Z790 motherboards represent the best of the best that Intel has to offer, according to my testing. Not only that, but I can confirm that the newest Intel 14th-gen series also works flawlessly with this chipset. With that said, if you are searching for a good Z790 motherboard, then you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will walk you through the best Z790 motherboards, based on our hands-on testing and analysis.
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All Our Best Z790 Motherboard picks, with specs, pros, cons, who should get them, and comparison!
Best Z790 Motherboards
Here are our tested recommendations for the Best Z790 Motherboards:
- Best Overall Z790 Motherboard: MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi
- Best High-End Z790 Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
- Best White Z790 Motherboard: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
- Best Value Z790 Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PG Riptide
- Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi
- Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi
Best Overall Z790 Motherboard
Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: 4x DDR5 7600+(OC), Max. Capacity 192 GB | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1 | USB Ports: 10x Rear, 7x Front | Network: 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA 6G
Pros
- 19+1+1 Multiphase VRM
- DDR5 7600+ Memory
- Looks Beautiful
- 3x Type-C Ports
Cons
- Lacks Thunderbolt
Design and Build Quality: I think the overall minimalistic design of the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Wi-Fi combined with the dark carbon fiber look makes this board stand out in its looks. The 8-layered PCB with 2 oz. Thick copper further facilitates the board in unleashing its true potential by withstanding greater heating loads, according to my tests.
Performance: Speaking of power delivery, the motherboard has a 19+1+1 VRM structure, which is good enough to ensure a smooth flow of power to the CPU, memory, and other components, per my testing. The 21-phase VRM design facilitates CPU overclocking and provides uninterrupted stable power under high-end tasks.
Features and Connectivity: I found the storage selection of the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Wi-Fi to be quite impressive; the motherboard comes with 5x M.2 slots and 6x SATA 6G, with one of the five M.2 slots being PCIe 5.0. The impressive theme follows as we move towards USB ports, as in total, you get 10x rear and 7x front USB ports, with 3x Type-C ports.
Buy It If:
You want an excellent VRM design: My testing shows that the 19+1+1 phase VRM, along with the improved thermal features of this board, make it stand out among its competitors.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want Thunderbolt connectivity: The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Wi-Fi lacks the Intel Thunderbolt facility, which might be disappointing for some.
What Makes It The Best Overall Z790 Motherboard?
Overall, the MSI MPG Z790 WiFi Gaming is a true powerhouse with its high-quality VRM structure and elaborate cooling solutions. Not only that, but the plethora of USB and storage options also make the board stand out from the competition. Because of these factors and many more, we have crowned the MSI MPG Z790 WiFi Gaming as the Best Overall Z790 Motherboard.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
Best High-End Z790 Motherboard
Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128 GB, DDR5 7800+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, Intel Thunderbolt, VGA | USB Ports: 12x Rear, 9x Front | Network: WiFi 6E, LAN | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Fast access DDR5 7800+ MHz memory
- 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
- Water Cooling Zone
Cons
- Very costly
Design and Build Quality: At first glance, I found the design of the ROG Maximus Z790 HERO to be extremely impressive and in line with the traditional ASUS design ethos. I like the implementation of the RGB lighting on this board. The build quality is also quite admirable, thanks to the crafting materials used in the construction of the PCB.
Performance: My testing reveals that this motherboard will allow the CPU to reach its optimum potential, thanks to its 8+8 pin Dual ProCool II power connectors and 20+1 VRM Power Stages. Regarding overclocking, ASUS offers AI overclocking, which allows you to optimize your performance automatically, yielding quick performance gains.
Features and Connectivity: When mentioning high-speed data transfer, the motherboard boasts 2x Type-C ThunderBolt 4 USB ports which can deliver up to 40Gbps data transfer. There are heatsinks for three M.2 slots with top-of-the-line thermal pads. ASUS provides its 2.5 Gbe LAN support chip and WiFi 6E compatibility.
