Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for Intel 14th Gen
Six LGA1700 boards for 14th Gen Core compared on chipset, power stages, M.2 slots and networking.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Intel's 14th Gen Core chips use the same LGA1700 socket as 12th and 13th Gen. Z790 and B760 boards both run them.
We compared six boards for 14th Gen. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best All-Round
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFiFive M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for: Core i5 and i7 K builds.
Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Core i9
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFiAn 18+1 layout.
Best for: Core i9-14900K builds.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi IIThe PRO Z790-A WiFi II offers four Gen4 M.2 slots and 80A power stages.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS Z790 Gaming WIFI7The Z790 Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout and Wi-Fi 7, but only 1Gbps Ethernet.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Check price for ASUS Z790 Gaming WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best B760
GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AXA 12+1+1 layout and Q-Flash Plus.
Best for: Locked 14th Gen chips.
Check price for GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFiThe Z790 Pro RS WiFi is one of the cheapest Z790 boards here, yet offers four M.2 slots, a 14+1+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best All-Round1 of 6
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for
- Core i5 and i7 K builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the B760 AORUS Elite AX cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the most complete Z790 board for its price here. It matches the Strix Z790-E on M.2 slot count (5). It matches the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the B760 AORUS Elite AX and the Z790 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the Z790 Gaming WIFI7, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the B760 AORUS Elite AX uses a wi-Fi 6E. No other pick in this guide offers 16+1+1 power stages; compare the B760 AORUS Elite AX, which has 12+1+1 power stages. It also offers Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. It was priced above the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 and below the PRO Z790-A II at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 16+1+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+1+1 power stage layout
- Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- Costs more than the B760 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
Best for Core i92 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
The Strix Z790-E offers an 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support.
Best for
- Core i9-14900K builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is the premium LGA1700 board here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at 5. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II, the B760 AORUS Elite AX and the Z790 Pro RS at 2.5Gbps.
18+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 uses 14+1 power stages. You also get a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and a front-panel USB 3.2 port. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the PRO Z790-A II.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 18+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Thunderbolt 4 support
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the B760 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice3 of 6
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II
The PRO Z790-A WiFi II offers four Gen4 M.2 slots and 80A power stages.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
Why we like it
Wi-Fi 6E is its only step back. It has four Gen4 M.2 slots with Shield Frozr, Wi-Fi 6E with BT 5.3 and a 20Gbps rear USB-C port. It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the B760 AORUS Elite AX and the Z790 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
It also offers memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and cheaper picks cost less, and the Strix Z790-E cost more.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 80A SPS power stages
- Memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC)
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 Gaming WIFI7
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the B760 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 6
ASUS Z790 Gaming WIFI7
The Z790 Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout and Wi-Fi 7, but only 1Gbps Ethernet.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- Skip it if wired network speed matters most to you; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 2.5Gbps.
Why we like it
It suits wireless desks. It matches the B760 AORUS Elite AX on M.2 slot count (3). Its 1Gbps wired network speed is the slowest in this group; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX leads at 2.5Gbps.
Like the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the B760 AORUS Elite AX uses a wi-Fi 6E. No other pick in this guide offers 14+1 power stages; compare the B760 AORUS Elite AX, which has 12+1+1 power stages. It also comes with a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port and a front USB-C header.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. It was priced above the Z790 Pro RS and below the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 1Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 14+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+1 power stage layout
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port
- Front USB-C header
Cons
- Wired network speed trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (2.5Gbps)
- Costs more than the B760 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on wired network speed, where the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 2.5Gbps.
Best B7605 of 6
GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX
The B760 AORUS Elite AX offers a 12+1+1 layout, three M.2 slots and Q-Flash Plus, which updates the BIOS without a CPU installed.
Best for
- Locked 14th Gen chips.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the strongest B760 board here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 at 3. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 Pro RS at 2.5Gbps.
