powerful H770 chipset, this motherboard can support a wider range of high quality components such as DDR5 memory and PCI-E 5.0. As a result, this motherboard is a great choice for mid-range gamers looking for better performance than what is typically available on B760 chipsets. Also, the greater performance capacity makes this is option a good investment which will provide some support for next-gen GPUs.
Strong connectivity: Adding to the improved performance and futureproofing capabilities, this motherboard includes a range of high-speed USB ports on the rear IO, which vastly enhances the connectivity. With all the ports being USB 3.2 options, gamers will be able to connect multiple gaming peripherals at once without having to sacrifice performance too much.
Things We Don’t Like
Additional costs: Unfortunately, these improvements to the performance comes with an increased cost that will be out of reach for a lot of consumers picking up an i5 13500 for their build. Because of this, those on a strict budget should consider some of the other options in this roundup.
Requires expensive components: On a similar note, this motherboard needs more powerful components in order to achieve the boosts in performance, which will increase the overall price of a gaming PC. Whilst it is possible to connect less powerful components to this board, other options will be a better fit and result in a much cheaper build.
Summary
Mid-range gamers wanting the best performance possible will benefit from adding the ASUS TUF Gaming H770-Pro WiFi into their gaming PC. Featuring a more powerful H770 chipset, this board is able to support more powerful components such as DDR5 memory and PCI-E 5.0 GPUs, resulting in greater performance and upgradeability. On top of this, the industrial TUF Gaming design will look great in most builds. If you are willing to pay the extra funds, this board is a great choice for mid-range gaming.
Pros
- PCI-E 5.0 support
- Great for futureproofing
- Unique industrial appearance
Cons
- Expensive for budget builds
- May require additional upgrades
Buy the ASUS TUF Gaming H770-Pro WiFi on:
2. MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4
👑 The best value motherboard for i5 13500.
Introduction
If the previous motherboard is slightly out of your price range, or you just want to stick with DDR4 memory, then the MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4 is a better bet. With a B760 chipset, this design has slightly less advanced performance and features, but it is still capable of providing plenty of connectivity for mid-range gaming systems. The appearance is also toned down on the Pro B760-P to create a sleek and sophisticated look that is more suitable for workstations, but will look good in a gaming-based build as well.
When it comes to performance, this motherboard offers a solid 128GB of DDR4 memory, along with two PCI-E 4.0 slots for graphics cards and two PCI-E 4.0 slots for storage. This means the Pro B760-P will easily support current mid-range GPUs, with some room for future upgrades to graphics and storage.
In terms of connectivity, the rear IO includes a range of USB ports for gaming peripherals, including a single USB-C connection. And as the name for this design suggests, the MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4 does in fact include WiFi. Whilst the inclusion of a WiFi 6E module is not the main reason to pick up a motherboard, it’s always a nice feature to have in order to get rid of those dreaded cables.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Versatile connectivity: This motherboard is a great option for those wanting a current-gen system that will be able to house a range of components, with some room for upgrades. With support for multiple PCI-E 4.0 GPUs and M.2 SSDs, as well as support for 128GB DDR4 memory, this motherboard supports modern components whilst keeping the prices fairly low.
WiFi 6E module: One feature that becomes a lucky dip as to whether it will be included on a B760 motherboard is WiFi 6E, as lots of manufacturers tend to exclude wireless networking to reduce costs. Luckily, MSI included a WiFi 6E module on this motherboard’s rear IO, offering easy and cable-free access to online gaming.
Things We Don’t Like
No PCI-E 5.0 support: The wide range of connections on this motherboard offer plenty of upgradeability for i5 13500 users. However, the longevity is limited due to the lack of PCI-E 5.0 support, which means this design won’t be able to fully support next-generation graphics cards and storage solutions.