Buy It If:
Here are our captured pictures of the ROG Maximus Z790 HERO:
You want to overclock: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero uses a 20+1 VRM Power Stage using 8+8 pin DUAL ProCool II power connectors, enough to easily overclock the flagship 14th Gen Intel CPUs according to my testing.
You want an exceptional feature set: The ROG Maximus Z790 HERO has support for 2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots parallel to a PCIe 5.0 M.2 card slot, a feat that even most high-end motherboards fail to achieve.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want PCIe 5.0 x4 support: Although PCIe 5.0 x16 modes and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot come alongside the motherboard, I think PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 support would have been appreciated instead of PCIe 4.0 x4.
What Makes It The Best High-End Z790 Motherboard?
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a solid top-performing motherboard option because of its overwhelming power draw, excellent VRM architecture, and overclocking capabilities; crowning this board as the best high-end Z790 motherboard on the market.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
Best White Z790 Motherboard
Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 192 GB, DDR5 7200+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, eDP | USB Ports: 10x Rear, 8x Internal USB headers | Network: Dragon 2.5 GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA
Pros
- Unique white aesthetics
- Robust 16+1+1 phase VRM design
- Superb connectivity options
- Versatile networking
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- No Debug LED
Design and Build Quality: One glance at the Z790 Steel Legend made it clear to me that ASRock has used a very attractive design pattern on the PCB that adds a bit of personality to the board. The chipset heatsink is covered with a camouflage pattern, while the I/O cover and VRM heatsinks signify the impressive build quality of the motherboard.
Our motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, was also in awe of the Z790 Steel Legend’s design:
“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: Under the massive VRM heatsinks, ASRock has equipped the board with a robust 16+1+1 phase VRM design with 60A SPS power stages. In my testing, the MOSFETs were operating at around 75.8C at an ambient of 28C, which signifies the impressive thermal solution implemented by ASRock.
Features and Connectivity: Connectivity is also rather impressive, as ASRock has equipped this variant with 10 rear USB ports including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. For storage, the 5 M.2 slots and 8 total SATA ports do an admirable job, while the networking is handled by a Dragon 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E.
Buy It If:
Here are our captured pictures of the Z790 Steel Legend:
You want a unique all-white motherboard: I think ASRocks’ Z790 Steel Legend elevates itself above the crowd thanks to its unique white theme and distinctive aesthetics.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want more diagnostic options: I found the lack of a Debug LED to be a minor hiccup during testing, but that can be seen as a nitpick.
What Makes It The Best White Z790 Motherboard?
There is a stark lack of white-themed motherboards on the market, and with the Z790 Steel Legend, ASRock has filled a much-desired void. With its robust VRM and unique aesthetics, the Z790 Steel Legend definitely sweeps the title of the best white Z790 motherboard on the market.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 10/10 |
ASRock Z790 PG Riptide
Best Value Z790 Motherboard
Specifications = Chipset: Z790 | Memory: DDR5 7200+(OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x USB 3.2, 6x USB 2.0 | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 slot integration
- DDR5 RAM with a speed of 7200+ MHz
- Fast 2.5 Gb LAN ports
Cons
- Only one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port
- VRM is not that powerful
- No wireless connection
Design and Build Quality: ASRock’s Z790 PG Riptide is quite a decent specimen in terms of aesthetics, in my opinion. It boasts an all-black design with a few purple accents that provide a bit of personality to the board. It also showcases a solid build quality thanks to well-built heatsinks and a sturdy PCB.
Performance: The Z790 PG Riptide motherboard is based on a 14+1+1 VRM architecture rated at a current of 50A Dr.MOS for VCore+GT; it has a 24-pin ATX power connector with two 8-pin power connectors for the CPU. My tests show that ASRock Z790 PG Riptide’s VRM design allows for decent overclocking results along with acceptable VRM thermals.
