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Pairing the powerhouse Intel Core i9 14900K with the ideal motherboard is crucial for unleashing its full potential. As an expert in the field, I’ve meticulously analyzed the market to bring you the top motherboards that align perfectly with the 14900K’s needs.
From robust power delivery capable of handling its 300W appetite to top-tier overclocking support and DDR5 RAM compatibility, each recommendation is a result of careful consideration of performance, value, and future-proof capabilities.
In this guide, you’ll find motherboards that don’t just meet the technical demands of the i9 14900K but also offer excellent value and user-friendly features.
Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig or a powerhouse workstation, these motherboards promise to amplify the performance of your 14900K, ensuring a stable, powerful, and efficient system.
Before moving on make sure you check the following detailed tutorial on how to choose the best motherboard for you: How To Choose The Right Motherboard For Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide
Our Top Picks
- 1. MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi – Our Top Choice
- 2. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero – Best Premium Motherboard For Intel Core i9 14900K
- 3. ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI – Best Budget Motherboard For Intel Core i9 14900K
Why Should You Trust Us?
The writer of this guide PC expert, Talha Zuberi, brings over a decade of rich experience in the tech world, particularly in the realm of motherboards. Since 2009, he’s been at the forefront of PC building, evolving alongside the rapid advancements in technology.
His background as a software engineer and a seasoned PC builder gives him a unique edge in understanding the intricate dance between a motherboard and its components. It’s this blend of practical know-how and technical insight that sets his advice apart.
Talha’s commitment goes beyond just keeping up with trends; he’s dedicated to providing personalized advice that aligns with your specific needs. Whether you’re assembling a high-powered gaming setup or a reliable workstation, his recommendations are tailored to maximize your PC’s performance.
His advice is more than just expertise; it’s a trusted guide built on a foundation of hands-on experience and a passion for technology. With Talha, you’re not just choosing a motherboard; you’re investing in a piece of advice that’s been a decade in the making.
How We Choose the Best Motherboards For The Intel Core i9 14900K
The Intel Core i9 14900K is currently Intel’s flagship processor on the LGA 1700 socket platform. It has one of the best single and multi-threaded performance making it one of the best gaming and productivity CPUs. Do keep in mind that the i9 14900K is a refresh of Intel’s Raptor Lake, so what applies to Intel 13th-gen CPUs, also applies here.
I considered the following factors when choosing the best motherboards for this CPU:
- Power delivery: The Intel Core i9 14900K is a high-end CPU with high clock speeds which requires high power. The 14900K can consume up to 300 W of power, so it is very important that the motherboard has excellent VRMs. Nothing less than 12 phases should be considered, however, it is best to consider at least a 14 or 16-phase motherboard.
- Overclocking Capabilities: A good board is one that can let any CPU run at the best possible performance. The higher the clocks we want to push, the higher the power requirements. I chose the best motherboard based on its overclocking potential so that we have a stable PC at all times. After all, no one is going to buy this CPU only to run it in stock speeds.
- RAM Support: The Intel Core i9 14900K supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. However, I only chose DDR5 motherboards given that this is a flagship chip so it makes no sense to limit the CPU to DDR4 anymore, especially now that DDR5 RAM is almost as affordable as DDR4. Keeping that in mind, the memory controller needs to be stable especially while overclocking. We want to ensure that our memory kits can operate at a stable clock of more than 6000 MT/s.
- Z790 chipset only: Even though there are a lot of LGA 1700 chipsets, I only considered Z790-based motherboards for the sole reason that it has out-of-the-box support for Raptor Lake. Also, to unlock the maximum potential of the i9 14900K, it is necessary to pair it with a Z-series motherboard.
- Other I/O Features: The LGA 1700 socket is almost 2 years old at this point, but many Z790 motherboards are offering bleeding-edge features like PCIe 5.0. It is important that each motherboard offers a good set of I/O and built-in features that will ensure future compatibility. For example, even though the market for PCIe 5.0 SSDs hasn’t matured yet, having a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot on your motherboard means that you can easily upgrade to one when PCIe 5.0 SSDs become widely available.
- Price and Value: The Core i9 14900K is a high-end expensive CPU. Still, I considered the best motherboards for every category that don’t lack features and provide excellent bang for the buck.
