Introduction
Intel’s brand 13th Gen processors lineup is impressive to say the least, and no SKU more so than the top-end Core i9 13900K. But just how do you do this chip justice by deciding on the best motherboard to pair up with it? In this piece we’ll be evaluating a wide-range of 13th Gen-compatible boards, to weigh up just which motherboard is best for the i9 13900K
From features such as CPU overclocking right through to Thunderbolt 4, we’ll also be touching on which features to look for in a motherboard, and how to decide which boards really are up to par for Intel’s top-end, 13th Generation i9 processor!
Suggested Article: Intel Core i9 13900K Review & Benchmarks – The Best Gaming CPU Ever Made
Our Top Choices
Keep reading for a more in-depth coverage of each motherboard in this roundup!
A safe bet for the more price-conscious buyer.
A definitive purchase for those wanting extra performance.
A feature rich option from ASUS plenty of RGB.
A top-end motherboard with a vast feature-set.
A Z790 alternative from ASRock, featuring their signature marbled design.
A top-end expensive option from MSI, but worth the money!
Which Chipset is Best for the i9 13900K?
In the short, Z790 is the most optimal chipset choice for a 13th Gen processor. While the older Z690 chipset is also compatible (and will work well), and cheaper B660 and H670 designs are technically compatible, Z790 is certainly the most optimal.
This is because a chipset defines the kind of features available to the consumer on a motherboard, and with Intel’s highest-end processor, you want access to as many of these features as possible. This includes overclocking support, something which allows you to push the 13900K even further, and PCI-E 5.0 support for next-gen NVMe SSDs.
Higher end chipsets also offer up more PCI-E lanes, equating to more bandwidth for the devices within your system. In real terms, this leads to support for a larger number of PCI-E cards (including graphics cards and sound cards), more NVMe SSDs, faster ethernet ports and connections like Thunderbolt 4. Z790 boards also boast beefed up power delivery, handy for the increased TDP of the i9 13900K, compared to last generation’s 12th Gen processors.
Chipset Compatibility
While Z790 would be our recommended chipset for the i9 13900K, it is not the only chipset which supports this chip. With so many chipset names floating around, it can be tricky to pick apart exactly what supports what. With this in mind, we have compiled a chipset compatibility table geared specifically towards the i9 13900K:
| Chipsets | Compatibility | Do We Recommend? |
| Z790 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Z690 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ✅ |
| B660 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ❌ |
| H670 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ❌ |
| H610 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ❌ |
| Z590 | ❌ | N/A |
| B560 | ❌ | N/A |
| H570 | ❌ | N/A |
| H510 | ❌ | N/A |
Thermals & Boosting
The 13900K is an excellent CPU, but it is worth talking about thermals and boosting to provide context on why we haven’t included any other chipsets outside of Z790 and Z690, within this buyers guide. Like pretty much all modern processors, the i9 13900K has two clock speed figures, with its boost block speed figure of 5.8GHz defining the upper limits of how fast the chip will reach under certain conditions. These conditions include a) having enough physical power to run at 5.8GHz, and b) running at a cool enough temperature such that the chip won’t overhead. When running at this top speed of 5.8GHz, the chip can pull in over 250W, and even more if overclocked to 6GHz or beyond. This means you need a motherboard physically able to feed the 13900K this much power, an area some B660 boards will simply fall short. If you are spending $500+ on any CPU, do not throttle or bottleneck it by scrimping on the motherboard.
We’d also recommend pairing the i9 13900K with a capable all-in-one liquid cooler to ensure you can hit these all-important boost clock speeds. We’ve written an article specifically covering the best CPU coolers for 13th-Gen CPUs which cover off the best coolers for all of Intel’s 13th Generation line-up.
Why You Can Trust Us
Before heading into each product recommendation, we wanted to explain why you can trust our recommendations. Our team of PC hardware experts are always hard at work to ensure that all of the products that come through our doors are fully tested in a range of different gaming scenarios. For those wanting to learn more about the GeekaWhat team, head over to the About Us section, where you’ll also find our editorial promise.
