Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i9-14900K
Six Z790 boards for the Core i9-14900K compared on power stages, M.2 slots, BIOS support and networking.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
The Core i9-14900K has 24 cores and the highest boost clocks on LGA1700. Apply the latest BIOS with Intel's default power limits, 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.
Most Headroom
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFiAn 18+1 layout and five M.2 slots.
Best for: Sustained all-core work.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best All-Round
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFiA 16+1+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Most 14900K builds.
Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless
ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port.
Best for: Wireless desks.
Check price for ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 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
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)
Worth Considering
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W IIThe Z790-AYW WiFi W II is a white Z790 board with three M.2 slots and two USB 10Gbps Type-C ports.
Best for: Buyers who want white finish.
Check price for ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Most Headroom1 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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 Z790 Pro RS and the Z790-AYW W II at 2.5Gbps.
18+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 MAX Gaming 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 Z790-AYW W 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 Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Best All-Round2 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 14900K 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-AYW W II 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. It also comes with 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 Pro RS 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
Best Wireless3 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
- Wireless desks.
Skip if
- Skip it if wired network speed matters most to you; the Strix Z790-E offers 2.5Gbps.
Why we like it
It suits wireless desks. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Z790-AYW W II at 3. On wired network speed it trails the group at 1Gbps, while the Strix Z790-E offers 2.5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX; the Z790-AYW W II goes with a wi-Fi 6. 14+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX uses 16+1+1 power stages. It also comes with 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 Z790-AYW W II, 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 Strix Z790-E (2.5Gbps)
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
If wired network speed is your priority, the Strix Z790-E (2.5Gbps) is the stronger choice.
Well-Rounded Choice4 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 Strix Z790-E, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Z790 Pro RS and the Z790-AYW W II 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
Solid Alternative5 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
- 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 Strix Z790-E, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790-AYW W II on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with 14+1+1 power stages; the Strix Z790-E has 18+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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX 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 Strix Z790-E (5)
The catch
What it gives up: M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Strix Z790-E (5); by contrast, the Strix Z790-E offers 5.
Worth Considering6 of 6
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II
The Z790-AYW WiFi W II is a white Z790 board with three M.2 slots and two USB 10Gbps Type-C ports.
Best for
- Buyers who want white finish.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Strix Z790-E offers 5.
Why we like it
Its Wi-Fi 6 is a generation behind most boards here. It matches the Z790 MAX Gaming on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the Strix Z790-E, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
No other pick in this guide offers a wi-Fi 6; compare the PRO Z790-A II, which has a wi-Fi 6E. No other pick in this guide offers 12+1 power stages; compare the Z790 MAX Gaming, which has 14+1 power stages. You also get 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. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6
- Power stages
- 12+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- White finish
- Two rear USB 10Gbps Type-C ports
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 MAX Gaming
Cons
- M.2 slot count trails the Strix Z790-E (5)
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on M.2 slot count, where the Strix Z790-E offers 5.
How We Chose These Core i9-14900K 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, 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 Strix Z790-E to the Z790-AYW W II, 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 i9-14900K Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
M.2 slot count
Here M.2 slot count runs from 3 on the Z790-AYW W II 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).
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; 5 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.
Power stages
The Strix Z790-E lists 18+1; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX lists 16+1+1; the Z790 MAX Gaming lists 14+1; the Z790 Pro RS lists 14+1+1; the Z790-AYW W II lists 12+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-AYW W II: two rear USB 10Gbps Type-C ports.
Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the Z790 Pro RS; $150 to $250 buys the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 MAX Gaming and the Z790-AYW W II; $250 to $500 buys the Strix Z790-E at our last check.
How to Choose a Core i9-14900K Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained all-core work | Strix Z790-E | An 18+1 layout and five M.2 slots |
| Most 14900K builds | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | A 16+1+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wireless desks | Z790 MAX Gaming | Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Strix Z790-E leads on M.2 slot count at 5, ahead of the Z790 Tomahawk MAX 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix Z790-E | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+1 |
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
| Z790 MAX Gaming | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+1 |
| PRO Z790-A II | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| Z790 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+1+1 |
| Z790-AYW W II | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6 | 12+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 Tomahawk MAX, PRO Z790-A II, Z790 MAX Gaming, Z790-AYW W II |
| 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 Strix Z790-E the Most Headroom?
It earns the label for an 18+1 layout and five M.2 slots. The Z790 Pro RS, 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 sustained all-core work.
Do the Strix Z790-E and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX differ on wi-Fi?
The Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 Pro RS use Wi-Fi 6E; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 MAX Gaming use Wi-Fi 7; the Z790-AYW W II uses Wi-Fi 6.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Strix Z790-E and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX apart?
The Strix Z790-E: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX: Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. The Z790 MAX Gaming: a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port.
Who should choose the Z790 Tomahawk MAX?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX carries our Best All-Round label for a 16+1+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7. It ranks second of 6 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits most 14900K builds.
Bottom Line
The Strix Z790-E has the most headroom. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX suits most builds, and the Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 fits wireless desks.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best Z790 Motherboards
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- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Intel Motherboards
- Similar guideThe Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i9-13900K
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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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