Intel Motherboards Guides - Tech4Gamers

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Z890 Motherboard

What We Liked

Can withstand decent OC settings, Plethora of I/O ports, Stealthy design

What We Disliked

Relatively high VRM thermals

Form Factor

ATX

Power Delivery

16+1+1+1

Memory

DDR5 9200+ (OC)

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite

Looks

Award

Best High-End Z890 Motherboard

What We Liked

High-end 20+1+2+1+1 VRM design, Exceptional overclocking potential, Has six M.2 storage slots

What We Disliked

No EZ PCIe Release

Form Factor

ATX

Power Delivery

20+1+2+1+1

Memory

DDR5 9600+ (OC)

USB Ports

12x Rear, 9x Front

Storage

6x M.2, 4x SATA3

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi

Looks

Award

Best White Z890 Motherboard

What We Liked

Striking white-themed aesthetics, Great value, Excellent power delivery solution

What We Disliked

No Debug Code Panel

Form Factor

ATX

Power Delivery

18+1+1+1+1

Memory

DDR5 9466+ (OC)

USB Ports

10x Rear, 9x Front

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA3

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

MSI MEG Z890 ACE

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Z890 Motherboard

What We Liked

Has a 10G LAN port, 24x USB ports, Best-in-class VRM for OC

What We Disliked

Price

Form Factor

ATX

Power Delivery

24+2+1+1

Memory

DDR5 9200+ (OC)

USB Ports

15x Rear, 9x Front

Storage

5x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASRock Z890 Pro-A

Looks

Award

Best Budget Z890 Motherboard

What We Liked

Good value, Great performance for the price, Decent VRM thermals

What We Disliked

No WiFi & Bluetooth

Form Factor

ATX

Power Delivery

16+1+1+1+1

Memory

DDR5 9066+ (OC)

USB Ports

9x Rear, 9x Front

Storage

4x M.2, 4x SATA3

RGB

Amazon

Newegg

Read Our MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi Review

Review

Best Z890 Motherboards

To get started with the individual recommendation, these are the categories and names of the motherboards that I have chosen based on personal testing and several other feature sets of each motherboard:

Best Overall: MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi
Best White: ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi
Best High-End: ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite
Best Overclocking: MSI MEG Z890 ACE
Best Budget: ASRock Z890 Pro-A

MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi

Best Overall Z890 Motherboard

MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

The VRM config is solid
Can withstand decent OC settings
Plethora of I/O ports
Stealthy design
EZ NVMe & PCIe release mechanism
Good thermal solution

Cons

Relatively high VRM thermals

Check Price

Going in with the MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi, you can expect a terrific experience overall. The motherboard offers a robust 16+1+1+1 VRM solution that can help you overlock Intel’s Core Ultra series processors and RAM. Not to mention, the board is built with high-quality 6-layered PCB and comes with useful features such as the MSI AI LAN manager support to assist those who play online as it auto-tunes the network settings to lower latency.

Besides that, I liked the I/O on this motherboard too, you get a total of 17x USB ports for your use, two of which are Thunderbolt4 ports that can accommodate up to 3x Thunderbolt4 simultaneously in each port. What’s more, is that the motherboard also features an EZ DIY design for both the M.2 and the graphics card slot. However, the motherboard only offers a single Gen5 M.2 slot, and the rest of the three M.2 slots are Gen4.

Here’s how I summarized the MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi in my dedicated review:

The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is a $299 motherboard packed with the latest I/O and EZ-DIY features. It has a fairly basic (almost) all-black design with silver accents and yellow-green colors to represent the board’s branding. For VRMs, the board’s 16+1+1+1 (16A 90A duet stages for the board), which is enough for Intel’s 15th gen chips, even if you want to overclock a bit.

✅Buy It If

You want a complete on a budget: If you’re after an all-rounder motherboard, that offers good enough overclocking, plenty of connectivity options, as well as an EZ DIY mechanism. Then I highly suggest you pick this Z890 Tomahawk.

You’re in for a solid I/O: If you prefer to have a lot of high-speed I/O ports, then this Z890 Tomahawk is one of those that would fill your needs.

You want a decent networking experience: The Z890 Tomahawk is equipped with MSI AI LAN feature, which automatically adjusts and connects you with the best network routes for a great online gaming experience.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want maximum overclocking: While the 16-phase VRM structure is decent for the flagship Core Ultra 9 285K, I wouldn’t recommend this board if you want extreme OC potential.

What Makes It The Best Overall Z890 Motherboard?

It has an impressive VRM configuration coupled with a great thermal solution and a plethora of solid I/O, decent looks, and exclusive features such as the MSI LAN manager, WiFi 7, and BT 5.4. I can safely say that the Z890 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is the best overall Z890 motherboard.

Performance: 9/10	Value: 8.5/10
Features: 9.5/10	Design: 9/10

ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite

Best High-End Z890 Motherboard

ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

High-end 20+1+2+1+1 VRM design
Exceptional overclocking potential
Has six M.2 storage slots
Sturdy 8-layer PCB
Thoughtful design with RGB

Cons

No EZ PCIe Release

Check Price

Read Our ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite Review

Looking for a high-end motherboard, but at a not-so-high-end price point? Well, the ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite is here to fulfill that specific demand. Firstly, the motherboard comes in at a $400 price bracket and manages to brag about its high-performance capabilities with its 20+1+2+1+1 VRM phase layout. You definitely can’t go wrong while pushing the Intel Core Ultra series processors to their limits.

Another thing to love here is that it has a total of six M.2 slots, however, only one of them is Gen5 enabled. Similarly, the silver-themed design also looks catchy on the motherboard, and having a well-rounded rear I/O with 12x USB4 ports is like a cherry on top. In my opinion, this is one of the best picks in the high-end section. Keeping all that aside, it would have been nice to see an EZ PCIe release mechanism around the primary PCIe slot.

This is what I said about the ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite in my review:

It holds strong in benchmark tests, often placing near the top while remaining competitively priced at $399.99. With effective VRM cooling through an XXL heatsink and a solid, premium design, it’s an excellent choice for high-performance builds.

✅Buy It If

You want a high-end experience: If you’re looking for a high-end motherboard that offers the best in class performance and loads of storage options. Then ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite is the one for you.

You use a dual LAN port setup: The ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite features not one but two LAN ports for additional pro-grade functionality, so if that’s your thing, you can go with this motherboard.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want EZ PCIe Release: This is not really a deal breaker, but given the weight and size of current-gen graphics card, it would have been nice to have an EZ PCIe Release button to quickly remove the GPU.

What Makes It The Best High-End Z890 Motherboard?

The motherboard delivers great build quality, high-end performance, and overclocking support for the CPU and the memory. Apart from that, the design is also appealing with plenty of connectivity options like having a bunch of M.2 slots and USB4 ports. All this makes it the best high-end Z890 motherboard.

Performance: 9.5/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi

Best White Z890 Motherboard

ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Striking white-themed aesthetics
Great value
Excellent power delivery solution
Screwless M.2 shield release mechanism
Impressive RAM overclocking support
Good rear I/O for the price
Onboard RGB lighting

Cons

No Debug Code Panel

Check Price

Read Our ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi Review

Now, for the white-themed PC lovers, I present you with the ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi. The motherboard packs beautiful visuals while also being equally competitive in terms of performance with its 18+1+1+1+1 VRM phase design, being not too far behind the Z890 Taichi Lite motherboard. It is worth noting that the motherboard also takes the ease-of-installation step further as it features a screwless M.2 release design.

What else caught my attention but in a slightly opposite way is the exclusion of debug LEDs, which comes in handy while troubleshooting various issues. However, the impressive number of USB4 ports and the capability to support RAM over 9466 MHz compensate for the minor drawbacks, especially when price is considered.

Impressed by the value, this is how I described the Z890 Steel Legend WiFi after reviewing it:

The ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi shows outstanding price-to-performance, making it one of the best budget Z890 boards out there. It offers a fairly capable 18+1+1+1+1 VRM solution, DDR5 support up to 9466 MT/s, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. That should be enough, but if not, it also offers a beautiful white design and includes an RGB under the M.2 heatsink.

✅Buy It If

You want a high-performing white motherboard: If you’re aiming for a white-themed PC and don’t want to compromise on quality and performance, the ASRock Z890 Steel Legend will serve you well.

You want a screwless design: The ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi has a screwless M.2 slot design — making the whole M.2 drive installation and housing process a breeze.

❌Don't Buy It If

You prefer to have debug code LEDs: Sure the board looks and performs flawlessly, however, it lacks debug code LEDs for troubleshooting if you end up in a situation where they’re needed.

What Makes It The Best White Z890 Motherboard?

The ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi has the characteristics of both Beauty and the Beast, as it looks beautiful in its snowy white color and terrific VRM ensures great performance. Moreover, its decent number of connectivity ports and RGB lighting only add to its reputation and make it the best white Z890 motherboard.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 10/10

MSI MEG Z890 ACE

Best Overclocking Z890 Motherboard

MSI MEG Z890 ACE Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Has a 10G LAN port
24x USB ports
Best-in-class VRM solution for OC
Aesthetically pleasing board design
Excellent VRM cooling solution
EZ one click OC
EZ M.2 Installation & removal
AI LAN manager

Cons

Quite expensive

Check Price

Read Our MSI MEG Z890 ACE Review

The MSI MEG Z890 ACE is an easy pick as it has the most superior power delivery configuration with a total of 28 phases. You can easily push any Core Ultra series processor without even trying too hard. The VRM thermals also stay in the safe zone thanks to the robust cooling solution featuring heat pipes for rapid heat dissipation.

It also benefits from a high-quality PCB and an aesthetically pleasing design with golden accents throughout the entire motherboard. It doesn’t stop here, we also get to see 15x USB ports at the back. There’s an even more impressive thing to show, which is the inclusion of two Gen5-enabled M.2 slots instead of one; however, in total, it has 5x M.2 slots. All in all, this motherboard is an excellent choice for overclocking.

Speaking of its flagship features, I was so impressed by the MSI MEG Z890 ACE that I gave it an Editor’s Choice award in my dedicated review, saying:

The MSI MEG Z890 ACE motherboard delivers top-tier performance and features, perfect for those who want the best without budget constraints. The motherboard supports high-speed DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, with plenty of M.2 and USB ports to meet any demand.

✅Buy It If

You want the highest overclocking potential: If you’re an overclocking enthusiast and want to get your hands on the best overclocking motherboard possible, then this MSI MEG Z890 ACE is a no-brainer as the 28-phase VRM design ensures maximum overclocking support.

❌Don't Buy It If

You are on a budget: The primary reason to skip the MSI MEG Z890 ACE is its steep price tag, otherwise, the motherboard is the best in all areas.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Z890 Motherboard?

The MSI MEG Z890 ACE is a terrific motherboard that has the best-in-class aesthetics, excellent overclocking support, and a cooling solution. While also offering a great number of ports on the connectivity side, I can easily call this the best overclocking Z890 motherboard.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7.5/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

ASRock Z890 Pro-A

Best Budget Z890 Motherboard

ASRock Z890 Pro-A

Pros

Good value
Great performance for the price
Decent VRM thermals
Excellent RAM speed support
Solid connectivity & display options
Features Gen5 M.2 slot

Cons

No WiFi & Bluetooth
Heatsink limited to Gen5 M.2

Check Price

Can’t forget the budget options, can we? The ASRock Z890 Pro-A is the budget pick from me. Sure, it’s a budget-category motherboard but it still rocks the Z890 chipsets which allow it to deliver a handful of impressive features. Such as good enough overclocking with 16+1+1+1+1 phase power delivery. Furthermore, if you’re not fond of manual OC, the memory can go as high as 9066 MHz with just a single click.

Due to budget limitations, the motherboard drops the WiFi & BT connectivity completely and only features a 2.5G LAN port for a decent enough wired internet connection. Lastly, the motherboard still manages to incorporate 4x M.2 slots and a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port for faster storage expansion, which, in my view, makes it a decent budget value.

✅Buy It If

You’re on a budget for a flagship chipset: If you do have the highest budget and still want to get a flagship chipset. Then this ASRock Z890 Pro-A is one of the best budget options that gives decent value and performance for the price.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want onboard WiFi & Bluetooth: If having wireless connectivity such as WiFi or Bluetooth is one of your priorities in a motherboard. Then it’s better to skip this one as it lacks both due to budget constraints.

What Makes It The Best Budget Z890 Motherboard?

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A is a simple yet impressive motherboard that hardly compromises performance and connectivity options except for WiFi & Bluetooth. Furthermore, the motherboard looks fairly decent and comes in at a highly affordable price for a flagship chipset. This makes it the best budget Z890 motherboard.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 7/10

Benchmarks Of The Best Z890 Motherboards

To make sure our recommended motherboards really offer the best performance, we reviewed them all to check out their test results. Swipe through the gallery to go over their benchmarks and VRM thermals.

Test Results Of Z890 Motherboards

1 of 5

Motherboard Specification Comparison

Since everyone looks for a motherboard with a different set of specs in mind, we have made a comparison of the specifications of the motherboards we picked for you to further save your time and assist in quick decision-making.

Motherboard Model	Total Power Phases	Max Memory Speed (MT/s)	No. of M.2 Slots	No. of SATA Ports	No. of USB Ports (Front)	No. of USB Ports (Rear)
MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WiFi	19	9200	4	4	8	10
ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi	22	9466	4	4	9	10
MSI MEG Z890 ACE	28	9200	5	4	9	15
ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite	25	9600	6	4	9	12
ASRock Z890 Pro-A	20	9066	4	4	9	9

Key Motherboard Terms

Form Factor: As the name suggests, the form factor refers to the shape and size of the motherboard. They come in different shapes and sizes like PC cases, you can find motherboards in ATX, mini-ITX, mATX, and E-ATX form factors.
DIMM slots: Like that of CPU sockets, DIMM slots are for memory modules, this is where you install the memory sticks for your use.
CPU Socket: There’s this socket in the middle and near the DIMM slots, which is called a CPU socket and is the place where you install your processor on the motherboard.
VRM: VRM stands for voltage regulatory module and is responsible for handling the power delivery to all of the components connected to the motherboard. A good power delivery also means easy CPU & memory overclocking.
Chipset: A chipset is the main chip on the motherboard, which handles all the communication and operation between all the other PC components.

How We Tested These Motherboards

We do not pick motherboards without a proper screening which includes several different stages. Some of the factors are these:

Power Delivery Solution: A motherboard needs to have a great power delivery solution so everything runs smoothly and trouble-free. People often overclock this aspect of the motherboard and end up with the ones having a basic VRM solution. So, to help you all, I chose only those motherboards that boast a decent power delivery solution as well as a capable cooling solution to keep the VRM thermals within safe limits.
Price to Performance: As each category targets a different budget segment, I chose the best offerings for each one so you get maximum value no matter which category board you’re going to pick for yourself.
Features: To be honest, when you’re spending a big sum on something, you expect it to have at least a decent number of features to justify its purchase. This is why I picked motherboards that offer unique features such as EZ screwless install & removal mechanism, one-click OC, high-speed M.2 & memory slots, and AI network tuning.

FAQs

Are the new Z890 motherboards compatible with Intel 14th-generation processors?

No, the new Z890 chipset motherboards feature a new LGA1851 socket which is for the new Intel Core Ultra series processors only as the 14th gen CPUs are compatible with LGA1700 socket motherboards only.

How good are these new Intel Core Ultra series processors for gaming?

From our personal testing and reviews all over the internet, the new Intel Core Ultra series processors seem to have improved the gaming performance completely. These CPUs focus more on efficiency and productivity performance at least for now.

Is it worth upgrading from a Z790 chipset motherboard to a Z890?

Considering how little the gains are, especially in terms of gaming, I would recommend sticking to your Z790 chipset motherboards or even the Z690 and waiting for another generation to make the upgrade a worthy one.

[Reviews Specialist]

Usman Saleem brings 8+ years of comprehensive PC hardware expertise to the table. His journey in the tech world has involved in-depth tech analysis and insightful PC hardware reviews, perfecting over 6+ years of dedicated work. Usman’s commitment to staying authentic and relevant in the field is underscored by many professional certifications, including a recent one in Google IT Support Specialization.

8+ years of specialized PC hardware coverage
6+ years of in-depth PC hardware analysis and reviews
Lead PC hardware expert across multiple tech journalism platforms
Certified in Google IT Support Specialization

Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com

Best Z890 Motherboards [Benchmarks Included] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

We Tested The Best Motherboards For i7-14700K [Top Picks]

Dr. Usman Saleem — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:07:42 +0000

The Core i7 series has been the ideal choice for high-end gaming over the past few years, and as we saw in our review, the i7-14700K continues that trend. I found its gaming performance to be among the very best gaming CPUs on the current market, which comes as no surprise. Of course, choosing an outstanding motherboard for the Core i7-14700K is paramount, which is why we have tested numerous motherboards to distill our findings into this comprehensive list.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test motherboards).