12+1+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix Z790-E uses 18+1 power stages. It is the only pick here with a B760 chipset; the Strix Z790-E has a Z790 chipset instead. It also offers EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal and Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Z790 Pro RS was the next step up.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 12+1+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- B760
Pros
- Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU
- EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 Gaming WIFI7
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- M.2 slot count trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
The catch
If M.2 slot count is your priority, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5) is the stronger choice.
Worth Considering6 of 6
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi
The Z790 Pro RS WiFi is one of the cheapest Z790 boards here, yet offers four M.2 slots, a 14+1+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It matches the PRO Z790-A II on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II and the B760 AORUS Elite AX on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with 14+1+1 power stages; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX has 16+1+1 power stages instead.
You also get memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC). It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the B760 AORUS Elite AX cost less, and the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 cost more.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 14+1+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 14+1+1 power stage layout
- Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC)
- One of the lowest Z790 prices here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the B760 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing
How We Chose These 14th Gen Motherboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out power stages.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Z790 Tomahawk MAX to the Z790 Pro RS, state M.2 slot count, wired network speed and wi-Fi and share LGA1700 socket and DDR5 memory type.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PRO Z790-A II gives no power stages.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the B760 AORUS Elite AX ($100 to $150) to the Strix Z790-E ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 14th Gen Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
M.2 slot count across these picks
Here M.2 slot count runs from 3 on the B760 AORUS Elite AX to 5 on the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, a 67% spread. Start with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX if M.2 slot count decides it.
Wired network speed
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX tops wired network speed at 2.5Gbps and the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 sits lowest at 1Gbps; 5 picks share the top figure. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX is the pick for wired network speed.
Power stages
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX lists 16+1+1; the Strix Z790-E lists 18+1; the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 lists 14+1; the B760 AORUS Elite AX lists 12+1+1; the Z790 Pro RS lists 14+1+1.
Features beyond the spec table
The Z790 Gaming WIFI7: a front USB-C header. The B760 AORUS Elite AX: EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal. The Z790 Pro RS: one of the lowest Z790 prices here.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the B760 AORUS Elite AX and the Z790 Pro RS; $150 to $250 buys the Z790 Gaming WIFI7, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the PRO Z790-A II; $250 to $500 buys the Strix Z790-E at our last check.
How to Choose a 14th Gen Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5 and i7 K builds | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | Five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout |
| Core i9-14900K builds | Strix Z790-E | An 18+1 layout |
| Locked 14th Gen chips | B760 AORUS Elite AX | A 12+1+1 layout and Q-Flash Plus |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX leads on M.2 slot count at 5, ahead of the Strix Z790-E at 5. "Not listed" marks power stages where the PRO Z790-A II leaves the figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
| Strix Z790-E | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+1 |
| PRO Z790-A II | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| Z790 Gaming WIFI7 | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+1 |
| B760 AORUS Elite AX | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+1+1 |
| Z790 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+1+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the B760 AORUS Elite AX, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Strix Z790-E at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | B760 AORUS Elite AX, Z790 Pro RS |
| About $150 to $250 | Z790 Gaming WIFI7, Z790 Tomahawk MAX, PRO Z790-A II |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix Z790-E |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Strix Z790-E worth paying more than the B760 AORUS Elite AX?
On paper it adds M.2 slot count (5 against 3). The B760 AORUS Elite AX sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Strix Z790-E in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if M.2 slot count decides your purchase.
What makes the Strix Z790-E the Best for Core i9?
It earns the label for an 18+1 layout. The B760 AORUS Elite AX, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits core i9-14900K builds.
Do the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix Z790-E differ on wi-Fi?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 use Wi-Fi 7; the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the B760 AORUS Elite AX and the Z790 Pro RS use Wi-Fi 6E.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix Z790-E apart?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX: Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. The Strix Z790-E: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The PRO Z790-A II: 80A SPS power stages.
Who should choose the Z790 Tomahawk MAX?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX carries our Best All-Round label for five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits core i5 and i7 K builds.
Bottom Line
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX suits most 14th Gen K chips, the Strix Z790-E a Core i9, and the B760 AORUS Elite AX a locked Core i5.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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