8 BEST Motherboards For i9

We, at Tech4Gamers, have compiled the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K products based on factors like VRM, Overclocking, and Cooling. Moreover, we also compare Z790 to Z690adding criteria, alongside a massive comparison table to help you with a final motherboard.

Intel is constantly working to increase its consumer popularity as AMD and Intel continue to fight to build better and more well-liked products. Even though both companies are leaders and pioneers in their respective fields, consumers select between them based on their priorities. AMD is introducing the Ryzen 7000 family of next-generation CPUs using AM5 sockets. In response, Intel unveiled its 13th Gen CPU portfolio, with the i9 series at the top and supporting the LGA1700 to maintain parity in producing the most recent generation of hardware. We’ll review a selection of Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K that work well with this newest flagship CPU and categorize them under predetermined criteria that buyers consider when purchasing a motherboard. The audience will find it simpler to select the best option this way based on their preferences.

Here are all our picks in a comparison table:

Best Overall Motherboard For Core i9-13900K

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best White Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best Overclocking Motherboard for i9-13900K

Best Overall Motherboard For Core i9-13900K

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best White Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K

Best Overclocking Motherboard for i9-13900K

Last update on 2023-06-05

If you’re eager to look for Z790 motherboards in general, the BEST Z790 Motherboards are for you.

The Raptor Lake Core i9-13900K CPU from Intel has blown the market up and taken the gaming performance to a new level; they have exceeded expectations for all users. However, for such a heavy processor, the general problem faced by users was which motherboard would be the best for it. For your ease, we collected and tested motherboards capable of fulfilling Intel Core i9-13900K requirements and came up with a few that provide the best performance in different price ranges. Let's look at each individually and try to understand how they ended up on our list.

Best Overall Motherboard For Core i9-13900K

On September 27, 2022, GIGABYTE, a prominent producer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, announced the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX gaming motherboard, designed specifically for the most recent 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs. The Z790 AORUS range from GIGABYTE offers the greatest thermal and power management for the next generation of multi-core K series Intel CPUs, allowing for optimum overclocking performance. Thanks to improved power supply, heat dissipation, and expansions, GIGABYTE's most recent motherboards were also made available to consumers, providing them with durable products with maximum compatibility, ground-breaking performance, and low-temperature operation.

With its Twin 16+1+2 Smart VRM Architecture, 70A Efficient Power Stage, heatsinks with a 6mm heat pipe, 7.5 W/mK thermal conductivity pad, and an integrated IO shield for optimum heat dissipation, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX can compete with the top motherboards in terms of performance. Additionally, a six-layer 2x Copper PCB design efficiently reduces the temperature from the vicinity of the voltage regulators and offers additional headroom for CPU overclocking. It also uses Smart Fan 6 Technology, effectively dissipating heat kudos to its five PWM fans.

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX delivers 128GB of memory access with a lightning-fast performance at a peak speed of 7600 MHz thanks to its dual-channel 4x DIMM DDR5 RAM. This board offers the finest networking capabilities because of its 4x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and 1x PCIe SMD 5.0 slot with a PCIe EZ-latch. Fast storage, easy administration, and accessibility are guaranteed by the four PCIe M.2 connectors and PCI Express 5.0 compatibility.

Have a quick peek at our in-depth detailed review of GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE.

Installation is facilitated by the screwless operation, hence enhancing user comfort. Additionally, the motherboard uses one 8+8 pin power connector and a 24-pin ATX solid pin power connector. A speedy 2.5 Gbe LAN connection and WiFi 6E connections are also provided for the most competitive gaming experience, giving users everything they could need.

What we Liked:

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX uses dual 16+1+2 VRMs with MOSFET heatsinks to provide the best thermal conductivity possible because the flagship motherboard has a high power rating and produces a great amount of heat. The Z790 AORUS Elite AX is equipped with an efficient VRM and pre-installed heatsink architecture, which is needed to improve overclocking performance. A lot of people are also artistically satisfied by the appealing design.

What we Disliked:

There isn't much to criticize because the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is one of the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K available in the market. The price range of this motherboard is expensive because it is a top-tier motherboard. Secondly, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX has a few high-speed USB ports in the rear part. Furthermore, a 10-layer PCB design would have been perfect, considering the impressive quality of the components.

Related Article: Best Motherboards For i5-13600k

Why We Picked It?

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is one of the most affordable DDR5 motherboards in the pack. GIGABYTE has managed to keep costs down by giving users many features to dig their teeth into while utilizing a considerably more expensive generation of RAM. Therefore, we took this product to unleash its true potential.

Who It's For?

Since this product is in the top tier category, anyone with good processing power can use this product. Moreover, you can use this motherboard widely along with a good graphics card in competitive gaming.

Verdict

We propose GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX as the Best Overall Motherboard For Core i9-13900K due to its top-of-the-line components, VRM specifications, and well-thought-out architecture.

Best High-End Motherboard For i9-13900K

Specifications = Chipset: Intel Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128GB, DDR5-7800+ (OC) | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI port, 1x Intel Thunderbolt port, 1x VGA port | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports | Network: WiFi 6E, LAN | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA

It is not a surprise to discover relatively highly sophisticated motherboards as possible matches, given that Intel unveiled the Core i9-13900K as the most powerful desktop CPU to date. Let's examine why ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero appears irresistible.

