The core i9 series of processors represent the highest-end offering from Intel for any generation. Remaining mostly unrivaled when it comes to their performance, the i9 processors are built for shattering world records with their blistering fast clock speeds and unmatched core counts. The recently unveiled i9-13900KF is obviously no exception to this, providing consumers with a hefty performance uplift compared to the last generation.
Intel’s Raptor Lake series of processors offer substantial performance improvements across the board. The latest top-of-the-line offering from Intel, the i9-13900KF competes directly with team red’s best, the Ryzen 9 7950x. Trading blows and even surpassing the Ryzen 9 7950x in a few instances, the i9-13900KF tops the charts in both multi-core and single-core tasks.
The Core i9-13900KF packs a total of 24 cores, divided into 16 “E-Cores” and 8 Performance Cores. With a max turbo frequency of 5.8 GHz and an L2 cache of 32 MB, you can expect considerable performance gains over the last generation. Adding on, the Core i9-13900KF now comes with a maximum turbo power of 252W which is only 11W higher than the 12900KF from the last generation.
Intel has decided to stick the to LGA 1700 Socket for their Raptor Lake processors, which was nothing surprising. Taking their previous record into account, we expect Intel to switch to a newer platform with their next-generation processors. Of course, that does limit the future upgradability; however, since last year’s 600-series of motherboards are still compatible you will be presented with an absurd amount of options when picking a motherboard for the i9-13900K.
Keeping the insane performance of the Core i9-13900KF in mind, it can get extremely challenging to pick a motherboard that allows you to utilize this behemoth of a processor to its maximum potential. This is why after carefully examining the latest motherboards, we have compiled a list comprising the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900KF to help you pick your next LGA 1700 motherboard.
Best Motherboards For i9-13900KF
Last update on 2023-06-07
These are the Best i9-13900KF Motherboards:
- Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX
- ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 HERO
- Gigabyte Z690 Aero D
- MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi
- ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
- ASUS ROG Maximus Extreme
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX
Best Overall Motherboard For i9-13900KF
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z790 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 7600 MHz DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Display Port | REAR USB PORTS: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0| Network: 1 x Intel 2.5Gb, WiFi 6E | Storage: 3x M.2, 6 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
Over the years, Gigabyte has solidified their presence in the gaming community as one of the leading tech companies. Being recognized on a global scale, Gigabyte has set their minds on delivering premium products that cater to the needs of their customers. They seem to have reached new levels of potency with their new 700 series of processors by improving upon their already well-built design of the 600 series boards.
As of right now, the AORUS series of motherboards represent Gigabyte’s higher-end lineup, providing users with the best overall experience thanks to their exceptional VRM design, great thermal performance, and a fantastic PCIe configuration to top it all off. The recently unveiled Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX does a wonderful job in showcasing all of that.
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an absolute powerhouse of a motherboard, equipped with premium features. Starting with the memory specifications, it comes with four DIMM slots, offering support for four DDR5 modules up to 7600 MHz. Of course, it has still maintained support for DDR4 memory as well.
Since the 700 series uses the same LGA socket as the last generation, we have not observed drastic changes in regard to its overall design. Where we do see improvements is with its PCIe configuration, build quality and connectivity options. However, before we discuss any of that, let’s expound further on its design.
You can find an AORUS logo on top of the PCH heatsink along with gray text on the rear I/O. Furthermore, the subtle RGB strip on the bottom-right corner of the motherboard serves to compliment its rather simple design. While Gigabyte has not done anything extraordinary with its design, a simple design with no over-the-top elements might be exactly what you are looking for in a motherboard.
One of the most important aspects of motherboards is the VRM configuration, and Gigabyte has not compromised on that aspect either. Its 16+1+2 Digital VRM design comes with 70A power stages, that are built to perform exceptionally well in every possible situation. Its VRM design stands out as one of the best ever, capable of handling the highest-end processors.
To back up the impressive performance of the board, Gigabyte has reinforced the Z790 AORUS Elite AX with their Advanced Thermal Design, which features an integrated I/O shield, 6mm heat pipes, and a 7.5W/mK Thermal Conductivity Pad. Our review on the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is definitely worth a read if you are looking to purchase this motherboard.