Our Top Picks

Here’s a quick look at our best motherboards for Core i7-14700K and a brief comparison of their specs:

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K

Best White Motherboard For i7-14700K

Best Value Motherboard For i7-14700K

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-14700K

Best High-End Motherboard For i7-14700K

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Exceptional power delivery, Superb connectivity, Solid value for money

Unique all-white aesthetic, Solid VRM design, Excellent storage options

Excellent value for money, Robust power delivery, Versatile networking options

Extraordinary 24+1+2 phase VRM, Superb VRM cooling solution, Exceptional connectivity features

Exceptional power delivery, Superb connectivity, Ample storage options

Great for compact builds, Superb external ROG dock, Solid VRM setup

What We Disliked

Plain design, Lack of RGB lighting

Lack of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, Single USB 2.0 header

No PCIe 5.0 storage slot, Peculiar RGB placement

Expensive

No DisplayPort

High price, Limited expansion potential

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

E-ATX

Mini-ITX

VRM

16+1+1

16+1+2

24+1+2

10+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7,800+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7,200+

2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

10x rear, 8x internal

10x rear, 7x internal

10x rear, 10x internal

12x rear, 9x internal

9x rear, 8x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA

5x M.2, 8x SATA

4x M.2, 6x SATA

5x M.2, 6x SATA

5x M.2, 8x SATA

2x M.2, 2x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

2x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Exceptional power delivery, Superb connectivity, Solid value for money

What We Disliked

Plain design, Lack of RGB lighting

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Unique all-white aesthetic, Solid VRM design, Excellent storage options

What We Disliked

Lack of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, Single USB 2.0 header

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+

USB Ports

10x rear, 8x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Excellent value for money, Robust power delivery, Versatile networking options

What We Disliked

No PCIe 5.0 storage slot, Peculiar RGB placement

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Extraordinary 24+1+2 phase VRM, Superb VRM cooling solution, Exceptional connectivity features

What We Disliked

Expensive

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

E-ATX

VRM

24+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7,800+

USB Ports

10x rear, 10x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA

Network Connectivity

2x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Looks

Award

Best High-End Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Exceptional power delivery, Superb connectivity, Ample storage options

What We Disliked

No DisplayPort

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

E-ATX

VRM

24+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7,200+

USB Ports

12x rear, 9x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7-14700K

What We Liked

Great for compact builds, Superb external ROG dock, Solid VRM setup

What We Disliked

High price, Limited expansion potential

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

Mini-ITX

VRM

10+1

Memory Support

2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

9x rear, 8x internal

Storage

2x M.2, 2x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Read Our MSI Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi Motherboard Review

Review

Last Updated:

October 14, 2024: We have got our hands on more Z790 motherboards for testing. As such, we have improved our motherboard recommendations for the i7-14700K with even better choices.

[toc]

Our expert panel recommends the following for the Core i7-14700K:

Best Motherboard For i7-14700K

I selected the following motherboards for i7-14700K based on my testing and hands-on experience:

Best Overall: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
Best High-End: ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite
Best White: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
Best Value: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Best Overclocking: MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX
Best Mini-ITX: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Exceptional power delivery
Superb connectivity
Solid value for money
Excellent storage options

Cons

Plain design
Lack of RGB lighting

Check Price

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi boasts a distinct all-black design that highlights minimalism and a rugged look. Its serious and functional appearance is something I particularly appreciate. The board also features a robust 6-layer PCB made from IT-170 server-grade material featuring 2oz copper layers. In my testing, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK was particularly impressive as I was able to achieve admirable sustained results thanks to its superb 16+1+1 phase VRM design with 90A power stages. Moreover, the gigantic multi-piece VRM heatsinks did an admirable job of keeping the VRM components cool under extended loads.

The Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX is jam-packed with add-ons, including a Clear CMOS button and Flash BIOS button for convenient troubleshooting. With 4 M.2 slots and robust networking, including a 2.5 GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 7, it is an extremely competent choice for value-conscious builders, in my opinion.

After thoroughly testing the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi, our hardware tested, Nauman Siddique, said:

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is a jack-of-all-trades option with a mix of new-generation features and backward compatibility. It has a robust power design, ample expansion slots, and effective cooling. Plus, the connectivity options are plentiful, with a focus on the new WiFi 7 standard. This motherboard is a good choice for gamers and general users looking for a modern, future-proofed motherboard at a competitive price point.

Buy It If

✅You want the ideal motherboard for i7-14700K: I think the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX hits the sweet spot between VRM performance, modern features, and overall value for money, making it the perfect pairing for the i7-14700K.

Don't Buy It If

❌You prefer RGB lighting: Although its rugged industrial design language looks particularly appealing to me, some users may prefer a splash of RGB lighting as well.

What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K?

Checking all the boxes by delivering a superb power delivery system, versatile features, and superb value for money, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX is the best overall motherboard for i7-14700K.

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Best White Motherboard For i7-14700K

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Unique all-white aesthetic
Solid VRM design
Excellent storage options
Versatile rear I/O

Cons

Lack of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port
Single USB 2.0 header

Check Price

Read Our ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard Review

I particularly like the camouflage pattern on the chipset heatsink as well as the PCB itself. The RGB lighting implementation on the I/O cover also adds a touch of class to a white PC build. ASRock has used a 6-layer PCB with 2oz Copper layers for added durability, which provides a premium feel to the board. Despite its modest price tag, the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend performed surprisingly well in my overclocking tests, mainly thanks to its outstanding 16+1+1 phase VRM design with Nihicon 12K caps. The VRM is effectively cooled by the massive heatsink array that ASRock has installed, with extensive finning for improved surface area.

ASRock has not left a lot to be desired when it comes to the feature set of the Z790 Steel Legend. The primary M.2 slot is capable of PCIe 5.0 speeds, and I quite like the versatile networking options. The rear I/O is adequately well-equipped, and the USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port particularly caught my eye.

Regarding the design, our resident motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, commented:

“ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is a beautiful board providing a combination of silver and white color accents with vivid and evenly done RGB lighting.”

Buy It If

✅You want a white motherboard: If you want to furnish your all-white PC build with a white centerpiece, then the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend is the perfect candidate for you.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want more USB 2.0 headers: I feel like the singular USB 2.0 header on the Z790 Steel Legend may be a limitation for some users who want to attach a lot of external peripherals.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i7-14700K?

Along with the unique all-white design, the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend features a powerful 16+1+1 phase VRM design, a 6-layer copper PCB, and a host of premium connectivity options, making it the best white motherboard for i7-14700K.

VRM Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Best Value Motherboard For i7-14700K

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Relatively affordable price
Excellent connectivity options
Decent power delivery
Great networking features

Cons

Lack of PCIe 5.0 storage
Minimal RGB lighting

Check Price

Read Our Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard Review

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts a simple all-black design with rugged accents. The unique ridges on the I/O cover and chipset heatsink add character, though the RGB lighting placement may be peculiar for some. The 6-layer PCB with 2x copper reinforcement also improves overall durability. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX really impressed me while on my test bench due to its excellent 16+1+2 phase VRM design with 70A power stages, as well as its powerful heat dissipation system. My test results reveal that the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an excellent pairing for the Core i7-14700K on a modest budget.

The Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers the Multi-Key option for versatile functions like RGB control, BIOS access, and toggling Safe Mode. Connectivity options are also quite pleasant, offering 4 M.2 slots for storage, as well as decent USB options on the rear I/O, including a USB-C 20 Gbps port.

Our motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique, was particularly impressed with the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, saying:

“The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is a well-balanced motherboard with a feature set that would easily provide the daily-driver requirement in the main-stream mid-range market segment”.

Buy It If

✅You want to maximize the bang for the buck: The Z790 AORUS Elite AX impressed me with its competent feature set at such an affordable price point, making it the value champion in this category.

Don't Buy It If

❌You have a PCIe 5.0 NVMe drive: Although I found the storage suite to be quite acceptable for the price, it does lack a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i7-14700K?

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers an outstanding 16+1+2 phase power delivery system, a host of modern connectivity features, and solid build quality at a very modest price point, making it the best value motherboard for i7-14700K.

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-17900K

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Pictures From Our Review

1 of 3

Pros

Extraordinary 24+1+2 phase VRM
Superb VRM cooling solution
Exceptional connectivity features
Inclusion of Thunderbolt 4

Cons

Very expensive

Check Price

Read Our MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Review

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX features a unique and eye-catching design that sets it apart. Its iconic dragon logo is prominently featured on the I/O cover, adding a distinctive touch. It also features an 8-layer, Server-grade, ultra-low-loss PCB that enhances its overall durability. The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX features a remarkable 24+1+2 phase VRM design with 105A power stages with a gigantic composite VRM heatsink. As a result of these outstanding components, my overclocking experience with the Core i7-17900K on the Z790 ACE was exceptional, and the VRM temperatures peaked at just 46.2C.

It provides a total of 5 M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 socket and 6 SATA ports, catering to a variety of storage needs. Networking capabilities are robust with two 2.5 GbE LAN ports, as well as WiFi 7, ensuring reliable internet access. Additionally, it boasts a plethora of high-speed USB ports on the rear I/O.

I reached out to our resident motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique, for his thoughts on the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX:

“The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is a flagship motherboard that impresses with its top-tier features, including Gen5 connectivity, Thunderbolt 4.0 support, and a robust 24+1+2 VRM design”.

Buy It If

✅You want to overclock the Core i9-14900K: With a 24+1+2 phase power delivery system and extraordinary cooling, my testing reveals that the MEG Z790 ACE MAX is unmatched in its overclocking potential.

Don't Buy It If

❌Your budget is limited: Despite its unique selling point and extraordinary price-to-performance ratio, the initial price tag of the MEG Z790 ACE MAX is still quite high.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-17900K?

The MEG Z790 ACE MAX has an unparalleled 24+1+2 phase VRM design with 105A power stages cooled by a massive composite heatsink on a robust 8-layer server-grade PCB, making it the best overclocking motherboard for i7-17900K.

VRM Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Best High-End Motherboard For i7-14700K

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Exceptional power delivery
Superb connectivity
Ample storage options
Outstanding overclocking potential
High-end build quality
Beautiful aesthetics

Cons

Slower RAM frequency support
No DisplayPort support

Check Price

Read Our ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite Motherboard Review

The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard comes in a beautiful black design with impressive RGB lighting around its heatsinks that helps illuminate the entire motherboard. We also loved the motherboard’s high-end build quality, using an aluminum alloy heatsink for greater cooling purposes. We were impressed by the motherboard’s performance thanks to its 24+1+2 phase VRM design that allows high-end overclocking capabilities. If you want to go all-out with the Intel Core i7-14700K, this motherboard will keep you happy. Also, during our testing, we achieved higher RAM overclocks.

Outside of its performance, the motherboard also provides outstanding features such as clear CMOS and flash BIOS buttons for easier troubleshooting purposes. Additionally, we loved the motherboard’s impressive connectivity options, ranging from a plethora of USB 3.2 ports to lots of storage connectivity.

This is what Nauman Siddique said about the Taichi Lite after his in-depth testing:

The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard offers excellent value with support for Intel’s 14th to 12th Gen CPUs, advanced DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 slots, and robust connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4.0. Though a lite version of the Z790 Taichi, it retains key features like superior audio and networking, making it a great choice for power users despite its higher power consumption.

Buy It If

✅You want the highest overclocking potential: Combining its impressive 24+1+2 phase VRM design with an 8-layer PCB design to allow outstanding overclocking potential for the Intel Core i7-14700K processor. So, if you want to have a go at extreme overclocking, we recommend buying this motherboard.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want faster RAM support: In case you’re using a RAM kit that has a frequency of over 7,200MHz, we don’t recommend purchasing this motherboard because of its RAM frequency limitations. Even if the RAM’s frequency doesn’t go that high, if you plan on overclocking it above 7,200MHz, you should stay away from this purchase.

What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For i7-14700K?

The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard offers outstanding gaming and overclocking performance thanks to its 24+1+2 phase VRM design coupled with an 8-layer PCB design. Adding its beautiful aesthetics and high-end build quality on top makes it the best high-end motherboard for i7-14700K.

Editor`s Note

Out of all the motherboards, I loved the ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite the most because of its remarkable 24+1+2 phase VRM design topped with a great 8-layer PCB. Moreover, the motherboard allows extreme overclocking possibilities under the right conditions. That’s why we have also awarded it as the best high-end motherboard for the i7-14700K. So, if you want to go all out with your processor, you won’t regret making this purchase.

– Dr. Usman Saleem

VRM Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7-14700K

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

1 of 2

Pros

Great for compact builds
Superb external ROG dock
Solid VRM setup
Excellent feature set

Cons

High price
Limited expansion potential

Check Price

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I maintains the aggressive ROG design theme, highlighted by the striking Strix script on the I/O cover. The RGB lighting in the lower left corner further enhances its overall aesthetics. Build quality is impressive with a ten-layer PCB for signal integrity and a reinforced PCIe 5.0 slot. My testing proved to be favorable for the ROG Strix Z790-I, as its 10+1 phase VRM design with 105A power stages delivered satisfactory overclocking results with the Core i7-14700K CPU. The above-average power delivery setup was aided greatly by the massive VRM heatsinks, featuring an embedded heatpipe and a multi-cut design.

The ROG Strix Z790-I motherboard incorporates the ROG Strix HIVE module, offering a volume control dial, BIOS flashback button, diagnostics display, and extra USB ports for improved convenience. The board also offers 2 M.2 slots (including a PCIe 5.0 socket) as well as versatile networking options.

WARNING: Make sure that the dimensions of the ROG Strix Z790-I fit within your case before purchasing.

Buy It If

✅You are building a compact PC: The compact size, extraordinary feature set, and competent power delivery of the ROG Strix Z790-I make it a solid choice for any small-form-factor build.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want more upgrade potential: Due to the limited expansion slots available on the ROG Strix Z790-I, it has a slightly lower upgrade potential than competing full-size ATX motherboards.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7-14700K?

In a compact form factor, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I manages to pack in a superb 11-phase VRM design, a host of innovative connectivity features, as well as the ROG Strix HIVE module, making it the best mini-ITX motherboard for i7-14700K.

VRM Performance: 7/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Helpful Motherboard Key Terms

When in the market for a new motherboard, it is easy to get confused by the marketing jargon. Here are a few helpful terms that you should remember.

Form Factor: The physical design and size specification of a motherboard, which is crucial for compatibility with computer cases and determining the layout and arrangement of components on the board.
CPU Socket: A designated interface on the motherboard designed to receive and securely hold the central processing unit (CPU), ensuring electrical connections for data and power transmission.
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module): A vital component on the motherboard responsible for regulating and controlling the voltage supplied to the CPU, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery.
Chipset: A collection of integrated circuits on the motherboard responsible for managing and facilitating data communication between different hardware components, optimizing their performance, and ensuring compatibility.
DIMM Slots: The receptacles on the motherboard where Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMMs) are inserted to provide memory for the system, supporting RAM expansion and memory upgrades.
PCIe Slots: Expansion slots on the motherboard designed for connecting Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) cards, such as graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers.

How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For i7-14700K

When testing and selecting the ideal motherboard for the Core i7-14700K, we carefully considered the following key factors:

Chipset Selection: When it comes to choosing the appropriate chipset for the Core i7-14700K, it’s worth noting that it’s compatible with a range of chipsets from both the 600-series and 700-series of motherboards. However, after extensive testing, I’ve determined that the Z790 chipset stands out as the optimal choice for this CPU.
Form Factors: Motherboards come in diverse shapes and sizes, with the ATX form factor being considered the standard. While the majority of the motherboards I assessed were in the ATX form factor, I also encountered a handful of micro ATX and mini ITX variants that definitely warrant consideration.
VRM Setup: The motherboard’s VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) configuration or power delivery system plays a pivotal role in my evaluation. Given the formidable capabilities of the Core i7-14700K as an unlocked CPU, I firmly believe that it necessitates a motherboard equipped with a highly robust VRM setup to achieve optimal results when overclocking.
Feature Set: Newer motherboards offer an extensive array of features, but their offerings can vary significantly. It is imperative to carefully evaluate a motherboard’s storage options, connectivity capabilities, and networking features before making a final purchase decision. This ensures that the motherboard aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Price and Value: Motherboards designed for the Core i7-14700K span a wide range of price points. Through extensive testing, I’ve discovered that the most compelling motherboard options often fall within the mid-range price category. In addition to standard performance tests, I also carefully assessed the overall value proposition of various motherboard choices.

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FAQs

What motherboard to get with 14700K?

The Core i7-14700K is compatible with motherboards from the 600-series as well as 700-series, which includes the H710, B760, H770, Z790, H610, B660, B670, and Z690 chipsets.

Does i7-14700K support DDR5?

Yes, the Core i7-14700K supports both DDR5 and DDR4 memory. However, the two memory types are not interchangeable with each other as they are physically incompatible. You will need a DDR5 motherboard for DDR5 memory and a DDR4 motherboard for DDR4 memory.