How We Picked the Best Motherboards for Intel Core i9 13900K
During our day-to-day procedures, we test a variety of motherboards in the GeekaWhat office. After running all the latest titles at a range of settings for benchmarks, and a lot of general use for both articles and videos, we gather a solid verdict on every product that comes through our doors. With this, we can relay our understanding and experience to you, explaining how the benefits and limitations would impact the typical user.
For motherboards in particular, the main factors we consider are connectivity, compatibility, and design choices. These factors are then used to the key inclusions or exclusions, providing a general overview of how the features of a particular product would impact your gaming setup.
For a deeper dive into our testing and evaluation methods, take a look at our full reviews for a range of motherboards below:
| Brand + Chipset | Review Link |
|---|---|
| Gigabyte Z690 | Z690 Gigabyte AORUS Master Review |
| MSI Z690 | MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi Review |
| ASUS ROG Z690 | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Review |
| Gigabyte Z790 | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 Review |
| MSI MEG Z790 | MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE Review |
Best Motherboards for the Core i9 13900K
1. MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY
👑 The best performance-based Z690 motherboard.
Introduction
MSI‘s MEG Z690 UNIFY was one of the best boards to grace the market back when 12th-Gen arrived. The UNIFY-X is a record breaker when it comes to overclocking and the standard UNIFY isn’t far behind offering a massive amount of power phases and plenty of cooling to keep your VRMs from overheating. On the expansion front, you’ve got dual PCI-E 5.0 slots for your graphics cards opening upgrade paths for any Gen5 compliant GPUs we get in the future. Along with a huge amount of M.2 slots with Gen4 compatibility giving you the option to increase load times and file transfer speeds.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Support Memory | 128GB DDR5 6666MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slots |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 4x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x4 Slot |
| Rear IO | 7x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 |
| Networking | Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
PCI-E 5.0 support: As a with a high-end chipset, the MEG Z690 Unify has a lot of features that will enhance the gaming experience. Arguably, the best inclusion is the two PCI-E 5.0 x16 expansion slots, as this allows gamers to double-up on graphics cards. Whilst it is a bit excessive, it opens up the possibility of creating an absolute powerhouse of a system.
Lots of USB connectivity: Having a gaming PC powerful enough to run games at the highest settings is great, but also pretty pointless if you can’t use high-end gaming peripherals alongside it. Thankfully, this motherboard has a number of high-speed USB 3.2 ports on the rear IO, as well as the option to add more inputs on the front via USB headers. This means gamers should have no problem when hooking up everything they need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of RGB: On a motherboard, RGB lighting is usually further down on the priority list compared to other gaming components. However, it is still a nice touch that always gives a design some brownie points, so to see a lack of it here is a shame for all the RGB lovers out there.
Price: With Z690 boards being targeted towards high-end builders, it’s no surprise to see that the MEG Z690 Unify comes with a rather high price tag. However, this design is fairly expensive offering compared to other Z690 motherboards on the market with similar features, which makes it harder to justify.
Summary
Overall, the MSI MEG Z690 Unify is a solid option for high-end gamers that are looking to pack their system with all the latest components, with some room for further upgrades when necessary. However, the simplistic design and expensive price point stops this design from being the best pick in this roundup.
Pros
- One of the cheaper top-end options.
- Neutral design will work with many builds.
- Ideal for overclockers and enthusiasts.
Cons
- Not as good as the UNIFY-X model.
- Minimal RGB and lighting.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY on:
2. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX
👑 The best RGB motherboard.