Who should get the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus AX
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an ideal pick for both gaming and productivity tasks. Its advanced thermal design and the digital 16+2+1 phase VRM setup make it an extremely capable offering. Professionals also get their fair share of features, which include the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, a 2.5G ethernet connection, and multiple M.2 sockets.
Why We Picked It
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero provides us with everything you would want from a high-end offering. It features a well-balanced design and also comes with decent connectivity. You are not limited by its storage options either, with three M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is sure to meet all of your storage needs.
What We Disliked
Considering that ASUS has not skimped out any of the core features, we were not left with a lot to dislike about the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite. That said, there are a few things worth mentioning such as the lack of Debug LEDs that can be incredibly helpful for anyone looking to overclock their processors. The third M.2 slot also shares its bandwidth with the two SATA ports, which is a bummer considering its price.
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is essentially a well-rounded motherboard, not lacking in any department. it strikes a remarkable balance between its design, connectivity, and cooling, providing users with the best overall experience. After carefully analyzing every aspect of the board in our review, we have deemed it suitable of taking the spot as the Best Overall Motherboard For i9-13900KF.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
Best High-End Motherboard For i9-13900KF
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z790 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM 128GB, DDR5 7800 ( OC ) DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Thunderbolt, Display Port | REAR USB PORTS: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1| Network: 1 x Intel 2.5Gb, WiFi 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
ASUS’ extreme devotion to providing quality products for consumers has helped them reach resounding success in the community. There is no denying that they have dominated the market for a long while, especially when it comes to high-end offerings such as the ROG Maximum Z790 HERO.
The ROG Maximus lineup of motherboards is part of ASUS’ premium category of boards, which are designed to deliver on all aspects. ASUS has shown great attention in making their ROG Maximus series of boards the epitome of all 13th gen motherboards. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero puts to display ASUS’ efforts with its unique host of premium features.
It’s hard to overstate how polished the design of the ROG Maximus lineup has gotten. ASUS understands what makes their premium motherboards stand out, and has once again done a flawless job in implementing everything that made their previous generation motherboard designs great.
ASUS has remained faithful to the original design of the 600-series ROG Maximum board, with the ROG Maximum Z790 Hero coming with no major improvements in terms of its looks. That is not to say that they have not improved on other aspects of the motherboard. The all-new ROG Maximum Z790 Hero now comes with support for DDR5 memory up to a frequency of 7800 MHz, a better cooling system as well as an improved VRM design.
Asus’ focus on providing the best possible cooling is evidenced by its efficient cooling solution, which encompasses High Conductivity Thermal Pads, VRM and M.2 heatsinks, as well as a chipset heatsink. All of these combine to give your processor enough thermal headroom to deliver the best performance possible. It also comes with a steel backplate with a larger surface area to improve heat dissipation.
Moving on, the ROG Maximum Z790 Hero features three PCIe expansion slots, two of which operate at PCIe 5.0 x 16 speeds. The bottom-most PCIe slot is a Gen 4.0 x 16 slot which supports x4 modes. You will also not be disappointed by its storage options either since it has a total of five M.2 slots along with 6 SATA 6G ports.
The ROG Maximum Z790 demonstrates excellent overclocking capabilities thanks to its 20+1 teamed power stages, which ensure a stable overclocking experience even when dealing with higher-end processors such as i9-13900KF. Being a premium motherboard, its features don’t end there, ASUS has also managed to also incorporate a great selection of rear I/O ports with the ROG Maximum Z790 Hero.
Who should get the ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Hero
It is clear ASUS has not held back on any aspect of the motherboard, with the ROG Maximum Z790 Hero being a suitable pick for both gamers and professionals. Content creators will especially be pleased with its exceptional I/O configuration and the storage options it provides. With a total of 5 M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports, even the most demanding of users will not have to worry about storage.
It is also a perfect pick for enthusiasts that want to dabble into overclocking without spending the extra amount for the Extreme variant of the ROG Maximum. Its 20+1 VRM design makes it more than capable of utilizing even the i9-13900KF to its maximum potential.
