The Best Motherboards For i7-14700K [Top Rated]

If you’re planning to harness the power of the Intel Core i7-14700K processor, choosing the right motherboard is paramount. My extensive testing makes it clear that the Core i7-14700K is one of the best gaming CPUs that is widely coveted among gamers, content creators, and power users alike. If you’re seeking top-tier performance, our carefully curated list of motherboards will help you make an informed decision for your next PC build.

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

Last update on 2023-11-28

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

• Best CPU Cooler for i7-14700K
• Best RAM for i7-14700K

Best Motherboard For i7-14700K

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

1. Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
2. Best High-End Motherboard For i7-14700K: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO
3. Best White Motherboard For i7-14700K: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
4. Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7-14700K: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E
5. Best Value Motherboard For i7-14700K: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
6. Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-14700K: MSI MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi

Best Overall Motherboard For i7-14700K

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

Design and Build Quality: 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.

Performance: 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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.

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

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO

Best High-End Motherboard For i7-14700K

Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 20+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8000+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 12x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Design and Build Quality: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO motherboard embraces the iconic ROG design, thanks to the large ROG iconography and prominent RGB area. Additionally, it exhibits exceptional build quality thanks to its integrated heatsink, metal backplate, and reinforced PCIe slots all contribute to its durability.

Performance: Based on my test results. I found that the 20+1+2 phase VRM design of the Z790 DARK HERO with 90A SPS power stages was superb for running sustained overclocks on the Core i7-14700K. Moreover, ASUS has equipped the Z790 DARK HERO with 10K black metallic capacitors for further reliability.

Features and Connectivity: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO impresses with its high-end features, such as the convenient buttons for BIOS flashback as well as CLEAR CMOS. In terms of connectivity, I particularly liked the inclusion of 5 total M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 slot, as well as two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Buy It If:

You want to overclock the Core i7-14700K: In my testing, the ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO performed exceptionally well in my overclocking tests, thanks to its 20+1+2 phase VRM design.

You want a stacked feature set: Justifying its premium price tag, I found that ASUS has packed the ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO with an array of modern features and useful connectivity options.

Don’t Buy It If:

Your budget is limited: Despite its positive price-to-performance ratio, the Maximus Z790 DARK HERO certainly has the ability to leave a dent in your wallet.

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

The extraordinary 20+1+2 phase VRM design, exceptional PCB build quality, and unmatched feature set make the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO the best high-end motherboard for i7-14700K.

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

ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Best White Motherboard For i7-14700K

Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, eDP | USB Ports: 10x rear, 8x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Design and Build Quality: 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.

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.”

Performance: 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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.

Buy It If:

Here are a few pictures we captured during our review:

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.

• Read our ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard Review

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 i7-14700K

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

Design and Build Quality: 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.

Performance: 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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.

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

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Best Value Motherboard For i7-14700K

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

Design and Build Quality: 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.

Performance: 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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:

Here are a few shots from our review:

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.

• Read our Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review

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

MSI MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WiFi

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-14700K

Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 19+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+ | Display Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 10x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7

Design and Build Quality: The majority of the board deviates from MSI’s traditional design language by adopting a sophisticated look. MSI has incorporated an MSI Dragon on an RGB panel that looks exceptionally nice. The build quality is particularly robust, as MSI has used an 8-layer server-grade PCB reinforced with 2oz thickened copper.

Performance: MSI has knocked it out of the park with the overclocking potential of the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi, as is evident by my testing. I found that the extraordinary 19+1+1 phase VRM design with 105A SPS power stages performed exceptionally well during overclocking sessions with the Core i7-14700K.

Features and Connectivity: MSI has provided a superb feature set with the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi, as is expected at this price point. I like the storage suite, which boasts a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot as well, while the networking array is decent thanks to the integration of WiFi 7. On the rear I/O, the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps Type-C port caught my attention.

Buy It If:

You want the highest overclocking potential: Combining the superb 19+1+1 phase VRM design with a unique 8-layer PCB as well as a well-built VRM cooling solution, the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi is an overclocking champion.

Don’t Buy It If:

You have a limited budget: Despite the extraordinary feature set and unique overclocking ability, the MSI Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi is certainly an expensive motherboard in my opinion.

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

Featuring a monstrous 19+1+1 phase power delivery system, a multi-piece VRM cooling solution, and an 8-layer server-grade PCB, the MSI Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi is the best overclocking motherboard for i7-14700K.

VRM Performance: 10/10	Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10	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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

The scope of our testing includes more Intel motherboards:

• Best Motherboard For i9-14900K
• Best Motherboard For i9-14900KF
• Best Motherboard For i7-14700KF
• Best Motherboard For i5-14600K
• Best Motherboard For i5-14600KF

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