Features and Connectivity: There are 3x Hyper Gen 4×4 M.2 slots wired to the chipset, providing a speed of 64 Gb/s and 8x SATA III connectors that transfer data with a speed of up to 6 Gb/s. As the name suggests, the board comes with a Killer E3100G LAN port, but I would have liked to see the inclusion of WiFi connectivity as well.
Our motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique, endorsed the Z790 PG Riptide from ASRock:
“If you can live without the wireless connectivity and looking for a pocket-friendly Z790 motherboard that still provides Gen5 base connectivity for storage and PCIe, then look no further, as ASRock Z790 PG Riptide has got you covered.”
Buy It If:
Here are our captured pictures of the ASRock’s Z790 PG Riptide:
You want a solid feature set: I appreciate the features like the PCIe 5.0 integration, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for faster data transfer rates of up to 20 Gb/s, and the killer 2.5 Gb LAN connection.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want WiFi connectivity: I think one of the motherboard issues is that it needs a wireless connection option, which is quite mainstream at this price point.
What Makes It The Best Value Z790 Motherboard?
The ASRock Z790 PG Riptide motherboard has top-of-the-line features integrated into it at such a reasonable price. Without a doubt, we can name it the Best Value Z790 Motherboard in the market as it provides value features that we don’t find in other options as they are priced comparatively higher. We recommend you buy it if you are considering upgrading your setup at less of a price.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 7/10 |
ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi
Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard
Chipset: Z790 | Memory: 2x DIMM , DDR5-7600MHz | Video Outputs: HDMI, ThunderBolt | USB Ports: 9x Rear, 3x Front | Network: 2.5 Gbe LAN, WiFi 6E | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- 10-layer PCB layout
- ThunderBolt 4 Type-C connectivity
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
Cons
- VRM isn’t that powerful
Design and Build Quality: I found the design of the Strix Z790-I to be quite nice overall. The black PCB works well with the rugged aesthetic of the VRM heatsink and the I/O cover. The build quality is outstanding thanks to a 10-layer PCB layout, which conducts heat efficiently and ensures system stability, allowing for better overclocking performance.
Performance: The board features an 8-pin ProCool II power connector with 10+1 VRM Power Stages, delivering 105A of power delivery, enough to run a 14th-generation PC system smoothly in my tests. ASUS opted for a quiet thermal dissipation system that diverts heat from a ventilated loop from the core to keep the VRM cool even after vigorous performance.
Features and Connectivity: It consists of 2x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 card slot, which I quite appreciate. WiFI 6E support is provided in addition to 2.5 GbE Ethernet LAN connectivity to provide the users with the best gaming experience. 2x ThunderBolt 4 Type-C ports are provided for dual bidirectional fast data transfer.
Buy It If:
You want a durable mini-ITX motherboard: Typically, a 10-layer PCB layout in a mini-ITX motherboard is unforeseen, provides system stability, and creates headroom for overclocking.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want more expansion slots: Of course, the Z790-I does have limited potential for future expansion due to its compact frame.
What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard?
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi is the top contender for the Best Mini-ITX Z790 Motherboard thanks to its top-notch performance, with clever space-saving VRM heatsink architecture and the fastest DDR5 memory specification, which makes it a top priority for users looking for a Mini-ITX Z790 motherboard.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master
Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard
Specifications: CHIPSET: Intel Z790 | MEMORY: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR5) up to 8000 MHz DISPLAY OUTPUTS: HDMI, Display Port | REAR USB PORTS: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 7 x USB 3.2 Gen 2| Network: 1 x Marvell 10G, WiFi 6E | Storage: 5 x M.2, 4 x SATA III
Pros
- Exceptional Overclocking Capabilities
- Impressive Cooling Performance
- Five M.2 Slots
Cons
- Lack of USB 4.0 connection
- Expensive
Design and Build Quality: I was quite impressed with the aggressive design language and superb RGB implementation of the Z790 AORUS Master. Gigabyte has made use of a PCB imbued in a NanoCarbon Coating, an aluminum back plate, as well as 12 W/Mk Thermal Conductivity Pads, showcasing outstanding build quality overall.