Why We Picked It
It features a surprisingly unique host of features that you would otherwise not find in a single package. Substantial improvements have been made over the last generation as well, which include support for multiple PCIe Gen 5.0 slots, faster DDR5 memory support as well as a better VRM design.
The 20+1 teamed VRM design allows users to push their processors to their very limits as long as they are provided with enough thermal headroom to do so. The Robust VRM design ensures a stable overclocking experience for gamers that want to get the most out of their processors.
What We Disliked
Much like the rest of the motherboards this year, the 700 series ROG Maximus motherboards also see a significant increase in their price. With that high of an MSRP, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero does not make a lot of sense for regular gamers that do not make use of the extra features the motherboard comes with. The lack of a 10G ethernet port on the motherboard is also a bit disappointing, especially considering its higher overall price.
Verdict
Pair the ROG Maximum Z70 HERO with a decent CPU i9-13900KF cooler and you have essentially given yourself all the right ingredients for stretching the i9-13900KF to its limits. The ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Hero ranks among the best 700 series motherboards with its well-built structure, fantastic VRM design, and exceptional thermal performance. All of that makes it the Best High-End Motherboard For i9-13900KF.
Gigabyte Z690 Aero D
Best White Motherboard For i9-13900KF
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z690 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM 128GB, DDR5 6400 ( OC ) DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Thunderbolt, Display Port | REAR USB PORTS: 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 | Network: 1 x Marvell 10Gb, Intel 2.5 Gb, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
With the astronomical price increase, we were met with this generation, it does make a lot of sense to opt for a 600-series motherboard since it uses the same LGA 1700 Socket. Although you will be missing out on features exclusive to the newer boards, the 600-series motherboards still offer immense value which you would otherwise not be able to find in a newer motherboard.
Not to be confused with the Z690 AERO G, The Gigabyte Z690 has held up quite well even after a year after its release. It is fully capable of handling 13th-generation processors such as the i9-13900KF. Built with content creation in mind, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D stands out with its breathtaking black-and-white design, impressive VRM configuration, and great storage options.
Connectivity is something Gigabyte has paid special emphasis upon with the Z690 Aero D. It comes equipped with a Marvell 10 G Ethernet port on the rear I/O, which can be a game-changer for content creators working with huge files over the cloud. Contributing further to its connectivity options are the USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 port and a secondary 2.5G ethernet port.
Its sophisticated design pushes the productive aesthetic Gigabyte was going for; however, it would not look too out of place in a gaming build either when paired with similar themed components. Our articles on the Best White PC Build and Best White CPU Cooler are worth checking out if you are interested in an all-white build.
Moving on, two full-sized PCIe 5.0 x 16 slots are also available, allowing you to benefit from next-gen speeds. Compared to recent Z790 motherboards, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D does fall behind in terms of memory frequency; coming with DDR5 memory support up to a maximum clock speed of 6200 MHz.
Adding on to that, the release of this motherboard also came with the introduction of Gigabyte’s new VisionLink extension, which allows you to take your content creation to another level with the help of USB Type-C connectivity. To put it simply, Gigabyte has given users the option to transfer data while simultaneously providing 60W charging.
Since it is geared towards content creators, Gigabyte has not skimped out on the storage options either. Gigabyte advertises the Aero D as providing “Ultra Fast Storage”. Substantiating those claims, they have loaded it with PCIe 4.0 M.2 sockets along with
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D dedicates a huge area to the heatsinks alone, which are completely decked out with a white coating. Not only do the heatsinks enhance its design but also prove to be capable of maintaining low temperatures. Lastly, the 16+2+1 digital power phase design is cooled down using direct-contact heat pipes which can be found on top of the board.
Why We Picked It
Deviating from their dull color scheme, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D surpasses expectations with its white and black look. The brilliant design is further accentuated with the silver accents found on the PCB, making it a treat to look at. Although white motherboards are not entirely new, Gigabyte’s take on the theme is a breath of fresh air.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D accomplishes more than your regular Z690 motherboard with its distinct white design and impeccable 16+2+1 power delivery system. Moreover, The Thunderbolt 4 connections and the 10G ethernet port make the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D capable of handling creator-oriented workloads.