Starting with the visuals, it sights fantastic. The RGB display above the heatsink enhances the look and gives a more upscale vibe to the board without being too flashy. The board offers 20+1 teamed power stages rated for 90A, which help you achieve full overclocking capabilities. Moreover, the PCB is covered with large heatsinks, which help lose heat on both sides of the installed SSDs, and 3x M.2 ports. It may appear you are getting short-changed, given that the M.2 ports only allow PCIe 4 SSDs, considering the high price tag,

ASUS has provided a separate extension board containing a PCIe 4 M.2 slot, an additional single PCIe 5 slot connection, and a massive heatsink considering PCIe 5 M.2 SSD. The huge heatsink can be connected to any two x16 PCIe 5 slots on the board; if somehow PCIe 5 SSDs may get hot, this might be the coolest heat-dissipating design we’ve come across. Moreover, the board also offers 5x M.2 ports and 6x SATA 6Gbps connectors.

Connections play a significant role in the Z790 chipset. ASUS has been turned wild because it includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on the PCB and 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back of the I/O panel. Moreover, it can charge devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets thanks to its Quick Charge 4+. Furthermore, LAN support chip and WiFi compatibility help ASUS offer lag-free competitive performance.

Moreover, you can include water cooling if cooling pumps are attached to its 36W 4-pin, which is ample power for D5 and DDC pumps. In addition, water flow and thermal sensors help you sync your fans with the coolant temperature. For cable management, you can use eight 4-pin fan headers.

For overclocking, ASUS offers Artificial Intelligent (AI) overclocking, which increases performance as it intelligently detects the ideal setup and recommends peak performance. The intelligent numbers are auto-configured, which is another activity that helps the user experience to enhance.

What We Liked:

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers an outstanding VRM design. Moreover, its cooling system tremendously helps minimize CPU throttling. Furthermore, the motherboard offers RGB, which gives a perfect aesthetic look hence drawing good attention of the gaming community.

What We Disliked:

As ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 is the Best High-End Motherboard For i9-13900K, one could anticipate that ASUS should provide PCIe 5.0 x4 modes. Though the motherboard includes a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and a PCIe 5.0 x16 mode, the PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4's addition would have been the icing on the cake instead of PCIe 4.0 x4. In addition, the board offers 10Gb LAN, which may not be ideal for gamers due to bandwidth limitations as they want hassle-free gaming.

Why We Picked It?

When it comes to tech review, who wants to skip ASUS ROG? Every tech enthusiast wants to see what the latest Asus has to offer. The new ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 checks all the points someone is looking for in motherboards, like perfectly engineered VRM architecture, excellent heat dissipation system, unique specifications, and an Artificially Intelligent (AI) overclocking board just in one box.

Who It's For?

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 is for the community who loves to test their system to the best of its abilities, and concurrently, the hardware performs its best without giving any issues. Moreover, premium motherboards like the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are designed for PC wizards who want to overclock their CPU frequently and want solid hardware that doesn't degrade the performance.

Verdict:

This board gradually increases over the previous generation Z790 motherboard series, creating a suitable alternative for PC addicts and over-clockers wishing to improve their motherboards. Its state-of-the-art features, like 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and technically engineered VRM design make it stand out from other options.

Best White Motherboard For i9-13900K

Most PC fans prioritize aesthetics when creating a PC setup; they like a dark, preferably black, configuration; however, some may prefer a lighter color scheme. GIGABYTE released the Z790 AERO G, which we’ve ranked as Best White Motherboard on the market, just for these people.

GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G features an onsemi NCP81530R 8+2 phase PWM controller, which other GIGABYTE motherboards like ‘Z790 AORUS ELITE AX’ also comprise. As far as VRM is concerned, Z790 AERO G comes packed with a 16+1+2 twin digital power stage design, which contains improved transient response advantages. The motherboard comes with 8-phase Vcore, with two onsemi FDMF5062 smart power stages per phase, each rated at 70A peak. The Z790 AERO G is theoretically capable of heavy overclocking with any 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core processor thanks to its total peak current handling capacity of 1120A.

The memory configuration includes 128GB of 4x DIMM DDR5, which operates at a maximum frequency of 7600 MHz. The VRM heatsinks were likewise built by GIGABYTE with meticulous attention to every last detail. The ideal cosmetic heatsinks will handle all overheating and heat dissipation operations, ensuring that all users have a smooth and trouble-free gaming experience.

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G offers good fast storage options thanks to the inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 Express x16 slot, a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for M.2, and two PCIe 4.0 Express x16 slots operating at x4. There is no need to be concerned if you need the fastest storage compatibility because M.2 slots, including a full-speed PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, will meet your needs. A total of 5x M.2 slots ensure that memory is accessible as quickly as possible anywhere, enhancing performance and maximizing chipset use.

Overclocking performance is the most crucial characteristic to observe when it comes to motherboards for the most recent flagship chipsets. The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G, one of the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K currently available on the market, offers overclocking performance on par with a flagship motherboard. The motherboard will draw out the Z790 chipset's maximum performance. We recommend GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G as the Best White Motherboard For Core i9-13900K for users for all the reasons mentioned above.

What we Liked:

A PCIe 5.0 M.2 x4 card slot was used by GIGABYTE in conjunction with two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Including several temperature sensors, hybrid fan headers, and noise detectors in its Smart Fan 6 technology suggests that the creator devoted great attention to effective heat dissipation. The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G also complies with the Q-Flash Plus specification, enabling BIOS updates without adding other hardware like a CPU.

