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.
Here’s a quick look at our best motherboards for Core i9-14900K and a brief comparison of their specs:
Last Updated:
- May 7, 2024: I have changed the formatting to improve readability.
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: ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi
- 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: MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi
Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Superb VRM design
- Excellent storage suite
- Outstanding value
- Versatile connectivity
Cons
- Plain looks
- No RGB lighting
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:
We took these pictures of the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi from our testing:
✅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 |
ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi
Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 20+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8000+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 6x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Extraordinary power delivery
- Superb VRM cooling
- Versatile storage options
- Attractive design
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Only 2.5 GbE LAN
The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi prominently features an expansive RGB area over the I/O cover, along with unique design elements that enhance its visual appeal. The all-black PCB is perfectly complemented by the purple accents, and the large integrated heat spreader adds a sense of rigidity to the board. Thanks to its 20+1+1 phase VRM design with 90A SPS power stages, the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi boasts exceptional overclocking potential, according to my testing. The VRM showcased a comfortable peak temperature of 62.2C in my tests, which is a great result thanks to the integrated fan in the VRM heatsink.
The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi features six M.2 storage slots and a plethora of high-speed USB ports, including a 20Gbps Type-C port, ensuring the finest connectivity. Networking is handled by a 2.5 GbE LAN port and WiFi 7, although the board could have used a faster port for wired networking.
Nauman Siddique, our resident motherboard expert, was rather impressed by the well-rounded nature of the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi:
“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 a few shots from our review:
✅You want excellent overclocking potential: With an extremely capable 20+1+1 phase VRM design, the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi provides superb overclocking potential, according to my testing.
✅You want extraordinary features: Being a premium Z-series motherboard, the Z790 NOVA WiFi is absolutely jam-packed with outstanding features in storage, networking, and connectivity.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You have a limited budget: Thanks to its high-end features and extraordinary VRM design, the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi certainly has a steep price tag.
What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K?
Thanks to its outstanding 20+1+1 phase VRM design, along with a host of premium features and exceptional build quality, the ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is the best high-end motherboard for i9-14900K.
The ASRock Z790 NOVA WiFi is actually a very well-rounded motherboard that covers all bases effectively. Despite its higher price tag, it offers good value for the money which is rare to see from a premium motherboard. Its overclocking performance is particularly notable, which separates it from the crowd.
– Usman Saleem
| VRM Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X
Best White Motherboard For i9-14900K
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 18+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8266+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x USB-C | USB Ports: 10x rear, 8x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Unique all-white design
- Excellent VRM layout
- 5 Gigabit LAN port
- Excellent storage suite
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- No DisplayPort output
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.
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
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Power Delivery: 10+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 9x rear, 8x internal | Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Ideal for compact PCs
- Decent power delivery
- Superb feature set
- Inclusion of external ROG dock
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited expansion slots
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.
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 |
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900K
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Robust power delivery
- Versatile networking options
- Decent storage options
Cons
- No PCIe 5.0 storage slot
- Peculiar RGB placement
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:
Take a glance at a few shots from our review:
✅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 |
MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX
Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Power Delivery: 24+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+ | Display Outputs: DisplayPort USB-C, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 10x rear, 10x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 2x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Extraordinary 24+1+2 phase VRM
- Superb VRM cooling solution
- Exceptional connectivity features
- Inclusion of Thunderbolt 4
Cons
- Very expensive
- E-ATX form factor
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 i9-14900K 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:
We took a few shots of the board during our review:
✅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 i9-14900K?
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 i9-14900K.
| VRM Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | 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 variety 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.
FAQs
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.
The Core i9-14900K is compatible with 600-series and 700-series motherboards such as Z690 and Z790. You will need a motherboard that supports the LGA 1700 socket and a chipset that is compatible with Intel’s 14th-generation desktop CPUs.
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.
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.
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:
- Best Motherboard For i9-14900KF
- Best Motherboard For i7-14700K
- Best Motherboard For i7-14700KF
- Best Motherboard For i5-14600K
- Best Motherboard For i5-14600KF
Recent Updates
- 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.
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[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
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