Is B760 good for 14700K?

While the B760 chipset does technically support the Core i7-14700K, it is not ideal for this CPU since it does not support CPU overclocking. For an unlocked premium CPU such as the i7-14700K, it is recommended to go for a Z690 or Z790 motherboard.

Is 14700K worth over 13700K?

The i7-14700K delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the i7-13700K in my testing, mainly due to architectural improvements under the hood. However, it is debatable as to whether you should upgrade from the i7-13700K to the i7-14700K directly. If you’re building a new PC, then definitely go for the i7-14700K.

What socket does the i7-14700K use?

The Core i7-14700K uses the LGA1700 socket, which is the same socket that is used by the 12th, 13th, and now 14th generation of Intel CPUs. It is compatible with motherboards from 600-series and 700-series that use the same socket.

The scope of our testing includes more Intel motherboards:

Recent Updates

May 7, 2024: I have changed the formatting to improve readability.
February 09, 2024: We have revised the availability status of each pick. The ASUS Maximus Z790 DARK HERO was replaced with the MSI Z790 CARBON WiFi II because of the superior feature set and networking performance of the latter. We also replaced the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi with the ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite because it offers superb overclocking capabilities and is based on the same PCB as the more expensive Z790 Taichi.
November 1, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

[Reviews Specialist]

Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com

We Tested The Best Motherboards For i7-14700K [Top Picks] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

6 BEST Motherboards For i9-14900K [Tested]

Dr. Usman Saleem — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:57:29 +0000

Intel looked to reinforce its dominance in the gaming space by launching the 14th Gen Alder-Lake Refresh lineup of CPUs, led by the powerful Core i9-14900K. Even our own in-house tests showed that the Core i9-14900K is undeniably one of the fastest gaming CPUs currently available, but it is also quite demanding to run. In order to fully take advantage of the capabilities of the Core i9-14900K, it must be paired with an outstanding motherboard. Our careful testing has led to the formation of this list, which highlights the very best motherboards for the i9-14900K.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test motherboards).

Here’s a quick look at our best motherboards for Core i9-14900K and a brief comparison of their specs:

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K

Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900K

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K

Best White Motherboard For i9-14900K

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Superb VRM design, Excellent storage suite, Outstanding value, Versatile connectivity

Outstanding power delivery, Impressive connectivity, Beautiful dark aesthetic design

Excellent value for money, Robust power delivery, Versatile networking options

Ample storage options, High-end build quality, Outstanding overclocking potential

Unique all-white design, Excellent VRM layout, 5 Gigabit LAN port

Ideal for compact PCs, Decent power delivery, Superb feature set

What We Disliked

Plain looks, No RGB lighting

No DisplayPort

No PCIe 5.0 storage slot, Peculiar RGB placement

No dual thermal pads on M.2 ports

Relatively pricey, No DisplayPort output

Expensive, Limited expansion slots

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

E-ATX

ATX

Mini-ITX

VRM

16+1+1

19+1+1

16+1+2

24+1+2

18+1+2

10+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8266+

2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

12x rear, 9x internal

10x rear, 8x internal

9x rear, 8x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA

5x M.2, 6x SATA

4x M.2, 6x SATA

5x M.2, 8x SATA

5x M.2, 4x SATA

2x M.2, 2x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

1x 5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Superb VRM design, Excellent storage suite, Outstanding value, Versatile connectivity

What We Disliked

Plain looks, No RGB lighting

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II

Looks

Award

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Outstanding power delivery, Impressive connectivity, Beautiful dark aesthetic design

What We Disliked

No DisplayPort

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

19+1+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Excellent value for money, Robust power delivery, Versatile networking options

What We Disliked

No PCIe 5.0 storage slot, Peculiar RGB placement

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Ample storage options, High-end build quality, Outstanding overclocking potential

What We Disliked

No dual thermal pads on M.2 ports

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

E-ATX

VRM

24+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+

USB Ports

12x rear, 9x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Unique all-white design, Excellent VRM layout, 5 Gigabit LAN port

What We Disliked

Relatively pricey, No DisplayPort output

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

18+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8266+

USB Ports

10x rear, 8x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 4x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Review

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900K

What We Liked

Ideal for compact PCs, Decent power delivery, Superb feature set

What We Disliked

Expensive, Limited expansion slots

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

Mini-ITX

VRM

10+1

Memory Support

2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

9x rear, 8x internal

Storage

2x M.2, 2x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Read Our MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi Review

Review

Last Updated:

October 14, 2024: After testing several more Z790 motherboards, we have improved our recommendations for the i9-14900K to include even better options.

[toc]

Here are our tested recommendations for the Core i9-14900K:

Best Motherboard For i9-14900K

I found the following to be the best motherboards for i9-14900K according to my first-hand testing:

Best Overall: MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
Best High-End: MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II
Best White: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Pro X
Best Mini-ITX: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E
Best Value: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Best Overclocking: ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Pictures From Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Superb VRM design
Excellent storage suite
Outstanding value
Versatile connectivity

Cons

Plain looks
No RGB lighting

Check Price

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi boasts a striking all-black design that exudes minimalism and subtlety. Its industrial-inspired aesthetics give it a rugged appearance. It also features a robust 6-layer PCB made from IT-170 server-grade material, ensuring optimal reliability. The board offers tremendous overclocking potential, featuring a 16+1+1 phase power design with 90A power stages. When paired with the Core i9 14900K processor, it showcased superb overclocking capabilities in my testing.

The TOMAHAWK boasts a generous number of USB ports on the rear I/O, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gb/s port. For storage, it features 4 PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slots and 8 SATA ports. I especially like the inclusion of a Clear CMOS button and a Flash BIOS button on the rear IO.

Here’s how Nauman Siddique, our hardware tester, summarized the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi:

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is a jack-of-all-trades option with a mix of new-generation features and backward compatibility. It has a robust power design, ample expansion slots, and effective cooling. Plus, the connectivity options are plentiful, with a focus on the new WiFi 7 standard. This motherboard is a good choice for gamers and general users looking for a modern, future-proofed motherboard at a competitive price point.

Buy It If

✅You want the ideal motherboard for i9-14900K: Combining a superb power delivery system and a host of useful features with a reasonable price tag, the MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi has a strong case to be the perfect 14th Gen motherboard.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want RGB lighting: Despite its minimalistic design language and overall impressive visual appeal, the Z790 TOMAHAWK could have used a bit of RGB lighting as well.

What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K?

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX checks all the boxes by providing an excellent VRM design, along with a competitive feature set, all at a reasonable price point, making it the best overall motherboard for i9-14900K.

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K

MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Outstanding power delivery
Impressive connectivity
Beautiful dark aesthetic design
Good VRM cooling
Clear CMOS & Flash BIOS buttons

Cons

No DisplayPort

Check Price

Read Our MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II Motherboard Review

The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II motherboard features a beautiful darker aesthetic with a carbon coating on the motherboard, giving it a premium feel. Moreover, the motherboard has an outstanding build quality with an 8-layer PCB layout, which is made of server-grade material. During our dedicated testing, the motherboard’s high-end 19+1+1 phase VRM design allows splendid overclocking opportunities for the CPU and RAM. Also, the larger heatsinks and MOSFET heat pads ensure you don’t thermal throttle even at full load.

The motherboard utilizes amazing features, such as a clear CMOS button and a flash BIOS button for easy troubleshooting. Additionally, we also love the greater connectivity, featuring plenty of USB 3.2 ports, 2.5 GbE LAN, and splendid storage ports for future expansions.

Nauman Siddique loved the performance he gained from using the motherboard. But he also criticized its pricing. Here’s what he stated in his review:

“The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFI II is a premium choice for gamers seeking advanced features and future-proofing.”

Buy It If

✅You want splendid overclocking performance with good aesthetics: We recommend buying the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II motherboard if you want to overclock the i9-14900K while also requiring beautiful dark aesthetics that complement your PC build.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a DisplayPort for your GPU: Although the motherboard has impressive features and connectivity options, it doesn’t support DisplayPort 2.0. So, if you want DisplayPort connectivity for your GPU to monitor connection, we don’t recommend buying this motherboard.

What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K?

The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II motherboard provides outstanding performance because of its 19+1+1 phase VRM design that also allows for impressive overclocking capabilities. Moreover, the motherboard utilizes a high-end cooling system, making it the best high-end motherboard for Core i9-14900K.

VRM Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900K

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Pictures From Our Review

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Pros

Excellent value for money
Robust power delivery
Versatile networking options
Decent storage options

Cons

No PCIe 5.0 storage slot
Peculiar RGB placement

Check Price

Read Our Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard features a simple and stylish design. Its all-black aesthetic, combined with rugged design elements, gives it a sleek and powerful appearance. The PCB has a 6-layer design with 2x copper layers for added rigidity. Offering superb overclocking potential with its robust 16+1+2 phase VRM design and 70A power stages, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a great value option. The multi-cut heatsinks, complemented by an embedded 6mm heatpipe, ensure efficient thermal dissipation according to my testing.

I particularly liked including the Multi-Key option, which can be set as an RGB switch or even a toggle for Safe Mode. The board offers versatile storage options with 4 M.2 slots as well as 6 SATA ports. The networking suite is solid thanks to WiFi 6E and a 2.5 GbE LAN port.

When our motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, tested this motherboard, he concluded that:

“The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is a well-balanced motherboard with a feature set that would easily provide the daily-driver requirement in the main-stream mid-range market segment”.

Buy It If

✅You want to maximize the value for money: Thanks to its affordable price point and excellent overall features, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX delivers superb value for money.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a PCIe 5.0 storage slot: One of the minor drawbacks is the lack of an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 5.0, although the performance difference is quite negligible in the real world.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900K?

Delivering a robust 16+1+2 phase VRM design, excellent storage and connectivity features, and respectable build quality at a very reasonable price point, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the best value motherboard for i9-14900K.

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K

ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite Pictures From Our Review

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Pros

Ample storage options
High-end build quality
Outstanding overclocking potential
Beautiful aesthetics
Exceptional power delivery
Robust VRMs
Impressive Thunderbolt connectivity

Cons

No dual thermal pads on M.2 ports
4x SATA ports are disabled if using a PCIe3 slot

Check Price

Read Our ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite Motherboard Review

The first thing you’ll notice when handling the ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite is its outstanding aesthetics. You get an exotic all-black design with RGB lighting to illuminate the motherboard. I’d be fine even without the lighting, but it’s just a good plus point to have. Moving to its build, the 24+1+2-phase VRM is perfect if you want to overclock the i9-14900K CPU. Besides that, I also loved the premium build quality with the aluminum alloy heatsink. However, I would have preferred dual thermal pads on the M.2 ports, which I felt was slightly lacking.

The connectivity on this motherboard is a bit wonky, but it works out for most use cases. You have many storage options, with 5x M.2 and 8x SATA drives, but you can only utilize four M.2 ports at once. Moreover, if you’re using multiple SATA ports and an add-in card, you’ll have to be on the lookout, as using the PCIe3 slot disables four SATA ports. Other than that, I’m pleased with the connectivity and storage options the Z790 Taichi Lite offers, with 12x rear and 9x front USB ports.

During his testing, Nauman Siddique was thoroughly surprised by the motherboard’s impressive overclocking performance and features. Here’s what he stated while the motherboard was on the test bench:

The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard offers excellent value with support for Intel’s 14th to 12th Gen CPUs, advanced DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 slots, and robust connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4.0. Though a lite version of the Z790 Taichi, it retains key features like superior audio and networking, making it a great choice for power users despite its higher power consumption.

✅Buy It If

✅ You need Thunderbolt connectivity alongside impressive overclocking potential: If you’re looking for a motherboard that won’t only let you overclock your CPU to its utmost limits but also has Thunderbolt connectivity for content creation, then I recommend the ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite. It has 2x Thunderbolt Type-C (PD) ports and 24+2+1-phase VRMs for both your use cases.

❌Don't Buy It If

❌ You’re using many SATA drives along with an add-in card: I don’t recommend this motherboard if you’re using more than four SATA drives along with an add-in card because using the PCIe3 slot disables four SATA ports. You won’t have to worry about anything if you’re using less than four SATA ports, though.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K?

The ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard offers outstanding features such as robust build quality, beautiful aesthetics, impeccable overclocking potential thanks to a beefy 24+2+1 VRM phase, and impressive connectivity and storage options for all users. You also get Thunderbolt connectivity if you’re a content creator looking to use an 8K 60Hz TV. Hence, these features make it the best overclocking motherboard for the Core i9-14900K.

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X

Best White Motherboard For i9-14900K

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X Pictures

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Pros

Unique all-white design
Excellent VRM layout
5 Gigabit LAN port
Excellent storage suite

Cons

Relatively pricey
No DisplayPort output

Check Price

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X boasts a distinctive all-white aesthetic and sophisticated design that appeals to those seeking an elegant look for their build, particularly in all-white PC cases. It also features an 8-layer, low-loss PCB with 2x copper layers, ensuring durability. Thanks to its robust 18+1+2 VRM design featuring 90A SPS power stages, the Z790 AORUS Pro X is a reliable overclocker, as per my testing. Its massive VRM heatsinks feature an 8mm heatpipe to ensure optimal thermal management while overclocking the Core i9-14900K.

It features 5 M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 slot, catering to your high-speed storage needs. Networking is exceptional, with a 5 GbE LAN port and WiFi 7, making it ideal for creative professionals. The onboard Reset and BIOS flash buttons allow for easy troubleshooting as well.

PRO TIP: If you use a network-attached storage server, the 5 GbE LAN port on this motherboard is ideal for quick file transfer.

Buy It If

✅You want an all-white motherboard: The unique design of the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X makes it the ideal all-white motherboard partner for the Core i9-14900K processor.

Don't Buy It If

❌Your budget is limited: Despite its excellent price-to-performance ratio, the Z790 AORUS Pro X still falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i9-14900K?

Combining form with function, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X provides an outstanding feature set and a competent power delivery system, along with its unique all-white design, making it the best white motherboard for i9-14900K.

VRM Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900K

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E Pictures

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Pros

Ideal for compact PCs
Decent power delivery
Superb feature set
Inclusion of external ROG dock

Cons

Expensive
Limited expansion slots

Check Price

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I features an aggressive design, staying true to the classic ROG theme. Its standout element is the huge Strix script emblazoned on the I/O cover, providing a rugged look. It also features a ten-layer PCB, ensuring minimal interference and optimal stability. Despite its mini ITX form factor, the Strix Z790-I boasts a strong overclocking potential, featuring a 10+1 phase VRM design with robust 105A power stages. I found the overclocking experience quite decent when paired with the Core i9-14900K, although expectations should be kept reasonable.

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I includes the ROG Strix HIVE module, featuring a volume control dial, BIOS flashback button, diagnostics display, and extra USB ports, enhancing functionality. I also liked the ROG FPS-II card since it provides vertically mounted I/O options.

WARNING: Always check case compatibility before buying a mini-ITX motherboard.

Buy It If

✅You want a compact motherboard: If you’re building a small form factor PC around the Core i9-14900K, the ROG Strix Z790-I should be your motherboard of choice.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want more expansion slots: It is not really a drawback of the Strix Z790-I itself, but a mini ITX motherboard does limit your PCIe and memory expansion.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900K?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I delivers a competent 11-phase power delivery system along with a host of unique features such as the ROG Strix HIVE module, all the while being quite compact in size, making it the best mini-ITX motherboard for i9-14900K.

VRM Performance: 7/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Helpful Motherboard Key Terms

Shopping for a motherboard can be confusing. Here are some key terms that you should keep in mind when looking for a new motherboard.

Form Factor: The physical size and shape of the motherboard, which determines its compatibility with computer cases. These commonly include ATX, micro ATX, mini ITX, and E-ATX form factors.
CPU Socket: A specific slot on the motherboard designed to hold and connect the central processing unit (CPU) to the motherboard.
DIMM Slots: Slots on the motherboard where you can install random access memory (RAM) modules for temporary data storage and fast access by the CPU.
PCIe Slots: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express slots are for adding expansion cards like graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module): Circuitry on the motherboard responsible for regulating and providing stable voltage to the CPU and other components.
Chipset: A set of integrated circuits on the motherboard that manages communication between the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and peripherals, facilitating data flow and system operation.

How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For i9-14900K

We considered the following key points when testing and choosing the top motherboards for this processor.

Chipset: While the Core i9-14900K supports a number of chipsets from the 600-series and 700-series of motherboards, I found the Z790 chipset to be the best choice for this CPU. It supports CPU overclocking and comes with a variety of connectivity improvements over the other chipsets.
Form Factor: Motherboards come in all shapes and sizes, with the ATX form factor being the most common. While most of the Z790 motherboards that I tested were in the ATX form factor, I found a few micro ATX and mini ITX variants that are also worth consideration for enthusiasts who want a compact PC build.
Power Delivery: The power delivery of the motherboard is one of the key elements that I focused on during my testing. Since the Core i9-14900K is a supremely powerful unlocked CPU, in my opinion, it must be paired with a motherboard that provides a robust VRM setup for optimal overclocking results.
Features: Modern motherboards come with a wide array of useful features, but some motherboards are better equipped than others. I found that it is crucial to consider the storage, connectivity, and networking features of the motherboard before finalizing your purchase decision.
Value For Money: Motherboards for the Core i9-14900K can be found all across the pricing spectrum, but I found that the best motherboards are often found right in the middle. I also analyzed the value aspect of the various motherboard choices and recommended only the best of the best.

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FAQs

Is Z690 compatible with 14900K?

Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900K is compatible with Z690 motherboards, although you may need a BIOS update. The Z690 motherboards use the LGA 1700 socket and are compatible with the 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation of Intel processors.

What chipsets does 14900K support?

The Core i9-14900K supports the H710, B760, H770, and Z790 chipsets in the 700-series, while the H610, B660, B670, and Z690 chipsets are also supported from the older 600-series motherboards.

Is B760 enough for 14900K?

While B760 does technically support the Core i9-14900K, it lacks overclocking support, which is the highlight feature of the Core i9-14900K CPU. Since it is a premium CPU with an unlocked multiplier, going with a Z690 or Z790 motherboard would make more sense.

Does i9-14900K support DDR4?

Yes, the Core i9-14900K supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. You can choose either memory platform, but you will have to choose a motherboard that supports that generation of memory. DDR4 memory and DDR5 memory cannot be used on the same motherboard.

We have tested more Intel motherboards:

Recent Updates

May 7, 2024: I have changed the formatting to improve readability.
February 09, 2024: Revised the availability status of each category. We replaced the ASUS Maximus Z790 DARK HERO with the ASRock Z790 Nova as the latter offers a much better value proposition. We also replaced the ASRock Z790 Taichi with the MSI Z790 ACE MAX due to the superior memory overclocking capabilities of the latter according to our testing. We were able to verify a 48GB 8200 MHz DDR5 kit with the Z790 ACE MAX in our tests.
October 31, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

[Reviews Specialist]

Get In Touch: usman@tech4gamers.com

6 BEST Motherboards For i9-14900K [Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

MSI Z790 PZ Motherboard Review: Value, Features, and Looks

Dr. Usman Saleem — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:46:15 +0000

Backplug motherboards are gaining more attraction. Project Zero is MSI take on backplug motherboard where these boards have connectors on the backside of the PCB. I have earlier tested MSI B650 PZ which is mATX size motherboard. This time I am testing an ATX size motherboard named Z790 PZ.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test motherboards).

Key Takeaways

The MSI Z790 PZ is a back-plug motherboard with a Gen5-based PCIe x16 Slot, WiFi 7 solution, 2.5GbE LAN port, and USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2x2 port.
You should buy the MSI Z790 PZ if you want a back-plug motherboard that offers exceptional value for its money by offering great connectivity and features.
You should not buy the MSI Z790 PZ if you have high-end gaming requirements and plan to overclock your flagship CPU to its limits.

The salient features include:

This motherboard supports Intel® Core™ 14th/ 13th/ 12th Gen Processors for LGA 1700 socket
The memory support is up to 7200+(OC) MHz DDR5
The power design comprises a 14+1+1 Duet Rail Power System.
The motherboard has a PCIe 5.0 slot, Lightning Gen 4 x4 M.2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
The thermal solution comprises an extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr
The board is using an average ALC897 codec from Realtek
The PCB is 6-layered, made of 2oz thickened copper and server-grade material

[toc]

Here are the specifications:

CPU Support	Intel 14th, 13th & 12th Gen
Memory Support	4xDIMM Slots for DDR5 up to 7200MHz+ (OC)
PCIe Slots	1x PCIe Gen5 x16, 1x PCIe Gen4 x4, 1x PCIe Gen3 x1, 1x PCIe Gen3 x1
M.2 Ports	4x M.2 Gen4 Ports
SATA Ports	6x
Audio	RealTek ALC897
Network	LAN port and wireless connectivity using WiFi/BT
USB Ports	Total 17x USB Ports (Front and Rear), including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Port
Size	243.84×304.8, ATX Form Factor

How Is MSI Z790 PZ Different?

In all honesty, I can’t answer this question since I have not yet tested the Asus counterpart of this motherboard. Comparing this motherboard with regular motherboards that have connectors on the front will not make sense, but given the price point, feature set, and VRM design, I would prefer MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi over this motherboard. MSI should have upped the game on the power delivery side.

Packaging And Unboxing

Unboxing And Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The motherboard is shipped inside a standard cardboard packing box. MSI has included the following in the box:

1x ATX Motherboard
2x SATA 6Gbps Cables
1x Quick Installation Guide
1x European Union Regulatory Notice
2x EZ M.2 Clips
1x DVD for Drivers installation
1x WiFi Antenna
1x Cable Sticker

Design

Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

MSI Z790 Project Zero is based on an Intel LGA1700 socket that powers the 4x DIMM slots, 1x HDMI 2.1 port rated at 4K@60Hz, and 1x DP 1.4 (HBR2) port. In addition, this socket provides 20x PCIe lanes. The first PCIe x16 slot is wired to this socket. The first M.2 Gen4x4 port is wired to the socket.

The DMI link operates at x8 PCIe between the socket and chipset. The connectivity comes from the Z790 chipset, including 3x Gen4x4 M.2 slots, WiFi 7 solution, Intel NUC, SATA, and Audio solution. Let’s start with the power delivery circuit of this motherboard.

Power Delivery To Socket

As mentioned above, this motherboard uses an Intel LGA1700 socket, making it compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th-generation desktop processors. MSI has used two aluminum extended heatsink covers which are finished in silver color for cooling of power delivery circuit. The thermal pads are rated for 7W/mK.

MSI Project 0 is printed in black over the main heatsink or IO cover. Don’t take this motherboard for a white variant. It is a silver one that can bode well with white and black themed builds.

You can see gray thermal pads on the heatsink covers. There is no heatpipe connecting both heatsinks. These covers are layered and probably act like fins for heat diffusion.

VRM (Image By Tech4Gamers)

MSI uses 14+1+1 (VCore+GT+Aux) duet power rail design meaning two phases will get same PWM signal. Anyhow, MSI seems to have provided an average power delivery. 14 phases are only 55A rated per phase generating 770A for VCore only and 880A in total.

The main PWM controller is RealTek RT3628AE. MSI has used Dr.Mos SPS phases. BR00 359R is printed over these phases.

MSI has enabled overcurrent protection in the PCB design to provide a safeguard to the components of the PCB from excessive current. This would provide stability and durability.

DIMM Slots

DIMM Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This motherboard has 4x DIMM slots that can house up to 192GB of total memory. The maximum rated speed is 7200+ (OC) MHz. This is a mediocre rating since many mid-range and even low-end motherboards support higher frequencies.

These slots are not steel-reinforced. These support Intel XMP 3.0 with dual-channel and dual-controller modes. The supported memory is non-ECC and unbuffered.

PRO TIP: MSI has provided a handy Memory Boost support in UEFI BIOS that enables the users to leverage the true performance of their DDR5 kits.

Storage Options

This motherboard has a total of 4x M.2 Gen4x4 ports. The top port is wired to the CPU socket, whereas the other three are wired to the chipset. The top port also supports the 22110 form factor. The M2_3 and M2_4 also support SATA. These ports have a stylish aluminum heatsink. The top port has MSI Shield Frozr cooling.

I am showing these ports after removing the covers. There is no thermal pad on the base of these ports. These use M.2 EZ Clips.

There are thermal pads under the aluminum heatsink covers. This motherboard has 6x SATA 6G ports on the backside driven by chipset.

PCIe Connectivity

PCIe Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This motherboard has a total of 4x PCIe slots with strange implementation. The first slot is full x16 slotted and wired to the CPU socket. It is PCIe Gen5 rated.

The second slot, PCIe Gen3 x1, is wired to the chipset. The third slot is PCIe Gen4x16 (actually x4) and is wired to the chipset. The last port is PCIe Gen3 x1 and is wired to the chipset.

The top PCIe slot is steel reinforced, which MSI refers to as Steel Armor, and it has heavy soldered connections on the PCB to support the weight of heavy graphics cards. It uses extended clips for easy removal of the graphics card.

USB Connectivity

USB (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This motherboard is packed with USB ports on the front, rear, and mid-board. It has:

4x USB 2.0 (Rear)
4x USB 2.0 (Front)
2x USB 5Gbps Type A (Rear)
4x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front)
1x USB 10Gbps Type A (Rear)
1x USB 10Gbps Type C (Front)
1x USB 20Gbps Type C (Rear)

MSI has used several USB hubs and controllers, including GL850G, GL9930, GL9900N, PI3EQX2, PI3DBS, and 75DP159.

Networking Solution

Network (Image By Tech4Gamers)

MSI has provided wired and wireless connectivity on this motherboard. There is a 2.5GB LAN port (NUC) powered by Intel S3493L06. In addition, there is a powerful WiFi module that comes pre-installed, and a dedicated antenna is also in the box. This motherboard has WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Wi-Fi 7 improves the modulation scheme from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM, which is impressive. This new generation is capable of sending and receiving data across several frequencies and channels at a time.

Audio Solution

Audio (Image By Tech4Gamers)

MSI has implemented Audio hardware on two separate layers of the PCB. The driving force is nothing spectacular but ALC897 with Chemi-Con capacitors. This solution is wired to the Z790 socket.

This is a 7.1 Channel audio solution that has S/PDIF output as well. It supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback on front panel. MSI has designed the isolated analogy structure for the output on the rear panel. In this design, the external metal housing is separated from the internal layout to improve the sound quality further.

Chipset

I am showing the Z790 chipset after removing its heatsink cover and the heatsink cover of the Z790 chipset. The other covers are from the motherboard’s right side, where you would normally expect connectors. Since connectors are on the backside, MSI has installed two stylish aluminum covers.

Internal Connectors

There are:

Internal Connectors

1 of 6

1x Power Connector 24-pin (ATX_PWR)
2x Power Connector EPS (CPU_PWR)
1x CPU Fan Header
1x Pump Fan Header
6x System Fan Headers
2x Front Panel (JFP)
1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1x Front Audio (JAUD)
1x TBT connector (JTBT, supports RTD3)
2x Addressable V2 RGB LED connectors (JARGB_V2)
2x RGB LED connectors (JRGB)
1x TPM pin header (Support TPM 2.0)
1x USB4 card connector (JTBT_U4_1, supports RTD3)
4x USB 2.0 ports
4x USB 5Gbps Type A ports
1x USB 10Gbps Type C ports
EZ Debug LEDs

Each fan header is powered and controlled by nuvoTon 3961S. The Pump Header is rated for 3A. The other fan headers are rated for 2A. There are 4x LEDs to troubleshoot the system in case anything goes haywire. These LEDs correspond to the CPU, RAM, VGA, and Boot. However, there is no debug LED on this motherboard.

Rear IO Panel

IO Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There are:

Mouse / Keyboard
DisplayPort 1.4
USB 2.0
5G LAN Port
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna
HD Audio Connectors
Flash Bios Button
USB 2.0
HDMI™ 2.1 Port
USB 5Gbps Type-A
USB 20Gbps Type-C
USB 10Gbps Type-A

MSI has implemented an extra layer of sponge materials on the Rear IO panel. The shield itself is corrosive resistant. This improves the static electricity reducing electromagnetic radiation noise from the system. It is good to see that MSI did not ditch USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port. This port is capable of providing up to 20Gbps bandwidth. I like the provision of Flash BIOS function.

I am showing the PCB after removing the heatsink and other covers and the backside of the motherboard. You can see all the connectors on the backside which is the theme of backplug motherboards. It is BTF in Asus ecosystem and PZ in MSI ecosystem.

BIOS Chip (Image By Tech4Gamers)

MSI has used the winbond 25Q16JVN1Q BIOS chip on this motherboard.

BIOS

BIOS Walkthrough

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MSI has provided the same interface that I have seen on other MSI motherboards hence I am not going into details. The overall layout is easy to navigate, and related settings are grouped. BIOS is started in Eazy Mode, which the user can switch to the advanced mode by pressing the F7 key. There are six main sections or categories in the Advanced Settings. OC has CPU and memory-related voltages and other settings. The settings menu has system-related settings, including BOOT and Save & Exit.

Test Build

Test Build (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have used the following configuration to test the motherboard:

MSI Z790 PZ
MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ
MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB White Fans
Intel Core i7 13700K [Stock, Auto]
My Valkyrie SYN360 White
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 VISION OC
Anacomda RGB 32GB 7200MHz CAS34 DDR5 kit
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For OS and data]
Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB Portable Drive [For USB3.2 Gen2x2 connectivity]
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 4TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For Games]
Fractal Design ION+ 2P 860 Platinum PSU

CPU Z (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The above is a picture showing a run of CPU-Z. We can see that CPU is reported at almost 5.5GHz. You can also see that graphics card is operating at x16 link. The RAM was operating at its tested speed of 7200MT/s after loading the XMP.

We have divided the overall tests in four major categories. These are:

CPU and Memory Tests
Storage Tests
Gaming Tests
Overall System Tests

Test Result

The testing was done on CPU’s stock settings with XMP loaded. I have used Intel default power profile.

CPU And Memory Benchmarks

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The CPU scored 29975 points in CPU Multi-Core load and 2119 points in a Single Core Load in R23.2. This is a good score. The DDR5 kit was performing at its rating, and we found the results comparable with the results when this kit was tested on other PCs. The single core score was even more impressive in Geekbench 5.4.5. With a compression result of 142168 MIPS and 112782 MIPS score in Decompression, this CPU has shown its true performance potential.

Storage Test

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I have used a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive and a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C drive. The Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB portable drive is rated for 1500MB/s. The NVMe drive passed the sequential read and write speeds in the CrystalDiskMark. The USB drive was operating above 1600MB/s, which confirms the rated speeds.

We have good performance from the NVMe drive in PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark doing 621.68MB/s bandwidth with a latency of 38µs only. The overall score was 4141. The USB drive scored 565.

Gaming Tests

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The overall gaming performance is on par for 1080P gaming using a 144Hz refresh rate monitor.

System Performance Test

The system was doing 9392 in PCMARK10 Basic test which is a good performance from this build. The result from Performance Test is 12203.

Core Clocks Behavior

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The system was left idle for 10 minutes under the Balanced Power Profile. The idle clocks were 798MHz on P-Cores and E-Cores. The clocks were peaking to almost 5.5GHz under 1T load. All cores load put these clocks to 5.4HHz. These figures confirm Intel’s clock ratings for Core i7 13700K.

Thermals and Power

The CPU Package power draw was 254.513W on all cores load using Cinebench R23.2. The Graphics card under full stress test load was doing 376W.

Testing was done on an ambient temperature of 26ᵒC. the CPU was idling at 31ᵒC and the graphics card was idling at 30ᵒC. Under load, the CPU was doing 92ᵒC whereas the GPU was doing 70ᵒC.

Thermal Imaging (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The VRM/MOSFET was doing 70.3ᵒC. These temperatures are a bit high for my comfort zone.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅You are into backplug motherboards: MSI Z790 PZ is an ATX size backplug motherboard. It is among the few options available right now in this segment.

✅You are looking for Gen 5 connectivity: This motherboard has a 1x PCIe Gen5 x16 slot. It may be worth your consideration.

✅Value is your thing: Coming in at USD 279.99, this motherboard is a nice option, particularly given it is a backplug design. However, MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max retails at around 294.99 and gives a better value.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You are looking for a High-Spec motherboard: If you are a heavy user and looking for an extensive feature set in a motherboard, then this motherboard is not for you. You can take a look at MSI Carbon WiFi II or ACE, for that matter.

My Thoughts

The overall performance of this motherboard, which has an i7 13700k, is satisfactory.

I have tested a second Project Zero motherboard from MSI. This time it is Z790 PZ. Earlier I tested B650M PZ. The Z790 PZ is a value-oriented motherboard with a core backplug connectivity design, meaning all the connectors are on the backside of the PCB.

This motherboard has a decent connectivity option. We have a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot as well as a PCIe Gen4x4 (mentioned as Gen4 x16) slot. The provision of two PCIe Gen3 x1 slots does not make sense to me. This motherboard has a total of 4x M.2 ports. There is no Gen5 M.2 port.

All M.2 ports are Gen4x4. The top port is wired to the CPU socket and supports a form factor of up to 22110. It has Shield Frozr cooling from MSI. The last two ports support PCIe and SATA drives. These ports have aluminum covers with a single thermal pad per port. This motherboard has 6x SATA 6G ports.

This motherboard has a total of 17 USB ports on mid-board and rear/front including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port on the rear IO panel. MSI has provided Flash BIOS button and a dedicated USB port making our lives easy.

