Unleash the Power of Intel Core i9 13900K with the Ultimate Motherboard Selection

The Intel Core i9 is a powerful processor with 24 cores and 32 threads, perfect for demanding tasks such as gaming and productivity. It boasts impressive synthetic benchmark scores and exceptional single-core performance, making it a top choice for gamers. However, it should be noted that this processor has high power and cooling requirements, which is why it is best paired with higher-end Z690/Z790 motherboards. While some B660 and B760 motherboards are compatible, the Z690/Z790 options are generally considered safer choices for optimal performance when used with Intel's 24-core processor.

While the integrated Intel UHD 770 series iGPU can handle basic gaming needs for some users, most users will prefer a separate graphics card for more intensive gaming and productivity tasks that require stronger graphics capabilities. Therefore, having a PCI-E 5.0 x16 slot is crucial as it allows for future-proofing, ensuring compatibility with upcoming graphics cards thanks to the slot's backward compatibility feature.

To fully unlock the potential of the Intel Core i9 13900K, gamers and enthusiasts need to conduct thorough research. Thankfully, the dedicated team at Game Rant is here to provide invaluable insights into the top-notch motherboards that perfectly complement Intel's flagship CPU, allowing users to harness its power to the fullest without any compromises.

MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi Gaming Motherboard

Best Overall Motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K $310 at Amazon

ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard

Best Budget Motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K $160 at Newegg

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

Best Gaming Motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K $588 at Amazon

ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard

Best Compact Motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K $335 at Amazon

EVGA Z790 Classified Gaming Motherboard

Best Overclocking Motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K $490 at Amazon

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Core i9 13900K

Intel's Fastest Consumer-Grade CPU $552 at Amazon

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard is an excellent choice for those in search of a high-performing motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K. With a price tag of $350, it offers a great value for money. This motherboard is compatible with both the current-generation Intel Raptor Lake and the previous-generation Alder Lake CPUs. It boasts a PCI-E 5.0 x16 slot, ensuring fast and efficient data transfer. Moreover, it features a robust networking stack and an impressive 5 M2 NVME connectors, making it an ideal option for gamers, content creators, and individuals seeking a motherboard with exceptional features for both work and entertainment purposes. Save $30 when you purchase the MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard, now priced at $380.

Brand: MSI

CPU Included: No

Graphics Card Interface: PCI-Express 5.0

Memory Slots: 4

Memory Type: DDR5 (Up to 7200MHz)

Form Factor: ATX

Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 6E (M2 Key)

USB Ports: Up to 17 USB Ports

M.2 NVMe Connector: 5 x M2 slots

CPU Support: Intel 12th and 13th Gen

Chipset: Intel Z790

Socket: LGA1700

Power Phases: 16+1+1 Phase Power Delivery

Networking: 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3

Pros:

- Allows for comfortable overclocking of the Intel Core i9 13900K to higher levels

- Offers future-proof support for PCI-E 5.0, ensuring compatibility with the latest GPUs.

Offers Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5G Ethernet

Has a built-in I/O plate

Looks considerably more premium than most of its competitors in the same price range

Offers high DDR5 memory overclocking potential

Cons Has no PCI-E 5.0 SSD support

Does require users to have access to Wi-Fi and ethernet drivers when installing a fresh copy of Windows

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard, priced at $310 on Amazon, $350 on Newegg, and also $350 at Best Buy, is a top-notch mid-range Intel motherboard of the 13th generation. It boasts the remarkable Z790 chipset and reliable VRMs, enabling efficient handling of the Intel Core i9 13900K with potential for overclocking. Additionally, it presents a PCI-E 5.0 x16 slot, making it a wise choice for gamers seeking a sub-$300 option that ensures compatibility with future upgrades.

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5G Ethernet, all neatly packaged together. Additionally, it provides users with five M2 slots to expand their storage capabilities. This motherboard boasts a stylish design with an integrated I/O plate, a feature typically reserved for higher-end motherboards. This makes it a great choice for those who want to enhance their build with RGB lighting or for those who prioritize aesthetics when using an Intel Core i9 13900K processor.

With ample room for expansion, decent memory overclocking capabilities, and a premium look and feel, the MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard offers a complete solution at a price that is suitable for most users in the market for Intel's top-tier chipset. However, it should be noted that some Windows install media may not have the necessary connectivity drivers readily available, so it is advisable to be prepared for this possibility.

Introducing the ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard, the ultimate budget-friendly choice for your Intel Core i9 13900K processor. This top-of-the-line mATX motherboard boasts the renowned durability that the Steel Legend lineup is known for, while also providing lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, unrivaled DDR5 support, and a strategically positioned heatsink for superior VRM cooling. All of this power comes in a compact and sleek package, making the ASRock B760M Steel Legend the ideal choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

ASRock brand offers a motherboard with 4 memory slots and supports DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 7200MHz. Its form factor is mATX. The motherboard also has Wi-Fi 6E capabilities and can accommodate up to 15 USB ports. It features 3 M.2 NVMe connectors and is compatible with Intel 12th and 13th generation CPUs. The chipset used is B760 and the socket type is LGA 1700. With 12+1+1 power phases, it offers excellent power management. The networking options include Ethernet 2.5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and BT 5.3. Notably, this mid-range 13th-generation motherboard from ASRock stands out for its competitive pricing and the potential for high DDR5 memory overclocking.

Offers an integrated I/O Plate

Has a decent VRM configuration (12+1+1)

Compact and can be used in mATX PC builds

Cons Has a limited number of fan headers on offer

Offers 3 M2 slots but takes up 1 for Wi-Fi instead of integrating it into the motherboard

$170 at Amazon $160 at Newegg $160 at Walmart

The ASRock B760M Steel Legend Wi-Fi Motherboard is the most cost-effective option for gamers who need reliable performance with the 13900K processor and moderate memory overclocking capabilities. It includes Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, and Ethernet 2.5G for comprehensive networking capabilities, which is uncommon for a budget gaming motherboard. Additionally, it comes with an I/O plate, which is a unique feature for budget options.

Although the VRM configuration (12+1+1) is not the best in the industry, it surpasses expectations for a budget gaming motherboard that is also compatible with mATX cases. However, it does have limitations such as a restricted number of fan headers and only two available M2 slots unless the M2 Wi-Fi slot is removed. While this may not be a significant concern for most users, power users and enthusiasts may desire more connectivity and expansion options.

The ASRock B760M Steel Legend Wi-Fi Motherboard complements its lineup with a PCI-E 5.0 x16 slot for GPUs, providing users with the convenience of installing a next-generation GPU on the B760-based motherboard when it becomes available. This feature ensures that the motherboard remains future-proof, offering superior possibilities compared to other budget-friendly options within the same price range.

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the ultimate gaming motherboard for Intel's Core i9 13900K processor. It excels in every aspect, from its support for lightning-fast memory overclocking to its premium and sturdy design. Moreover, it stands out from the competition with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, making it one of the few motherboards on the market to offer USB4 connectivity.

Here are the key specifications and features:

- Brand: ASUS

- Memory Slots: 4

- Memory Type: DDR5 (Up to 7800+ MHz)

- Form Factor: ATX

- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E

- USB Ports: Up to 21 USB Ports

- CPU Support: Intel 12th and 13th Generation

- Chipset: Z790

- Socket: LGA1700

- Power Phases: 20+1 Phases

- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet 2.5G

One of the standout features of this motherboard is its excellent VRMs, boasting a 20+1 phase configuration for unmatched power delivery.

Supports a high level of memory overclocking out of the box

Offers excellent networking features with Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2, and 2.5G ethernet out of the box

One of the more aesthetically pleasing motherboard choices for the 13900K

Offers an overwhelming 5 x PCI-E M2 slots thanks to the add-in card that comes with the motherboard

Cons Pricier than most other mainstream Z790 options

Needs driver updates out of the box to support Wi-Fi and Ethernet options

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the top-tier motherboard by the company, boasting a remarkable 20+1 phase power delivery system and an abundance of expansion slots. It is priced at $588 on Amazon, $630 at Best Buy, and also available for $588 on Newegg. Being more affordable compared to its superior siblings, such as the older Z690 Maximus Formula and the hard-to-find Z790 Maximus Extreme, this motherboard provides excellent value within the range of $500 to $600 while retaining most of the advantages of the high-end Maximus lineup.

The ROG Maximus Hero is widely regarded as one of the most visually appealing motherboards in the industry. In addition to its sleek design, it boasts exceptional overclocking capabilities for both the CPU and memory. One notable feature is its dual PCI-E 5.0 x16 slots, however, it is important to note that if both slots are utilized simultaneously, they will operate at x8/x8 due to the limited number of PCI-E 5.0 lanes available on the Z790 chipset when combined with 12th/13th generation processors.

Furthermore, the ROG Maximus Hero is equipped with USB4 ports that support Thunderbolt functionality. This enables various next-generation Thunderbolt-based devices to leverage the enhanced power and bandwidth, making it ideal for content creators. Additionally, the motherboard offers up to five M2 NVME slots, taking into account the inclusion of the ROG Hyper M2 add-in card in a PCI-E slot. This allows for support of PCI-E Gen 5 SSDs. This feature proves particularly beneficial as Gen 5 SSDs are already available on the market, providing more utility for users compared to the standard PCI-E x16 slot typically found on most Z790 motherboards.

The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end Intel-based motherboard. While it may have a higher cost, it boasts numerous outstanding features. One of its standout qualities is its ability to effortlessly handle a 13900K with impressive overclocking capabilities, all without encountering any power delivery issues. Additionally, this motherboard is more readily available at or below the manufacturer's suggested retail price compared to ASUS's other premium offerings within the same range. This makes the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 a solid and compelling option for gamers and enthusiasts alike, who are willing to invest in a top-notch motherboard package.