Who should get the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D was built with an emphasis on content creation over anything else, it targets users that want the best connectivity, a decent selection of rear I/O ports, and a PCIe Gen 5.0 x 16 slot. Its 10G ethernet also port makes for a great addition, especially when taking into account its target audience. Additionally, you are provided with extremely fast storage options and a thunderbolt four-port, which allow you to get the most out of your components.
What We Disliked
PCIe Gen 5.0 storage options are something that we don’t see with the Gigabyte Z690 Aero D. While that should not be a deal-breaker to most people, considering that this is targeted towards content creators, PCIe Gen 5.0 M.2 slots would have been a nice inclusion.
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero D is a feature-rich motherboard that showcases complete versatility through Its comprehensive set of features. Its solid VRM design coupled with the attractive connectivity options allows it to deliver on every aspect as a content-oriented motherboard. Combine that with its appealing white look and the Gigabyte Aero D becomes a worthy pick for taking the crown as the Best White Motherboard For i9-13900KF.
MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi ProSeries
Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900KF
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z790 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM 128 GB, DDR5 5333 MHz DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Display Port | REAR USB PORTS: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 2.0| Network: 1 x Intel 2.5Gb, WiFi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
If the ridiculously high price of any of the previous products was too much for you, then MSI’s Pro Z790-A WiFi ProSeries might be more in-line with your budget. Although calling it a budget motherboard might be a bit of a stretch, it is priced slightly lower than most of the other offerings we have looked at.
MSI’s ProSeries lineup is responsible for providing us with some of the best motherboards we have ever seen. Of course, the brand-new Pro Z790-A WiFi ProSeries is no exception to this, coming with an immediately distinguishable aesthetic that sets it apart from the majority of the motherboards present on this list.
The subtle yet appealing white finish on the heatsink adorns its already remarkable design. Although MSI has not covered the entire bottom half of the motherboard with heatsinks, you still get plenty of sizable ones scattered throughout the core components. That includes the primary M.2 slot, VRMs as well as the chipset itself.
The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi offers massive improvements over its predecessor, coming in with a robust power delivery system that comprises a 16+1+1 power stage design. Its impressive VRM setup is a brilliant showcase of the tremendous value the motherboard offers, competing directly with some of the higher-end motherboards. Furthermore, both the VRM and chipset heatsink now come with an increased surface area allowing for optimal heat dissipation.
Despite being a value pick, the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi’s selection of rear I/O ports is not to be taken lightly. Featuring a total of 10 USB ports on the rear I/O, it meets the needs of most consumers. It is worth mentioning that a single USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C port is also present, allowing you to take advantage of 20G speeds.
MSI has certainly not missed the mark when it comes to expansion slot connectivity, loading the Pro Z790-A WiFi with a total of four PCIe slots. Apart from the primary PCIe 5.0 x 16 slot, you also see two full-sized x 16 slots and a single PCIe 3.0 x 1 slot. The Gen 5.0 PCIe slots have been reinforced with “steel armor” in order to accommodate bulkier graphic cards.
Moving on from the PCIe slots, the four M.2 sockets it comes with are plenty for your average user; however, none of them run at Gen 5 speeds, which is a bit disappointing. As far as network connectivity is concerned, you get Intel WiFi 6E along with a 2.5G ethernet port on the rear I/O.
Why We Picked It
The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has a fascinating set of features that allow it to be a great option for the i9-13900KF. It supports a maximum memory frequency of 7200 MHz and also comes with 10 USB connections on the rear I/O. Adequate cooling is provided by the enlarged heatsinks and the M.2 shield FroZr thermal solution., allowing it to maintain relatively low temperatures at all times.
At its core, the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi is a well-equipped Z790 motherboard that is fairly cost-effective when compared to other 13th gen options. With its staggering set of features and improved power delivery system, it would almost be unfair not to put it on this list as the best value option.
Who should get the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi ProSeries
The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi should be a perfect pick for anyone who is interested in acquiring a 700-series board without completely breaking the bank. This value offering from MSI will get you the best of both worlds, excelling at both gaming and professional use, that too at an attractive price category.