This motherboard has a mediocre 14+1+1 power delivery mechanism (DUET Rail). These are 55A phases, which may not be sufficient for the Core i9 SKUs, in my opinion. In contrast, the Tomahawk Max WiFi has 16+1+1 with 90A power phases.

The cooling department is strong as well, with 8x Fan headers and aluminum heat sink cover over the VRM/MOSFET, M.2 ports, and Chipset. MSI has used 7W-mK-rated thermal pads on the VRM/MOSFET covers.

The BIOS interface is the same as we have seen on the MSI motherboard. MSI has used RealTek ALC897 codec. This motherboard retails at USD 279.99 at NewEgg and has a 3-year warranty from MSI.

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MSI Z790 PZ Motherboard Review: Value, Features, and Looks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 Edition Review: A White Knight

Sajjad Hussain — Wed, 01 May 2024 03:44:15 +0000

I am back with yet another Z790 series motherboard review. This time, it is the Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20. It is a special and limited edition motherboard on the even Chinese Dragon, considered an auspicious zodiac sign in China.

Technically, it is still D5 at its core. This is an ATX-size motherboard with a peculiar feature of all-white from head to toe. White PCBs are not easy to do; kudos to Colorful for coming out with a full white PCB design.

Key Takeaways

The Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 stuns with its white design and top-tier features like PCIe Gen 5 but skips a Gen 5 M.2 slot and has some design oddities.
You should buy the Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 if you want a white motherboard that offers Gen 5 connectivity and top-notch VRM cooling.
You should not buy the Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 if you’re on a budget or want a Gen 5 M.2 port.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, motherboards, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test motherboards).

The salient features include:

A CVN series motherboard in white with customization.
Features frost-cooling armor for power delivery
Features 18+1+1 Phase reinforced power supply design
It has 4 PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 SSD slots
It has two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C and Type-E ports on the rear and front
Front Type-C (basically Type-E) supports PD3.0 @ 30W without a dedicated power connector
It has support for the iGame Center light efficiency control software
One-click BIOS upgrade on the rear IO
Features six protection technologies

[toc]

The key specifications are:

CPU Support	Intel 14th, 13th & 12th Gen
Memory Support	4xDIMM Slots for DDR5 up to 7800MHz+ (OC)
PCIe Slots	1x PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot 1x PCIe x16 slot (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 Specs) 1x PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot 1x PCIe Gen 3 x1 slot
M.2 Ports	4x M.2 Gen4 Ports, 1x M.2 Gen5 port (2x from socket, 3x from chipset)
SATA Ports	6x
Audio	RealTek ALC1220
Network	LAN ports and wireless connectivity using WiFi/BT
USB Ports	Total 14x USB Ports (Front and Rear), including two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Rear and Front Ports with 30W PD
Size	244mmx305, ATX Form Factor

Packaging And Unboxing

Box Contents (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The motherboard comes inside a cardboard board that is white on the outside. There are two containers inside. One has the motherboard, and the other has accessories compartments. This motherboard comes with a plethora of accessories, which include:

1x ATX-sized Motherboard
4x SATA 6Gbps Cables
1x User Manual
4× SATA 6Gb/s data cable
1× 5V ARGB extension cable
1× 12V RGB extension cable
1× 5V ARGB Adapter cable
1× Wi-Fi 6E high gain antenna
1× iGame LOGO Laser sticker
1× Screw toolbox
1× USB Drive

Colorful has included a gray screwdriver kit with this motherboard. It would come in handy when handling the M.2 covers in case you don’t have a screwdriver. The antennae have a magnetic base and are white.

Design Overview

Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 uses an Intel LGA1700 socket that supports Intel’s 12th/13th/14th generation CPUs. It has 4x DIMM slots. I could not find information regarding the PCB layers and material used. The onboard display from the socket includes Display Port DP 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, capable of 4K@60Hz. In addition, this socket provides 20x PCIe lanes.

There is no block diagram available that tells us which slot/port is wired to the socket and chipset. The top M.2 port and two full-length PCIe Gen 4 slots are wired to the socket, which is strange. I will cover it shortly.

The top PCIe port is Gen5, operating at x16 link speed. All the M.2 ports are PCIe Gen 4. I was expecting a Gen 5 M.2 port in this price tag. The rest of the connectivity comes from the Z790 chipset, including 3x Gen4x4 M.2 slots, WiFi 6E solution, NUC, SATA, and Audio solution.

Let’s start with the power delivery circuit of this motherboard.

Power Delivery To Socket

VRM Covers (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This motherboard uses a stylish gold color heatsink cover over the power delivery section of the motherboard. The thermal pads are gray, and there is no data regarding their thermal conductivity. There is a dragon symbol on the main cover with an ULTRA accent. The top cover is silver with iGame ULTRA text.

This is a special edition motherboard that is white from head to toe. This is the one we have been looking for!

VRM Heatsink (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The two-part heatsink covers are inter-connected using a heat pipe, which is a nickel plate. I think it is a 6mm thick heat pipe.

The silver cover on the left is for the VRM. They are beefy and use thermal pads with heat pipes to ensure efficient heat transfer from the VRMs.

This motherboard uses an LGA1700 socket, making it fully compatible with the last two generations along with the new refresh. The silver and gold heatsink covers sync quite well with the overall theme of the motherboard.

VRMs (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This motherboard uses 18+1+1 power delivery phases using Renesas RAA 229131 PWM controller to drive these power stages. The power phases are from Renesas Smart Power Stage (SPS) ISL99390. My guess is they are 90A rated though no such data is provided by the Colorful.

1x power phase is for the VCore, and 1x power phase is for the GT or Aux.

It is mentioned that this motherboard has 6 protection levels, though no more details are provided.

DIMM Slots

DIMM Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Colorful has used 4x DDR5 UDIMM slots. These slots are steel-reinforced, though I am not sure if Colorful has used SMT welding on these slots or not. A total of 192GB capacity is supported, along with support for binary and non-binary memory kits.

The maximum supported DDR5 frequency is 7800+(OC) MHz. These slots support Intel XMP 3.0 with dual-channel and dual-controller modes. The supported memory is non-ECC and unbuffered.

Storage Options

M.2 Slots Covers (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This motherboard has 4x M.2 slots, and 6x SATA ports. Each M.2 slot or port has an aluminum cover for heat transfer, which is finished in silver. None of these covers are toolless, which is what I was expecting with this price tag.

iGame ULTRA and Love What You Play are printed over these covers. All these covers use Philips screws. The last M.2 heatsink covers two M.2 ports. The top slot is wired to the CPU socket and supports 22110/2280/2260/2242 form factors.

M.2 Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)

You can see latch or Q-Latch. However, you name it on these ports, but my gripe comes from the top port. The regular M.2 NVMe drive of size 2280 needs to be installed using a screw on the first port. The latch mounting is for the 22110 size, which is not even supported on this motherboard. I am not sure what they were thinking!

You can see that there are no bottom-placed thermal pads on these ports. This is a poor design, given that the high-density drives are dual-sided.

These ports support M.2 drives of sizes 2280/2260/2242. The last port supports the M.2 SATA drive as well.

There are thermal pads over the heatsink covers. Their thermal conductivity rating is unknown. Speaking of SATA ports, this motherboard has a total of 6x ports. There is no data about their connectivity with the chipset and the dedicated controller. There is an ASM1061 controller which makes me think some SATA ports are driven by this controller.

Also, there is no data telling us which port will be disabled using a certain configuration of PCIe and M.2 slots/ports. I wish Colorful had done a better job in the user manual and online web page of this product.

PCIe Connectivity

This motherboard has a total of 4x PCIe slots. The printing over the board can easily confuse the user. There are two full-length, steel-reinforced PCIe slots on this motherboard. The first slot is labeled PCIe 5 x16, and I get it is a Gen5 PCIe slot wired to the CPU socket.

PCIe Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The second slot is PCIe 3 x1, which, in my opinion, is not needed since the last slot is PCIe 4 x4. Now, coming to the confusion part, the third slot is labeled PCIe 4 x16, which makes me believe that this slot is Gen 4 and fully wired.

However, this is not the case. This slot is actively Gen 4 x4 rated and wired to the CPU socket. I installed a PCIe Gen 4×4 rated M.2 NVMe adapter on this slot along with a graphics card in the Gen5 x16 slot, and the CPU behaved oddly strange as it could not distribute the PCIe lanes among two M.2 NVMe drives, and the graphics card (4+8+4 as per my understanding).

The two PCIe slots are steel reinforced and have a good solder with the PCB. I think there are no anchor points, though. I hope Colorful would have used SMT welding!

WARNING: The labels on the PCB for the PCIe slots can be confusing. Verify which slots offer Gen 5 or Gen 4 speeds before adding components.

USB Connectivity

This motherboard is packed with USB ports on the front, rear, and mid-board.

USB-C header (Image By Tech4Gamers)

It has:

1×USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C interface [Rear]
3×USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A interfaces [Rear]
2×USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A interfaces [Rear]
4×USB 2.0 interfaces [Rear]
2×USB 2.0 pins can expand 4 USB 2.0 Type-A interfaces [Front]
1×USB 3.2 Gen 1 pin can expand 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A interfaces [Front]
1×USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C slot can expand 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C interface (support PD3.0 @30W)

Getting two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) ports is good. At least they did USB ports well. The front USB port (Type-E) is 30W PD. Colorful has used quite a few USB hubs across the board, including GL3523, GL3590, and GL9905V.

PRO TIP: Utilize the high-speed USB ports. The two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports are ideal for connecting high-bandwidth devices like external storage drives.

Networking Solution

Networking Controller (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 motherboard uses a RealTek RTL8125BGHS chip to provide networking support on a single 2.5Gb LAN port on the rear panel.

This motherboard also supports WiFi 6E using AX211/AX210, a dedicated WiFi module that comes pre-installed and a dedicated antenna in the box. This Antenna is magnetic and finished in white.

This motherboard also supports Bluetooth 5.3.

There is no WiFi 7 protocol, which makes me think that this motherboard was either primarily released or intended for 12th/13th-gen Intel CPUs since the motherboards released with the 14th-gen SKUs come with WiFi 7.

Audio Solution

Colorful has provided a basic audio solution on this motherboard using RealTek ALC1220 codec. The left and right channels are on separate PCB layers. Colorful has used high-performance Chemi-Con capacitors. This solution is wired to the Z790 socket. This is a 7.1-channel audio solution.

I am showing the Z790 chipset after removing its heatsink cover. Let’s take a look at the connectors.

Internal Connectors

1 of 5

There are:

2x EPS Connectors
1x 24-pin ATX Connector
2x USB 2.0 pins can expand 4 USB 2.0 Type-A interfaces
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 pin can expand 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A interfaces
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C slot can expand 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C interface (support PD3.0 @30W)
6x SATA Connectors
2x CPU fan headers
3x System fan headers
1x Water cooling pump header
2x 5V 3-pin ARGB header
1x 5V ARGB expansion socket
2x 12V 4-pin RGB header
1x Front audio header
1x Front panel header
1x Speaker header
1x COM port header
1x BIOS burner header

I could not get the controller used for the fans’ headers. Colorful did not mention the power rating of these headers either.

There are 4x LEDs to troubleshoot the system in case anything goes haywire. These LEDs correspond to the CPU, RAM, VGA, and Boot. There is also a debug LED on the motherboard.

Rear IO Panel

Rear IO (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There are:

1×USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C interface
3×USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A interfaces
2×USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A interfaces
4×USB 2.0 interfaces
1×DP 1.2 interface, supporting a maximum resolution of 4K 60Hz
1×HDMI 2.0 interface, supporting up to 4K 60Hz resolution
1×2.5G network interface
5×Audio interfaces
1×S/PDIF audio interface
2×Wi-Fi 6E antenna interfaces
1×BIOS update button
1×CMOS clearing key

Digital ARGB Cable (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The board comes with a digital ARGB extension or expansion cable and a dedicated header at the bottom of the motherboard.

There is no full-size backplate on the back of this motherboard. There are two white cover colors on the top and at the base, with the Dragon symbol and ULTRA text. These are not aluminum so they don’t exchange the heat. In the second picture, I am showing the main view of the motherboard after stripping the covers and heatsinks.

Colorful uses Winband 25Q256JVEQ 128M-bit Serial Flash Memory. This is your BIOS chip. The main IO controller is nuvoTon NCT6796D-E. Colorful has used many controllers and hubs over this motherboard, including nuvoTon M482S10AE, GD AH2342, ASM 1061, GH158, HOLTEK HT32F52352. They have used 4373NA MOSFETs as well.

BIOS Walkthrough

Main Design

1 of 17

Colorful has taken a different approach to the UEFI BIOS settings layout. The labels, including OC, Advanced, Tool, Boot, and Exit, are printed over the top. These are broader categories under which you will find related settings. Some settings may seem to be grayed out, but they are not. Just use the arrow keys on the keyboard or the mouse pointer to select them, and they will be active. Colorful needs to pay attention to this.

OC has the CPU and RAM-related settings. The frequency or Clocks are provided separately for the CPU only. I appreciate how Colorful has isolated the key voltages for the RAM and listed them together under the Advanced Memory settings. The powers are unlocked by default with every brand.

The advanced settings monitoring, On-Board devices, Chipset, and Password settings. EZ Mode is the default mode of the BIOS interface. Pressing F11 will load the advanced interface. The print screen is done using the F8 key, not the F12 key. Colorful has provided EZ OC settings, which are one-click overclocking for your CPU.

The BIOS interface is similar to what I saw on the Z790 Carbon Max. BIOS starts in the EZ mode. Press F7 to switch to Advanced mode. XMP is just a one-click thanks to user friendly interface. CPU, RAM, and Voltage settings are grouped under the OC menu. System-related configuration options are grouped in the Settings menu. Boot and Exit options are also under the Settings menu.

Test Build

Test Build (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have used the following configuration to test the motherboard:

Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20
MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio 24G
Intel Core i7 13700K [Stock, Auto]
Valkyrie SYN360 White AIO
Asgard ROG Strix RGB 32GB 7200MHz CAS34 DDR5 kit
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 1TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For OS]
Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Drive
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 4TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD [For Games]
CORSAIR AX1200i Platinum PSU
Praxis Wetbench

CPU Z (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The above is a picture showing a run of CPU-Z. I have used a Balanced Power Profile in the Windows Environment. That is why you are seeing a 1097MHz clock speed for the CPU using 125W. You can also see that the graphics card is operating at the x16 link. The RAM was operating at its tested speed of 7200MT/s after loading the XMP.

We have divided the overall tests into four major categories. These are:

CPU and Memory Tests
- AIDA64 CPU and Memory Test
- CINEBENCH R23.2
- GeekBench 5.4.5
- 7-Zip Compression Benchmark
- 3DMARK CPU Profile
Storage Tests
- CrystalDiskMark
- PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark
Gaming Tests
- 3DMARK Speed Way
- 3DMARK Time Spy Extreme
- 3DMARK Fire Strike Ultra
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Control
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Far Cry 6
- Forza Horizon 5
Overall System Tests
- PCMARK10
- Performance Test

Test Result

The testing was done on stock settings with XMP loaded. This motherboard has powers unlocked by default.

CPU And Memory Benchmarks

It is time to take a look at the test results, starting with CPU and memory benchmarks.

CPU And Memory Benchmarks

1 of 5

In Cinebench R23.2, the CPU scored 30611 points in CPU Multi Core load and 2046 points in a Single Core Load. This is the expected performance from i7 13700k. The DDR5 kit has performed well at its tested speed of 7200MHz. The single core score of 2892 from Gekbench 6 is quite well. The performance in the 7-Zip benchmark is remarkable as well, with a compression result of 162.477 GIPS and 167.213 GIPS score in Decompression.

Storage Test

1 of 4

I have used:

Gen4x4 NVMe Drive
USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Drive [Rated for 1600MB/s]

Both drives passed their sequential speeds in the CrystalDiskMark. The performance of the PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark is quite good. The Gen4x4 NVMe drive scored 5283, and the USB drive scored 556 score.

Overall System Test

1 of 2

The overall score of 9163 is quite good from the PCMARK10 test bench. The setup scored 12249 score in Performance Testing coming in 97% overall rating.

Gaming Test

1 of 4

We have a good all-round performance in the gaming benchmarks. This shows that this motherboard can handle the gaming load easily.

Core Clock Behavior

1 of 3

I have used the Balanced Power profile in Windows Environment. To record the idle temperatures, the system was put on idle for 10 minutes. The idle clocks were 798MHz on the P-Cores, whereas these were 2593MHz on the E-Cores, more or less.

The P-Cores boosted to 5.386GHz (5.4GHz) under 1T load using R23.2, whereas these cores boosted to 5.287GHz (5.3GHz) under all cores load. These figures confirm Intel’s clock ratings for Core i7 13700K.

The bus clock was 99.8MHz, which is why you are seeing numbers like 5.386GHz and 5.287GHz.

Thermals And Power

Colorful has done a good job with the power delivery section of this motherboard.