Performance: Equipped with a 20+1+2 Phase Digital Power Design, it immediately sets itself apart from the majority of the motherboards with a VRM design that surpasses that of even the highest-end motherboards. Of course, each phase is rated at 105A, providing exceptional overclocking results in my tests.
Features and Connectivity: It is clear that network capabilities have not gone unattended, with the Z790 AORUS Master offering a 10G Marvell ethernet port along with WiFi 6E. I found the selection of USB ports on the rear I/O quite decent; however, a Thunderbolt port would have been a nice addition.
Buy It If:
You want exceptional overclocking ability: My tests show that the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master showcases an impressive overclocking potential with its 20+2+1 phase VRM design and fantastic cooling performance.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want Thunderbolt connectivity: Despite equipping the motherboard with 14 total USB ports, the lack of a USB 4.0 Thunderbolt connection remains prevalent even after a whole generation.
What Makes It The Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard?
Gigabyte has managed to incorporate premium features in a seamless fashion, which is quite an astounding feat. Its exceptional feature set, combined with its fantastic overclocking capabilities, has earned it the title of Best Overclocking Z790 Motherboard.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
DDR5 Vs DDR4
| Specifications | DDR4 | DDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Frequency | 1600MHz | 4800MHz |
| Input Voltage | 1.1V | 1.2V |
| Maximum Die Density | 16GB | 64GB |
| Power Management | On Motherboard | On DIMM PMIC |
DDR4 vs DDR5 Specifications
DDR5 Memory outperforms DDR4 Memory in terms of RAM frequencies, with even the slowest and cheapest DDR5 Modules offering stock speeds of 4800-5600 MHz and the potential to reach up to 8000 MHz with overclocking. On the other hand, DDR4 RAM typically ranges from 2400-4266 MHz as stock speeds and overclocking may push it to a maximum of 5500 MHz.
However, DDR5 fails to match or surpass DDR4 in terms of CAS Latencies and RAM Timings. Even high-end DDR5 Kits struggle to achieve CL numbers below 30, while mainstream DDR4 RAM often achieves CAS Latencies between CL 14-18.
Nonetheless, DDR5 has some benefits, such as lower power consumption (1.1V compared to DDR4’s 1.2V) and on-die ECC support, which was traditionally seen in server-grade DDR4 RAM. DDR5 also allows for higher density per module, with a theoretical maximum support of 256 GB (compared to DDR4’s 64 GB). This could lead to consumer-grade CPUs supporting up to 256 GB (or potentially even more) of DDR5 RAM in the future.
Make sure to check our full guide on the DDR4 Vs DDR5 comparison.
Important Motherboard Key Terms
- Chipset: The chipset is a set of chips that controls communication between the CPU and other components on the motherboard, such as RAM, storage, and expansion cards. The chipset is also responsible for managing the system’s clock speed and power consumption.
- BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): The BIOS is a firmware program that is stored on a chip on the motherboard. It is responsible for booting up the computer and initializing the hardware. The BIOS also provides a user interface for configuring the system settings.
- Expansion slots: Expansion slots allow additional hardware components to be installed on the motherboard, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. Expansion slots are typically located on the bottom or right edge of the motherboard.
- Form factor: The form factor of a motherboard is its size and shape. The most common form factors for desktop computers are ATX, microATX, and mini-ITX.
- DIMM slots: DIMM slots are sockets on the motherboard where memory modules are installed. DIMM stands for Dual In-Line Memory Module. DIMM modules are the most common type of memory used in desktop computers.
- Socket: The socket is the connector on the motherboard where the CPU is installed. The type of socket on the motherboard determines the type of CPU that can be used.
