Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i9-13900K
Six Z790 boards for the 24-core i9-13900K compared on power stages, M.2 slots and connectivity.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Core i9-13900K has 24 cores and the highest power draw in the 13th Gen range. Strong power stages and the latest BIOS microcode matter more than extras.
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.
Strongest Power
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFiAn 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support.
Best for: Sustained all-core work.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFiA 16+1+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Most 13900K builds.
Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 80A Board
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II80A power stages at a mid-range price.
Best for: Balancing power and price.
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)
Worth Considering
ASRock Z790 PG SonicThe Z790 PG Sonic offers a 14+1+1 layout and Killer 2.5Gbps Ethernet under a Sonic-themed design.
Best for: Buyers who want 14+1+1 power stage layout.
Check price for ASRock Z790 PG Sonic 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)
Our Picks
Strongest Power1 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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is the premium LGA1700 board here. It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX on M.2 slot count (5). It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 PG Sonic on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the PRO Z790-A II, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 uses a wi-Fi 7. It is the only pick here with 18+1 power stages; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX has 16+1+1 power stages instead. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Z790 MAX Gaming the nearest cheaper option.
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 PG Sonic at the time of writing
Best Value2 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 13900K builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Z790 PG Sonic cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the most complete Z790 board for its price here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Strix Z790-E at 5. On wired network speed it ties with the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 PG Sonic at 2.5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 and Z790 MAX Gaming; the PRO Z790-A II goes with a wi-Fi 6E. You get 16+1+1 power stages here, which sets it apart from the Z790 MAX Gaming and its 14+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. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Z790 Gaming WIFI7 and the pricier 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 PG Sonic at the time of writing
Best 80A Board3 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
- Balancing power and price.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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. On M.2 slot count it sits mid-pack at 4: the Strix Z790-E offers 5, and the Z790 MAX Gaming comes in at 3.
On wired network speed it ties with the Strix Z790-E, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 PG Sonic at 2.5Gbps. It shares a wi-Fi 6E with the Strix Z790-E; the Z790 MAX Gaming goes with a wi-Fi 7. It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 MAX Gaming, based on our last check.
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 Z790 PG Sonic 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the Z790 PG Sonic, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits wireless desks. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Z790 MAX Gaming at 3. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 MAX Gaming at 1Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and Z790 MAX Gaming; the PRO Z790-A II goes with a wi-Fi 6E. It shares 14+1 power stages with the Z790 MAX Gaming; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX goes with 16+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. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Z790 PG Sonic and the pricier 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
- Costs more than the Z790 PG Sonic at the time of writing
Worth Considering5 of 6
ASRock Z790 PG Sonic
The Z790 PG Sonic offers a 14+1+1 layout and Killer 2.5Gbps Ethernet under a Sonic-themed design.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14+1+1 power stage layout.
Skip if
- Its M.2 slot count is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
The maker doesn't state Wi-Fi. On wired network speed it ties with the Strix Z790-E, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the PRO Z790-A II at 2.5Gbps. You get 14+1+1 power stages here, which sets it apart from the Z790 MAX Gaming and its 14+1 power stages.
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 Z790 Gaming WIFI7 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its M.2 slot count; if that figure matters, the Strix Z790-E offers 5.
Key specs
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Power stages
- 14+1+1
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 14+1+1 power stage layout
- Killer 2.5G Ethernet
- Sonic-themed design
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 Gaming WIFI7
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
Well-Rounded Choice6 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 M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Strix Z790-E offers 5.
Why we like it
It suits wireless desks. It matches the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 on M.2 slot count (3). Like the Z790 Gaming WIFI7, it has 14+1 power stages, while the Z790 PG Sonic uses 14+1+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. When we checked, only the PRO Z790-A II and cheaper picks cost less, and the Strix Z790-E cost more.
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
- M.2 slot count trails the Strix Z790-E (5)
- Wired network speed trails the Strix Z790-E (2.5Gbps)
- Costs more than the Z790 PG Sonic at the time of writing
The catch
M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Strix Z790-E covers it better at 5.
How We Chose These Core i9-13900K 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 lined up six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out M.2 slot count.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Strix Z790-E to the Z790 MAX Gaming, state wired network speed, socket and memory type and share LGA1700 socket and DDR5 memory type.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Z790 PG Sonic gives no M.2 slot count; the Z790 PG Sonic gives no wi-Fi.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Z790 PG Sonic ($150 to $250) to the Strix Z790-E ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Core i9-13900K Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much wired network speed you need
The Strix Z790-E tops wired network speed at 2.5Gbps and the Z790 MAX Gaming sits lowest at 1Gbps; 4 picks share the top figure. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX comes second at 2.5Gbps, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Strix Z790-E.
M.2 slot count
Here M.2 slot count runs from 3 on the Z790 MAX Gaming to 5 on the Strix Z790-E, a 67% spread. For less, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX is the runner-up at 5 ($150 to $250 tier). The Z790 PG Sonic gives no M.2 slot count figure, so 5 of 6 picks are compared here.
Power stages
The Strix Z790-E lists 18+1; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX lists 16+1+1; the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 and the Z790 MAX Gaming list 14+1; the Z790 PG Sonic lists 14+1+1. Settling power stages first narrows 5 picks to 2, 1 or 1 or 1.
Extras that separate them
The PRO Z790-A II: memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). The Z790 Gaming WIFI7: a front USB-C header. The Z790 PG Sonic: a Sonic-themed design.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Z790 PG Sonic, the Z790 Gaming WIFI7, 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 i9-13900K Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained all-core work | Strix Z790-E | An 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support |
| Most 13900K builds | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | A 16+1+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7 |
| Balancing power and price | PRO Z790-A II | 80A power stages at a mid-range price |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Strix Z790-E leads on wired network speed at 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at 2.5Gbps. "Not listed" marks M.2 slot count where the Z790 PG Sonic leaves the figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix Z790-E | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+1 |
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
| PRO Z790-A II | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| Z790 Gaming WIFI7 | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+1 |
| Z790 PG Sonic | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Not listed | 14+1+1 |
| Z790 MAX Gaming | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Z790 PG Sonic was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Strix Z790-E the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Z790 PG Sonic, Z790 Gaming WIFI7, Z790 Tomahawk MAX, PRO Z790-A II, Z790 MAX Gaming |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix Z790-E |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Z790 Tomahawk MAX our Best Value pick?
It earns the label for a 16+1+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7. It is aimed at most 13900K builds.
Do the Strix Z790-E and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX differ on wi-Fi?
The Strix Z790-E and the PRO Z790-A II use Wi-Fi 6E; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Z790 Gaming WIFI7 and the Z790 MAX Gaming use Wi-Fi 7. The Z790 PG Sonic has no wi-Fi listed, so 5 of 6 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Strix Z790-E and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX include?
The Strix Z790-E: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX: Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. The PRO Z790-A II: 80A SPS power stages.
Who should choose the Strix Z790-E?
The Strix Z790-E carries our Strongest Power label for an 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits sustained all-core work.
Should I pick the Strix Z790-E or the PRO Z790-A II?
The Strix Z790-E suits sustained all-core work; the PRO Z790-A II suits balancing power and price.
Bottom Line
The Strix Z790-E has the strongest listed power layout here. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX and PRO Z790-A WiFi II cost less, and the Gaming WIFI7 suits wireless desks.
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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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