Load Type	ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite (14700KF)	MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX (14700KF)	Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 (13700K)
System Power Draw – Idle System	211W	111W	88W
System Power Draw – R23.2 CPU Multi	562W	444W	388W
System Power Draw – 1080P Gaming	656W	593W	572W

The CPU Package power draw was 255W on all cores load using Cinebench R23.2. The Graphics card under full stress test load was doing 376W.

Testing was done at an ambient temperature of 25ᵒC. The CPU was idling at 35ᵒC, and the graphics card was idling at 47ᵒC. Under load, the CPU was doing 91ᵒC, whereas the GPU was doing 81ᵒC.

Thermal Imaging (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The VRM/MOSFET was doing 68.5ᵒC at the same ambient. This is a satisfactory performance.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅You are looking for a pure white motherboard: There are many white color options from many brands on the market, but none carry a pure white colored motherboard except Colorful. Get this board for your white-themed build.

✅Gen5 Connectivity is your requirement: Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 offers a PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot. If you are in the market for Gen 5 connectivity, this motherboard is among the competitors.

✅You need USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Connections: This motherboard comes with two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports offering 20Gbps bandwidth. One port is on the rear IO panel, which is seldom used on many high-end motherboards. The front port also provides a 30W PD function.

✅You want beefy cooling for the power delivery section: Colorful has used a beefy heatsink cover over the VRM/MOSFETs to provide efficient performance. The two aluminum-made covers are multi-layered and use a 6mm copper pipe along with thermal pads to keep the VMR temperatures tame.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You need a Gen 5 M.2 port: This motherboard does not have a Gen 5 M.2 port. Skip this motherboard if you are looking for this function.

❌You are a budget user: This motherboard will cost USD 320. This is an upper mid-range price segment. Skip this board if your wallet does not allow this expense.

Final Words

I have taken a look at the iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 from Colorful. This motherboard offers a good basket of features, though I think Colorful could have done a better job in a few departments. This motherboard packs 18+1+1 power phases powered by a Renesas RAA 229131 PWM controller. Colorful has used a beefy cooling solution over these power phases and controllers.

Colorful has mentioned 6 protection features without giving any detail about them. This is a multi-layered PCB, which I guess is 6-layered, but I’m not sure. This is an ATX-size motherboard that comes with ARGB and RGB headers, along with many supported cables and extensions. There is also an integrated ARGB LED strip on the backside of the motherboard.

It seems like Colorful has gone all out for the lighting effects, which they could have spent well on for the main performance features. There is also a switch to turn off/on the lighting effects. I could have saved this cost and provided a Gen5 M.2 port or at least tool-less M.2 cover or double thermal pads on each M.2 port or a minimum of 5x M.2 ports.

Continuing above, there are two full-length (x16) PCIe slots with confusing labels on the PCB. The top one is PCIe Gen5 wired to the CPU Socket. The other is also wired to the socket but is actually a PCIe Gen4 x4 slot. This makes the total count of these slots two, and then there is a Gen 3 x1 rated slot as well. In my opinion, this is not an optimized solution. I would have skipped the second full-length slot in favor of the Gen5 M.2 port.

This motherboard has 4x PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 ports. The top one is wired to the CPU Socket, and its latch is provided at the 22110 position. Why? When there is no Gen5 port, then I would use the latch at 2280. Anyhow, these ports have aluminum covers, which are not tool-less. At least the top one should have been tool-less as is the practice around.

This board has 6x SATA ports. Colorful has employed ASM1061, which tells me that that controller controls some of these ports. Which ones? I am not sure. Which of these ports will be disabled if an adapter card is used on a PCIe Gen4x4 slot wired to the chipset? I don’t know. There is no block diagram to understand the internal connectivity.

This motherboard comes at USD 320, which is where it competes against the ASRock Z790 NOVA and MSI MAG Z790 Carbon WiFi Plus. This is a tough competition. That is why I have been saying that Colorful could have provided a well-balanced feature set to compete in the market. This motherboard has a good all-round performance and good VRM temperatures under load. With a 3-year warranty, this board can handle any task at hand and would cater to many market segments. Having a completely white PCB is a major win for this motherboard.

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Sajjad Hussain

[Editor-in-Chief]

Sajjad Hussain is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tech4Gamers.com. Apart from the Tech and Gaming scene, Sajjad is a Seasonal banker who has delivered multi-million dollar projects as an IT Project Manager and works as a freelancer to provide professional services to corporate giants and emerging startups in the IT space.

Majored in Computer Science
13+ years of Experience as a PC Hardware Reviewer.
8+ years of Experience as an IT Project Manager in the Corporate Sector.
Certified in Google IT Support Specialization.
Admin of PPG, the largest local Community of gamers with 130k+ members.

Sajjad is a passionate and knowledgeable individual with many skills and experience in the tech industry and the gaming community. He is committed to providing honest, in-depth product reviews and analysis and building and maintaining a strong gaming community.

Colorful iGame Z790D5 Loong V20 Edition Review: A White Knight is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

BEST Z790 Motherboards [Hands-On Tested]

Faizan Ahmed — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 20:25:27 +0000

Z790 motherboards represent the best of the best that Intel has to offer. Not only that, but the newest Intel 14th-gen series also works flawlessly with this chipset. With that said, if you are searching for a good Z790 motherboard, you have come to the right place. In this guide, I will walk you through the best Z790 motherboards based on our hands-on testing and analysis.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Faizan Ahmed has been testing, reviewing, and comparing graphics cards and motherboards for more than a decade.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test motherboards).

Here are my recommended Z790 Motherboard picks, with specs, pros, cons, who should get them, and comparison!

Motherboard

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi

ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

Looks

Award

Best Overall Z790 Motherboard

Best High-End Z790 Motherboard

Best White Z790 Motherboard

Best Value Z790 Motherboard

Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard

Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard

VRM

16+1+1

20+1+1

16+1+1

16+1+2

10+1

24+1+2

Memory

DDR5-7800MHz

DDR5-8000+MHz

DDR5 7200+ MHz

DDR5-7600+MHz

DDR5-7600MHz

DDR5-7800+MHz

What We Liked

Excellent performance, Adequate storage and USB options, Stealthy looks

Rock solid VRM design, Active cooling with an integrated heatsink fan, PCIe Gen5 storage

Unique white aesthetics, Robust 16+1+1 phase VRM, Superb connectivity options

Bang for the buck, RGB lighting, Solid performance

10-layer PCB layout, ThunderBolt 4 Type-C connectivity, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slot

Beefy VRM structure, Massive heatsinks with improved cooling, Thunderbolt4 connectivity, Gen5 SSD and PCIe slots

What We Disliked

No Debug LEDs

A bit pricey

Relatively pricey, No Debug LED

No Gen5 M.2 slot, No debug LED

VRM isn’t that powerful

Very expensive and Thunderbolt4 speeds reduce to 20Gbps on USB4 devices

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

10x Rear, 9x Front

10x Rear, 8x Internal USB headers

10x Rear, 7x Front

9x Rear, 3x Front

10x Rear, 10x Front

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA 6G

6x M.2, 5x SATA

5x M.2, 8x SATA

4x M.2, 6x SATA

2x M.2, 6x SATA

5x M.2, 6x SATA

RGB

Short On Time?

The right choice for any gamer who wants a balanced set of features.

Whether it is performance, looks, or features, a high-end option from head to toe.

My favorite Z790 motherboard in terms of looks - really brings a breath of fresh air to any PC build.

Offers the most value for money while offering a respectable set of features and solid performance.

A great choice for small PC builds that don't compromise on performance.

The ultimate choice for hardcore enthusiasts who plan to push their CPU/GPU to the absolute limits.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Motherboard

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Z790 Motherboard

VRM

16+1+1

Memory

DDR5-7800MHz

What We Liked

Excellent performance, Adequate storage and USB options, Stealthy looks

What We Disliked

No Debug LEDs

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA 6G

RGB

Short On Time?

The right choice for any gamer who wants a balanced set of features.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi

Looks

Award

Best High-End Z790 Motherboard

VRM

20+1+1

Memory

DDR5-8000+MHz

What We Liked

Rock solid VRM design, Active cooling with an integrated heatsink fan, PCIe Gen5 storage

What We Disliked

A bit pricey

USB Ports

10x Rear, 9x Front

Storage

6x M.2, 5x SATA

RGB

Short On Time?

Whether it is performance, looks, or features, a high-end option from head to toe.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Looks

Award

Best White Z790 Motherboard

VRM

16+1+1

Memory

DDR5 7200+ MHz

What We Liked

Unique white aesthetics, Robust 16+1+1 phase VRM, Superb connectivity options

What We Disliked

Relatively pricey, No Debug LED

USB Ports

10x Rear, 8x Internal USB headers

Storage

5x M.2, 8x SATA

RGB

Short On Time?

My favorite Z790 motherboard in terms of looks - really brings a breath of fresh air to any PC build.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Motherboard

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Z790 Motherboard

VRM

16+1+2

Memory

DDR5-7600+MHz

What We Liked

Bang for the buck, RGB lighting, Solid performance

What We Disliked

No Gen5 M.2 slot, No debug LED

USB Ports

10x Rear, 7x Front

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA

RGB

Short On Time?

Offers the most value for money while offering a respectable set of features and solid performance.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Motherboard

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard

VRM

10+1

Memory

DDR5-7600MHz

What We Liked

10-layer PCB layout, ThunderBolt 4 Type-C connectivity, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slot

What We Disliked

VRM isn’t that powerful

USB Ports

9x Rear, 3x Front

Storage

2x M.2, 6x SATA

RGB

Short On Time?

A great choice for small PC builds that don't compromise on performance.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Motherboard

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard

VRM

24+1+2

Memory

DDR5-7800+MHz

What We Liked

Beefy VRM structure, Massive heatsinks with improved cooling, Thunderbolt4 connectivity, Gen5 SSD and PCIe slots

What We Disliked

Very expensive and Thunderbolt4 speeds reduce to 20Gbps on USB4 devices

USB Ports

10x Rear, 10x Front

Storage

5x M.2, 6x SATA

RGB

Short On Time?

The ultimate choice for hardcore enthusiasts who plan to push their CPU/GPU to the absolute limits.

Buy On Amazon

Buy On NewEgg

Last Updated:

May 5, 2024: I have replaced the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi with the MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi because the latter offers a better, well-rounded set of features for a lower price.

[toc]

Best Z790 Motherboards

Here are our tested recommendations for the Best Z790 Motherboards:

Best Overall: MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi
Best High-End: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
Best White: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
Best Value: ASRock Z790 PG Riptide
Best Mini-ITX: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi
Best Overclocking: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi

Best Overall Z790 Motherboard

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi

Power Phases: 16+1+1 | Memory: 4x DDR5 7800+(OC), Max. Capacity 256GB | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4| USB Ports: 10x Rear (4x Type-A 5Gbps, 4x Type-A 10Gbps, 1x Type-C 10Gbps, 1x Type-C 20Gbps), 7x Front (4x USB 2.0, 2x Type-A 5Gbps, 1x Type-C 10Gbps) | Network: 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7 | Storage: 4x M.2, 8x SATA 6G

Pros

Great VRM design for high performance
Adequate storage options
Plenty of USB ports
Stealthy looks

Cons

No Debug LED

Check Price

My favorite motherboard of all the Z790 options available right now has to be the MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi. It features a stealthy, sleek black design with beautiful yellow accents – no RGB lighting. The board is made from 6 layers of 2oz thickened copper and has overcurrent and overvoltage protections baked in to offer unmatched stability during high-performance sessions. Speaking of which, the power delivery is also quite up to mark with a 16+1+1 VRM design, where each phase is rated for 90A. The VRM heatsink is also good as it uses 7W/mK thermal pads, but I would have liked it more if the two heatsinks were connected through a heat pipe.

Regardless, the VRM design is more than enough even to handle the mighty i9-14900K without any hiccups. You also get an impressive memory configuration as the board supports over 7800MHz of DDR5 RAM. Similarly, there are 3x USB-C ports (2x rear, 1x front) where one of the rear ports can have speeds of up to 20Gbps. The storage options are also quite adequate, with 4x M.2 slots and 8x SATA 6G ports (although you lose 2x SATA ports if a SATA SSD is installed in the M.2 3rd slot).

Even when our in-house hardware expert, Nauman Siddique, personally tested the MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi in his rig, he was impressed by how this board is simply the complete package.

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is a jack-of-all-trades option with a mix of new-generation features and backward compatibility. It has a robust power design, ample expansion slots, and effective cooling. Plus, the connectivity options are plentiful, with a focus on the new WiFi 7 standard. This motherboard is a good choice for gamers and general users looking for a modern, future-proofed motherboard at a competitive price point.

✅Buy It If

Take a look at some pictures of the MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi from our review:

MSI Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi

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You want an adequate set of all features: The MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi does not lack in any department, from a 16+1+1 VRM design to 10x rear USB ports and 4x M.2 slots; it has got it all. As such, I highly recommend it to anyone who’s building an Intel PC and wants an all-in-one motherboard.

You want to pair it with a physically heavy GPU: The top PCIe slot (which can also support Gen5 speeds) is reinforced with steel. As such, the slot has very good structural integrity to handle the weight of a heavy GPU.

You don’t want to break the bank on a motherboard: The MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi is not nearly as expensive as several other high-end Z790 motherboards. Sure, it is not cheap either, but it is relatively better in terms of pricing – especially if you factor in all the features and performance it brings to the table.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a debug LED: This is not a big deal for most gamers, but if you plan to tweak around with your PC or if you’re not a very experienced PC builder, then not having a debug LED can make issues a bit more difficult to troubleshoot.

What Makes It The Best Overall Z790 Motherboard?

The main reason why I have picked the MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi as the best overall Z790 motherboard is because it is perfect for any task. Whether you want to go down the overclocking route or just want a balanced amount of features and performance, the Tomahawk Max WiFi has got it all.

Read Our MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi Review

Performance: 9/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi

Best High-End Z790 Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi

VRM: 20+1+1 | Memory: 4x DIMM 192GB, DDR5 8000+ | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | USB Ports: 10x Rear (1x Type-C 20Gbps, 4x Type-A 10Gbps, 3x Type-A 5Gbps, 2x USB 2.0), 9x Front (1x Type-C 20Gbps, 4x Type-A 5Gbps, 4x USB 2.0)| Network: 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7 | Storage: 6x M.2, 4x SATA 6G

Pros

Rock solid VRM design
Active cooling with an integrated heatsink fan
Beautiful RGB design
PCIe Gen5 storage

Cons

A bit pricey

Check Price

If you can spend a bit more money on even better features, I would recommend the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi. First up, it is one of the most beautiful and stylish motherboards our team has ever tested. It’s got bright RGB lighting all around the RGB covers and at the bottom of the board, plus the NOVA branding and gradient colors add flair. Of course, being a high-end Z790 motherboard, it has some of the most well-built VRM structures I have ever seen. The board boasts a 20+1+1 design to offer unparalleled stability during peak overclocking.

On top of that, ASRock has really knocked VRM cooling out of the park here. The two massive heatsinks are connected through a 6mm heat pipe, plus there is an actual VRM cooling fan that can spin at over 8000 RPM to keep the VRMs cool. Moving on, the memory support is just as impressive as it can handle 8000+MHz frequency. As for storage and USB ports, there are no issues at all because we get a PCIe Gen 5 M.2 port and more than enough high-speed ports.

Here’s how Nauman Siddique, our senior hardware tester, described the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi:

The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi motherboard impresses with its feature-rich design, including a robust 20+1+1 power stage VRM, extensive M.2 connectivity, and Gen5-based ports. It excels in stock performance and overclocking, offering excellent value for its price point. Overall, this motherboard is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-spec motherboard with plenty of features and firm performance.

✅Buy It If

Take a look at the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi from our in-house testing:

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi

1 of 3

You want top performance with no chance of instability: Given the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi’s 20+1+1 VRM design along with a beefy heatsink that has an embedded fan, you get exceptional overclocking potential without any worries about thermal throttling.

You are after fast-speed storage: With 6x M.2 ports where one can run at Gen5 speeds, I highly recommend the Z790 Nova WiFi to anyone who plans to run a lot of SSDs.

You want a stylish motherboard: Thanks to bright RGB lighting all around the board and stylish branding, the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi is the perfect choice for anyone who plans to show off the gaming rig.

❌Don't Buy It If

You can’t afford a bit pricey motherboard: While the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi is not overpriced, it is still a rather pricey motherboard. However, it makes up for it with its top-tier performance and high-end specification.

What Makes It The Best High-End Z790 Motherboard?

No matter how you look at it, the ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi is filled to the top with high-end features. For instance, it has a top-tier VRM design that offers 20+1+1 power phases, a solid cooling solution with a built-in fan, plenty of M.2 ports, extensive connectivity options, and a stylish design with beautiful RGB lighting. For all of these reasons and more, I have picked it as the best high-end Z790 motherboard.

