6 BEST Motherboards For i9-14900K [Tested]

The Intel Core i9-14900K continues to dominate the gaming benchmarks in my testing suite, making it one of the best CPUs for gaming. However, in order to unlock the full potential of the mighty Core i9-14900K, it is crucial to pair it with an equally powerful motherboard. I found that there were key differences in the performance of the i9-14900K between different motherboards, which is why I curated this list of the very best motherboards on the market.

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

Last update on 2023-11-30

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

• Best CPU Coolers For i9-14900K
• Best RAM for 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:

1. Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900K: MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
2. Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO
3. Best White Motherboard For i9-14900K: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Pro X
4. Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900K: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E
5. Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900K: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
6. Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K: ASRock Z790 TAICHI

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

Design and Build Quality: The Z790 TOMAHAWK 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.

Performance: The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi motherboard 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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.

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.

• Read Our MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi Review

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

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900K

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 ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO prominently features large ROG iconography and an expansive RGB area over the I/O cover, enhancing its visual appeal. The inclusion of a metal backplate adds rigidity to the board, while reinforced PCIe slots offer support for heavy graphics cards.

Performance: Thanks to its 20+1+2 phase VRM design with 90A SPS power stages, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO boasts exceptional overclocking potential according to my testing. Its aluminum VRM heatsink with an embedded heatpipe makes it a formidable overclocking choice for the i9-14900K.

Features and Connectivity: The ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO features two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and a plethora of high-speed USB ports, including a 20Gbps Type-C port, ensuring the finest connectivity. Additionally, it provides 2-digit diagnostic codes and LEDs for further convenience.

Buy It If:

You want excellent overclocking potential: With an extremely capable 20+1+2 phase VRM design, the Maximus Z790 DARK HERO provides superb overclocking potential according to my testing.

You want extraordinary features: Being a premium Z-series motherboard, the Z790 DARK HERO 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 Maximus Z790 DARK HERO certainly has a steep price tag.

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

Thanks to its outstanding 20+1+2 phase VRM design, along with a host of premium features and exceptional build quality, the ASUS Maximus Z790 DARK HERO is the best high-end motherboard for i9-14900K.

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

Design and Build Quality: 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.

Performance: Thanks to its robust 18+1+2 VRM design featuring 90A SPS power stages, the Z790 AORUS Pro X is a reliable overclocker per my testing. Its massive VRM heatsinks feature an 8mm heatpipe to ensure optimal thermal management while overclocking the Core i9-14900K.

Features and Connectivity: 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

Design and Build Quality: 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.

Performance: 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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

Design and Build Quality: 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.

Performance: 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.

Features and Connectivity: 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.

• Read our Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review

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

ASRock Z790 Taichi

Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900K

Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Power Delivery: 24+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 12x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E

Design and Build Quality: The ASRock Z790 Taichi features a unique and eye-catching design that sets it apart. Its recognizable cogwheel iconography, prominently featured on the I/O cover, adds a distinctive touch. It also features an 8-layer, Server-grade, ultra-low-loss PCB that enhances its overall durability.

Performance: The ASRock Z790 Taichi features a remarkable 24+1+2 phase VRM design with 105A power stages, while the gigantic composite VRM heatsink. As a result of these outstanding components, my overclocking experience with the Core i9-14900K on the Z790 Taichi was exceptional.

Features and Connectivity: It provides a total of 5 M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 socket, and 8 SATA ports, catering to a variety of storage needs. Networking capabilities are robust with multiple LAN ports, as well as WiFi 6E, ensuring reliable internet access. Additionally, it boasts a plethora of high-speed USB ports.

Buy It If:

You want to overclock the Core i9-14900K: With a 24+1+2 phase power delivery system and extraordinary cooling, my testing reveals that the Z790 Taichi 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 ASRock Z790 Taichi is still quite high.

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

The ASRock Z790 Taichi 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.

1. 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.
2. CPU Socket: A specific slot on the motherboard designed to hold and connect the central processing unit (CPU) to the motherboard.
3. 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.
4. PCIe Slots: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express slots are for adding expansion cards like graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
5. VRM (Voltage Regulator Module): Circuitry on the motherboard responsible for regulating and providing stable voltage to the CPU and other components.
6. 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.

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

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