Intel has released their new 14th-generation CPUs, led by the powerful Intel Core i9 14900K. It’s replacing the Core i9 13900K and performs similarly to the special edition Core i9 13900KS. Unlike before, these new CPUs don’t need a new type of chip or socket. They can work with older 600 and 700 series chipsets and motherboards.
But just because older models can work, it doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for gamers who want to use the new Intel Core i9 14900K. Intel’s partners are updating their motherboards to match the new CPUs. Many of these updated models have already been announced and are available from different stores.
1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero Motherboard
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a great match for the Intel Core i9-14900K processor. It’s a big motherboard with lots of power to handle overclocking, which means making your computer run faster than usual. It has fast DDR5 RAM and a strong BIOS system. The board stays cool even when working hard, thanks to its good cooling system. The RAM can go up to 7800MT/s, which is quick. It’s perfect for running extreme tests to see how well your computer can perform.
This motherboard looks cool and has parts that help keep it cool. Asus included PCIe 5.0, which makes your graphics card and SSD work even faster. It also has plenty of slots for connecting different devices and sound features that make games sound great. Plus, it has lots of places to plug in fans to keep everything cool. You should only buy this motherboard if you plan to overclock your computer. If you don’t, you won’t be using all of its power.
2. ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Motherboard
Introducing the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Motherboard, the powerhouse in a compact package for your gaming needs. Designed to fit in small form factor builds without compromising on performance, this motherboard is packed with features to elevate your gaming experience.
Equipped with the latest Intel Z790 chipset, the ROG Strix Z790-I supports the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors, ensuring you have the power you need for smooth gaming sessions and multitasking. Featuring an innovative VRM design, this motherboard delivers reliable power delivery to your CPU for stable overclocking, pushing your system’s performance to the limit without overheating.
When it comes to memory, this motherboard has two slots where you can put in a maximum of 64GB of RAM. These memory modules can be really fast, rated up to DDR5-7600. It also has a big slot for your graphics card, called the PCIe 5.0 slot, and two slots for fast storage drives called M.2 NVMe SSD slots (one of them supports PCIe 5.0). Even though this board is small, it’s packed with good stuff. It has impressive VRMs, which help deliver power to your processor. You might not be able to make the Core i5-14700K processor run as fast as you could with a bigger motherboard, but the Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi is still good for some light overclocking.
3. MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard
The MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard is a popular choice for Intel CPUs because it offers great value compared to other options. Even though it’s not as expensive as some other motherboards that can cost up to $1000, it still comes with USB4 ports and other features that make it a strong choice.
This motherboard is perfect for gamers, professionals, and people who like to overclock their CPUs but don’t want to spend too much money on the top-of-the-line MSI Z790 Godlike. It has lots of slots for M.2 storage drives, two gigabit Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi 6E for fast internet connections. It also has Thunderbolt connectors for Type-C devices.
When it comes to overclocking, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE has a powerful 24+1+2 phase power delivery system, which means it can handle even the most demanding CPUs like the 14900K. Only serious overclockers might need a more expensive motherboard to push their CPUs even further. Plus, even though you might need to update the BIOS before using it with the 14900K, the discount on the ACE more than makes up for it.
4. ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Motherboard
The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard packs a lot of power into a small size, perfect for those who want a compact build. It’s great for people who don’t have much space for a big computer or prefer a simpler look. Despite its small size, it’s not lacking in features.
This motherboard is cleverly designed to make the most of its small space. It has two slots for M.2 storage drives at the back and one at the front for regular users. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and has fast Ethernet for internet connection, along with dual Thunderbolt USB4 ports for connecting various devices. Plus, it lets users overclock their RAM a bit for better performance.
One of the standout features of the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 is its connectivity options. With Wi-Fi 6E support and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, I’ve experienced lightning-fast internet speeds without any lag during online gaming sessions. The inclusion of dual Thunderbolt USB4 connectors is also a game-changer, allowing me to connect my external devices with ease and speed.
Performance-wise, this motherboard doesn’t disappoint. The 10-phase power delivery system ensures stable power delivery to my CPU, even during intense gaming and overclocking sessions. Speaking of overclocking, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 provides users with the flexibility to push their RAM beyond its limits for improved performance, a feature that I’ve taken full advantage of.
5. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is a top-notch motherboard designed for people who want the best performance, whether they’re gamers, enthusiasts, or professionals. While it does cost a bit more, it offers a lot of cool features for that extra money. Compared to ASUS’s Dark Hero motherboard, it’s only $50 more but comes with a bunch of extra goodies.
This new version of the Z690 Formula keeps its sleek all-white look but upgrades to the Z790 chipset. It also adds support for Wi-Fi 7 and improves compatibility with different types of memory right out of the box. It even has some special features like ASUS’s AEMP II memory profile and DIMM Flex, which can help make high-end RAM work even better.
Just like the Dark Hero, the Z790 has dual USB4 ports, great power delivery, and works perfectly with the 14900k processor. But it goes a step further by adding a LiveDash OLED screen, which is exclusive to the Formula motherboard series. Plus, if you’re into liquid cooling, you have the option to add a water block to keep the VRMs cool.