Read Our ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 10/10

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Best White Z790 Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Pros

Unique white aesthetics
Robust 16+1+1 phase VRM design
Superb connectivity options
Versatile networking

Cons

Relatively pricey
No Debug LED

Check Price

One glance at the Z790 Steel Legend made it clear to me that ASRock has used a very attractive design pattern on the PCB that adds a bit of personality to the board. The chipset heatsink is covered with a camouflage pattern, while the I/O cover and VRM heatsinks signify the impressive build quality of the motherboard. Under the massive VRM heatsinks, ASRock has equipped the board with a robust 16+1+1 phase VRM design with 60A SPS power stages. In my testing, the MOSFETs were operating at around 75.8C at an ambient of 28C, which signifies the impressive thermal solution implemented by ASRock.

Connectivity is also rather impressive, as ASRock has equipped this variant with 10 rear USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. For storage, the 5 M.2 slots and 8 total SATA ports do an admirable job, while the networking is handled by a Dragon 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E.

Our motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, was also in awe of the Z790 Steel Legend’s design:

“ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is a beautiful board providing a combination of silver and white color accents with vivid and evenly done RGB lighting”.

✅Buy It If

Here are our captured pictures of the Z790 Steel Legend:

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

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You want a unique all-white motherboard: I think ASRocks’ Z790 Steel Legend elevates itself above the crowd thanks to its unique white theme and distinctive aesthetics.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want more diagnostic options: I found the lack of a Debug LED to be a minor hiccup during testing, but that can be seen as a nitpick.

What Makes It The Best White Z790 Motherboard?

There is a stark lack of white-themed motherboards on the market, and with the Z790 Steel Legend, ASRock has filled a much-desired void. With its robust VRM and unique aesthetics, the Z790 Steel Legend definitely sweeps the title of the best white Z790 motherboard on the market.

Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Best Value Z790 Motherboard

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

VRM: 16+1+2 | Memory: 4x DIMM 192 GB, DDR5 7600+ | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.2 | USB Ports: 10x Rear (1x Type-C 20Gbps, 2x Type-A 10Gbps, 3x Type-A 5Gbps, 4x USB 2.0) , 7x Front (1x Type-C 10Gbps, 2x Type-A 5Gbps, 4x USB 2.0) | Network: 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

Pros

True bang for the buck
Solid performance
Offers high-speed USB ports
RGB Lighting
Plenty of storage options

Cons

No Gen5 M.2 slot
No debug LED

Check Price

If you want the most bang for your buck, I recommend the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. It has a black aesthetic with gray accents, and you get some RGB effects below the chipset cover. Overall, while it is not the most stylish motherboard out there, it does the job pretty well. GIGABYTE has used a 16+1+2 VRM structure, and in all our testing, the motherboard performed flawlessly. It is not the best choice for peak overclocking, but it does a great job running all AAA titles and stress tests without stability issues.

The two massive VRM heatsinks are joined together using a 6mm heat pipe, and 7.5W/mK thermal pads are also used. Similarly, the memory support follows the adequate theme as it can handle over 7600MHz+ of DDR5 RAM. As for storage, while you get 4x M.2 slots, I would have loved to see one Gen5, too, but I can’t complain because the pricing is very attractive. The same applies to USB ports as well – you get a 20Gbps Type-C port and 3x Type-A ports that can transfer at up to 10Gbps, a great set given its pricing.

Overall, if you want a solid daily driver without drilling a hole in your pocket, I say the AORUS ELITE AX is your best friend. Plus, this is also the conclusion our hardware expert Nauman Siddique drew after testing this board:

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is a well-balanced motherboard with a feature set that would easily provide the daily-driver requirement in the main-stream mid-range market segment.

✅Buy It If

We took these pictures of the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX during our review:

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

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You want solid performance: With its 16+1+2 VRM design, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX offers solid performance without facing any stability issues. The VRM heatsink also does a great job of keeping the board out of any trouble.

You want the most features without spending too much: Apart from the performance aspect, the AORUS ELITE AX is a great option for anyone low on cash. This motherboard really does not compromise in any aspect and offers a little something for everyone.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want a Gen5 SSD slot: Even though I personally wouldn’t consider it as a big deal because the board costs way less than other options and the performance difference between Gen5 and Gen4 SSDs is marginal at best – if a Gen5 M.2 Slot is a must, you may want to consider other options.

What Makes It The Best Value Z790 Motherboard?

Given its low pricing, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX offers the most well-balanced feature set our team has ever tested. It has plenty of M.2 slots, enough high-speed Type-A and Type-C USB ports, a rock-solid VRM structure with adequate cooling, and even a tad bit of RGB lighting. As a result, the price-to-performance ratio of the AORUS ELITE AX is unmatched, and that’s why I’m recommending it as the best value Z790 motherboard.

Read Our GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Review

Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8.5/10

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi

Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi

Pros

10-layer PCB layout
ThunderBolt 4 Type-C connectivity
PCIe 5.0 x16 slot

Cons

VRM isn’t that powerful

Check Price

I found the design of the Strix Z790-I to be quite nice overall. The black PCB works well with the rugged aesthetic of the VRM heatsink and the I/O cover. The build quality is outstanding thanks to a 10-layer PCB layout, which conducts heat efficiently and ensures system stability, allowing for better overclocking performance. The board features an 8-pin ProCool II power connector with 10+1 VRM Power Stages, delivering 105A of power delivery, enough to run a 14th-generation PC system smoothly in my tests. ASUS opted for a quiet thermal dissipation system that diverts heat from a ventilated loop from the core to keep the VRM cool even after vigorous performance.

It consists of 2x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 card slot, which I quite appreciate. WiFI 6E support is provided in addition to 2.5 GbE Ethernet LAN connectivity to provide the users with the best gaming experience. 2x ThunderBolt 4 Type-C ports are provided for dual bidirectional fast data transfer.

WARNING: Be sure to confirm case compatibility before buying a mini-ITX motherboard.

✅Buy It If

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi

You want a durable mini-ITX motherboard: Typically, a 10-layer PCB layout in a mini-ITX motherboard is unforeseen, provides system stability, and creates headroom for overclocking.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want more expansion slots: Of course, the Z790-I does have limited potential for future expansion due to its compact frame.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard?

The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi is the top contender for the Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard thanks to its top-notch performance, with clever space-saving VRM heatsink architecture and the fastest DDR5 memory specification, which makes it a top priority for users looking for a Mini-ITX Z790 motherboard.

Performance: 8.5/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard

MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX

VRM: 24+1+2 | Memory: 4x DIMM 256GB, DDR5 7800+ | Display Outputs: 1x Type-C DisplayPort | USB ports: 10x Rear (7x Type-A 10Gbps, 1x Type-C 10Gbps, 2x Type-C Thunderbolt4 40Gbps ), 10x Front (4x Type-A 5Gbps, 2x Type-C 20Gbps, 4x USB 2.0) | Network: 2.5Gbps, WiFi 7 | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA 6G

Pros

Beefy VRM structure
Massive heatsinks with improved cooling
Thunderbolt4 connectivity
Gen5 SSD and PCIe slots
RGB design

Cons

Very expensive
Thunderbolt4 speeds reduce to 20Gbps on USB4 devices

Check Price

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is my go-to option for any high-end PC build that requires top-tier overclocking. First up, the motherboard’s design gives off a very aggressive vibe with the MSI dragon on the VRM covers that lights up beautifully. But that’s not why I recommend this board; that award goes to its unmatched VRM structure, which consists of 24+1+2 power phases, each rated for a whopping 105A. As a result, this board’s performance numbers and raw potential are simply unlike any other board we have ever tested. You can really squeeze every bit of performance out of any flagship CPU without any crashes.

To keep up with its impressive VRM design, the heatsink uses a stacked fin array design, an aluminum cover, a U-shaped heat pipe, and 7W/mK thermal pads. Of course, MSI had to knock on all the other features of the park as well, and they did so right. First, there are 5x M.2 slots, and one of them supports Gen5 speeds. Plus, the USB connectivity is simply unparalleled. You not only get high-speed Type-A and Type-C ports both at the front and the rear but there are two Thunderbolt4 ports as well. My only complaint here is that while these ports can reach speeds of up to 40Gbps with Thunderbolt devices, they cut down to half (20Gbps) on USB4 devices.

After thoroughly testing the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX, here’s what Nauman Siddique had to say:

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is a flagship motherboard that impresses with its top-tier features, including Gen5 connectivity, Thunderbolt 4.0 support, and a robust 24+1+2 VRM design. It offers excellent thermal performance and integrates advanced sensors for monitoring. While it comes at a premium price, it justifies the cost with its impressive performance and a 3-year warranty.

✅Buy It If

Check these pictures of the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX before our testing:

MSI Z790 ACE MAX

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You want unmatched overclocking potential: If you take overclocking very seriously and want a motherboard that offers a best-in-class VRM design and equally impressive VRM cooling, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is a no-brainer.

You prefer Gen5 Speeds: Along with a Gen5 M.2 slot, the board also offers 2x Gen5 PCIe slots, which is a really good option for anyone who wants Gen5 connectivity.

You are after Thunderbolt connectivity: Similarly, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX also comes with 2x Thunderbolt 4x ports that can offer speeds of up to 40Gbps, which makes this board perfect for displaying even an 8K display along with all the perks of Thunderbolt.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want something less pricey: Given all its high-end features and performance numbers, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is by no means an affordable motherboard. Be prepared to damage your wallet!

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard?

If we put all the high-end Gen5 slots, aggressive RGB design, and blazing-fast Thunderbolt4 connectivity aside, just the 24+1+2 VRM structure where each phase can handle 105A and stacked fin array heatsinks with copper heat pipes for cooling means the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX can handle overclocking like no other motherboard on the market, and that’s why I have picked it as the best overclocking Z790 motherboard.

- Read Our MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Review

Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Important Motherboard Key Terms

Chipset: The chipset is a set of chips that controls communication between the CPU and other components on the motherboard, such as RAM, storage, and expansion cards. The chipset is also responsible for managing the system’s clock speed and power consumption.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): The BIOS is a firmware program that is stored on a chip on the motherboard. It is responsible for booting up the computer and initializing the hardware. The BIOS also provides a user interface for configuring the system settings.
Expansion slots: Expansion slots allow additional hardware components to be installed on the motherboard, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. Expansion slots are typically located on the bottom or right edge of the motherboard.
Form factor: The form factor of a motherboard is its size and shape. The most common form factors for desktop computers are ATX, microATX, and mini-ITX.
DIMM slots: DIMM slots are sockets on the motherboard where memory modules are installed. DIMM stands for Dual In-Line Memory Module. DIMM modules are the most common type of memory used in desktop computers.
Socket: The socket is the connector on the motherboard where the CPU is installed. The type of socket on the motherboard determines the type of CPU that can be used.

How We Tested & Picked The Best Z790 Motherboards

VRM and Overclocking Potential: Beefy VRMs are essential for CPU and GPU overclocking scenarios and general optimal performance. As such, it’s necessary to keep a keen eye out since inefficient VRMs would result in your CPU and GPU bottlenecking, i.e., your Intel-based PC would undergo thermal throttling, rendering it incapable of delivering its theoretical potential power, thanks to an incompetent VRM design.
Principal Budget and Relative Affordability: While building a gaming PC centralized around Intel’s 13th/14th Generation CPUs and 700-Series Chipsets, it’s best to stick with full-sized ATX or E-ATX Z790 motherboards if you’re looking to save some money, as manufacturers offer a variety of Z790 Motherboards in these form factors. At the same time, holding your horses while choosing from the Flagship E-ATX Z790 Motherboards is essential since these boards tend to overcharge you for features.
Expansion Slots/Connectivity: Some Z790 Motherboards may offer multiple PCI-e 5.0×16 slots. At the same time, some miniature motherboards will only provide a solitary PCI-e 4th Gen (x16) slot. Moreover, you should have an estimated idea of how many and which type of USB ports you’d like to utilize since a few of the Cheapest Z790 Motherboards will cut down on comparatively faster USB connections to drive prices down.
Heatsinks/PCB Layers: The general rule of thumb is to choose a board with advanced heat dissipation techniques while ideally incorporating multiple heatsinks for optimal heat radiation away from your Motherboard’s components. The thicker your Motherboard’s PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), the lower your temps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which socket does the Z790 utilize?

The Z790 sports the LGA 1700 CPU Mounting Platform, the same as the preceding Z690 and accompanying 600-Series Motherboards.

Can I use the last-generation Core i9-12900K with a Z790 Motherboard?

Since the Alder Lake Core i9-12900K is based on the LGA 1700 CPU Socketing Mechanism, it is usable with any of the Best Z790 Motherboards. However, we wouldn’t recommend such an unorthodox pairing as far as the value proposition is concerned.

Recent Updates

April 28, 2024: I have replaced the ASRock Z790 PG RipTide with the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX because GIGABYTE’s pricing is more attractive for the features it offers. Similarly, I have also swapped the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS MASTER with the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX because the MSI’s motherboard showed impressive performance in our testing.
October 21, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
August 22, 2023: Fixed misaligned images. No products were changed.
July 23, 2023: Added ASRock Z790 Steel Legend Wi-Fi as the Best White Z790 Motherboard.
May 31, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.

Faizan Ahmed

[Casings & Motherboards Expert]

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BEST Z790 Motherboards [Hands-On Tested] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Best Motherboards For i9-14900KF – Our Recommendations

Dr. Usman Saleem — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Intel’s latest 14th-generation processors have taken over the market, and the Intel Core i9-14900KF is one of the best gaming CPUs, thanks to its higher core and thread counts. However, the processor shines brighter when it is overclocked, and to do that, you require a better motherboard. Therefore, after thorough testing and research, we have compiled the top motherboards for i9-14900KF.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
Objective testing criteria (See how we test motherboards).

Here’s a quick look at the best motherboards for Core i9-14900KF and a brief comparison of their specs:

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi

ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF

Best High End Motherboard For i9-14900KF

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF

Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF

Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Reliable power delivery, Excellent VRM cooling, Solid connectivity options

Excellent VRM cooling, Impressive 20+1+1 phase VRMs, 6x M.2 slots, 8x fan headers, Clear CMOS button, Debug LED, Outstanding overclocking support

Remarkable small form factor, Attractive design, Decent connectivity, Good expansion slots

Superb value for money, Impressive rear I/O, Modern networking options

Extraordinary 20+1 phase VRM, Incredible rear I/O, Excellent storage

Attractive white exterior, Well-balanced connectivity options, Excellent storage features, Robust power delivery

What We Disliked

Lackluster design, No RGB lighting

Shorter warranty period

Lower overclocking support

Lack of RGB lighting, No PCIe 5.0 storage

Very expensive, Only 2.5 Gigabit LAN

Single USB 2.0 header, No USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Mini-ITX

ATX

VRM

16+1+1

20+1+1 Phase VRM

10+1+1 Phase VRM

16+1+2

20+1

16+1+1 Phase VRM

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8,000+

2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7,000+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8000+

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

7x rear, 9x internal

8x rear, 5x internal

10x rear, 7x internal

12x rear, 9x internal

10x rear, 8x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA

6x M.2, 4x SATA

3x M.2, 3x SATA

4x M.2, 6x SATA

5x M.2, 4x SATA

5x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Motherboard

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Looks

Award

Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Reliable power delivery, Excellent VRM cooling, Solid connectivity options

What We Disliked

Lackluster design, No RGB lighting

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi

Looks

Award

Best High End Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Excellent VRM cooling, Impressive 20+1+1 phase VRMs, 6x M.2 slots, 8x fan headers, Clear CMOS button, Debug LED, Outstanding overclocking support

What We Disliked

Shorter warranty period

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

20+1+1 Phase VRM

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8,000+

USB Ports

7x rear, 9x internal

Storage

6x M.2, 4x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4

Looks

Award

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Remarkable small form factor, Attractive design, Decent connectivity, Good expansion slots

What We Disliked

Lower overclocking support

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

Mini-ITX

VRM

10+1+1 Phase VRM

Memory Support

2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7,000+

USB Ports

8x rear, 5x internal

Storage

3x M.2, 3x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Motherboard

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Looks

Award

Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Superb value for money, Impressive rear I/O, Modern networking options

What We Disliked

Lack of RGB lighting, No PCIe 5.0 storage

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+2

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+

USB Ports

10x rear, 7x internal

Storage

4x M.2, 6x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO

Looks

Award

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Extraordinary 20+1 phase VRM, Incredible rear I/O, Excellent storage

What We Disliked

Very expensive, Only 2.5 Gigabit LAN

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

20+1

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8000+

USB Ports

12x rear, 9x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 4x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Amazon

Newegg

Motherboard

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Looks

Award

Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF

What We Liked

Attractive white exterior, Well-balanced connectivity options, Excellent storage features, Robust power delivery

What We Disliked

Single USB 2.0 header, No USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

VRM

16+1+1 Phase VRM

Memory Support

4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+

USB Ports

10x rear, 8x internal

Storage

5x M.2, 8x SATA

Network Connectivity

1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Amazon

Newegg

Last Updated:

May 7, 2024: I have changed the formatting to improve readability.