What we Disliked:

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G lacks the cooling features necessary for sustained performance, notably overclocking while having a strong Z790 chipset on board. A strong chipset without PCIe 5.0 x4 slots cannot use quick storage devices like NVMe SSDs at the quickest interface; Thunderbolt 4 support would have been the icing on the cake.

Why We Picked It?

Out of several white motherboards for Core i9-13900K, we opted for Z790 AERO G as the best motherboard as it was the best performing and aesthetically appealing in the whole list. The fast memory featuring the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and excellent heat dissipation made possible by internal temperature sensors and PWM fan headers provided an edge to the motherboard. Moreover, the exquisite VRM design caught our eye as well. All of this added up with the specific criteria for the best white-themed aesthetics, making its addition to the list inevitable.

Who It's For?

Most gaming community prefers a sleek black-themed PC; however, there is a special clientele for light-themed, especially white systems. We picked the best-performing motherboard for this specific clientele. The Z790 AERO G is a motherboard that performs amongst the best and targets the audience looking for a light-themed PC system. It is the Best White Motherboard For i9-13900K in 2023 available in the market.

Verdict:

There are a few motherboard options available that feature a light motif. The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G is the only solid option when comparing VRM heatsink specifications, fastest memory support, network connectivity, video and IO compatibility, and overclocking performance. Z790 AERO G is your ultimate go-to choice if a light theme is your utmost preference. You can also read the older GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G Review.

Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900K

MSI is one of the leading tech hardware manufacturers committed to developing top-of-the-line computer and gaming hardware for its clientele. It has recently launched the MSI PRO Z690-A WifI motherboard, which comes into the limelight as the Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900K for the Z690 chipset.

MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi features a 4x DIMM DDR5 memory with a total capacity of 128GB with a maximum frequency reaching up to 6400 MHz. The motherboard comprises 4x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, resulting in the users obtaining optimum performance and gaming potential coupled with DDR5 memory accessibility. It has a sizable piece of black 6-layer PCB constructed using 2oz copper and IT-150 server-grade material with black heatsinks scattered throughout. Since other boards cost less and look far better than the Pro Z690-A, MSI has let us down in this area. Also, MSI left out RGB lighting from the board, a decision most PC builders won't like. However, if you want a subtle black-only design, Z690-A will do, as the motherboard uses no fancy lighting or RGB bloatware.

When discussing motherboards that are priced affordably, it is important to have realistic expectations for power delivery and VRM layout. Most regular customers purchasing a motherboard in this price range will benefit greatly from the MSI Pro Z690-A motherboard's good VRM. The Pro Z690-A includes 4x M.2 slots with PCIe Gen 4 support. Although the rear I/O does not have an integrated I/O shield, it does have a good selection of USB ports, a 2.5 GbE LAN port, and WiFi if you choose that particular motherboard type.

The MSI Pro Z690-A WiFI has a 14+1+1 power stage design with a Digital PWM IC at its core to provide eventually stable and effective power to the CPU cores via the 2x 8-pin connectors. Transmission of electricity to the Duet Rail CPU Power System, which employs cutting-edge thermal dissipation methods, is carried out by 14 of those power stages.

Regarding thermals, the MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi uses an extended PWM heatsink with high-conductivity MOSFET thermal pads to ensure top CPUs like the i9-13900K can at least run steadily at stock settings, with modest overclocking also being conceivable. Overclocking does not come under heavy consideration.

What we Liked:

The MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi has DDR5 support and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and doesn't sacrifice memory speed. As a result, even after paying a very small amount of money on their motherboard for a flagship chipset, consumers can still have the best possible gaming experience. MSI decided to use a VRM 14+1+1 Power Stage design, which is rather big for a Z690 motherboard in this price category. It is improbable that a motherboard with such a low price will deliver high-end performance, but MSI has accomplished this.

What we Disliked:

The VRM design is something MSI should have given more consideration to; it is pretty weak considering i9-13900K, and you won't have a lot of overclocking headroom here. The PCB layout is big, and the heatsinks aren't cleverly arranged but rather scattered around. The overall look of the motherboard could be more appealing and may be a turn-off for most users. A little RGB lighting may have been a good step, as the modern world prefers fancy and lit-up PC systems instead of a dull and simple design.

Why We Picked It?

MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi is the best option for a budget-category motherboard; we sifted through many other options and settled for Z690-A WiFi as it was a clear winner. It provides its users with a decent performance and is even capable of overclocking a flagship processor like Core i9-13900K to some extent. Ignore the dull looks and only focus on the performance and the astonishingly low price bracket. It is the best option as it packs the fast DDR5 memory configuration, a decent 14+1+1 VRM design, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and is capable of running the latest 13th gen processor at such an appealing price range.

Who It's For?

We have listed MSI Pro Z690-A WiFi as the Best Value For Money Motherboard, which packs a decent performance at a substantially low price bracket. MSI did not manufacture this motherboard for the best performance or aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, this was solely made with one purpose: to provide the users with a motherboard for the Z690 chipset at an affordable price bracket to run their Core i9-13900K processor. It is the best choice for gamers that do not consider aesthetics and overclocking but are only looking for a decent motherboard that can fulfill their requirements.