Content creators will also be pleased with the MSI Pro Z790-A Wifi thanks to the four M.2 slots and the 2,5G ethernet port. Additionally, the USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 port is also a great addition which makes transferring files a lot easier. With a total of four PCIe slots, adding multiple cards allow users to further add to its already great functionality.
What We Disliked
Being a value product, you won’t be getting the highest-end VRM nor the best cooling solution with the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi. Meaning that overclocking will be rather limited here. While it is might be able to squeeze a bit more performance out of the i9-13900KF, anything above a few 100 MHz might be a bit too much for MSI Z790-A WiFi ProSeries. That said, sustaining stock clock speeds will not be a problem.
Another thing worth mentioning is the lack of Gen 5.0 M.2 slots. While that is definitely not going to be a deal breaker for most people, it is worth keeping in mind before purchasing the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi.
Verdict
Of course, you can’t expect this motherboard to churn out record-breaking frequencies through overclocking; however, It proves to be capable enough to comfortably accommodate the i9-13900KF, while also coming in at a reasonable price. Its incredible price-to-performance ratio makes it the Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900KF.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900KF
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z690 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM 128GB, DDR5 6400(OC) DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Thunderbolt| REAR USB PORTS: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB 2.0| Network: 1 x Intel 2.5Gb, Bluetooth 5.2| Storage: 2 x M.2, 4 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
Be it home theater builds or portable office PCs, mini-ITX motherboards are designed to fit into the smallest of builds. Manufacturers pay a great deal of emphasis on shrinking the design of the motherboard while providing users with the best features possible. However, with their smaller footprint also comes space constraints which makes bringing all of the essential features while keeping the cooling in check nothing short of a challenge.
ASUS seems to have achieved just that with the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming, offering a well-rounded mini-ITX motherboard that does not leave a lot to be desired in terms of functionality. Before taking a look at its specifications, let’s first analyze its well-built layout.
As compact as it may be, ASUS has not left out anything with the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming. It comes with ASUS’ triple-decker cooling system, two M.2 slots, and a single full-sized PCIe Gen 5.0 slot, which serves as its only PCIe slot. Being a 600-series motherboard, it is not all that expensive either, especially when compared to the latest offerings.
Even with the smaller form factor, power delivery is a factor that can simply not be overlooked, especially when you are pairing the motherboard with a high-end CPU such as the i9-13900KF. Thankfully Efficient delivery of power is guaranteed through its powerful 10+1 phase VRM. With each phase coming with a 105A rating, it does fairly decent for its smaller size.
Its VRM design is accompanied by an equally impressive cooling solution that does a solid job, of cooling down the VRMs as well as the two M.2 slots. ASUS did not gloss over its storage options either; equipping it with 2 M.2 sockets and four SATA ports. Although that might sound underwhelming to most people, when you take its small design into account, the presence of two M.2 slots becomes extremely impressive.
Committed to keeping its size small, ASUS has gone with a slightly cut-down selection of I/O ports; however, it should still meet your demands for the most part. The two thunderbolt connections not only provide lightning-fast transmission speeds but also double down as display ports, which shows ASUS’ efficient use of space with the ROG Strix Z690-I Strix Gaming.
ASUS’ brilliant use of space is made more apparent by the M.2 slots, which are stacked directly on top of each other. The triple-decker cooling solution makes more use of the vertical space in order to increase the thermal capabilities of the motherboard as much as possible.
Bundled with the motherboard itself is the ROG Front Panel SATA Card, which doubles the number of SATA connections present on the motherboard by adding an additional two. This allows the user to save space when the SATA connections are not in use and is overall a great addition to add to its already fantastic functionality.
Why We Picked It
ASUS has managed to surprise us yet again with the ROG Strix Z690-I’s stunning feature set, bringing premium features such as DDR5 memory support, Thunderbolt connections, and a PCIe Gen 5.0 slot, in a relatively compact mini-ITX form factor. The reliable 10+1 phase VRM efficiently delivers power, reducing the risk of running into power delivery issues.
Who should get the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming
ASUS has not overlooked important features such as DDR5 memory compatibility, PCIe Gen 5.0 lane, and a decent VRM setup to top it all off. Naturally, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming’s performance is by no means industry-leading; however, it is fully capable of making use of the i9-13900KF even under heavy load.