- User Feedback and Brand Reputation: When we pick our motherboards, we consider real-world user experiences and manufacturers’ reputations. If the reviews are glowing and the after-sale support is top-notch, you can bet the product quality is on point and customers are happy.
Best Motherboards For Intel Core i9 14900K Comparison Table
Feature / Motherboard | MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi (Our Top Choice) | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero (Best Premium) | ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI (Best Budget) |
---|---|---|---|
Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX |
Chipset | Z790 | Z790 | Z790 |
VRM | 19+1+1 Phase | 20+1 Phase | 16+1 Phase |
Memory | 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-7600+ | 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-7800+ | 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-7200+ |
Video Outputs | HDMI | HDMI, 2x USB-C Outputs | 1x HDMI, 1x Display Port |
USB Ports | 10x rear IO, 7x internal | 12x rear IO, 6x internal | 8x rear IO, 7x internal |
Network | 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x WiFi 6E | 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x WiFi 6E | 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Storage | 5x M.2, 6x SATA | 5x M.2, 6x SATA | 4x M.2, 4x SATA |
Pros | Reliable Power Delivery, Versatile Storage Options, Superb Connectivity, Unique RGB Implementation, Decent Networking Features | Superb VRM Design, Excellent Storage Features, Thunderbolt 4 Support, Attractive RGB Lighting, Unique Diagnostic Features | Great VRM design, Thunderbolt 4 support, Best price-to-performance Z790 board |
Cons | Relatively Expensive, Lack of DisplayPort Output | Quite Expensive, No DisplayPort Option | No CMOS clear or BIOS flash buttons, No troubleshooting LEDs |
VRM Design Rating | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8/10 |
Features Rating | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8/10 |
Aesthetics Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Overall Rating | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
3 Best Motherboards For Intel Core i9 14900K
1. MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi – Our Top Choice
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z790 | VRM: 19+1+1 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-7600+ | Video Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x WiFi 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi was my top pick for the Core i9 13900K and it is also my top pick for the 14900k since it checks a lot of boxes and does not really have a significant weakness in its arsenal, and all this without completely breaking the bank.
One of the primary strengths of the Z790 Carbon WiFi is its robust VRM design. MSI has outfitted this motherboard with a 19+1+1 phase power delivery system which is among the very best setups that we have seen on Z790 motherboards. You can even overclock your i9 14900K CPU using custom voltages and the board’s VRM will be able to keep up with the demands.
In addition to the high-quality VRM components, MSI has also installed a large VRM heatsink assembly to keep the temperatures in check. The multi-piece VRM on the Z790 Carbon WiFi ensures that all the MOSFETs and other components of the VRM assembly will stay under the temperature limits, even when overclocking.
At this price point, you can’t really compromise on the feature set of a Z790 motherboard, and MSI leaves nothing to be desired here. The Z790 Carbon WiFi provides all the bells and whistles that one would expect from a high-end motherboard on this platform. The storage suite is particularly impressive, as MSI has managed to offer 5 M.2 slots in addition to the 6 SATA ports for your drives. This makes this motherboard an ideal choice for most high-end gaming and workstation rigs.
In a similar price range, you can also find the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming, but I prefer the MSI option for this spot as it offers the best price-to-performance ratio while delivering the most versatile feature set and a competent power delivery system. The ASUS option is a bit more expensive, but it may appeal to those buyers who prioritize aesthetics.
The design language of the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFI is a bit polarizing. On the one hand, the all-black PCB and brushed metallic heatsinks give it a very stealthy and sophisticated look. However, MSI has gone ahead and put a glowing MSI Dragon logo prominently on the I/O cover. It is a controversial choice that may ruin the design of the board for some users, however, others might find the touch of RGB lighting to be charming.
Of course, the Z790 Carbon WiFi is not a cheap motherboard by any means. However, it offers a very decent value for money in that price bracket. The alternative choices in this category are not as well-equipped or as reliable as the Z790 Carbon WiFi while having higher price tags. Therefore, even though the initial price tag is high, the MSI Z790 Carbon WiFi is my top pick for the Intel Core i9 14900K.
Pros:
- Reliable Power Delivery
- Versatile Storage Options
- Superb Connectivity
- Unique RGB Implementation
- Decent Networking Features
Cons:
- Relatively Expensive
- Lack of DisplayPort Output
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 9/10
- Features: 9.5/10
- Aesthetics: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 9/10
2. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero – Best Premium Motherboard For Intel Core i9 14900K
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z790 | VRM: 20+1 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-7800+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, 2x USB-C Outputs | USB Ports: 12x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x WiFi 6E | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA
The Intel Core i9 14900K is the new top-tier intel processor and is the fastest CPU out there. Therefore, it makes sense to pair it with a high-end motherboard that can match its performance and premium nature. My high-end pick for the i9 14900K is the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO, which is one of the very best motherboards on the market currently.
The board separates itself from the crowd thanks to its extraordinary power delivery system and robust cooling solution. ASUS has provided a 20+1 phase VRM design on this motherboard that is ideally matched for your Core i9 14900K CPU.
You can overclock this processor to your heart’s content, and the VRM components will be able to match your demands.
What is especially notable about the Maximus Z790 HERO is the cooling solution for the VRM components. ASUS has not spared any expense in its design, resulting in a massive heatsink array that covers the VRM components on the top and side of the CPU socket. The heatsink assembly is extremely effective and allows the user to overclock even the most demanding Intel processors, like the i9 14900K.
I also like the MSI MEG Z790 ACE in this price category, but the ASUS option edges out this comparison thanks to its versatile feature set and superior design language. The VRM cooling on the ASUS offering is also more reliable in certain overclocking scenarios.
Of course, a Z790 motherboard in this price category has to be packed with features, and the ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is no exception. I particularly like the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the rear I/O as well as the plethora of storage options that ASUS has provided. These features make the Maximus Z790 HERO a very attractive option for power users and enthusiasts.
ASUS is also known to be a bit of a fan-favorite when it comes to aesthetics and design language. The ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is another one of ASUS’s offerings that may be desirable on the basis of looks alone. The massive RGB panel on the I/O cover, combined with the decals on the chipset heatsink, gives the board a very distinctive look and a bold personality.
Potential buyers may also consider ASUS’s own ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming for a small discount over the Maximus option, but the latter brings significant advantages in terms of features and power delivery.
Being a premium motherboard on the latest Intel chipset, the Maximus Z790 HERO is certainly not a cheap option. It does not deliver the best price-to-performance ratio, but if you are in the market for a premium motherboard in this price bracket, that metric does not carry much weight. That’s why the Maximus Z790 HERO is my pick for the best high-end motherboard you can currently buy for the Core i9 14900K.
Pros:
- Superb VRM Design
- Excellent Storage Features
- Thunderbolt 4 Support
- Attractive RGB Lighting
- Unique Diagnostic Features
Cons:
- Quite Expensive
- No DisplayPort Option
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 9.5/10
- Features: 9.5/10
- Aesthetics: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 7/10
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
3. ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI – Best Budget Motherboard For Intel Core i9 14900K
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z790 | VRM: 16+1 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-7200+ | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI, 1x Display Port | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA
If you’re looking to upgrade to the 14th generation Intel Core i9 14900K, but don’t want to overspend, then the ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI should be your next motherboard.
The motherboard has a powerful 16+1-phase VRM configuration and it’s cooled really well with one of the best heatsinks I have ever seen. You can run an Intel Core i9 14900K at 5.5 GHz or more without hassle.
This motherboard is built with a 6-layer PCB which results in excellent memory support. Asus claims that it can easily run 7200 MT/s DDR5 RAM with complete stability so as faster DDR5 get cheaper, this motherboard will be ready.
The I/O is well-populated with just about everything needed. The rear has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port type-C, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (2 type-A, 1 type-C), and 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 type-A making a total of 8 USB ports. For the rest of the I/O, we get a DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.1 port, Wi-Fi 6E, a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port, and 5 audio jacks with an S/PDIF out port as well.
Thunderbolt enthusiasts can rejoice as this motherboard comes with a Thunderbolt 4/ USB 4 header that can be used to install a Thunderbolt add-in card.
In terms of PCIe expansion, this motherboard comes well prepared with 4 PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. However, please note that only the top M.2 slot is directly linked to the CPU, while the other 3 are routed through the chipset. Also keep in mind that the 4th M.2 slot runs through the SATA connectors which means that if populated, at least 2 of the SATA ports will not be usable.