Verdict:

For consumers looking for a motherboard for their latest gen processor but not wanting to spend a lot of money on it, MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi is the greatest option on the list of the Best Value Motherboard For i9-13900K currently on the market. It will be a respectable choice for them because it offers comparable performance, heat dissipation, and power supply for a chipset like the Z690 at a far lower price range.

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K

When it comes to computer hardware, MSI needs no introduction. It is one of the leading and most popular brands in the said field. It released MSI MEG Z690i Unify Gaming Motherboard in the spotlight as the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard. Let's dive deep down and walk through the specifics of the motherboard.

The MSI MEG Z690i Unify Gaming Motherboard has 64GB of 2x DIMM DDR5 memory with a maximum frequency of 6800 MHz. The motherboard has three PCIe 4.0 M slots. With two slots and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, customers can access DDR5 memory while enjoying the best performance and gaming capabilities. The motherboard boasts a robust 10+1+1 VRM design, four SATA ports, and Z690 chipset architecture support. The mini-ITX form factor means a smaller real estate resulting in a lack of options for many fancy features like a better aesthetic design. Even after that, the overall looks go smoothly for MSI MEG Z690i Unify, which forwards a compact, mini, all-black combination for the motherboard.

The motherboard comes with a Frozr heatsink design which supports the Frozr technology for the best heat dissipation solution. On top of this, the aluminum IO cover with 7W/mK thermal pad and extended MOSFET heatsinks connected by a special heat-pipe design also contribute to the game. All these features are necessary to overcome the excessive heat produced by the massive 105A power draw by the motherboard, especially when overclocking.

Despite everything, one thing that caught our breath was the 12-layered PCB design; such an extensive feature is seldom seen in mini-ITX motherboards. Leave the mini-ITX form factor alone; a 12-layered layout is seen a little in most full-sized ATX boards; packing such a PCB layout in a mini-ITX board is a big feat.

MSI MEG Z690i Unify Gaming Motherboard features 2.5 Gbe LAN and WifI 6E support for an ultra-fast online gaming experience. It also supports the Thunderbolt 4 technology, providing 40 GB/s speed and 8K display support; 4x EZ Debug lights and a 3-pin Rainbow LED connector are also added.

What we Liked:

Despite being a mini-ITX motherboard, MSI managed to provide its users with a powerful 12-layer PCB which is unusual in mini-ITX boards and blew our minds. The RAM also is the center of attention as a DDR5 memory that can support overclocking up to 6800 MHz and packs up in the compact motherboard. These features surely help the motherboard to take the lead among its competitors.

What we Disliked:

Even after searching a lot in the specifics, we could not find a concrete negative point from the motherboard. The overall performance is above average due to an average VRM, which is the most one can expect from a mini-ITX motherboard. The motherboard comprises a 12-layer PCB but couldn't utilize it to its fullest as a motherboard with such a heavy PCB is perfect for overclocking, which is pretty difficult with 10+1+1 VRM. Other than that, the only missing feature was the fastest data transfer routes. MSI MEG Z690i Unify does not offer Type-C USB ports at the rear; only 3x Type-A ports come alongside. Otherwise, the motherboard is the best one can look for in the mini-ITX form factor to run the Core i9-13900K processor.

Why We Picked It?

After going through some options for the Mini-ITX Motherboards For i9-13900K, we elected the MSI MEG Z690i Unify as the topper of the leaderboard as it provides better memory latency, a decent VRM and heatsink configuration, a great 12-layered PCB layout and above average overclocking performance for a flagship processor such as the Core i9-13900K.

Who It's For?

MSI MEG Z690i Unify Gaming Motherboard is specifically made for gamers who demand a high-quality gaming experience but prefer mini-ITX motherboards over full-size ATX boards. Although the demand for larger ATX boards is much bigger than mini-ITX motherboards, some people prefer a compact and small PC system rather than a full-size and hefty one, which is where mini-ITX boards come in.

Verdict:

If someone's looking for a mini-ITX motherboard to run their 13th gen Core i9 processor, we would love to recommend the MSI MEG Z690i Unify Gaming Motherboard as it is the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K without a doubt, considering the specs it offers.

Best Overclocking Motherboard for Core i9-13900K

Specifications = Chipset: Intel Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128GB, DDR5-7800+ (OC) | Video Outputs: 2x Mini DisplayPort | USB Ports: 4x USB 2.0, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 7x USB 3.2 Gen2, 3x USB Type C | Network: 1x 10Gbps LAN chip, 1x 2.5Gbps LAN chip | Storage: 7x M.2, 6x SATA

According to MSI's press release, their new family of Z790 chipset motherboards, which includes the MEG series, MPG series, and more, is available with the latest Intel Core 13 processors. The MSI Z790 motherboards are here to build on the success of the previous generation CPU with more effective computations, along with the 13th generation Intel Core CPUs. The Z790 motherboards from MSI, the market leader in motherboards, are designed to give users, creators, and gamers the greatest possible performance.

