Buying Guide
The Best Intel Motherboards With 3+ M.2 Slots
Five motherboards ranked on M.2 slot count and wired network speed, where the Strix Z890-E has the most M.2 slot count; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Intel boards with several M.2 slots suit large game libraries. Every pick is an LGA1700 or LGA1851 board with three or more M.2 slots, ordered by slot count.
The order reflects M.2 slots, wired LAN and wi-Fi from maker specifications; a missing wired LAN is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Most M.2 Slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi
The most M.2 slot count here (7).
Best for: Buyers who put M.2 slot count first.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The cheapest way into this group, below the PRO Z790-A II.
Best for: Getting Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II
80A SPS power stages.
Best for: Buyers who want 80A SPS power stages.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Wired Network Speed
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-H Gaming WiFi
The fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps).
Best for: Buyers who put wired network speed first.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-H Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi
A Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port.
Best for: Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The most M.2 slot count here (7). | Buyers who put M.2 slot count first. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the PRO Z790-A II. | Getting Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 for the least money. | Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| 80A SPS power stages. | Buyers who want 80A SPS power stages. | Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps). | Buyers who put wired network speed first. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-H Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| A Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port. | Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Most M.2 Slots1 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix Z890-E lists seven M.2 slots, an 18+2+1+2 layout and Thunderbolt 4.
Best for
- Buyers who put M.2 slot count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its wired network speed before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It is the most expandable board here. Its 7 M.2 slot count is the most here; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX comes next at 5. Like the Strix Z890-H and TUF Z890-PRO, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX uses an LGA1700 socket.
It also comes with AI overclocking, cooling and networking tools. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the TUF Z890-PRO the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed wired network speed, look to the Strix Z890-H instead: it offers 5Gbps, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 7
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 18+2+1+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
- Chipset: Z890
Pros
- 7 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 18+2+1+2 power stage layout
- Thunderbolt 4 ports
Cons
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
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
- Getting Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: m.2 slot count of 5, behind the Strix Z890-E (7).
Why we like it
It is the most complete Z790 board for its price here. On M.2 slot count it sits mid-pack at 5: the Strix Z890-E offers 7, and the TUF Z890-PRO comes in at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the PRO Z790-A II and the TUF Z890-PRO at 2.5Gbps.
You get 16+1+1 power stages here, which sets it apart from the Strix Z890-H and its 16+2+1+2 power stages. It shares an LGA1700 socket with the PRO Z790-A II; the Strix Z890-E goes with an LGA1851 socket. You also get 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 undercut the PRO Z790-A II and every other pick on price 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
- M.2 slot count of 5, behind the Strix Z890-E (7)
Also Consider3 of 5
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 80A SPS power stages.
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. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Strix Z890-H and the TUF Z890-PRO at 4.
On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the TUF Z890-PRO at 2.5Gbps. You get a wi-Fi 6E here, which sets it apart from the TUF Z890-PRO and its a wi-Fi 7. It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX; the TUF Z890-PRO goes with an LGA1851 socket.
Like the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, it has a Z790 chipset, while the Strix Z890-H uses a Z890 chipset. It also comes with memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). Its price falls between the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix Z890-H, based on our last check.
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)
- Wi-Fi 6E, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing
Fastest Wired Network Speed4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-H Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix Z890-H pairs 5Gbps Ethernet with Wi-Fi 7, four M.2 slots and a 16+2+1+2 layout.
Best for
- Buyers who put wired network speed first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It sits between the TUF and Strix-A boards. It matches the PRO Z790-A II and the TUF Z890-PRO on M.2 slot count (4). On wired network speed it leads this guide at 5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (2.5Gbps).
It is the only pick here with 16+2+1+2 power stages; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX has 16+1+1 power stages instead. Like the Strix Z890-E and TUF Z890-PRO, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX uses an LGA1700 socket. You also get AI overclocking tools and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. 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 PRO Z790-A II and cheaper picks cost less, and the TUF Z890-PRO cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+2+1+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
- Chipset: Z890
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+1+2 power stage layout
Cons
- Costs more than the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF Z890-PRO is built around a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, with M.2 cooling on the main slot on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Strix Z890-E offers 7.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4 M.2 slot count and offers a 2.5Gbps wired network speed. On M.2 slot count it ties with the PRO Z790-A II and the Strix Z890-H at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the PRO Z790-A II at 2.5Gbps.
