The latest Intel i9-9900K processor is here, at last, bringing with it, Intel’s first consumer level 8-core 16-thread CPU. Of course, it also delivers blazing fast cores that boost to 5 GHz and even beyond that with overclocking. While the new CPUs do work on the existing Z370 motherboards with BIOS update, why invest in Z390? It seems these motherboards are a simple refresh but tweaked to enhance what the new CPUs have to offer. Better build quality, improved BIOS, power delivery, Intel Managment Engine, etc. These little tweaks should add up to better performance and connectivity to take full advantage of the CPUs.

Features
The Master from Aorus is easily one of their best-equipped motherboards to date, short of their extreme X299 motherboards. It features support for both 8th and 9th Gen CPUs, although that’s true of all Z390 motherboards. With 12 phases RI Digital VRM and PowIRstage, as well as 2 x 8 Pin CPU connectors, which should allow us to drive the big power levels the new i9 demands. On top of that, you’ve got superb networking and connectivity options, high-performance audio, RGB lighting and all the other modern luxuries we’ve come to expect. We know what we’re in for, it’s Z370 beefed up a wee bit, so let’s throw it on the bench and see what it can do!