Introduction
The ROG Maximus Z690 APEX from ASUS is another excellent board sporting an ATX form factor with an excellent feature set. Numerous high speed USB ports including a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen2x2, Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN with two PCI-E slots that are Gen5 ready. If you’re looking to build an insanely powerful PC with dual graphics cards, this board is well positioned to provide maximum bandwidth along with plenty of physical stability using the ROG GPU holder removing any sag with heavy GPUs. You’ve also got plenty of customisable using the AuraSync software which provides a little bit of spice to your PC build!
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Support Memory | 64GB DDR5 6600MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slots |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 3x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots |
| Rear IO | 5x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Networking | Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Lots of storage options: When comparing high-end motherboards against each other, It can be hard to find a performance feature that stands out from the rest. However, the PCI-E 5.0 x4 slot on this motherboard is a rare example. This inclusion means that the ROG Maximus Z690 APEX will be able to support the next-generation of storage when it releases, which will prevent this board from being outdated in a few years time.
Awesome RGB Design: Perhaps one of the best examples of how to integrate RGB lighting into a motherboard design, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX is a statement piece that will elevate the beauty of any gaming PC. Equipped with an illuminated ROG logo and an LCD screen that can be customised through the AuraSync software, you can match the lighting effects with other products for a uniform look within your gaming setup.
Things We Don’t Like
RAM Support: One of the current expectations for motherboards is to include four DIMM slots for a more convenient way to upgrade RAM capacity, which is why it’s disappointing to see only two DIMM slots on this board. This lack of RAM capacity will limit the overall performance of a system, as less memory will result in slower loading times and rendering speeds.
Summary
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX is a great choice for high-gamers that love to integrate RGB into their gaming setups. Whilst it has plenty of support for top-tier gaming components, the lack of DIMM slots is a pretty big limitation for those looking to build the best system possible.
Pros
- RGB looks awesome.
- Huge amount of Rear IO.
- Supports Gen5 for GPUs and SSDs.
Cons
- Doesn’t have 10 Gigabit LAN.
- Only has two DDR5 DIMM slots.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX on:
3. Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master
👑 The best Z690 motherboard.
Introduction
Gigabyte’s Z690 AORUS Master is an excellent DDR5 motherboard that we’ve reviewed in full on the website. This is one of the best looking boards, and one of the best performing that boards that we’ve had in the office. Equipped with a 22 power phase design making it a perfect board to overclock your 13900K. With a 10 Gigabit LAN port and WiFi 6E this board is perfect for productivity or lag-less low latency gaming. You can also overclock your RAM to a high 6400MHz transfer speed providing a boost in a variety of applications.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
| Support Memory | 128GB DDR5 6400MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slot |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 3x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x4 Slot |
| Rear IO | 6x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Networking | 10 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
USB connectivity: On top of some solid performance features, this motherboard includes a wide range of connectivity options. Featuring a total of 10 USB ports on the rear, all of which are high-speed USB 3.2 connections, this board provides plenty of ways to hook up gaming peripherals and other accessories.
Strong Networking: All the competitive gamers out there will be happy to here that the Z690 AORUS Master includes a 10 Gigabit LAN port, which is typically reserved for advanced home setups and professional workspaces. These ports are great for networking as they provide greater bandwidth for a faster and more stable internet connection.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of DDR4 support: One of the only weaknesses that this motherboard has is the fact that it is only compatible with DDR5 memory kits, meaning that those builders upgrading from a DDR4 system will have to spend more money on a brand-new set of RAM. Whilst this is a minor problem, especially for gamers with the budget for a Z690 motherboard, it is a bit of a nuisance.
Summary
Gigabyte’s Z690 AORUS Master is simply one of the best high-end motherboards on the market. As an E-ATX design, this board has the space to store a range of features that will largely enhance the performance and connectivity of your gaming setup. Just be prepared to spend some more on upgrades to other components too.
Pros
- One of the best top-end boards on the Z690 chipset
- Offers 10 Gigabit LAN.
- Insane amount of USB ports.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an alternative white design.
- Only offers DDR5 memory compatibility.
Where to Buy
Buy the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master on:
4. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Hero
👑 The best high-end motherboard.
