Best Z790 Motherboards

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Motherboards are the backbone of any computer system, connecting all components to ensure seamless operation. For high-performance PCs, the Z790 chipset offers advanced features and compatibility with Intel’s latest processors. Z790 motherboards excel in overclocking, support fast memory, and offer a wide range of connectivity options. When selecting a Z790 motherboard, key factors include the number of PCIe lanes, memory slots, and expansion options. A robust power delivery system is essential for stable overclocking, and networking performance depends on built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet ports. USB ports, M.2 slots for SSDs, and SATA connections also determine device compatibility. We tested various Z790 motherboards to find the best options that balance features, performance, and value for different needs and budgets.

  • ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi

    10

    We recommend this motherboard for its solid performance, durability, and extensive features at a reasonable price point.

    10

    We recommend this motherboard for its solid performance, durability, and extensive features at a reasonable price point.

    Pros

    • Robust power delivery system
    • Excellent cooling options
    • Wide range of connectivity

    Cons

    • No PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
    • BIOS can be complex for beginners
    • Large size may not fit all cases

    The ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi impressed us with its sturdy build quality. We noticed the military-grade components right away, which gave us confidence in its long-term reliability. The power delivery system handled our high-end CPU with ease, staying cool even under heavy loads.

    Cooling is a strong point for this board. We liked the various heatsinks spread across the VRMs, chipset, and M.2 slots. Our system temps stayed low, even during intense gaming sessions. The fan headers are plentiful, allowing us to set up a comprehensive cooling solution.

    Connectivity options on this board are top-notch. We appreciated the WiFi 6 and 2.5Gb LAN for fast networking. The four M.2 slots gave us plenty of speedy storage options. USB ports are abundant, including a front panel USB-C header. While it lacks PCIe 5.0 for M.2 SSDs, we found the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot future-proofs for next-gen graphics cards.

    Sale
    ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi
    • Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12thand13th Gen Intel Core processors, support PCIe 5.0,DDR5 and out of box Windows 11 ready
  • GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

    9.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and power users looking to build a high-performance Intel system.

    9.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and power users looking to build a high-performance Intel system.

    Pros

    • Supports latest Intel CPUs
    • Fast DDR5 memory compatibility
    • Excellent thermal design

    Cons

    • Pricey for some budgets
    • DDR5 RAM can be expensive
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We put the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX through its paces, and we were impressed with its performance. The board handled our 13th gen Intel CPU with ease, keeping temperatures in check even under heavy loads. The VRM design is top-notch, providing stable power delivery for overclocking.

    One feature we really liked was the M.2 Thermal Guard III. It kept our NVMe SSDs cool, which is great for maintaining peak performance during long gaming sessions. The PCIe 5.0 slot is ready for future GPUs, though current cards don’t fully use its bandwidth yet.

    The built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN gave us fast, stable internet connections. We noticed the audio quality was crisp, thanks to the high-end capacitors. The RGB Fusion 2.0 software let us easily customize the board’s lighting, adding a nice touch to our build. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the AORUS Elite AX offers good value for its features.

    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
    • Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Supports 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors
  • ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming

    9.5

    We think this high-end motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to build a powerful Intel-based system.

    9.5

    We think this high-end motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to build a powerful Intel-based system.

    Pros

    • Supports latest Intel processors
    • Lots of connectivity options
    • Strong power delivery

    Cons

    • Pricey for some budgets
    • Complex BIOS for beginners
    • Large size may not fit all cases

    We’ve spent time testing the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming, and it’s clear this board means business. The build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy feel that gives us confidence in its durability. We noticed the heatsinks are substantial, keeping things cool even under heavy loads.

    Plugging in our components was a breeze. The layout is well-thought-out, with plenty of room around the CPU socket and memory slots. We like the tool-less M.2 slots – they make SSD installation quick and easy. The onboard power and reset buttons came in handy during our initial setup.

    In use, this board didn’t disappoint. It handled our overclocking attempts with ease, thanks to its robust power delivery. The Wi-Fi 6E worked great, giving us fast and stable connections. We did find the BIOS a bit overwhelming at first, but it offers deep customization for those who want to tinker.

    Sale
    ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming
    • Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 12th and13th Gen Intel Core processors, support PCIe 5.0,DDR5 and out-of-box Windows 11 ready
  • GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Motherboard

    9.4

    We recommend the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC for its solid performance and features at a reasonable price point.

    9.4

    We recommend the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC for its solid performance and features at a reasonable price point.

