With the launch of Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs, the new Z790 chipset motherboards are in high demand for building a powerful desktop PC. Choosing the right Z790 motherboard can be tricky with the wide range of options available.
In this article, we list the top 7 Z790 motherboards that provide great features, performance, and overclocking potential.
Our Testing Process And Selection Criteria
We have selected these Z790 motherboards based on extensive research and hands-on testing of their features, power delivery, memory support, expansion options, connectivity, BIOS, and overclocking capabilities.
Our selection criteria focused on overall performance, stability, price-to-performance ratio, and top user reviews across popular PC hardware forums and communities.
| Motherboard | Chipset | Power Phases | Memory Support | Form Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MEG Z790 Godlike | Intel Z790 | 26+2 | DDR5, up to 7800+ (OC) MHz, max 128 GB | E-ATX |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Xtreme | Intel Z790 | 20+1+2 | DDR5, up to 2133 (OC) MHz, max 128 GB | E-ATX |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme | Intel Z790 | 24+1 | DDR5, up to 7800 (OC) MHz, max 192 GB | E-ATX |
| MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi | Intel Z790 | 19+1+1 | DDR5, up to 7600+ (OC) MHz, max 128 GB | ATX |
| Gigabyte Z790 AERO G | Intel Z790 | 16+1+2 | DDR5, up to 2133 (OC) MHz, max 128 GB | ATX |
| ASRock Z790 Phantom Gaming-ITX | Intel Z790 | 10+1+1 | DDR5, up to 6800+(OC)MHz, max 1000 GB | Mini-ITX |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus | Intel Z790 | 16+1 | DDR5, up to 4600(OC)MHz, max 192GB | ATX |
7 Best Z790 Motherboards
MSI MEG Z790 Godlike
- Brand – MSI
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – Personal Computer
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Compatible Processors – Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold
- Chipset Type – Intel
- Memory Clock Speed – 7800 MHz
- Platform – Windows 10
- CPU Model – Pentium
- Memory Storage Capacity – 128 GB
If you are looking for a motherboard that can handle the latest Intel processors, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0 devices, then you might want to check out the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike. This is a premium E-ATX motherboard that offers a lot of features and performance for enthusiasts and gamers.
One of the most impressive features of this motherboard is the M-Vision Dashboard, a touchable 4.5-inch LCD screen that shows you the status of your system and allows you to control various settings with your finger. You can monitor your CPU temperature, voltage, fan speed, and more, as well as adjust your RGB lighting, overclocking, and audio profiles.
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike is not a cheap motherboard, but it is definitely worth it if you want to build a powerful and future-proof PC that can handle anything you throw at it. I have personally tested this motherboard with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, 64 GB of DDR5 RAM, and an Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card, and I was blown away by the performance and stability. This is one of the best motherboards I have ever used, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants the best of the best.
Pros
- Powerful VRM
- 10Gbe LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E module
- Effective cooling system with heatsink, fan, and M.2 thermal guards
- LCD display and PCIe EZ Latch release button
Cons
- No USB 4 ports
- Only four SATA ports
- Last-gen flagship audio codec
- Very expensive
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Xtreme
- Brand – Gigabyte
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – 13th, 12th Gen Intel Core
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Compatible Processors – 12th Generation Intel Core
- Memory Clock Speed – 2133 MHz
- Platform – Windows 10
- Model Name – Z790 AORUS XTREME
- Memory Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Graphics Card Interface – PCI Express
I tested this motherboard with an Intel Core i9-12900K processor, 32GB of DDR5-5200 memory, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 graphics card. The results were impressive: I was able to run multiple demanding applications and games smoothly and without any issues. The BIOS was easy to navigate and tweak, and the RGB lighting was customizable and stunning.
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Xtreme is not a cheap motherboard, but it is worth every penny if you want the best performance and features for your PC. It is compatible with the 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors, so you can enjoy the latest technology and innovation from Intel. It is also future-proof, as it supports the next generation of PCIe 5.0 devices that will offer even faster speeds and bandwidth.