Introduction
We’ve taken a look at the ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Hero in full on our website, and boy this is an insane board. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a whole load of other high speed ports designed for blazing fast transfer speeds, whilst giving you the option to plug in numerous peripherals and accessories. The two PCI-E 5.0 slots will also provide ample bandwidth for Nvidia‘s or AMD‘s latest generation of graphics cards. As a bonus, ASUS have also included their signature ROG Hyper M.2 card in the box which comes equipped with a PCI-E 5.0 SSD slot designed to host the next generation of SSDs.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Hero |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Support Memory | 128GB DDR5 7800MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16/x8 Slots, 1x PCI-E 4.0 x16 Slot |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot (via ROG Hyper M.2 Card), 3x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots (2 extra via ROG Hyper M.2 Card) |
| Rear IO | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 6x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Networking | Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
DDR5 overclocking: As one of the more premium choices within the range of Z790 motherboards, the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Hero includes plenty of support for overclocking. The ability to boost the transfer speeds of DDR5 memory well over the 7GHz mark is particularly impressive, and will result in a noticeable bump to gaming performance.
RGB integration: Like the other ASUS ROG design featured in this list, this motherboard has a great look that is bolstered by RGB lighting plastered throughout the board. Whilst this design is more subtle than the Z690 APEX model, it still provides some customisation that accents the rest of the design features well.
Things We Don’t Like
PCI-E 5.0 installation: The fact that this board includes PCI-E 5.0 support for both GPUs and SDDs is definitely a positive. However, the way to install a Gen5 SSD is quite the hassle. Instead of just slotting the SSD into a M.2 slot, consumers have to make use of the included ROG Hyper M.2 card, which will take up more space.
Very Expensive: With the majority of motherboards packed with a Z790 chipset, the disappointing part of these products is that most gamers won’t be able to experience the stellar performance they provide. And as one of the more expensive Z790 offerings, even the most enthusiastic builders will be priced out of picking up this motherboard.
Summary
Overall, the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Hero is arguably one of the best motherboards you can pick up right now. And whilst this is reflected in the vast amount of performance and features provided, it is also reflected in the very hefty price tag.
Pros
- Insane amount of RGB.
- Thunderbolt 4 compatibility.
- High speed RAM overclocking.
Cons
- Gen5 is only available through the included Hyper card.
- Doesn’t support 10 Gigabit LAN.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Hero on:
5. ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara
👑 The best looking motherboard.
Introduction
ASRock‘s Z790 Taichi Carrara is part of their anniversary series motherboards that sport a white marbled design making it perfect for alternative all-white PC builds. Along with the awesome design you’ve got access to a mass of ports and slots that will make for an awesome gaming or workstation PC. On the PCI-E front there are three Gen5 slots with two for your graphics and one for an SSD. The rest of the PCI-E x4 slots are Gen4 compatible allowing you to expand your storage further with insanely fast read and write speeds. On the rear IO there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports rated at 40Gb/s which is an insane USB speed.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
| Support Memory | 128GB DDR5 7000MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16/x8 Slots, 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 | Dual LAN (2.5 & 1 Gigabit), WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Thunderbolt 4 ports: As connectivity plays a large part in the decision process, the addition of not one, but two Thunderbolt 4 ports will be enough to convince some gamers of this monitor’s value. These ports offer incredible speeds for the best performance possible from compatible gaming peripherals.
Distinct heatsink design: Arguably more than any other manufacturer, ASRock tend to think outside of the box when it comes to the appearance of their motherboards. This design is no different, as the Z790 Taichi Carrara features a marbled effect on the heatsinks, which is bound to look great in an all-white gaming PC.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of RGB: Although the unique design makes the inclusion of RGB lighting less of a necessity for any build that features this motherboard, it is still worth mentioning here. Compared to the alternatives on this list, the Z790 Taichi Carrara has a tame amount of lighting, which will make it less appealing to RGB lovers.