    Pros

    • Supports latest Intel processors
    • Strong power delivery system
    • Great connectivity options

    Cons

    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners
    • Limited RGB features
    • Wi-Fi performance could be better

    We tested the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC in our latest PC build, and it left us impressed. This motherboard packs a punch with its support for 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. We found the 16+1+1 power phase design handled our high-end CPU with ease, keeping things stable even under heavy loads.

    The board’s cooling setup caught our eye. Its fully covered MOSFET heatsinks and M.2 Thermal Guard did a great job keeping temperatures in check. We pushed our system hard, and it stayed cool and quiet throughout our gaming sessions.

    Connectivity is where this board shines. We loved the PCIe 5.0 support and the triple NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. These let us use our fastest SSDs without any bottlenecks. The 2.5GbE LAN was a nice touch too, giving us speedy network performance.

    We did run into a few snags. The BIOS took some getting used to, and might be a bit much for new builders. The RGB options felt a bit limited compared to some other boards we’ve used. And while we liked having Wi-Fi built-in, we found its performance to be just okay.

    All in all, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC offers good value. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done well for most users looking to build a high-performance system.

    Sale
    GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Motherboard
    • Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Supports 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors
  • MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi

    9.3

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for most users looking to build a powerful and future-proof system with Intel’s latest processors.

    9.3

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for most users looking to build a powerful and future-proof system with Intel’s latest processors.

    Pros

    • Supports latest Intel CPUs
    • Fast DDR5 memory support
    • Excellent thermal design

    Cons

    • Requires Windows 11
    • Some users report sleep mode issues
    • Pricier than some alternatives

    The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi impressed us with its sleek silver design that looks great in both white and black PC builds. We found the layout intuitive, making our build process smooth and enjoyable. The pre-installed I/O shield was a nice touch that saved us some hassle.

    In our tests, this board handled Intel’s newest 14th gen processors with ease. The robust power delivery system kept things stable even under heavy loads. We were able to push our DDR5 memory to high speeds without issues, which gave a nice performance boost in memory-intensive tasks.

    We really liked the thermal solution MSI implemented here. The extended heatsink and high-quality thermal pads did a great job keeping temperatures in check during our stress tests. This gave us confidence that the board can handle long gaming sessions or intense workloads without breaking a sweat.

    Sale
    MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi
    • Supports Intel Core Next-gen/13th Gen/12th Gen Pentium Gold and Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket
  • ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

    9.1

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for serious gamers and overclockers who want the best performance from their Intel CPUs.

    9.1

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for serious gamers and overclockers who want the best performance from their Intel CPUs.

    Pros

    • Great power delivery for overclocking
    • Tons of connectivity options
    • Advanced cooling features

    Cons

    • Expensive price tag
    • Complex setup for beginners
    • Large size may not fit all cases

    The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero packs a punch with its robust power solution. We found the 20+1 power stages worked great for pushing our 13th Gen Intel CPU to its limits. The board stayed cool under pressure thanks to the beefy VRM heatsinks and integrated I/O cover.

    Connectivity is a strong point here. We loved having Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5 Gb Ethernet for fast networking. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports came in handy for high-speed external drives. With five M.2 slots, we had plenty of room for speedy SSDs.

    Setting up this board took some time due to its many features. The ASUS AI Suite helped us dial in our overclock and fan curves. While pricey, we think the Z790 Hero delivers for those who want a feature-packed foundation for a high-end gaming rig.

    Sale
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
    • Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors and Windows 11, support PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
  • MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX

    9

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and power users who want a future-proof option with lots of features.

    9

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and power users who want a future-proof option with lots of features.

    Pros

    • Supports latest Intel CPUs
    • Wi-Fi 7 and fast networking
    • Plenty of expansion options

    Cons

    • Needs Windows 11 for Wi-Fi
    • Heatsink placement can be tricky
    • May be overkill for basic builds

    This board packs a punch with support for the newest Intel processors and DDR5 RAM. We like how it’s ready for PCIe 5.0 and has fast networking options. The 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7 kept our internet speeds zippy during online gaming sessions.

    We found the build quality top-notch. It’s a hefty board that feels sturdy. The extended heatsink design kept things cool under load. We had no issues with stability, even when pushing our system hard.

    One thing to note – you’ll need Windows 11 to use the onboard Wi-Fi. Also, while the M.2 Shield Frozr is great for SSD cooling, it can make installation a bit fiddly. For most users, these are minor quibbles. This board offers a great mix of features and performance for its price point.

