Intel Core i5-9400F is a 9th-generation (Coffee Lake Refresh) 6-core processor for the LGA1151 socket; the best-value motherboards for it use Intel 300-series chipsets (H310, B360, H370, Z390). It runs at 2.9 GHz base and up to 4.1 GHz turbo, supports DDR4-2666 and PCIe 3.0, so platform requirements are modest.
The Intel Core i5-9400F is a mid-range processor, and as an F-series processor, it does not include an integrated GPU (iGPU). As for the motherboard, the Core i5-9400F pairs with LGA1151 Intel 300-series boards. The B360 offers the best value, H370 adds I/O, and Z390 expands features. Note that CPU overclocking is not supported on the i5-9400F. Therefore, a Z390 motherboard does not enable CPU overclocking but can add more USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, support multi-NVMe layouts, and provide stronger VRMs. Confirm BIOS support for 9th-gen CPUs on 300-series boards, especially units shipped before 2019.
ASRock B365M-HDV
ASRock B365M-HDV is compatible with the Intel Core i5-9400F (LGA1151 v2, B365 chipset). It comes with an entry-level VRM suitable for a 65W 6-core CPU, and a micro-ATX build focused on budget stability. The Full Spike Protection of this motherboard helps safeguard against transient voltage events. ASRock A-Tuning offers fan-curve control and system monitoring.
This motherboard also features Gigabit LAN to provide a consistent network experience for users. In addition, it offers 7.1-channel audio with the help of ELNA Audio Caps. The audio caps help lower noise levels for cleaner output. ASRock B365M-HDV uses a multi-layered PCB that improves signal integrity and reduces EMI. It has a Sapphire Black PCB and high-density glass-fabric layers for moisture resistance.
ASRock B365M-HDV also houses an M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA) and SATA 6 Gb/s ports to deliver up to ~3.5 GB/s (NVMe) and ~550 MB/s (SATA). Moreover, there are 3 video outputs (HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub) usable only with a CPU that has integrated graphics; the i5-9400F lacks an iGPU. This motherboard incorporates Optane™ memory acceleration to speed up storage-bound app/load times.
MSI Z390-A PRO
MSI Z390-A PRO is a mid-range Z390 ATX motherboard for Intel LGA1151 (v2) Coffee Lake-Refresh CPUs like the Core i5-9400F (65 W) that is equipped with solid build features, adequate cooling for a 65 W CPU, and power delivery suitable for a locked 6-core. It is designed to deliver stable performance with XMP memory support (no CPU overclocking on i5-9400F). Plus this motherboard is very DIY friendly so it offers clearly labeled USB and SATA locations for easier cable routing. It also comes with MSI’s Audio Boost (Realtek 7.1-channel codec) and audio jacks to provide baseline gaming audio.
This motherboard features an extended VRM heatsink design that improves MOSFET thermals (not “maximum” cooling). It has multiple PWM/DC fan headers, high-quality heatsinks, and a dedicated water pump pin header to keep the PC cool. Also, MSI Z390-A PRO gives you granular control of fan and water pumps via BIOS and MSI software so you can manage the temperature of your PC. In addition, this motherboard has an M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4) rated up to 32 Gb/s to optimize NVMe SSD performance. The primary PCIe x16 slot has Steel Armor reinforcement to reduce slot shear from heavy GPUs.
MSI Z390-A PRO provides a reliable 1 GbE network with the help of its premium networking features. It has a built-in Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN that delivers standard wired throughput for smooth output delivery. The core boost and DDR4 boost also further improve power delivery stability and memory signal integrity (not redundancy) Note: the Core i5-9400F lacks an iGPU, so the motherboard’s display outputs are inactive; a discrete GPU is required.
Gigabyte B365M DS3H
Gigabyte B365M DS3H features a mainstream B365 chipset and Hybrid Digital PWM power delivery to support the Intel Core i5-9400F (65W) at stock. This motherboard has an anti-sulfur design that protects the components from corrosion damage. Plus it offers RGB/ARGB headers (no onboard strips), controllable in 16.7 million colors, so you can design your PC aesthetics. There is also RGB Fusion software that syncs RGB-compatible devices.
The hybrid PWM design (Hybrid Digital PWM) enables Gigabyte B365M DS3H to power the PC efficiently. This motherboard also provides Realtek-based audio with the help of audio capacitors and an audio noise guard. Moreover, ray tracing depends on the graphics card; the motherboard does not add ray-tracing features. There is also a single PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 socket that can transfer bandwidth at the speed of ~32 Gb/s (NVMe).
Furthermore, the Gigabyte B365M DS3H comes with a practical cooling system that keeps the PC cool while the processor runs at full speed. It has multiple onboard temperature sensors, 3 fan headers, and advanced Smart Fan 5 technology that will allow you to customize PC cooling. There is also a Fan Stop option that can be used to stop the fan completely if needed to reduce the noise.
ASROCK MB B365 PRO4
ASRock B365 Pro4 is a compatible motherboard for the Intel Core i5-9400F as it does not support CPU overclocking (B365/9400F are locked; supports Intel Turbo Boost only). Plus this motherboard offers a clean, understated aesthetic and a reinforced PCB. The ASRock Full Spike Protection helps protect the sensitive components from voltage spikes and power surges ; avoid absolute claims about fluctuating current. There are also 1 RGB LED header (12V, 4-pin) and 1 addressable RGB header (5V, 3-pin) to control system lighting.
In addition, ASRock B365 Pro4 offers Intel Gigabit LAN (1 GbE). It also comes with Hybrid Digi Power that provides regulated power delivery to the PC components. Along with this, this motherboard houses 6 × SATA3, up to 8 × USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps), and 2 × M.2 (one PCIe 3.0 x4, one SATA/PCIe) to provide clear, enumerated connectivity and convenient DIY options. The system also uses aluminum heatsinks on the VRM and chipset (no dedicated M.2 heatsink on board) that help dissipate heat.
This motherboard features a Sapphire Black PCB color and High Density Glass Fabric PCB construction that helps with moisture resistance and electrical stability. ASRock B365 Pro4 also has Intel Optane Memory support for storage caching (accelerates drives; not system RAM).
ASRock B365 Phantom Gaming 4
It fully supports the Intel Core i5-9400F (LGA1151, 65W). Equipped with a matte-black, high-density glass-fabric PCB designed to reduce humidity-induced shorting, this motherboard focuses on reliability. ASRock B365 Phantom Gaming 4 also includes onboard RGB headers and addressable-RGB headers along with Polychrome RGB to sync RGB LED devices.
ASRock B365 Phantom Gaming 4 comes with Intel Gigabit LAN to offer users reliable networking. It also has troubleshooting indicators like POST Status Checker (CPU/DRAM/VGA/BOOT LEDs) that help identify issues (diagnostic only; does not “eradicate” faults). Plus this motherboard uses 50A chokes and 12K-hour Nichicon black capacitors to help stabilize Vcore.
Moreover, ASRock B365 Phantom Gaming 4 can operate with VR when paired with a discrete GPU. An aluminum-alloy chipset heatsink helps dissipate heat to manage the temperature of the system. It also comes with 2× PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x16/x4), 6× SATA 6 Gb/s, USB 3.1 Gen2/Gen1 ports, and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots to provide modern connectivity. Along with this, it has graphics ports such as HDMI (usable only with CPUs that have integrated graphics; the i5-9400F requires a discrete GPU) to offer video output.