You get 16+1+2+1 power stages here, which sets it apart from the Strix Z890-E and its 18+2+1+2 power stages. It shares an LGA1851 socket with the Strix Z890-E and Strix Z890-H; the PRO Z790-A II goes with an LGA1700 socket. Like the Strix Z890-E and Strix Z890-H, it has a Z890 chipset, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX uses a Z790 chipset.
It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Strix Z890-H and the pricier Strix Z890-E, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+1+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
- Chipset: Z890
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+1+2+1 power stage layout
- Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port
Cons
- M.2 slot count trails the Strix Z890-E (7)
- Wired network speed trails the Strix Z890-H (5Gbps)
- Costs more than the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing
How We Chose These Intel Motherboards With 3+ M.2 Slots
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Strix Z890-E to the TUF Z890-PRO, state M.2 slot count, wi-Fi and form factor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Strix Z890-E gives no wired network speed; the PRO Z790-A II gives no power stages.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Z790 Tomahawk MAX ($150 to $250) to the Strix Z890-E ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an Intel Motherboard With 3+ M.2 Slots
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much M.2 slot count you need
Here M.2 slot count runs from 4 on the TUF Z890-PRO to 7 on the Strix Z890-E. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX comes second for less money.
Wired network speed
Here wired network speed runs from 2.5Gbps on the TUF Z890-PRO to 5Gbps on the Strix Z890-H. The Strix Z890-H is the pick for wired network speed. No figure for the Strix Z890-E.
Power stages
The Strix Z890-E lists 18+2+1+2; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX lists 16+1+1; the Strix Z890-H lists 16+2+1+2; the TUF Z890-PRO lists 16+1+2+1. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Socket
The Strix Z890-E, the Strix Z890-H and the TUF Z890-PRO list LGA1851; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the PRO Z790-A II list LGA1700. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Extras that separate them
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX: a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. The PRO Z790-A II: memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). The TUF Z890-PRO: M.2 cooling on the main slot.
How to Choose an Intel Motherboard With 3+ M.2 Slots
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put M.2 slot count first | Strix Z890-E | The most M.2 slot count here (7) |
| Getting Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 for the least money | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | The cheapest way into this group, below the PRO Z790-A II |
| Buyers who want 80A SPS power stages | PRO Z790-A II | 80A SPS power stages |
| Buyers who put wired network speed first | Strix Z890-H | The fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps) |
| Buyers who want Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port | TUF Z890-PRO | A Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Strix Z890-E leads on M.2 slot count at 7, ahead of the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at 5. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix Z890-E | 7 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 18+2+1+2 |
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
| PRO Z790-A II | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| Strix Z890-H | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+1+2 |
| TUF Z890-PRO | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+2+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX was the lowest-priced pick and the Strix Z890-E the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Z790 Tomahawk MAX, PRO Z790-A II, Strix Z890-H, TUF Z890-PRO |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix Z890-E |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Z790 Tomahawk MAX compare with the Strix Z890-E on M.2 slot count?
The Strix Z890-E leads at 7, with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at 5. The TUF Z890-PRO is at the other end of this group with 4.
Which has the fastest wired network speed: the Strix Z890-H or the Z790 Tomahawk MAX?
The Strix Z890-H leads at 5Gbps, with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at 2.5Gbps. The Strix Z890-E doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
What does the Strix Z890-E add over the Z790 Tomahawk MAX?
On paper it adds M.2 slot count (7 against 5). The Z790 Tomahawk MAX was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Strix Z890-E our Most M.2 Slots pick?
It earns the label for the most M.2 slot count here (7). It suits anyone who put M.2 slot count first.
Do the Strix Z890-E and the PRO Z790-A II differ on wi-Fi?
The Strix Z890-E, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z890-H and the TUF Z890-PRO use Wi-Fi 7; the PRO Z790-A II uses Wi-Fi 6E.
What extras do the Strix Z890-E and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX include?
The Strix Z890-E: Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX: Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. The PRO Z790-A II: 80A SPS power stages.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Strix Z890-E, chosen for the most M.2 slot count here (7). Look at the Z790 Tomahawk MAX for the cheapest way into this group, below the PRO Z790-A II, the PRO Z790-A II for 80A SPS power stages and the Strix Z890-H for the fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps) if those matter more to you.
Check which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports.