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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best All-Round
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
Five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for: Core i5 and i7 K builds.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best for Core i9
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
An 18+1 layout.
Best for: Core i9-14900K builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
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.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
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.
Our take Check price for ASUS Z790 Gaming WIFI7 (opens in a new tab)
Best B760
GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX
A 12+1+1 layout and Q-Flash Plus.
Best for: Locked 14th Gen chips.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
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.
Our take Check price for ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best All-Round1 of 6
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Best B7605 of 6
GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Z790 Pro RS was the next step up. If M.2 slot count is your priority, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & 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)
Worth Considering6 of 6
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
What to Look for in a 14th Gen Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Confirm BIOS support for 14th Gen
Boards made before 14th Gen launched may need a BIOS update to run a 14th Gen chip, and Intel's microcode updates for 13th and 14th Gen stability arrive through BIOS releases. Update to the latest BIOS before daily use.
Power delivery for Core i7 and i9
Core i7 and i9 chips draw far more power under all-core load than a Core i5. Boards with more and stronger power stages hold boost clocks with less heat; check the power stage layout before pairing one with a budget board.
Z-series for K chips, B-series for the rest
Z790 and Z890 boards let you overclock an unlocked K processor and usually carry stronger power delivery. B760 boards run the same chips at stock settings for less money.
A Core i5-13400F or 14400F loses nothing on a B760 board.
Networking matters for daily use
Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet help only if your router supports them, but built-in Wi-Fi saves a PCIe card.
Count M.2 slots
Most games now install to NVMe drives. Count how many M.2 slots you need now and later, and check which ones share lanes with other ports.
Check the rear and front I/O
Count USB ports you use every day and confirm a front USB-C header if your case has a USB-C port. Thunderbolt ports matter only for Thunderbolt docks and drives.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
Do I need a Z790 board for a Core i7-14700K?
Only to overclock it or to get stronger power delivery. A good B760 board runs a 14700K at stock settings, though the cheapest boards may lower its sustained boost.
Can I use DDR4 on an LGA1700 board?
Only on a DDR4 version of the board. DDR4 and DDR5 slots are keyed differently, so a board takes one type or the other.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
What size motherboard should I buy?
ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX suits smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.
Will a 13th Gen board run a 14th Gen CPU?
Yes on the same LGA1700 socket, after a BIOS update if the board shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the board's CPU support list.
Should I fill all four memory slots?
Two sticks usually run faster and more reliably on DDR5. Buy a two-stick kit with the capacity you need.
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.