MSI introduced the MEG Z790 GODLIKE to elevate the flagship model to a new level. The MEG Z790 GODLIKE has dual CPU power ports and a power stage design with CPU VRM up to 26+2 DRPS and 105A Smart Power Stage for adequate power supply. The brand-new, next-generation VRM Cooling design includes a robust U-shaped VRM cooler with a Direct Touch Cross Heat-pipe for additional cooling. An 8-layer PCB made of 2 ounces of copper, a 7W/MK thermal pad with chokes, and a Wavy Fin Array-designed aluminum enclosure guarantee stability for such a powerful motherboard. Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe slots and Gen 5 M.2 compatibility offer a staggering 128 GB/s bandwidth for the fastest possible transfer rates.

The MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE's double channel 4x DIMM DDR5 RAM works at a maximum velocity of 7800 MHz+ and furnishes 128 GB of memory with lightning-quick access.PCIe M features include fast storage, simple management, two PCI Express 5.0-compatible ports, six SATA ports, five M.2 Gen 4 slots, one M.2 Gen 3 slot, and one M.2 Gen 5 slot. The MSI Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr with magnetic features on the MEG Z790 GODLIKE makes installation as simple as possible. The dashboard has been upgraded with significantly more advanced accessories, and the touch capacitive area has been increased from 3.5″ to 4.5″ for significantly improved viewing comfort. For easy access, you can place the M-Vision dashboard in front of a cabinet or table; Your PC control morphs with a single touch.

What we Liked:

The MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE has a technically structured VRM design and heatsinks for overclocking performance. Moreover, The design aesthetics drew a lot of attention from the pc users. Furthermore, the 4.5-inch touchable full-color IPS LCD provides touch control which helps the system to operate and configure and also helps in displaying the status of your gaming setup.

What we Disliked:

There is not much to disappoint regarding MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE being the Best Overclocking Motherboard for i9-13900K. However, a 10-layer PCB design would have been a great fit since the motherboard has solid VRM architecture and lies in the high price bracket. Moreover, The board overall has a sturdy design with limited RGB, which might be aesthetically unpleasing for pc enthusiasts. Furthermore, the presence of HDMI in this motherboard is missing.

Why We Picked It?

We at Tech4Gamers came through multiple Z790 motherboards, but MEG Z790 GODLIKE proved its Godlikeness by the astonishing specifications it provides and how it molds into the Best Overclocking category automatically with them. The 105A Smart Power Stage with a 26+2 VRM Design was all we could’ve asked for in a beastly overclocking capable motherboard.

Who It's For?

For anybody who is geared up to challenge the Core i9-13900K to its full potential by loading it with extreme overclocking or someone who uses heavy programs like Blender or high-quality video editing, MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE is the motherboard you can rely on blindfolded.

Verdict:

MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE is a strong and reliable motherboard option due to its overwhelming power consumption, improved VRM design structure, and overclocking abilities. This motherboard will provide its customer with the most value for their money though it appears expensive.

Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K

Specifications = Chipset: Intel Z690 | Memory: 2x DIMM 64GB, DDR5-6400 (OC) | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1 port, 2x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, 5x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports | Network: 1x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA

Behold another entry from ASUS, which is not surprising, as they have made their mark in the industry and impressed gamers all around the globe through their range of competitive products, especially the ROG series. The ATX motherboard has become a norm in the PC world, but for those who want all the perks of the next-gen Core i9-13900K, ASUS has built this amazing tech called the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi 6E. Let's dive deeply into it and discover why it deserves to be on the Best Motherboards For i9-13900K List.

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I features a DIGI+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) consisting of 10+1 power stages, delivering the power and efficiency that the newest Intel processors can rely on by combining high-side and low-side MOSFETs and drivers into a single package. On top of that, a ten-layer PCB design helps quickly dissipate the heat around the VRM, allowing the CPU to have a tad more overclocking headroom.

ROG Strix Z690-I ensures the motherboard remains at optimum temperature using two VRM heatsinks connected by an L-shaped heat pipe. Also, an aluminum I/O shield provides enough surface area to handle the thermals of Intel Core i9-13900K; all of this gets backed up by specially engineered thermal pads that efficiently transfer heat to the heatsink.

The ROG Strix Z690-I boasts 2x M.2 slots, both of which support PCIe 4.0 mode. Like mini-ITX motherboards, you get 2x DIMM slots with the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I for a maximum of 64 GB ultra-fast DDR5 memory, capable of reaching speeds of 6400 MHz (OC). Moreover, you also get a PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slot, so you can fully take advantage of the fastest GPUs out there. The M.2 heatsinks are cooled with a newly designed triple-decker heatsink engineered to accommodate both of the M.2 slots, accompanied by double-sided heatsinks with thermal pads. Also, there's a monstrous chipset heatsink at the bottom, so you have all the cooling you will ever need.

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I also offers 14 USB ports, including 2x thunderbolt 4 USB Type C ports on the rear, capable of handling 2x 4k external displays simultaneously. For lightning-fast network connectivity, ROG Strix Z690-I also comes with 2.5 Gbps LAN and WiFi 6E.

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I brings a top-of-the-line audio experience thanks to the ROG SupremeFX. SupremeFX uses the ALC4080 codec in the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi to boost playback resolution from 192 kHz to 384 kHz across all channels. On top of that, a fully integrated Savitech amplifier can drive a range of gaming headsets and high-fidelity headphones.

The cherry on top is the expansion card with the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi, which provides additional functionality, including one ARGB lighting header, 4x SATA ports, and connectors for a front panel header and a PC speaker. All of these superb features in the ROG Strix Z690-I will help you to make the most compact yet feature-rich builds.

What we liked

It is good to see the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi featuring a ten-layer PCB that enhances the signal strength and helps quickly dissipate the heat around the VRM. Including 2x thunderbolt 4 USB type-C ports is just amazing; we don't see that much, especially in a mini-ITX motherboard. If you are looking for a performance-packed Motherboard For the Core i9-13900K, you should try ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I.

What we disliked

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I is a great motherboard, but we should address a few shortcomings. Firstly, it doesn't have a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots; if that is necessary, then perhaps you should check out some of our other picks. Secondly, the 10-phase VRM design feels a bit low; it doesn't give much overclocking headroom, and although it's not great, it will suffice for a compact mini-ITX build.

Why We Picked It?

After carefully inspecting some of the finest mini-ITX motherboards, we chose ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I as the top candidate for the Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K. It provides good memory bandwidth, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, many cooling features, including multiple heatsinks, a great 10-layered PCB design, and more than enough overclocking performance for Intel's flagship processor Core i9-13900K.

Who's it for?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I is perfect for those gamers looking for a top-performing mini-ITX motherboard for a compact yet powerful build. Not everybody wants or needs an ATX motherboard or a full-sized build, even a compact build that can sit on your desk can get the job done, and that's where the ROG Strix Z690-I comes in.

Verdict

If you are searching for the next-gen motherboard for your Core i9-13900K, then the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I is an easy recommendation. ASUS has gathered many unique features in such a compact package, making the ROG Strix Z690-I the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-13900K.

Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-13900K

Specifications = Chipset: Intel Z790 | Memory: 4x DIMM 128GB, DDR4-5333+ | Video Outputs: 1x HDMI port, 1x DisplayPort | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports | Network: 1 x Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 7x SATA

MSI is back on this competitive list because of its commitment to manufacturing industry-leading motherboards. Let's look into the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 Gaming and see what makes it a great choice for i9-13900K.

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk delivers a powerful punch with a completely digital VRM design designed with 16 Phases of Mirrored Power Arrangement with 90A SPS. Be prepared to be astounded by its genuine power. It can maintain optimum performance even under severe load thanks to MSI's Core Boost Technology, dual power connections, and the aggressive VRM design. The 6-layer PCB is tailored to provide higher bandwidth, quicker transfer rates, and reliable circuit transmission.

The power-hungry MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk also needs effective cooling solutions to ensure trouble-free operation; thanks to premium 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and additional choke thermal pads, the operations run smoothly. Furthermore, the Core i9-13900K will run at its peak performance thanks to an extended heatsink that provides increased surface area for heat dissipation; the Heavy Plated VRM heatsink also covers the upper MOSFETs for great efficiency.

The MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk is also built to work with most AIO and custom water cooling kits; thanks to its support for a dedicated 3A water pump PIN header, you have total control over your water cooling system.

You may leverage the ultra-fast storage for the best performance possible by using up to four PCIe 4.0 M.2 drives with the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk. Additionally, M.2 Shield Frozr is used to cool the SSDs, preventing throttling and allowing them to operate at their maximum capability. Moreover, MSI's inventive EZ M.2 clip makes SSD installation simple and quick. Also, 7x SATA ports are available for those who wish to increase their storage capacity.

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk sports a PCI-E 5.0 x16 that can reach a bandwidth of up to 128GB/s, a PCI-E 4.0 x4, and a PCI-E 3.0 x1 expansion slots. The innovative SMT (Surface Mount Technology) PCI-E slot reduces interference and electrical noise, fully supports the PCI-E 5.0 signal, and guarantees that even the heaviest GPUs stay firmly attached to the motherboard, providing you with every benefit possible.

Aside from the features mentioned above, the MAG Z790 Tomahawk features 4x DIMM slots for adding memory modules with a maximum frequency of up to 5333+ MHz and a capacity of up to 128GB. Further sweetening the deal are the 17 USB ports, which include the 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C, WiFi 6E, and 2.5Gpbs LAN for fast networking.

What we liked

MSI did a fantastic job by including the 16 Phases of Mirrored Power Arrangement with 90A SPS for the MAG Z790 Tomahawk, which provides decent headroom for overclocking. On top of that, DDR4 memory modules with 5333+ MHz supported RAM frequencies and a ton of features for memory overclocking may not be the most innovative, but it is surely great for those not yet interested in DDR5 RAM.

Related Helpful Read: Best Ram For i9-13900K

What we disliked

Even though the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk has many useful features, its lack of PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots is uninspiring and may be a deal breaker for certain users. Also, even though the VRM design is pretty great, the PCB comprises only six layers; we could use an 8-10 layered PCB design with the MSI MAG Z790. There is also no USB 4 Thunderbolt, but you get a USB Gen2x2 Type-C port that partly makes up for it. You only get DDR4 memory support with the MAG Z790, but if you are not going for DDR5, this is a win-win situation; you get great DDR4 memory support and save some bucks.

Why We Picked It?

We had to go through many top-performing DDR4 motherboards to select the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk for the Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-13900K. Its 90A Smart Power Stages, coupled with a 16-phase VRM design, will come in handy for enthusiastic overclockers.

Who's it for?

The MSI MAG Z790 is an ideal choice for those looking for a next-gen motherboard for their Core i9-13900K but are not looking into PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and are perfectly happy with their good old DDR4 memory modules. If you don't want or can't afford everything nice and fancy for your gaming rig, then MSI MAG Z790 is a definite choice.