How We Tested & Picked The Best Z790 Motherboards
- VRM and Overclocking Potential: Beefy VRMs are essential for CPU and GPU overclocking scenarios and general optimal performance. As such, it’s necessary to keep a keen eye out since inefficient VRMs would result in your 13th Generation Raptor Lake CPU and GPU bottlenecking, i.e., your Intel-based PC would undergo thermal throttling, rendering it incapable of delivering its theoretical potential power, thanks to an incompetent VRM design.
- Principal Budget and Relative Affordability: While building a gaming PC centralized around Intel’s 13th Generation CPUs and 700-Series Chipsets, it’s best to stick with full-sized ATX or E-ATX Z790 motherboards if you’re looking to save some money, as manufacturers offer a variety of Z790 Motherboards in these form factors. At the same time, holding your horses while choosing from the Flagship E-ATX Z790 Motherboards is essential since these boards tend to overcharge you for features you’ll probably never use in a lifetime, like overclocking.
- Expansion Slots/Connectivity: Some Z790 Motherboards may offer multiple PCI-e 5.0×16 slots. At the same time, some miniature motherboards will only provide a solitary PCI-e 4th Gen (x16) slot. Moreover, you should have an estimated idea of how many and which type of USB ports you’d like to utilize since a few of the Cheapest Z790 Motherboards will cut down on comparatively faster USB connections to drive prices down.
- Heatsinks/PCB Layers: The general rule of thumb is to choose one of the Best Z790 Motherboards with advanced heat dissipation techniques while ideally incorporating multiple heatsinks for optimal heat radiation away from your Motherboard’s components. The thicker your Motherboard’s PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), the lower your temps. Your Z790 Motherboard comprises multiple PCBs sandwiched together, which generally produce excessive heat.
- Form Factor and Compatibility; Z790 Motherboards are usually manufactured in four sizes; ATX, E-ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Generally speaking, ATX and E-ATX motherboards are the biggest of the bunch, featuring several massive heatsinks with comparatively thicker PCB layers. On the contrary, Micro-ATX and, specifically, Mini-ITX will be the Smallest Z790 Motherboards you can find on the planet, paving the way for miniature gaming PC builds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Z790 sports the LGA 1700 CPU Mounting Platform, the same as the preceding Z690 and accompanying 600-Series Motherboards.
Yes. Both 12th Generation (Alder Lake) and 13th Generation (codenamed Raptor Lake) Intel CPUs utilize the same CPU Mounting Socket, i.e., the LGA 1700.
Since the Alder Lake Core i9-12900K is based on the LGA 1700 CPU Socketing Mechanism, it is usable with any of the Best Z790 Motherboards. However, we wouldn’t recommend such an unorthodox pairing as far as the value proposition is concerned.
Yes, the Z790, in a similar fashion to its predecessor, the Z690 chipset, enables full support for DDR5 RAM. However, different (relatively budget-oriented) variants of Intel’s 700-Series Chipsets, including the Z790, will also be compatible with good old DDR4 Memory.
Recent Updates
- October 21, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
- August 22, 2023: Fixed misaligned images. No products were changed.
- July 23, 2023: Added ASRock Z790 Steel Legend Wi-Fi as the Best White Z790 Motherboard.
- May 31, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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[Casings & Motherboards Expert]
Faizan Ahmed is a Computer Hardware Specialist and professional writer covering all the ranges of different PC Casings alongside the latest Motherboards. He is the man to read when you’re buying a casing for your PC, need a Motherboard for your specific processor, or are concerned about the socket or CPU Cooler.
Having a keen eye for the details, his research includes the latest updates and technologies implemented in the sector and the quick response to approaching them ASAP. Before working on Tech4Gamers, Faizan has written immensely on freelancing platforms under the Tech niche, ranging from PC Components to different smart devices, software, and even Game Reviews and Guides.
He’s also written on websites like WhatIfGaming and Mondestuff. Faizan is an early PC gamer, and this prolonged interaction with the PC and Games has made him the perfect candidate for expressing his ideas and concepts in words for others in the community.
Get In Touch: faizan@tech4gamers.com
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