Given these specs, it’s kind of tricky to find something to nitpick about on this motherboard. It’s already rocking all the must-have features for a solid motherboard, and the price is pretty good too.
However, I am a bit disappointed about the absence of BIOS flash and Clear CMOS buttons. This should be a basic feature that should be on every motherboard. No excuses for skipping out on those buttons just to save a few bucks.
The ASUS TUF Z790-PLUS WIFI also lacks debug LEDs so if you ever run into issues, you will need to rely on the old speaker beeps method.
Still, it is hard to pass up on the ASUS TUF Z790-PLUS WIFI.
I looked at several other options and I am glad the $200 to $250 range has very healthy competition from every manufacturer. You can seemingly find a good motherboard from anyone including MSI, Gigabyte, and even ASRock. But the reason why the ASUS TUF Z790-PLUS WIFI stands out from all of the competition is that it has placed itself in such a position that it is hard to justify purchasing any other board.
At this price range, you will hardly find a board that ticks all the boxes. And if it does, like the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI, you need to spend quite a bit more to get that motherboard.
In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Z790-PLUS WIFI is a wallet-friendly motherboard perfect for upgrading to the Intel Core i9 14900K.
It has everything from great overclocking support thanks to the powerful VRM setup, fast memory support, and a well-equipped I/O including a total of 15 USB ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and even Thunderbolt support!
No matter how you look at the Asus TUF Z790, you will see that it was built with value in mind.
Pros:
- Great VRM design
- Thunderbolt 4 support
- Best price-to-performance Z790 board
Cons:
- No CMOS clear or BIOS flash buttons
- No troubleshooting LEDs
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 8/10
- Features: 8/10
- Aesthetics: 7.5/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which motherboard chipset is ideal for the Intel Core i9 14900K? The Z790 chipset is specifically designed to complement the high-end features of the i9 14900K, offering advanced power management, better overclocking support, and enhanced I/O capabilities that align perfectly with the processor’s capabilities.
- Can I use my existing cooling solution with a new motherboard for the i9 14900K? Compatibility depends on the cooler’s socket support. Ensure your cooling solution matches the LGA 1700 socket required by the i9 14900K and the motherboard’s design.
- Is a high-end motherboard necessary for gaming with the i9 14900K? While not strictly necessary, a high-end motherboard can enhance gaming performance by providing better overclocking capabilities, faster memory support, and more robust power delivery suited for the i9 14900K.
- How does the motherboard affect the future upgradability of my i9 14900K system? A motherboard with the latest features like PCIe 5.0 slots and numerous M.2 slots ensures better future-proofing, allowing for upgrades like faster GPUs and storage without needing a new motherboard.
- Are all Z790 motherboards compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 for the i9 14900K? No, Z790 motherboards are specifically designed for either DDR4 or DDR5. Choose a DDR5-compatible motherboard to fully utilize the i9 14900K’s capabilities.
- Does the size of the motherboard impact the performance of the i9 14900K? Size (like ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) doesn’t directly affect performance but influences the number of available slots and ports, and cooling solutions you can use.
- How important is the number of USB ports on a motherboard for an i9 14900K build? The number of USB ports is crucial for connectivity. Consider how many peripherals you use to ensure the motherboard provides sufficient USB ports.
- Will a motherboard with more RAM slots offer better performance for the i9 14900K? More RAM slots offer greater memory expansion, which can be beneficial for memory-intensive tasks but doesn’t directly increase CPU performance.
- Is onboard audio quality significant for a motherboard running the i9 14900K? If you’re an audiophile or use your PC for media-heavy tasks, onboard audio quality can be important. Otherwise, for standard usage, most modern motherboards offer adequate audio quality.
- Can I use a non-Z790 chipset motherboard with the i9 14900K? While possible, non-Z790 motherboards may not fully exploit the capabilities of the i9 14900K, especially in terms of overclocking and memory performance. It’s recommended to use a Z790 chipset for optimal performance.
- Can I use older DDR4 RAM with a motherboard for the i9 14900K? While the i9 14900K supports DDR4, for optimal performance, it’s advisable to pair it with a DDR5 motherboard, as DDR5 offers higher speed and bandwidth, which is crucial for leveraging the full potential of this CPU.
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