If the lack of USB ports on the rear I/O of mini-ITX motherboards bothers you, ASUS has delivered on that too. the rear I/O selection, is far from under-equipped, resembling that of a full-sized ATX board, with two thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3,2 Gen 2×2 ports, and a 2.5Gb ethernet port.
What We Disliked
One thing that most mini-ITX boards seem to suffer from is the lack of future upgradability. Since they are specifically built for small form factor builds, space constraints restrict manufacturers from loading these motherboards with more than two M.2 slots. Similarly, we only see a single PCIe slot and two DIMM slots. All of that does limit upgradeability; however, it should not be a huge issue as long as you are planning on upgrading a few years down the line.
Verdict
All things considered, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming checks all the boxes as a mini-ITX board, providing you with all of the latest and greatest features in an incredibly compact form factor. Its impressive cooling combined with the 10+1 phase power delivery allows us to confidently recommend it as the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900KF.
ASUS Rog Maximus Z790 Extreme
Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-13900KF
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z790 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM 128GB, DDR5 7800 (OC) DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Thunderbolt, Display Port | REAR USB PORTS: 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2| Network: 1 x Marvell 10Gb, 1 x Intel 2.5Gb, WiFi 6E | Storage: 3x M.2, 6 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
We previously looked at the slightly inferior variant from the ROG Maximus lineup which showcased excellent performance and a well-balanced design. The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme takes everything great about the HERO variant and scales it up a notch, proving to be substantially better in every department. It also adds further functionality to the already large array of features that the Hero offered.
To start off, let’s take a closer look at the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme’s design. Much like every other aspect of the board, the Z790 Extreme does not disappoint with the over-the-top design elements that make it stand out as one of the better-looking Z790 motherboards available. Featuring an extremely similar aesthetic to its predecessor, its design is sure to be a head-turner.
ASUS has taken every opportunity to load the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme with as many features as possible. They have gone as far as to include an OLED screen which can be found on top of the primary PCIe slot. The OLED display allows you to monitor statistics, add custom GIfs and customize it with images which add to the overall personalization of the motherboard.
Speaking of personalization, RGB lighting is present throughout the entirety of the board, creating a well-lit ambiance that elevates the aesthetic of your build. Of course, the RGB is fully customizable through ASUS’ Aura Sync Software. A huge chunk of the lower portion of the board is dominated by numerous heatsinks which are responsible for cooling the M.2 slots and the chipset itself.
Furthermore, sufficient VRM cooling is also provided with the top heatsink. It stands miles beyond any other motherboard featured on this list when it comes to the VRM design. The 24+1 phase configuration remains the star of the show, capable of providing the user with a record-breaking performance.
Two full-sized PCIe Gen 5.0 x 16 slots are present along with an additional 4.0 x 4 slot. It is also jam-packed with all the storage options you would need, featuring five M.2 slots and 6 SATA connections. As mentioned previously, the M.2 slots are provided with sufficient cooling through the combined heatsink present on the bottom of the board.
The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme makes for a great content-oriented board with its 10G ethernet connection, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, and a single thunderbolt connection that provides transmission speeds up to 40Gbps. It also supports DDR5 memory up to a peak frequency of 7800 MHz.
Why We Picked It
The ROG Maximus Z790 houses top-notch components, provides uncompromised thermal performance, and nails the aesthetic better than any other Z790 motherboard. It ranks among the most well-equipped motherboards to have ever been released, completely filled to the brim with features.
The thermal performance of the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme provides the processor with enough thermal headroom to boost to insanely high clock speeds without running into any issues. Pair that with the monstrous 24+1 phase VRM design and you are presented with a motherboard that can withstand the highest level of overclocking.
Who should get the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme
Its sleek and distinct aesthetic combined with its top-of-the-line power delivery system help it stands out as an enthusiast class offering, designed specifically for those who want the ultimate overclocking experience. It offers an astounding amount of features that you would otherwise not find on a single motherboard.