Lack of a rear IO shield: The overall aesthetic of this motherboard looks very smart thanks to the wide range of heatsinks with a sleek black and silver look. However, the weak spot is the lack of an integrated IO shield, as this makes ports more susceptible to damage. What makes this missing feature more bizarre is that the rear IO is slightly covered by an extended heatsink, which makes us question why MSI didn’t go one step further for this design.
Summary
Overall, the MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4 is a versatile motherboard that is equipped all the features needed to support current gaming system at a reasonable price. In addition, the professional look on this board makes it a great choice for stealthier builds and workstations. Whilst there are some minor setbacks such as a lack of PCI-E 5.0 support and the absence of an integrated IO shield, the Pro B760-P is an affordable option worth considering.
Pros
- Sophisticated design
- Well-rounded connectivity
- WiFi 6E module included
Cons
- Lacking PCI-E 5.0
- No rear IO shield
Buy the MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4 on:
3. Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX DDR4
👑 The best budget motherboard for i5 13500.
Introduction
For those looking for a motherboard that offers good value for money, then it’s worth taking a look at the Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX DDR4. Despite being a fairly affordable B760 design, this motherboard has a distinct black and grey look that includes plenty of heatsinks for improved thermal regulation. This is a great option if you don’t want to pay a premium or sacrifice connectivity features for a design that will make the internals of you PC stand out.
The performance on the B760 Gaming X AX is pretty strong too, providing enough power to support all the latest components. With the ability to hold 128GB of DDR4 memory, a PCI-E 4.0 expansion slot, and two additional PCI-E x16 slots for secondary graphics cards, this board has plenty of upgrade potential. However, the three PCI-E 4.0 slots for the ultra-fast M.2 SSDs is the highlight, as this lets you to install enough storage to hold a wide range of games.
Moving onto the rear IO, and the B760 Gaming X AX includes enough variety to satisfy the needs of most gamers. Whilst the majority of the ports are USB 2.0 and this board doesn’t include a USB-C port, the IO features USB 3.2 ports for improved speed when hooking up a mouse or keyboard. Also, this motherboard lets you choose between 2.5GB LAN or WiFi 6E for reliable internet connectivity.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 4.0, 2x PCI-E 3.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 3x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 5x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Lots of M.2 storage: Any gamers with a ridiculous pile of games in their backlog will be more than happy to hear that this motherboard comes with three PCI-E 4.0 x4 slots. This allows gamers to install multiple top-tier M.2 SSDs, which removes the need to move games around in order to achieve optimal performance.
WiFi 6E module: Generally speaking, the rear IO on this motherboard is fairly weak compared to a lot of other options on this list. However, the networking options are strong due to the inclusion of a WiFi 6E module. These multiple connection options result in a more reliable internet connection, meaning gamers should have less problems when playing online multiplayer titles.
Things We Don’t Like
Use of PCI-E 3.0: Whilst sticking to PCI-E 4.0 is an understandable restriction for a budget motherboard, a heavy reliance on the outdated PCI-E 3.0 is a less forgiving cost-cutting strategy. Though this board does contain a PCI-E 4.0 slots that can hold a current-gen GPU, additional cards will be limited to the much weaker PCI-E 3.0. This won’t be an issue for most gamers as doubling up on GPUs is fairly uncommon, but those wanting the option to do so should look elsewhere.
Lack of USB-C ports: Perhaps the biggest disappointment for this particular motherboard is the rear IO. The connections are padded with a lot of USB 2.0 ports, which will limit the speeds and performance of a lot of high-end gaming peripherals. Plus, the lack of USB-C restricts a lot of the latest devices to connecting via a USB front header, which are more complicated to install and requires a PC case that includes a USB-C port.
Summary
The Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX DDR4 is an affordable design that will be a suitable choice for most budget builders. The black and grey combination offers a distinct look that will fit nicely into the majority of gaming PCs, and the abundance of heatsinks helps to keep components cool and well protected. However, the limited performance capabilities and lack of premium connection options such as USB-C makes it less ideal for i5 13500 users building a mid-range system.
Pros
- Great black & grey aesthetic
- Lots of M.2 storage
- WiFi 6E module
Cons
- Lack of PCI-E 5.0 support
- No USB-C on the rear IO
Buy the Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX DDR4 on:
4. MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi DDR4
👑 The best compact motherboard for i5 13500.
Introduction
Whilst the other motherboards on this list are solid choices, they might not be suitable for all PC builds due to their ATX form factor. If size matters to you, then a micro-ATX design like the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi DDR4 could be a better fit for your build. And thanks to the silver heatsinks and IO shield, this motherboard is a great option to slot into a white-themed PC build.
Despite the more compact nature of this board, the B760M Mortar still provides plenty of performance and connectivity benefits for a i5 13500 user. For example, this motherboard maintains the standard 128GB DDR4 memory support, as well as a PCI-E 5.0 slot that will be able to handle future GPU releases. Plus, the inclusion of two PCI-E 4.0 slots for storage offers plenty of space for high-speeds SSDs that will hold all of your favourite titles.
The rear IO continues to offer surprises, with a variety of ports to connect up a range of peripherals and accessories. Along with a single USB-C port, the B760M Mortar includes a whopping seven USB ports. In addition, the rear IO includes both 2.5GB LAN and WiFi 6E options, offering some flexibility when connecting to the internet. If you’re looking for a compact motherboard that makes the most of its limited size, then you can’t go wrong with this design.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Compact design: Though an ATX form factor is usually considered the standard layout for motherboards, micro-ATX boards are a great option for those wanting a smaller PC build without having to sacrifice too much performance or connectivity. Lots of micro-ATX designs like this one contain features that rival their larger ATX alternatives, making them more than capable of supplying budget gamers with everything they need within their gaming PC.
PCI-E 5.0 GPU slot: Despite the smaller form factor, this motherboard includes a lot of features that some of the ATX motherboards on this list fail to deliver. The best example of this is the PCI-E 5.0 slot that will be able to support the full performance potential of PCI-E 5.0 graphics cards when they release. This extends the longevity of this design by at least of a few years when compared to motherboards limited to PCI-E 4.0.
Things We Don’t Like
Pricey option: This compact design does not hold this design back in any way, but these enhancements come with an increased price tag. Whilst the price difference between this design and the other option in this roundup isn’t too drastic, it is enough to eat into the budget for other components and peripherals.
Limited design compatibility: Gamers building a system from scratch won’t be affected by this motherboard’s unique design, as they can just pick up components that coincide with. However, those upgrading pre-existing systems may struggle to slot this motherboard into their builds. Not only will the micro-ATX board look out of place in larger PC cases, but the silver heatsinks are intended for less conventional white-themed PC builds.
Summary
The MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi DDR4 is a micro-ATX motherboard that has more than enough power to compete with the larger ATX motherboards with a B760 chipset. As one of the best compact B760 offerings on the market, this motherboard provides strong performance and connectivity all-round, with the PCI-E 5.0 GPU slot being the highlight inclusion that adds some upgradeability for budget and mid-range gamers. Whilst the design choices won’t be to everyone’s liking, it will be very beneficial for those gamers in which this design ticks all of the boxes.
Pros
- Impressive compact design
- PCI-E 5.0 support
- Great for white-themed builds
Cons
- Expensive for a compact board
- Limited storage options
Buy the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi DDR4 on:
5. ASUS Prime B760M-A D4
👑 The cheapest motherboard for i5 13500.
Introduction
To round off our list, we have the ASUS Prime B760M-A D4, a micro-ATX design that will save you both space and money when putting together your budget gaming PC. The stripped-back aesthetic is a reflection of the overall design, as this motherboard only includes what is deemed necessary in order to cut back on costs. However, the few silver heatsinks that are included provide a subtle bump to both looks and thermals.