Verdict

If PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and DDR5 RAM are not necessary for you, then perhaps MAG Z790 Tomahawk may just be the right fit for your i9-13900K; it has a lot of high-end features to back you up, making it the Best DDR4 Motherboard For i9-13900K.

When it comes to computer hardware, MSI needs no introduction. It is one of the leading and most popular brands in the said field. It released MSI MEG Z690i Unify Gaming Motherboard in the spotlight as the Best Mini-ITX i9-13900K Motherboard. Let's dive deep down and walk through the specifics of the motherboard.

Intel launched the Raptor Lake 13th-gen CPUs, which support LGA 1700 sockets and are compatible with their predecessor chipset, Z690. With this, people can use their old 600 series motherboards with the 13th gen chipset. However, if you think you can miss out on some of the new features in 700 series motherboards, this comparison between chipsets is just for you.

One main thing about Intel's Z chipsets is that they are jam-packed with the top-of-the-line features present at that time; it can be overclocking, bandwidth, and some other features. There are no significant differences if you’re confused about how a Z690 motherboard will work with your Core i9-13900K. All you need is a BIOS update, and your 600 series motherboard is ready to go with your Core i9-13900K.

As the Z790 is an upgraded or a better version of its predecessor, it only consists of a few changes, which are some additional PCI 4.0 lanes for high bandwidth M.2 slots and additional Thunderbolt 4 controllers, extra USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20GBps port, the motherboard supports up to 5600 MT/s DDR5 memory. One major thing to notice is that the Z790 chipset will no longer support Intel's Optane memory.

Both chipsets will support all the overclocking features, and you can expect all of their variants to support overclocking as Raptor Lake compensates for efficiency per IPC gains.

If you don't want to get involved in the mess of BIOS compatibility, or you need the extended bandwidth for any specific reason, then you prefer to go with the Z790. Other than that, there can be no reason you may spend extra bucks on a motherboard with no major difference because they are identical whether we talk about their design or features. Full Comparison of Z690 vs Z790 can be read here.

If you’re into Z690 motherboards, check out our guide on BEST Z690 Motherboards.

Intel released the i9-13900K and Intel i7-13700K on the 27th of September, 2022; two processors of the same generation. Even though both these processors have different model numbers, they are from Intel's Raptor Lake 13th generation processors, which are the hype nowadays in the market. These processors have stunning performance compared to all the other Intel processors in the market.

The Intel i9-13900K comes with 24 cores and 32 threads, whereas the Intel i7-13700K comes with 16 cores and 24 threads which is quite a huge difference. Even though the i9-13900K takes the lead in cores, the i7-13700K takes the lead in base clock speed with 3.4 GHz, and when overclocked, it provides a boost clock of 5.3 GHz.

On the contrary, the Intel i9-13900K provides a base clock of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.8 GHz. Both these processors use Intel's latest socket, the LGA-1700. The L3 cache of i9-13900K is 36 MB which is greater than the 30 MB L3 cache in i7-13700K.

Both these processors are overclocking unlocked, thus being one of the best choices for gamers and overclocking enthusiasts; the maximum temperature that the processor can handle is 100°C with a maximum TDP of 125 W. When we performed our single and multi-core performance tests on Cinebench R23, Passmark CPU, and Geekbench 5 for these CPUs, we observed that the Intel i9-13900K performed better on both single and multi-core tests than the i7-13700K.

Both these processors support 128GB, dual channel DDR5 and DDR4 RAMs with 5600 MT/s and 3200 MT/s speed. i9-13900K and Intel i7-13700K also have the same Integrated GPU, the Intel UHD Graphics 770, which has a base clock speed of 300 MHz; the boost clock was different for each processor. The Intel i9-13900K provided a GPU boost clock speed of 1650 MHz, whereas the Intel i7-13700K provided a boost clock of 1600 MHz.

Read the full Comparison of Intel Core i9-13900k vs 7-13700K.

Intel and AMD have dominated the CPU market and are the main controllers, controlling the processor market from many years because of their benchmark-setting products. The Intel i9-13900K was released on 27th September 2022, and the AMD Ryzen 9 7900x was released two days later on 29th September 2022.

The Intel 13th Gen processors, also known as Raptor Lake processors, have been in the talks of tech enthusiasts due to their staggering on-paper specs. The i9-13900K comes with 24 cores and 32 threads, whereas the Ryzen 9 7900x has only 12 cores and 24 threads. The base frequency for the i9 processor is 3.0 GHz which is way less than the 4.7 GHz clock speed provided by the Ryzen 9 7900x. There isn't a huge difference in the boost clock speeds of the processors as i9-13900K has a 5.8 GHz boost clock compared to 5.6 GHz on Ryzen 7900x. Considering the core and thread count for i9-13900K, Intel is still far ahead of the game, even considering the lower base and boost clock speeds.

The Intel i9-13900K got a unique upgrade; Intel changed the sizes of the L1 and L2 caches to 80 KB and 1 MB per core and the L3 cache to 36 MB. In contrast, the AMD processor had an L1 and L2 cache of 64 KB and 1 MB per core, whereas the L3 cache got upgraded to 64 MB. The Raptor Lake processor under consideration, i9-13900K, is based on a 10nm architecture whereas the AMD Ryzen 9 7900x is based on a 5nm architecture. The maximum power needed by the Intel processor is 125 W which is way less than the 170 W power required by the AMD processor.