ASUS has managed to cram in as many features as they could with the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, including a thunderbolt connection, five M.2 slots, and two PCIe Gen 5.0 x 16 sockets. All of that makes it one of the only few motherboards that can fully utilize the i9-13900KF’s performance.
What We Disliked
With the vast array of features it provides, we struggled to find anything to dislike about the motherboard apart from its higher price. Speaking of which, the price tag is among the highest we have seen on any Z790 motherboard. With an MSRP of $999, it exceeds the MSRP of the i9-13900KF itself, which speaks volumes about the absurdity of its price. Simply put, the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is built specifically for people that want the best-in-class performance.
Verdict
The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is truly a one-of-a-kind motherboard that leaves no stone unturned in terms of functionality. Providing unprecedented performance, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is enough to overclock even the monstrous i9-13900KF, which makes it the perfect candidate for getting the title of the Best Overclocking Motherboard For Core i9-13900KF.
What Is The Difference: i9-13900K Vs i9-13900KF
Fundamentally, both the Core i9-13900KF and the 13900K are almost entirely the same, providing you with the same overall performance. The only difference between the two comes down to the integrated graphics. The KF series of processors come without any integrated graphics which means you will be relying on the dedicated graphics card for all your graphically intensive workloads.
On the other hand, the i9-13900K features Integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics, allowing you to use your system without the need for a separate GPU. Of course, the Intel UHD 770 iGPU is not going to blow you away with its performance; however, it is a good addition for anyone holding out on buying a separate GPU. In contrast, if you already own a dedicated GPU, paying additional for the UHD 770 graphics will provide you with no additional benefit.
If you want to go for i9-13900k, here are all the helpful guides:
Our Criteria For Selecting These Motherboards
Here are a few factors you should consider when purchasing the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K.
VRM
A capable VRM system is of paramount importance in a motherboard or any other electrical component. The Voltage Regulator Module ensures a stable flow of current through your components, protecting it from sudden surges. In a motherboard’s case, not only is a capable VRM crucial for overclocking your processor, but it also helps increase the processor’s lifespan.
Overclocking potential
The overclocking potential of your motherboard determines how far you can push your processor. A motherboard with better overclocking capabilities allows you to squeeze every bit of performance out of your CPU. Overclocking potential depends on multiple factors, with the most important of those factors being the VRM design.
A capable VRM design allows you to drastically boost the overclocking performance of a processor. Of course, you will have to back up the VRM design with an equally capable cooling solution to avoid running into thermal throttling issues.
Heatsink – Cooling
A fantastic power delivery system is not going to amount to much unless it is paired with an equally impressive cooling solution. This is why ensuring that your motherboard is well-equipped with the right amount of heatsinks is extremely important. Adding on to that, looking for a motherboard that comes with heatsinks for the M.2 slots is also important, especially if you are working with high-speed M.2 drives.
Features
You will also have to make sure your motherboard comes with all of the features that satisfy your needs. Some of the most important features include multiple M.2 slots for storage, a decent selection of rear I/O ports, and capable network capabilities. While the features you require mostly boil down to your personal use, opting for a motherboard that does not hold back on its features will allow you to upgrade your system in the future.
Price
The price of your motherboard depends on the number of features it comes with. A higher-end Z790 motherboard will cost you a premium. Naturally, you will have to pair the Core i9-13900KF with a fairly decent motherboard in order to get the most out of it; however, there are a few value options that are capable of handling this processor as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
None of the 13-gen processors come with a cooler, of course, the i9-13900kF is also no exception.
The Intel Core i9-13900KF sits at the top of Intel’s 13th gen lineup, providing you with the best performance possible. It is capable of churning out extremely high frame rates when paired with an equally capable graphics card.
Yes, every Raptor Lake processor supports DDR5 modules; however, the speed at which the memory operates can vary depending on the motherboards.
No, it is not necessary for you to get the Z790 chipset for the Core i9-13900KF. Since it supports the LGA 1700 socket, older generation chipsets such as the Z690 are going to perform just fine.
Since it is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, the Core i9-13900KF supports both the 600 series motherboards as well as the 700 series, leaving you with a lot of options.
The “KF” at the end of your processor name refers to an unlocked CPU that does not come with integrated Intel UHD graphics.
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