Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i7-14700K
Six Z790 boards for the 20-core i7-14700K compared on power stages, M.2 slots, BIOS support and networking.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Core i7-14700K has 20 cores, four more than the 13700K, and draws heavily under load. Update the BIOS for 14th Gen and favour stronger power stages.
We compared 6 boards for it. 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: Most 14700K builds.
Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Headroom
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFiAn 18+1 layout.
Best for: Sustained all-core work.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
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)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7The Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port, with 1Gbps Ethernet.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Check price for ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFiA 14+1+1 layout and four M.2 slots at a low Z790 price.
Best for: Keeping costs down.
Check price for ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AXThe Z790 Eagle AX pairs a 12+1+1 layout with three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for: Buyers who want ez-latch for tool-free card removal.
Check price for GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX 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
- Most 14700K builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Z790 Pro RS was cheaper at our last price check.
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 Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 Eagle AX on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the Z790 MAX Gaming, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the Z790 Pro RS uses a wi-Fi 6E. No other pick in this guide offers 16+1+1 power stages; compare the Z790 Pro RS, which has 14+1+1 power stages. 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 was priced above the Z790 Eagle AX 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 Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Most Headroom2 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
- Sustained all-core work.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
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 Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 Eagle AX at 2.5Gbps.
18+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 MAX Gaming uses 14+1 power stages. It also comes with 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 Z790 MAX Gaming.
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 Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Worth Considering3 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
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 Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 Eagle AX 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 Z790 MAX Gaming 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 MAX Gaming
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice4 of 6
ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7
The Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port, with 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. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Z790 Eagle AX at 3. On wired network speed it trails the group at 1Gbps, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 2.5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX; the Z790 Eagle AX goes with a wi-Fi 6E. 14+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix Z790-E uses 18+1 power stages. It also offers 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. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. Its price falls between the PRO Z790-A II and the Strix Z790-E, based on our last check.
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 20Gbps Type-C port
- PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
Cons
- Wired network speed trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (2.5Gbps)
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
If wired network speed is your priority, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (2.5Gbps) is the stronger choice.
Best Value5 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
- Keeping costs down.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 Z790 Eagle 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.
It also offers 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Z790 Eagle AX was closest.
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
- M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
The catch
What it gives up: M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5); by contrast, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Solid Alternative6 of 6
GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX
The Z790 Eagle AX pairs a 12+1+1 layout with three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want ez-latch for tool-free card removal.
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 is a plain Z790 board for Core i5 K builds. It matches the Z790 MAX Gaming on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
It is the only pick here with 12+1+1 power stages; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX has 16+1+1 power stages instead. You also get EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal and Q-Flash BIOS updating. 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 Pro RS cost less, and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX cost more.
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
- Z790
Pros
- EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
- Q-Flash BIOS updating
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 MAX Gaming
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- M.2 slot count trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX covers it better at 5.
How We Chose These Core i7-14700K 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and power stages is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Z790 Tomahawk MAX to the Z790 Eagle AX, 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 Z790 Pro RS ($100 to $150) to the Strix Z790-E ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Core i7-14700K Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
M.2 slot count
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX tops M.2 slot count at 5 and the Z790 Eagle AX sits lowest at 3; 2 picks share the top figure. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX is the pick for M.2 slot count.
How much wired network speed you need
Across these 6 picks wired network speed spans 1Gbps (the Z790 MAX Gaming) to 2.5Gbps (the Z790 Tomahawk MAX). If wired network speed is your first filter, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX sets the ceiling at 2.5Gbps.
Power stages
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX lists 16+1+1; the Strix Z790-E lists 18+1; the Z790 MAX Gaming lists 14+1; the Z790 Pro RS lists 14+1+1; the Z790 Eagle AX lists 12+1+1. Settling power stages first narrows 5 picks to 1, 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The PRO Z790-A II: memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). The Z790 Pro RS: one of the lowest Z790 prices here. The Z790 Eagle AX: Q-Flash BIOS updating.
Budget
$100 to $150 buys the Z790 Pro RS; $150 to $250 buys the Z790 Eagle AX, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 MAX Gaming; $250 to $500 buys the Strix Z790-E at our last check.
How to Choose a Core i7-14700K Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most 14700K builds | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | Five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout |
| Sustained all-core work | Strix Z790-E | An 18+1 layout |
| Keeping costs down | Z790 Pro RS | A 14+1+1 layout and four M.2 slots at a low Z790 price |
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 MAX Gaming | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+1 |
| Z790 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+1+1 |
| Z790 Eagle AX | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+1+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Z790 Pro RS, 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 | Z790 Pro RS |
| About $150 to $250 | Z790 Eagle AX, Z790 Tomahawk MAX, PRO Z790-A II, Z790 MAX Gaming |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix Z790-E |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Strix Z790-E worth paying more than the Z790 Pro RS?
The spec sheets show M.2 slot count (5 against 4) in its favour. The Z790 Pro RS 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 Z790 Tomahawk MAX the Best All-Round?
It earns the label for five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout. The Z790 Pro RS, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits most 14700K builds.
Do the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix Z790-E differ on wi-Fi?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 MAX Gaming use Wi-Fi 7; the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 Eagle AX 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 Strix Z790-E?
The Strix Z790-E carries our Most Headroom label for an 18+1 layout. It ranks second of 6 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits sustained all-core work.
Bottom Line
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX suits most 14700K builds. The Strix Z790-E adds headroom, and the Z790 Pro RS keeps costs down.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best Z790 Motherboards
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- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Intel Motherboards
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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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