Also, the max operating temperature for Intel i9-13900K is 100°C, whereas the AMD Ryzen 9 7900x can not operate at more than 95°C.

The Intel i9-13900K supports both 128GB, dual channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory types with a frequency of 3200 MT/s and 5600 MT/s, respectively. On the other hand, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900x processor supports 128GB, dual channel DDR5 RAMs with a frequency of 5200 MT/s. The 13900K needs an LGA-1700 socket to fit in, and the 7900x needs an AM5 socket, so do keep in mind to check your motherboard chipset compatibility for these sockets.

Both these processors have an integrated GPU; the Intel processor has an Intel UHD Graphics 770 with a base clock speed of 300 MHz and a boost clock of 1650 MHz. On the contrary, AMD's integrated GPU has a base clock of 400 MHz and a boost clock of 2200 MHz.

The Intel i9-13900K supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 express lanes, and the Ryzen 9 7900x also supports PCIe 5.0 but with 28 express lanes.

For more detailed information, read our full comparison on i9-13900k vs Ryzen 9 7900x.

Intel always has been a preference for PC gamers, and with the launch of Intel's new i9-13900K processor comprising 24 cores and 32 threads, a solid motherboard is required to handle this beast and provide even power, not letting your CPU heat up.

Some factors need to be considered when buying a motherboard that can satisfy the CPU's needs and help you work peacefully. For your help in selecting a motherboard for the i9 13th gen CPU, we at Tech4Gamers drafted this article comprising the factors on which a motherboard's performance relies.

VRM, which refers to Voltage Regulator Module, is the most crucial factor in choosing a motherboard for your processor. It is responsible for delivering power smoothly to your computer and helping you do your work without facing any hurdles. VRM plays a huge role in overclocking; for the beast processor like the Core i9-13900K, gamers would love to overclock it and push it to get next-level performance. As the better VRM designs are not so pocket friendly, we chose the motherboards that gave a solid output with not being so expensive.

Overclocking helps the users extract every single bit of performance from their processor. However, in the case of Core i9-13900K, which can produce a large amount of heat when overclocked, the motherboard comes into play and helps dissipate the heat evenly and enables the user to enjoy their PC experience. Keeping in mind all the factors, we chose the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K that will help you overclock without facing any problems and attain the best out of your processor.

As Core i9-13900K is a hell of a beastly CPU, it may generate a lot of heat when put under additional load or running heavy games on your system; this is where heatsinks, fans, and other cooling systems play a significant role in helping the PC stay cooler. To help you attain performance while dissipating the heat efficiently, we chose the motherboards that fulfill the cooling needs of the Core i9-13900K and aren't hefty on the pocket either.

If you’re looking for CPU Coolers, look at Best CPU Coolers For i9-13900K.

Features are one of the most important things one can look for while searching for a motherboard. A motherboard with well-grounded features helps in future-proofing; additional features like having USB 3.0 or 4.0 or good software support can help you reduce the input latency, helping you work with a smooth flow.

Expansion slots with the latest interface support can come in handy; you can connect your computer to components like GPU or NVMe SSDs supporting the latest PCIe interface. It will help you boost your data read and write speeds based on the interface provided.

While considering all the latest factors and features, we’ve selected the Best Motherboard For Core i9-13900K, which may enhance your experience and help you in the future.

As the prices of Intel's newly launched Raptor Lake series are on a hike, it is very wise not to choose some cheap components that may not help you for a long time and end up damaging your computer's internal hardware; as a result, you may have to bare a huge loss. On the other hand, buying overpriced components may seem healthy for your computer but not healthy for your pocket; saving some bucks and investing them in additional components can be wise. While looking at the functionalities of the core i9-13900K, we chose the best motherboards that will fulfill the processor's needs and won't be that expensive, either.

Tech4Gamers has been keeping you updated for the last 14 years and has comprehensive knowledge from which it has been helping people since then. With the help of a professional team, we test every product that launches in the market and deliver the results to the users in a user-friendly way through which they can get help selecting the suitable components for their system. As the tech is advancing daily, we have a specific section containing all the updates and leaks that come out of the industry daily to keep you updated.

Yes, the newly launched Raptor Lake 13th gen processor, including the Core-i9-13900K, is compatible with the Z690 chipset utilizing the LGA1700 socket.

Some of the versions of Z790 support DDR4 RAM. Many users may prefer buying a DDR4 motherboard and cheaper but faster DDR4 RAM. A Z790 DDR4-based system lies in the sweet budget spot.

Intel always has been a top priority, especially for games. As the Core-i9-13900K is a 24-core CPU, you can expect the best gaming performance as it can push high frame rates at greater resolution with the latest GPUs.

Core i9-13900K temperature can hit 100°C easily with having some intense amount of workload. A powerful CPU cooler is necessary to dissipate the heat efficiently, especially if you plan to overclock and want to enjoy the performance of your processor without any hurdles.

No, the Core i9-13900K does not come with a stock cooler. However, considering the whopping performance it provides at the heat production cost, you should install a good CPU cooler to keep things under the hood; if you’re eager to overclock, go for something bold and sturdy.

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Here are all our picks in a comparison table: Chipset: Memory: Specifications Chipset

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