[toc]

Got the i9-14900KF? Be sure to check out our tested roundups:

Best Motherboard For i9-14900KF

I selected the following motherboards for i9-14900KF based on my testing and hands-on experience:

Best Overall: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
Best High-End: ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi
Best White: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
Best Mini-ITX: ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4
Best Value: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Best Overclocking: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF

MSI Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Reliable power delivery system
Excellent VRM cooling
Solid connectivity options
Top-notch networking features

Cons

Lackluster design
No RGB lighting

Check Price

I find the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi motherboard’s black design appealing for its minimalistic and rugged look, but some may be disappointed at the lack of RGB lighting. The motherboard’s 6-layer PCB, crafted from IT-170 server-grade material with 2oz copper layers, ensures exceptional reliability. According to my testing, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK excels in overclocking the Core i9-14900KF, thanks to its 16+1+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages. I found that the extended VRM heatsinks and 7W/mK thermal pads maintain exceptionally low temperatures for the VRM components, enabling superb overclocking results.

I think that the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX offers great value with features like a capable ALC4080 audio processor, as well as Clear CMOS, and Flash BIOS buttons. It has ample USB ports, four M.2 slots, and robust networking options like a 2.5 GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 7, making it a strong choice for gamers, in my opinion.

Here’s what Nauman Siddique, our motherboard expert, said about the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi:

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is a jack-of-all-trades option with a mix of new-generation features and backward compatibility. It has a robust power design, ample expansion slots, and effective cooling. Plus, the connectivity options are plentiful, with a focus on the new WiFi 7 standard. This motherboard is a good choice for gamers and general users looking for a modern, future-proofed motherboard at a competitive price point.

Buy It If

✅You want the perfect motherboard for i9-14900KF: The Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX makes a compelling case to be the ideal motherboard for i9-14900KF, in my view, given its exceptional feature set and robust power delivery system.

✅You want an understated design: Building a stealthy workstation? I think the dark theme of the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX complements an understated build just perfectly.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want elaborate lighting: This board may not appeal to RGB enthusiasts since I did not find a glimmer of RGB lighting on the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX, and that is by design.

❌You want PCIe 5.0 storage: I noted that MSI has not provided an M.2 slot capable of PCIe 5.0 speeds on the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX, which is a bit of a letdown.

What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF?

For the Core i9-14900KF, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi covers all the bases by providing a superb feature set along with a reliable power delivery system at a reasonable price point, making it the best overall motherboard for i9-14900KF.

Editor`s Note

I loved the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi motherboard the most out of all our picks because of its outstanding performance, decent value, solid connectivity options, impressive overclocking support, and top-notch networking features, making us give it the best overall motherboard for the Intel Core i9-14900KF CPU award. So, if you’re looking for the best mix-fits-all motherboard, you won’t regret making this purchase.

– Dr. Usman Saleem

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 8/10

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi

Best High End Motherboard For i9-14900KF

ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Excellent VRM cooling
Impressive 20+1+1 phase VRMs
6x M.2 slots
8x fan headers
Clear CMOS button
Debug LED
Outstanding overclocking support

Cons

Shorter warranty period

Check Price

The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi motherboard offers a beautiful black-coated design with impressive RGB lighting all over the motherboard. We also loved the build quality, featuring an 8-layer PCB with 2oz copper inner layers that provide stable signal traces for better performance. The motherboard undoubtedly provides outstanding overclocking support for high-end CPUs, particularly the i9-14900KF. During our dedicated testing, the CPU had no issues reaching higher overclocks thanks to the motherboard’s 20+1+1 VRM phase. The higher power security can also be attributed to better VRM cooling.

We loved the motherboard’s outstanding connectivity, offering an astounding 6x M.2 slots and 4x SATA slots, ensuring lots of room for expansion. Moreover, the motherboard has a clear CMOS button and a debug LED to troubleshoot any PC-related issues easily. The motherboard also covers all USB port needs.

Complimenting the motherboard’s performance and value, Nauman Siddique, one of our hardware reviewers, states in his review:

“The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi motherboard is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-spec motherboard with plenty of features and firm performance.”

Buy It If

✅You want the best overclocking support with extensive storage features: If you’re looking for a motherboard that offers outstanding overclocking support for high-end CPUs to achieve higher boost clocks while also featuring many M.2 slots, we recommend buying the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi motherboard.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a longer warranty period: We don’t recommend purchasing this motherboard if you want a longer 5-year warranty period to secure your product because this motherboard only offers 3 years of warranty.

What Makes It The Best High End Motherboard For i9-14900KF?

The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi motherboard offers high-end overclocking support, features immense storage expansions, and also houses extensive USB ports without costing too much. Additionally, the motherboard has a beautiful design, increasing its value. Thus, all these points make it the best high-end motherboard for the i9-14900KF.

WARNING: While overclocking the CPU can help achieve greater boost clocks, it can also permanently damage your processor. Therefore, it is recommended to overclock your PC components in moderation.

Read Our ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi Motherboard Review

VRM Performance: 10/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi Pictures from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Attractive white exterior
Well-balanced connectivity options
Excellent storage features
Robust power delivery

Cons

Single USB 2.0 header
No USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port

Check Price

I like that ASRock catered to the latest trend in the PC industry with the all-white Z790 Steel Legend motherboard, featuring a stylish camouflage pattern and RGB lighting on the I/O cover. I also appreciate the 6-layer PCB with 2oz Copper layers, which not only boosts durability but also gives it a premium feel. I was pleasantly surprised by the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend’s overclocking performance with the Core i9-14900KF in my testing. It delivered exceptional performance thanks to its 16+1+1 phase VRM layout and Nihicon 12K caps. I noted that the substantial heatsink array effectively cools the VRM, ensuring excellent thermal performance.

ASRock impressed with the feature set of the Z790 Steel Legend, offering PCIe 5.0 speeds on the primary M.2 slot as well as solid networking options. I found the rear I/O to be well-equipped, and the USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port caught my attention. I also think that the graphics card holder is a helpful addition.

Our motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique, was quite impressed with the aesthetics of the Z790 Steel Legend:

“ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is a beautiful board providing a combination of silver and white color accents with vivid and evenly done RGB lighting”.

Buy It If

✅You want an exceptional all-white motherboard: My testing reveals that the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend is a beautiful amalgamation of form as well as function, thanks to its supreme features and attractive aesthetics.

✅You want versatile display outputs: If you plan to use the motherboard’s display ports, I noted that the Z790 Steel Legend has a host of versatile display outputs including eDP.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want more USB 2.0 ports: I observed that the Z790 Steel Legend only has a single USB 2.0 internal header, which can limit the connectivity of external peripherals.

❌You find the design too aggressive: Although the looks of the Z790 Steel Legend are quite impressive to me, some may find the camouflage pattern to be slightly too much.

What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF?

In the market for all-white motherboards, the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend stands out due to its extraordinary design, robust power delivery system, and a host of versatile connectivity options, making it the best white motherboard for i9-14900KF.

VRM Performance: 9/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 10/10

ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF

ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4.

Pros

Remarkable small form factor
Attractive design
Decent connectivity
Good expansion slots

Cons

Lower overclocking support

Check Price

The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 motherboard comes in a smaller form factor with beautiful aesthetics and RGB everywhere. I also loved the motherboard’s superb build quality utilizing a 10-layer PCB that helps with signal tracking and efficient voltage output when overclocking PC components. Because of its smaller build, the motherboard doesn’t have outclass VRMs but its 10+1+1 VRM phase allows slight overclocking when paired with the Intel Core i9-14900KF. Other than that, the motherboard didn’t bottleneck the PC even once in my gaming tests at 4K resolution.

Aside from its performance, I loved the motherboard’s connectivity options even though it’s on the smaller end. To explain, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 features 3x M.2 and SATA drives, allowing decent expansion. Moreover, the motherboard also sports plenty of USB ports for better connectivity.

Buy It If

✅You want impressive performance from a mini-ITX motherboard: If you’re trying to create a PC build with the Intel Core i9-14900KF processor in a mini-ITX chassis and require a smaller motherboard with impressive performance, then I recommend purchasing the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 motherboard.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want to achieve higher overclocks: I don’t recommend buying the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 motherboard if you want to achieve higher overclocks with your Intel Core i9-14900KF CPU because the motherboard has slightly weaker VRMs which don’t support high-end overclocking.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF?

The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 motherboard showcases beautiful aesthetics with lots of RGB and plenty of connectivity with decent expansion slots that improve the motherboard’s future-proofing. All of this, in a smaller form factor, makes it the best mini-ITX motherboard for i9-14900KF.

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10	Design: 9/10

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Picture from Our Review

1 of 4

Pros

Superb value for money
Impressive rear I/O
Modern networking options
Solid VRM design

Cons

Lack of RGB lighting
No PCIe 5.0 storage

Check Price

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a sleek all-black design with distinctive ridges on the I/O cover, which I find appealing, even though the RGB lighting placement may not appease everyone. I found that the 6-layer PCB with 2x Copper layers minimizes interference, and the steel-reinforced PCIe 5.0 slot enhances durability. The Z790 AORUS Elite AX impressed me on the test bench, thanks to its outstanding 16+1+2 phase VRM design with 70A power stages. It’s a great choice for overclocking even the Core i9-14900KF, especially if you’re on a modest budget. I noted that the multi-cut heatsinks and thick 6mm heatpipe contribute to its positive performance.

Considering its price, I was pleasantly surprised by the feature set offered by the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, including the Multi-Key option for versatile functions. I also liked the storage options with 4 M.2 slots as well as the rear USB-C 20 Gbps port. Its networking suite is also solid, featuring WiFi 6E and a 2.5 GbE LAN port.

Our motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, endorsed the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX as an ideal value pick for the Core i9-14900KF:

“The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is a well-balanced motherboard with a feature set that would easily provide the daily-driver requirement in the main-stream mid-range market segment”.

Buy It If

✅You want to maximize value for money: At an affordable price point, I found that the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX checked all the boxes, making it an incredible value for money.

✅You want to build an all-black PC: Owing to the stark lack of RGB lighting and its black facade, I noted that the Z790 AORUS Elite AX was perfectly suited to stealthy PC builds.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want PCIe 5.0 storage: Although the Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts 4 M.2 storage slots, my tests show that it lacks a socket capable of supporting PCIe 5.0 speeds.

❌You want more RGB lighting: I quite like the understated design of the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, but some users may prefer a dash of RGB lighting instead.

What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF?

Featuring a well-balanced array of connectivity options, modern networking ports, and an excellent 16+1+2 phase power delivery system for robust overclocking, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the best value motherboard for i9-14900KF.

PRO TIP: If you’re on a tighter budget, you can opt to purchase a DDR4 motherboard and save costs. Moreover, you can utilize the savings to purchase a better graphics card or more storage.

Read Our Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX Motherboard Review

VRM Performance: 8/10	Value: 10/10
Features: 8/10	Design: 8/10

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO Pictures

1 of 4

Pros

Extraordinary 20+1 phase VRM layout
Incredible rear I/O connectivity
Excellent storage options
Beautiful design language

Cons

Very expensive
Only 2.5 Gigabit LAN

Check Price

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO impressed me with its iconic ROG design and striking RGB elements. Its exceptional build quality is evident through features like the integrated chipset and M.2 heatsink, metal backplate, quick-release PCIe and M.2 slots, and reinforced PCIe slots, all contributing to a sense of reliability. In my testing, the Z790 DARK HERO’s 20+1+2 phase VRM design performed exceptionally well in maintaining sustained overclocks for the Core i9-14900KF. I noted that ASUS has included 10K black metallic capacitors to enhance reliability, and the gigantic aluminum heatsink also ensures optimal thermal performance.

The Maximus Z790 DARK HERO stands out with top-notch features, including the SUPREMEFX ALC4082 audio codec, and convenient switches for BIOS flashback and CLEAR CMOS. I also appreciate the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, as well as two Thunderbolt 4 ports which add to its impressive feature set, along with WiFi 7 networking.

PRO TIP: The ASUS AURA Sync utility can be used to control the RGB lighting of this motherboard.

Buy It If

✅You want to overclock the Core i9-14900KF: My tests show that the incredible 20+1+2 phase VRM of the Z790 DARK HERO showed superb overclocking potential when paired with the Core i9-14900KF.

✅You want an exceptional feature set: Showcasing a stacked rear I/O, superb internal expansion options, and an excellent storage suite, I noted that the Maximus Z790 DARK HERO boasted a superb feature set.

Don't Buy It If

❌Your budget is limited: The Maximus Z790 DARK HERO certainly falls towards the premium end of the pricing spectrum, despite its unique nature.

❌You want faster LAN networking: At this price point, I think that ASUS could have added a faster LAN option than the standard 2.5 Gigabit port.

What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF?

In the premium segment, the ASUS Maximus Z790 DARK HERO reigns supreme thanks to its extraordinary overclocking capabilities, exceptional connectivity options, and a host of unique features that make it the best overclocking motherboard for i9-14900KF.

Best Motherboards For Mining

VRM Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	Design: 9/10

Helpful Motherboard Key Terms

Keep in mind the following key terms when shopping for a new motherboard.

Form Factor: Form factor refers to the size and shape of a motherboard, which determines its physical compatibility with computer cases. Common form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
M.2 Slot: An M.2 slot is a small and versatile expansion slot on the motherboard that supports various devices like SSDs, Wi-Fi cards, and other add-on components, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities.
Overclocking: Overclocking is the practice of increasing the clock speeds of the CPU, RAM, or other components to achieve better performance, but it can also lead to increased heat generation and potentially reduce component lifespan if not done carefully and with proper cooling.
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module): VRM is a component on the motherboard responsible for regulating and delivering the correct voltage to the CPU. It plays a crucial role in CPU stability and power efficiency.
I/O Shield: An I/O shield is a metal or plastic plate that mounts to the rear of the computer case, providing openings for motherboard I/O ports (USB, audio jacks, Ethernet, etc.) and shielding against electromagnetic interference.
Chipset: The chipset is a group of integrated circuits on the motherboard that control data flow between the CPU, RAM, and various peripheral devices. It includes the Northbridge and Southbridge (or their integrated equivalents) and determines the motherboard’s capabilities and features.

How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For i9-14900KF

Form Factor: I meticulously examined form factor options, considering Mini-ITX for compactness and ATX for expandability, ensuring compatibility and space utilization in diverse PC builds. The choice of form factor can greatly impact the overall size and capabilities of your PC.
Power Delivery: VRM and overclocking capabilities were high on the priority list. I placed significant emphasis on strong power delivery and effective cooling solutions, which are critical for achieving optimal performance and stability during overclocking endeavors. A robust VRM system can be the key to pushing your CPU to its limits.
Feature Set: I scrutinized connectivity options, expansion slots, and additional functionalities, taking into account USB ports, M.2 slots, and onboard features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more to provide a comprehensive view. The features on a motherboard can significantly enhance or limit the versatility of your PC.
Design and Aesthetics: I recognized that a motherboard’s appearance significantly influences a PC’s overall visual appeal. I assessed both the aesthetic appeal and practicality of the motherboard’s layout and cable management to offer a holistic perspective. Aesthetics go beyond mere looks; they also impact cable management and airflow within your PC case.
Value for Money: My aim was to identify motherboards that strike a harmonious balance between performance, features, and price, ensuring that users can make an informed choice that aligns with their budget constraints and specific needs for their i9-14900KF builds.

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FAQs

What is the best motherboard for Intel Core i9 14900KF?

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi can be considered the best overall motherboard for i9-14900KF, according to my testing. It offers a host of useful connectivity features, an excellent networking suite, and a robust power delivery system for reliable overclocking.

Will 14900KF work on Z690?

Yes, the Core i9-14900KF will work on a Z690 motherboard. The 14th generation Intel CPUs are compatible with all 600-series and 700-series Intel chipsets, including Z690. You may need to install a BIOS update for optimal compatibility.

What socket is Intel 14th Gen?

The Intel 14th Gen desktop CPUs use the LGA1700 socket, which is found in 600-series and 700-series motherboards. The LGA1700 socket can be found on H710, B760, H770, Z790, H610, B660, B670, and Z690 motherboards.

Why is 14900K more expensive than 14900KF?

The Core i9-14900K is more expensive than the Core i9-14900KF because the former has integrated graphics, while the latter does not. The F-series SKUs have the iGPUs fused off and are ideal for those users who want to use a dedicated graphics card.

Does the i9-14900KF support DDR4 memory?

Yes, the Core i9-14900KF supports DDR4 as well as DDR5 memory. You cannot use both memory types on the same motherboard, however, as each one requires a dedicated motherboard due to physical incompatibility.

Recent Updates

February 14, 2024: We replaced the MSI MPG Z790 CARBON WiFi with the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi because the latter proved to be one of the best options we have tested, offering greater value at a lower price. Similarly, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E has been changed with the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 due to the latter providing similar performance at a lower cost.

Looking for more options? We have you covered: