Introduction
The recently released Intel Core i9 13900KS is the new fastest CPU in Intel’s mainstream desktop processor line-up. As such, a powerful motherboard is recommended to match the daunting performance metrics of this new CPU. In this roundup we’ve picked out the most high-end Z790 motherboards available that will match perfectly with Intel’s latest flagship CPU. These motherboards will not only allow you to take the 13900KS to it’s limits, but also come with the most features in other areas. Consumers can expect no sacrifices when it comes to PCI-E expansion and rear IO, and thus, will form the basis for an amazing, no-compromise PC.
Consumers who wish to have the most feature-rich PC should consider a motherboard based on the Z790 chipset, rather than step-down B760, or the last-gen Z690 motherboards.
This latest line of Intel-compatible high-end motherboards feature the most robust power solution, better support for faster memory, and the most expansion compared to more budget motherboards. Z790 motherboards also offer exclusive features such as support for PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs.
Suggested Article: Z790 vs B760 Motherboards – Key Differences & Features
Suggested: Best Z790 Motherboards to Buy in 2023 – Options for All Budgets!
Best Motherboards for Intel Core i9 13900KS
ASUS ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi
Key Specs:
- Form Factor: ATX
- Supported Memory: 128GB DDR5 7200MHz
- PCI-E x16 Slots: 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot, 1x PCI-E 4.0 x16 Slot
- PCI-E x4 Slots: 4x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots
- Rear IO: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 6x USB 3.2 Gen2
- Networking: 10 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E
Starting off this roundup, we have the productivity-orientated ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi motherboard from ASUS. In terms of support for the 13900KS, this motherboard does feature 16+1 power phases, rated at 70A max. This will be more than enough for a stable experience on the 13900KS. While this may not allow the CPU to overclock as far on this ProART Z790 Creator WiFi motherboard compared to some other market options. This won’t be a deal-breaker for the majority of creators intending to use this board in a workstation system.
In terms of memory support, this motherboard is ready to support the latest DDR5 memory at up to 7200MHz, though the speeds could technically be taken even higher. Fans of more compact PC builds will also be happy to learn that this, unlike most other high-end Z790 motherboards, is an ATX board, giving builders more freedom in terms of case choice.
Between its features and its looks, this motherboard was designed for creators first and foremost, though that doesn’t mean that this ProArt-series Z790 motherboard will fall behind in gaming. Between its great power delivery and good memory support, this board is perfect for consumers looking to purchase an all-rounder in both gaming and productivity.
Pros
- Fantastic rear IO for the price.
- More compact ATX form-factor.
- More affordable than other high-end Z790 boards.
Cons
- Power delivery is only acceptable for extreme overclocking.
- Aesthetic may not fit all builds.
Buy the ASUS ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi on:
ASRock Z790 Taichi
Key Specs:
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Supported Memory: 128GB DDR5 7200MHz
- PCI-E x16 Slots: 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot, 1x PCI-E 4.0 x16 Slot
- PCI-E x4 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 4x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots
- Rear IO: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 6x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0
- Networking: 2.5 & 1 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E
At almost the exact same price as the ProArt model is the ASRock Z790 Taichi board. This particular design will be especially appealing to anyone interested in extreme overclocking, as this motherboard features top-of-the-line power design, while still managing to stay under $500. The Z790 Taichi features an extreme power solution, consisting of 24+1+2 power phases, rated at a maximum of 105A. The impressive VRM cooling solution will also ensure that VRM temperatures don’t get in the way of overclocking, while also preventing rising temperatures to worsen the CPU’s performance during longer workloads.
Memory overclocking also hasn’t been skimmed on, to ensure that the CPU has fast RAM to work with. Whilst this motherboard’s official maximum speed for DDR5 memory is 7400MHz, its superior power delivery will allow skilled overclockers to take it even further. For those interested in what this motherboard has to offer, but would prefer it in white, ASRock has also created the Carrara variant of this motherboard. Featuring a stunning marble-looking design on the heatsinks. It is worth noting that the Carrara model does see a price increase due to the improvements to certain features on the board.
Pros
- Cheapest board with 24 power phases for the CPU.More compact ATX form-factor.
- Impressive expansion for the price.
- Two great-looking variants.
Cons
- A mere 2 audio jacks and S/PDIF in the rear IO.
- Aesthetic may not fit all builds.
- Only rated for 7600MHz memory.
Buy the ASRock Z790 Taichi on:
MSI MEG Z790 ACE
Key Specs:
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Supported Memory: 128GB DDR5 7800MHz
- PCI-E x16 Slots: 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot, 1x PCI-E 4.0 x16 Slot
- PCI-E x4 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 4x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots
- Rear IO: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 7x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1
- Networking: Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E
The first of two amazing MSI offerings in this roundup of motherboards, is the MSI MEG Z790 ACE. While it does feature a noticeable increase in price over the other motherboards covered here so far, it does try its best to justify it, with a small handful of additional features. The CPU power delivery, while identical to the Z790 Taichi, is still excellent. We once again see 24+1+2 phases rated at 105A.
MSI did however feel more confident in the memory support on this motherboard on the Z790 ACE, compared to the Taichi. Here, the official maximum speed is 7800MHz on DDR5 memory, allowing users to push CPU performance even further. It’s an excellent motherboard that features most of what most people would require from a motherboard. While by no means cheap, its price is still relatively conservative compared to some of the other, even more high-end Z790 motherboards.
