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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:
- October 14, 2024: After testing several more Z790 motherboards, we have improved our recommendations for the i9-14900K to include even better options.
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
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
Read Our MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi Review
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.
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
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 19+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7,800+ | 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
Pros
- Outstanding power delivery
- Impressive connectivity
- Beautiful dark aesthetic design
- Good VRM cooling
- Clear CMOS & Flash BIOS buttons
Cons
- No DisplayPort
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.”
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
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
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”.
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
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Power Delivery: 24+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7,200+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort 2.1 | USB Ports: 12x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Community Poll
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 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
- 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.
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Keith_Slayer
man these are all very expensive
[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
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