The performance and connectivity on this board also takes a minimalist approach which will provide the essentials for a modern gaming PC. The Prime B760M-A D4 features 128GB DDR4 of memory, along with a total of four PCI-E 4.0 slots for graphics cards and M.2 storage. Whilst this won’t offer the best performance possible and may struggle with upgrades, it will be enough to run a budget build filled with the latest components.
As for the rear IO, the deign does not come with an integrated shield and excludes some connectivity features to keep the price down further. Equipped with two high-speed USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports, this board offers plenty of ports to connect gaming peripherals and external devices. Plus, the 2.5Gb Ethernet port on the Prime B760M-A D4 offers stable internet connection for online gaming.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS Prime B760M-A D4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN |
Things We Like
Cheap design: As one of the cheapest B760 motherboards on the market, this design is a solid option for gamers on a strict budget. Though the lower price point limits the upgradeability, the Prime B760M-A D4 offers enough features to support most budget systems, with some room for additional storage and memory.
Micro-ATX form factor: In a similar fashion to the previous entry on this list, this motherboard’s compact layout is perfect for reducing the amount of space a gaming PC takes up on or under a desk. This is ideal for budget systems in particular, as the reduced size will have less of an impact on the features included in the motherboard’s design.
Things We Don’t Like
Barebones aesthetic: In order to reach the cheaper price point, this motherboard puts a focus on performance features, leaving the design choices to be fairly limited. This results in a barebones aesthetic that is less visually appealing than most designs on the market, as well as concerns about heat dissipation and potential damage.
Limited connectivity: Along with the lack of aesthetics, the connectivity options on this motherboard are very restricted compared to other B760 options. The rear IO mainly consists of USB 2.0 ports, and lacks a USB-C port and WiFi 6E module, making it less versatile than most motherboards designed specifically for Intel 13th-Gen CPUs.
Summary
As one of the cheapest B760 motherboards available, the ASUS Prime B760M-A D4 is an ideal choice for those i5 13500 users looking to save some cash for other components. This micro-ATX design has enough performance and connectivity to support most budget gaming PCs, the smaller size makes it easier for gamers to save money on other components too. Unfortunately, the lower pricing comes with a few setbacks, such as a lack or USB-C and WiFi 6E connections on the rear IO.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Great for white PC builds
- Compact form factor
Cons
- Limited rear IO connectivity
- No WiFi 6E module
- Lack of USB-C on rear IO
Buy the ASUS Prime B760M-A D4 on:
Intel Chipset Differences
Before diving into the best picks for the i5 13500, it’s useful to know which motherboards are an ideal choice to accompany this CPU. This will help you to avoid wasting money on a motherboard that doesn’t support your processor, or just a design that is a bit overkill in comparison. The best way to stop such a blunder is to understand the differences in chipsets, along with the features you can expect from each variant.
For Intel 13th-Gen processors, the compatible motherboards contain three types of chipsets, which are separated into ‘B’, ‘H’, and ‘Z’ categories. Chipsets in the ‘Z’ category are high-end options with lots of features, whilst ‘B’ series chipsets are budget-oriented designs with a reduced amount of features. The numbers that follow these letters indicate the generation and a rough estimate of the amount of features included. For example, a Z790 motherboard is a high-end 7th generation design with a vast amount of features.
Due to the Core i5 13500 being a mid-range CPU that has reduced performance capabilities, we would suggest sticking to motherboards featuring a B760 or H770 chipset. These designs will have enough power delivery and connectivity features to support the CPU of choice, whilst being available at an affordable price point.
Motherboard Compatibility
Whilst B760 and H770 motherboards are the ideal choice for a mid-range processor like the i5 13500, there are a wide range of chipsets that are compatible with the latest generation of Intel CPUs. To maximise the user experience and purchasing options, 13th-Gen CPUs can be paired up with both the latest and previous generation of motherboards, widening the range of possible CPU and motherboard combinations.