Pros
- Incredible rear IO. Impressive expansion for the price.
- Great internal expansion support.
- Great features for troubleshooting.
Cons
- A large price hike for a few additional features.Only rated for 7600MHz memory.
- Golden colour theme may not work in some builds.
Buy the MSI MEG Z790 ACE on:
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS XTREME
Key Specs:
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Supported Memory: 128GB DDR5 8000MHz
- PCI-E x16 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot, 2x PCI-E 3.0 x16 Slot
- PCI-E x4 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 3x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots
- Rear IO: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 10x USB 3.2 Gen2
- Networking: 10 & 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E
Gigabyte do make some spectacular-looking motherboards in their AORUS line, and the Z790 AORUS Xtreme is no exception. Though thankfully, its distinctive looks aren’t the only thing that this motherboard offers. It also features a very strong framework for the 13900KS. In terms of power delivery, the Z790 AORUS Xtreme features 20+1+2 power phases, designed for up to 105A. That means that this motherboard does have fewer phases dedicated to the CPU than some of the ones in this roundup.
Despite that, it still features some of the advanced VRM cooling of this generation, and the overall impact on performance and overclocking will be minimal to all but the most avid overclockers.
Support for fast memory however, is an area where the Z790 AORUS Xtreme does stand out. With the official maximum speeds of 8000MHz, this motherboard is ready for even the fastest DDR5 modules available on the market. The great power delivery will also allow for smooth operation even at the highest possible speeds. Added to this, is the excellent PCI-E expansion, which includes PCIe 5.0 support and a packed rear IO panel, with the most USB-A ports of any Z790 motherboard.
Pros
- Stunning design.
- More USB-A than any other motherboard.
- Great troubleshooting and monitoring utilities.
Cons
- Step-down CPU power delivery.
- A mere 2 audio jacks and S/PDIF in the rear IO.
Buy the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS XTREME on:
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme
Key Specs:
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Supported Memory: 128GB DDR5 7800MHz
- PCI-E x16 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot
- PCI-E x4 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 2x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots (2 extra slots via ROG DIMM.2)
- Rear IO: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 8x USB 3.2 Gen2
- Networking: 10 & 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E
The most high-end offering from ASUS on the LGA 1700 socket, is the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme. This fantastic board will not only serve a Core i9 13900KS very well, but also provides a wide array of additional features that provide the consumer with an excellent PC building experience. Starting off with the power solution, the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features 24+1 power phases, rated for 105A. In addition, the ROG Maximus also has a large cooling solution which features a stylish LED matrix on top. This motherboard will be ideal for overclocking, by providing clean power, whilst keeping thermals low.
The memory support is also fantastic, with the maximum rated speeds for DDR5 memory sitting at 7800MHz. This offers great potential for those that want to push speeds even further with the 13900KS! ASUS is the most well-known motherboard manufacturer, and for good reason. The attention to detail, rich set of features, and stylish ROG looks are all present on this motherboard.
Pros
- Supports ASUS DIMM.2 for even more M.2 SSDs.
- Still features a x1 slot for smaller cards to sit comfortably in.
- ASUS’s signature attention to small details.
Cons
- Rear IO is just alright for the price.
- Lacks a 3rd PCIe x16 slot.
Buy the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme on:
MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
Key Specs:
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Supported Memory: 128GB DDR5 7800MHz
- PCI-E x16 Slots: 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot
- PCI-E x4 Slots: 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 5x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x4 Slot
- Rear IO: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 7x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1
- Networking: 10 & 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E
The MSI GODLIKE series is legendary in its own right, as these are the no-expense-spared motherboards that stretch each chipset generation to its limits. The latest Z790 GODLIKE is no exception. Seeing how it’s the most feature-rich motherboard on the LGA 1700 platform, it’s intended for only the most high-end chips, such as the 13900KS. This motherboard has everything to take it to its limits. With 26+2 power phases, rated at 105A. No other motherboard comes close to this motherboard in terms of smooth power delivery to even the most power-hungry CPUs.
The Z790 GODLIKE also features by far the most advanced VRM cooling solution, with the thickest heatsinks, thermal pads, and heat-pipes on any motherboard. Those factors combined will result in a fantastic overclocking experience for anyone interested in seeing exactly how much performance can be squeezed out of the current Intel flagship CPU. Truly no other motherboard is as well-prepared for extreme overclocking as this one. Combined with the strongest support for high-speed DDR5 memory, consumers have access to a motherboard that will truly bring out the best performance out of your CPU and RAM.
If something were to go wrong in the process of overclocking, the large array of debug LEDs and debug code screens will help make troubleshooting much easier. This motherboard even comes with a special screen that can even be placed outside of the case. Helpful information such as CPU overheating warnings or other debug information can also be displayed. This ensures consumers have a hassle free experience when utilising the GODLIKE motherboard.
No expenses were spared on any part of this motherboard. From the power delivery, to the PCIe expansion, to the rear IO and overall aesthetic, this is by far the most high-end motherboard this generation. While the price tag will be unjustifiable for most, for buyers who wish for a compromise-free PC, there is truly no better motherboard than the Z790 GODLIKE.
Pros
- Compromise-free with the best features of any motherboard.
- Standalone screen no other motherboard offers.
- Best motherboard for extreme overclocking.
Cons
- Hefty price tag.
- Larger than E-ATX form factor.
Buy the MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE on:
