Choose between Z370 and Z390 based on your requirements.
Choose between Z370 and Z390 based on your requirements.
Hi! For your i9 9900k, you’ll want a motherboard that supports its high performance. Between the MSI Z390-A PRO and the ASRock Fatal1ty Z370, the ASRock model is more likely to offer better compatibility and features for that CPU. Both are solid choices, but the ASRock Z370 tends to have more robust overclocking support.
I wanted to understand why the VRM cooling on the MSI Z390-A PRO board feels weaker than on the ASRock Z370. It’s making me worried.
Cooling methods may vary, but the VRM design differs significantly across most Z390 boards. I'm searching for the previous benchmark numbers you remember, but I keep finding outdated data. I'm considering using a used 9900K with my Z370, yet every time I check benchmarks, performance remains poor on typical Z370 configurations.
Others have mentioned their 9900K at 5GHz performed well on the Z370, though that required advanced overclocking of the board. For a more common Z370 model, I wouldn’t recommend it. I’ve struggled to find the benchmark data I was looking for before. That’s pretty typical.
I plan to use 3M thermally conductive adhesive transfer tape, applying a small amount across the rest of the VRM to ensure it stays cool.