Case compatibility: Another issue that occurs with such a bold design is that it limits the number of cases and components that will be able to match it in terms of looks. On top of this, the E-ATX form factor means that anything but a large, white PC case will struggle to house this board.
Summary
Anyone looking for a unique design that still offers great performance and connectivity will find this motherboard to be a perfect match. However, those looking for a bit more flexibility with design choices might want to consider one of the other options on this list.
Pros
- One of the best boards for overclocking.
- Unique white-marbled design.
- Supports high speed DDR5 RAM.
Cons
- Rear IO shield doesn’t have the same marbled design.
- RGB lighting is very minimalistic.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara on:
6. MSI MEG Z790 ACE
👑 The best motherboard for overclocking.
Introduction
For our final board in this buyers guide, we’ve picked out MSI‘s MEG Z790 ACE. This awesome looking board comes with all the features you would ever need for a 4K gaming or high-end workstation PC. With Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, 10 USB ports including two Thunderbolt 4 ports with Mini DisplayPort In, a full audio suite with S/PDIF, and this is just the rear IO. Expansion wise there are two full size PCI-E 5.0 x16 slots designed to house the next generation of graphics cards along with five M.2 slots one of which is also Gen5 for the latest SSD products. Needless to say this is the cream of the crop when it comes to storage!
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MEG Z790 ACE |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
| Support Memory | 128GB DDR5 7800MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16/x8 Slots, 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, 8x USB 3.2 Gen2 |
| Networking | Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Great overclocking capabilities: This premium design is loaded with the best performance features that set the precedent for other high-end motherboards to follow. Equipped with a total of 27 power phases, this board gives builders the tools needed to crank their gaming performance up to the max.
Versatile connectivity: Along with the ability to boost the performance of a system, the rear IO includes lots of high-speed USB ports to provide a low-latency connection with gaming peripherals. Including two Thunderbolt 4 and a whopping eight USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, gamers won’t have any issues getting the best out of any external device hooked up to their gaming PC.
Things We Don’t Like
Very pricey: Again, the main problem with a board this good is the price. Whilst anyone looking to pick up a Z790 with a Core i9 13900K should be willing to part with a lot of cash, this motherboard takes it to the next level. As one of the most expensive boards on the market, it extremely difficult to suggest to anyone that is conscious of how much they are spending.
Summary
The MSI MEG Z790 ACE is undoubtedly one of the most impressive motherboards that you’ll find on the market right now due to its overclocking abilities and wide range of support for high-end gaming products. But with such a large price tag, the heavy investment is currently not worth the additional performance features and futureproofing.
Pros
- RGB lighting looks excellent.
- Offers a ridiculous amount of rear IO.
- Supports Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN.
Cons
- One of the most expensive Z790 motherboards.
- Over kill for many users.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MEG Z790 ACE on:
Conclusion
Out of all of the motherboards mentioned in this roundup, we believe the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master to be the best pick overall. Whilst it doesn’t quite have the performance capabilities of some of the Z790 alternatives, it offers enough power to support for the i9 13900K, resulting in spectacular 4K gameplay for a price that won’t break the bank.
If you want to learn more about this design, check out our full review. Alternatively, you can take a look at our coverage of the Z790 equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i9 13900K worth it?
The Intel Core i9 13900K is one of the best processors on the market right now, offering excellent single and multi-threaded performance.
Is the i9 13900K good for gaming?
The i9 13900K arguably the best processor for gaming. After running this CPU in a number of the latest titles, it tops the charts on almost all of our gaming benchmarks.
What motherboard chipset is the best for the i9 13900K?
In order to get the best performance possible from this CPU, consumer should pair the i9 13900K with either a Z790 or Z690 motherboard.
How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i9 13900K?
Due to the i9 13900K being a high-end processor, consumers should be prepared to spend at least $300 on a motherboard to accompany it.