This will be good news to PC gaming enthusiasts upgrading from the previous generation, as this will allow them to stick to a previous motherboard in order to cut down the cost of their new build. New builders could also benefit from this cross-compatibility and pick up any previous-gen motherboards that are available for a reduced price. For further clarification on the compatible chipsets, see the table below.
| Motherboard Chipset | Intel 12th-Gen CPUs | Intel-Gen 13th-Gen CPUs |
|---|---|---|
| Z790 | ✅ | ✅ |
| B760 | ✅ | ✅ |
| H770 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Z690 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| B660 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| H670 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| H610 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| Z590 | ❌ | ❌ |
| B560 | ❌ | ❌ |
| H570 | ❌ | ❌ |
| H510 | ❌ | ❌ |
Why You Can Trust Us
Before getting into the particulars of each recommendation, we want to provide an explanation as to why you can trust our thoughts. Our team of PC hardware experts and gaming enthusiasts spend time each day testing products in a range of gaming and general day-to-day applications. Because of this, we’ve built up a large catalogue of products that we would recommend to gamers, along with extensive knowledge on the key features to look out for. You can learn more over on the About Us section, where you’ll find more about the GeekaWhat team members, as well as our editorial promise.
How We Picked the Best Motherboards for Intel Core i5 13500
We’re lucky enough to have a range of motherboards make their way to GeekaWhat HQ in order to use them in PC builds and other forms of content. During this time, our mission is to acquire as much information about each motherboard, by putting them through a multitude of procedures that will test the performance and usability.
As soon as we’re happy the information gathered, we determine whether the motherboard would be a good fit for the average PC build. From here, we relay the final verdict to our audience through YouTube videos or written articles such as reviews and buyers guides like this one. As part of these discussions, we provide insight into our experiences on particular motherboards, along with suggestions on which gamers would reap the rewards when adding that product to their gaming setup.
During motherboard reviews specifically, the main factors taken into consideration are connectivity, compatibility, performance, and design choices. After evaluating the key factors and anything else that may pop up in testing, we summarise our experiences to provide consumers with a solid understanding of how it might impact their gaming experience if they decided to pick one that particular motherboard.
For more details on our testing methods, take a look at some of our reviews for B760 motherboards below:
| Brand + Chipset | Review Link |
|---|---|
| ASUS ROG B760-G | ASUS ROG STRIX B760-G Gaming WiFi D4 Review |
| ASUS ROG B760-A | ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Review |
| MSI MAG B760 | MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WiFi DDR4 Review |
| ASUS TUF B760 | ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi D4 Review |
Conclusion
After considering all of the strengths and weaknesses of the motherboards featured in this roundup, our pick for the best motherboard to pair up with the Core i5 13500 is the MSI Pro B760-P WiFi DDR4. This motherboard offers a solid blend of performance and connectivity for budget and mid-range gamers at a very reasonable price point. Plus, the sophisticated design will look good in both gaming and productivity-based builds.
However, the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi DDR4 is a great alternative for those wanting to build a compact system that packs a punch, or want a look that is more suitable for a white-themed build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i5 1500 worth it?
Intel’s Core i5 13500 is a quality mid-range processor that offers great price to performance for budget and mid-range gamers specifically. For anyone looking to build a 1440p or 1080p gaming PC, this processor is definitely worth considering.
Is the i5 13500 good for gaming?
As a 13th-Gen i5 processor, the 13500 can run all the latest titles at 1080p pretty comfortably and is capable of smooth 1440p performance in a variety of different games too.
What motherboard chipset is best for the i5 13500?
For budget and mid-range gamers, the best motherboard to pair up with the i5 13500 is one with a B760 chipset. However, those wanting more performance and connectivity, a H770 motherboard is also worth considering.
How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i5 13500?
Any gamers picking up an i5 processor should keep the price of the motherboard fairly low to allow for more of the budget to be put towards other components. Because of this, we suggest sticking to a $250 limit for a motherboard to pair with this CPU.