Pros
- Fast PCIe 5.0 slot and M.2 socket
- Many USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports and an Intel Thunderbolt 4 port
- 10GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E module
- Effective cooling system with heatsink, fan, and M.2 thermal guards
- LCD display and PCIe EZ Latch release button
- High memory support up to DDR5-8000+ (OC)
Cons
- No USB 4 ports
- Only four SATA ports
- Last-gen flagship audio codec
- Very expensive
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme
- Brand – ASUS
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – 13th, 12th Gen Intel Core
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Compatible Processors – 12th Generation Intel Core
- Chipset Type – Intel Z790
- Memory Clock Speed – 7000 MHz
- Platform – Windows
- Model Name – Maximus Z790 Hero
- Memory Storage Capacity – 128 GB
If you are looking for a high-end motherboard that can handle the latest Intel processors, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is a great choice. This motherboard has everything you need for a powerful gaming or workstation PC. It has 24+1 power stages, which means it can deliver stable and efficient power to your CPU and memory.
It supports DDR5 memory, which is faster and more energy-efficient than DDR4. It also has five M.2 slots, which allow you to install up to five SSDs for fast storage and performance. The motherboard also has Wi-Fi 6E, which is the latest wireless standard that offers faster and more reliable internet connection.
The motherboard also has USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, which is a reversible and universal port that can transfer data at up to 20 Gbps. The motherboard also has AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync features, which help you optimize your system performance, cooling, and lighting with ease.
Pros
- Supports the latest Intel CPUs and DDR5 memory
- Has five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt™, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, and AI features
- Has a sleek and stylish design with RGB lighting
Cons
- Measures 12 x 10.9 inches and needs a big case
- Consumes a lot of power and needs a powerful PSU
- May have compatibility issues with some CPU coolers, RAM modules, or cases
- May have limited availability or stock due to high demand
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi
- Brand – MSI
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – Personal Computer
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Compatible Processors – Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold
- Chipset Type – Intel Z790
- Memory Clock Speed – 7600 MHz
- Platform – DOS
- Model Name – MPG
- CPU Model – Pentium
I tested this motherboard with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K processor, 32GB of DDR5-7600 RAM, and a PCIe 5.0 SSD, and I was impressed by the speed and stability of the system. The motherboard has a direct 19+1+1 phases power design that delivers stable power to the CPU and memory, ensuring optimal performance and overclocking potential.
The motherboard also has a premium thermal solution that keeps the components cool and quiet under heavy load. The enlarged heatsink with heat-pipe, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mk, additional choke thermal pads and M.2 Shield Frozr provide effective heat dissipation for the VRM, chipset, and M.2 slots.
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi is a motherboard that offers excellent performance, features, and aesthetics for gamers and enthusiasts who want to build a powerful PC with the latest Intel platform.
Pros
- Feature-rich with great aesthetics
- Excellent performance with the 13900K
- Additional PCIe 4.0 lanes
- High-speed memory support
- Plentiful overclocking options and power delivery
Cons
- Highest memory speed limited to single-rank memory
- No 10GbE LAN
Gigabyte Z790 AERO G
- Brand – Gigabyte
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – 12th Gen Intel Core
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Compatible Processors – 12th Generation Intel Core
- Memory Clock Speed – 2133 MHz
- Platform – Windows 10
- Model Name – Z790 AERO G
- Memory Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Graphics Card Interface – PCI Express
The Gigabyte Z790 AERO G is a motherboard that offers a lot of features and performance for the latest Intel platform. I tested this motherboard with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700 processor, 16GB of DDR5-6400 RAM, and a PCIe 5.0 SSD, and I was amazed by the speed and stability of the system.
The motherboard supports DDR5 memory, which is faster and more power-efficient than DDR4. It also has five PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, which allow you to install multiple high-speed SSDs for storage and caching. The motherboard has an advanced thermal design, with a large heatsink, heat pipes, and M.2 thermal guards that keep the components cool and prevent throttling.
The motherboard also has a fine tuning features, such as RGB FUSION 2.0, Smart Fan 6, and Q-Flash Plus. The RGB FUSION 2.0 feature allows you to customize the RGB lighting effects of the motherboard and other compatible devices with the Gigabyte RGB Fusion app.
The Smart Fan 6 feature allows you to control the fan speed and noise level of the system with the Gigabyte Smart Fan app. The Q-Flash Plus feature allows you to update the BIOS without installing the CPU, memory, or GPU, which makes it easier and safer to upgrade the firmware.