    Sale
    MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX
    • Supports Intel Core Next-gen/13th Gen/12th Gen Pentium Gold and Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket
  • ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi

    8.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for most users building a PC with Intel’s latest processors, thanks to its mix of features and value.

    8.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for most users building a PC with Intel’s latest processors, thanks to its mix of features and value.

    Pros

    • Strong power delivery for stable performance
    • Plenty of connectivity options
    • Good cooling solutions

    Cons

    • Only one PCIe 5.0 slot
    • No built-in WiFi 6E
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We’ve spent time with the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi, and it’s clear why it’s a popular pick. The board feels sturdy and well-made. We had no trouble fitting it in our mid-tower case.

    The 14+1 power stages did a great job keeping our 13th Gen Intel CPU stable under load. We pushed our processor hard, and the VRM heatsink stayed cool to the touch. The M.2 heatsinks also kept our SSDs from getting too hot during long gaming sessions.

    We like the variety of ports on this board. The PCIe 5.0 slot is ready for future graphics cards, and we had no issues with our current GPU. The 2.5Gb Ethernet was snappy for online gaming and big file transfers. WiFi 6 worked well too, but we wish it had WiFi 6E for even faster speeds.

    Sale
    ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi
    • Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 14th,12th&13th Gen Intel Core processors, support PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 and out of box Windows 11 ready
  • MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk

    8.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a high-performance PC with the latest Intel processors.

    8.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a high-performance PC with the latest Intel processors.

    Pros

    • Strong power delivery system
    • Fast DDR5 memory support
    • PCIe 5.0 and Gen 4 M.2 slots

    Cons

    • Mixed user experiences
    • BIOS updates may be needed
    • Limited USB ports for some users

    We’ve put the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk through its paces, and it’s clear this board means business. The 16+1+1 power design gave us confidence when pushing our 13th Gen Intel CPU to its limits. We were impressed by how cool it stayed, thanks to the beefy heatsinks.

    The memory performance blew us away. We easily hit 7200MHz with our DDR5 kit, which is great for speed demons. The PCIe 5.0 slot future-proofs your build, and the Gen 4 M.2 slots kept our SSDs singing.

    We did run into a few bumps. Some users report DOA boards, so we suggest testing right away. We had to update the BIOS for best performance, which might scare off newbies. The rear I/O felt a bit sparse for our liking, but it’ll do for most setups. Despite these niggles, we think it’s a strong contender for your next build.

    Sale
    MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk
    • Supports 12th/13th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket
  • ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II

    8.6

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for gamers and power users looking to build a high-end Intel system.

    8.6

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for gamers and power users looking to build a high-end Intel system.

    Pros

    • Excellent power delivery for overclocking
    • Plenty of M.2 slots with heatsinks
    • WiFi 7 and fast USB ports

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some Z790 boards
    • No display code readout
    • BIOS updates may be needed

    The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II impressed us with its robust build quality and feature set. We found the 16+1+2 power stages handled our 13th gen Intel CPU with ease, even when pushed hard. The massive VRM heatsinks kept temperatures in check during long gaming sessions.

    We really liked the five M.2 slots, all with heatsinks. This gave us tons of fast storage options without worrying about thermal throttling. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot felt future-proof for upcoming GPUs too.

    Connectivity was a strong point. The WiFi 7 worked great, and we counted 14 USB ports in total. The front panel USB-C with 30W power delivery was handy for fast charging our devices. While it lacks some extras like a POST code display, we think this board nails the essentials for a high-end gaming rig.

    Sale
    ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II
    • Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for Intel Socket LGA1700 for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors

Buying Guide

When shopping for a Z790 motherboard, we recommend focusing on a few key areas:

CPU Socket

Make sure the board has an LGA 1700 socket to support 12th and 13th gen Intel CPUs.

Memory Support

Look for DDR5 compatibility and check the maximum supported speed.

Expansion Slots

Consider how many PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 slots you need for graphics cards and SSDs.

Connectivity

Count the number and types of USB ports, network connections, and audio outputs.

Form Factor

Choose between ATX, micro-ATX, or mini-ITX based on your case size and needs.

VRM Quality

A robust power delivery system is important for stable overclocking.

BIOS Features

User-friendly BIOS interface and regular updates are valuable for tweaking.

Price

Set a budget and find the best features within that range.

We’ve created a quick reference table to help with your decision:

Feature What to Look For
Socket LGA 1700
Memory DDR5, 4800MHz+
PCIe At least one 5.0 x16 slot
USB Mix of USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 2
Network 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E

Remember, the best motherboard balances your needs with your budget. Don’t overpay for features you won’t use.