Pros
- Five M.2 sockets (one PCIe 5.0)
- VisionLINK Type-C video output
Cons
- Lacks 40Gbps ports
ASRock Z790 Phantom Gaming-ITX
- Brand – ASRock
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – Personal Computer
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Memory Clock Speed – 5200 MHz
- Platform – Windows
- Model Name – Z790 PG-ITX/TB4
- Memory Storage Capacity – 1000 GB
- Graphics Card Interface – PCI Express
- Memory Slots Available – 2
If you are looking for a powerful and compact motherboard for your 13th or 12th Gen Intel Core processor, you might want to check out the ASRock Z790 Phantom Gaming-ITX. This motherboard has a 10+1+1 phase power design, which ensures stable and efficient performance. It also supports DDR5 memory, which is faster and more energy-efficient than DDR4. You can install up to 2 DDR5 DIMMs with a maximum speed of 6800+(OC) MHz.
The ASRock Z790 Phantom Gaming-ITX also has a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, which is compatible with the latest graphics cards. You can enjoy stunning visuals with the multiple graphics output options, including 2 USB4 Type-C ports, 1 HDMI port, and 1 DisplayPort. The USB4 Type-C ports also support Thunderbolt 4, which enables fast data transfer and daisy-chaining of devices.
The ASRock Z790 Phantom Gaming-ITX is a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want to build a small but powerful PC. It has a sleek and stylish design, with RGB lighting and a metal backplate.
Pros
- 3x M.2 PCIe 4.0
- 10 Smart phase
- Thunderbolt 4
- Stainless steel reinforcement protection on Ram and PCIe slot
- 10 Layer PCB
Cons
- Bios need to improve
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi
- Brand – ASUS
- CPU Socket – LGA 1700
- Compatible Devices – Personal Computer
- RAM Memory Technology – DDR5
- Chipset Type – Intel
- Memory Clock Speed – 4600 MHz
- Platform – Windows
- Model Name – TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI
- Memory Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Graphics Card Interface – PCI Express
This motherboard is designed to deliver high performance and stability for gamers and enthusiasts. It has a robust power solution with 16+1 DrMOS, ProCool sockets, military-grade TUF components, and Digi+ VRM. It also has comprehensive cooling features, such as VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 utility.
You can connect up to four M.2/NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast storage, and enjoy the fastest connectivity options with front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header, USB Gen 2×2 Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) header.
The audio quality is also impressive with the Realtek S1200A codec and ASUS AI Noise Canceling Mic technology. I tested this motherboard with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card.
The motherboard performed flawlessly in various games and benchmarks, and I did not encounter any issues with stability or compatibility.
Pros
- Design is excellent for a budget board.
- Front panel Thunderbolt 4 support.
- PCI-E 5.0 support for GPUs.
Cons
- No PCI-E 5.0 M.2 Slots.
- No WiFi 6E module.
- No rear IO Thunderbolt 4.
Things To Consider When Picking The Best Z790 Motherboard
- CPU socket – Ensure the motherboard has the LGA1700 socket to support 13th Gen Intel Core processors. All Z790 boards will have this.
- Power delivery – Z790 boards should have robust power delivery with at least 16+ power stages. More phases allow for better overclocking and stability.
- Memory support – Look for boards that support fast DDR5 RAM up to 7000MHz+ speeds and have 4 DIMM slots to allow 128GB capacity.
- PCIe slots – Multiple PCIe 5.0 slots (at least 2) will ensure full bandwidth for latest GPUs and NVMe SSDs.
- Connectivity – Must have WiFi 6E, 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports for fast transfers and connectivity. Thunderbolt 4 is a bonus.
- Cooling – Quality VRM and chipset heatsinks, fan headers and support for liquid cooling help in thermal management.
- Overclocking – Robust power delivery, BIOS settings and software utilities for tweaking frequencies, voltages and memory tuning.
- Expansion slots – Having multiple M.2 slots and PCIe x16 expansion slots provides upgradeability.
- Form factor – ATX boards offer the best balance of features. mITX ones prioritize compact size, while E-ATX have maximal expandability.
- Budget – Z790 boards range from $200 to $1000. Get one that fits your budget without compromising on core performance and features.
Considering these aspects will help you pick the ideal Z790 motherboard for your 13th Gen Intel build and requirements. Focus on VRM quality, memory support and I/O connectivity while choosing.