The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard is a top choice for those looking for a compact motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K. Packed with new features like USB4, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, this mITX motherboard offers impressive performance at a significantly lower price compared to its competitors. With 2 DDR5 memory slots, support for up to 7000+ MHz, and 11 USB ports, it provides ample connectivity options. Additionally, it boasts 3 M.2 NVMe connectors and supports Intel 12th and 13th gen CPUs, making it a versatile choice for gamers and enthusiasts. Notably, it offers excellent memory overclocking right out of the box.

Has dual USB4 Thunderbolt ports on offer

Has 2.5G ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and BT 5.3 support

Can be used in SFF builds as well as M-ATX PC enclosures with ease

Cons Does seem to have some QC issues for certain users

VRM cooling could be better implemented and more thorough for such a small motherboard

$335 at Amazon $335 at Newegg $335 at Walmart

The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard provides a comprehensive option for those seeking a Z790-based Intel motherboard without compromising on functionality and expansion, despite its compact size. With its mITX form factor, this motherboard allows for impressive memory overclocking and boasts a reliable 10+1+1 phase VRM solution. Additionally, it comes equipped with dual USB4 ports that support Thunderbolt. This motherboard stands out for being one of the most affordable choices featuring a Z790 chipset.

Thanks to its versatile form factor, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard can be seamlessly integrated into various builds and Small Form Factor (SFF) PC cases. Furthermore, it offers three M2 slots, a PCI-E 5.0 GPU slot, and an ample number of USB ports, which is quite remarkable for an m-ITX motherboard. On top of that, it incorporates the latest networking specifications, such as Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet, and BT 5.3 support right out of the box.

ASRock's mITX offering has distinct advantages. It provides an affordable alternative to mainstream options while maintaining a compact size, allowing for greater flexibility in build compatibility. However, the PG-ITX may face challenges when paired with larger RTX 4000 series GPUs, as their substantial cooler size can overshadow the motherboard, making it a less visually appealing choice for most gamers.

EVGA Z790 Classified Gaming Motherboard

The EVGA Z790 Classified Gaming Motherboard is the top choice for overclocking enthusiasts who want to maximize performance with the Intel Core i9 13900K. Priced at $490, it offers a significant $210 savings. This motherboard is specifically designed for Intel's 12th and 13th generation processors and is equipped with a 19-phase power delivery system and a dense 12-layer PCB, making it one of the most advanced options in the industry.

Here are some key features of the EVGA Z790 Classified Gaming Motherboard:

- Brand: EVGA

- Memory Slots: 4

- Memory Type: DDR5 (Up to 7800Mhz)

- Form Factor: E-ATX

- Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 6E

- USB Ports: Up to 15 USB Ports

- M.2 NVMe Connector: 3 x M2 Slots

- CPU Support: Intel 12th and 13th Gen

- Chipset: Z790

- Socket: LGA 1700

- Power Phases: 14+2+2+1

- Networking: 10G + 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2

One of the standout features of this motherboard is its spacious design, providing ample room for all your components.

Has dual ethernet ports (10G + 2.5G) in addition to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2

Has an excellent 19-phase digital VRM for overclocking

Can overclock memory considerably better than the competition

Has built-in BIOS-level stress testing for components with custom overclocks

The rotated memory slots make it considerably easier for overclockers to swap out coolers and cable manage components

Has Dual USB4 ports out of the box

The high-end Z790 motherboard has limited I/O options, which is a drawback. Additionally, the unique placement of power connectors on the right side may pose a problem for smaller cable-length CPU 8-pin connectors trying to connect to the motherboard.

As an EATX case, this has limited case options compared to most of its competition

$490 at Amazon $490 at Newegg

The EVGA Z790 Classified Gaming Motherboard has consistently been recommended for overclocking and is a popular choice among PC enthusiasts. Originally priced at $700 with a 3-year warranty, it can now be purchased for under $500. The Classified stands out for its exceptional overclocking capabilities and ability to effortlessly handle demanding overclocks and higher memory clocks, particularly for the 13900K processor.

With three M2 slots, dual USB4 ports, a PCI-E 5.0 interface for the GPU, and strategically repositioned memory slots and power connectors, it offers a unique and fully-featured motherboard ideal for overclocking. It also boasts support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, and includes dual Ethernet (10G + 2.5G) for additional connectivity options. However, it is important to note that its E-ATX form factor is larger than typical mid-tower builds, requiring a spacious case.

The EVGA Z790 Classified Gaming Motherboard truly excels in overclocking capabilities right out of the box, featuring integrated BIOS stress testing tools, a robust 14+2+2+1 (19 total) phase power delivery system, and the ability to handle memory at stable clock speeds surpassing 7800 MHz. Despite its initial high price tag of just under $500, which was lower than the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero with comparable specifications and dual PCI-E 5.0 slots, the Classified holds its own value proposition for both enthusiasts and overclockers.

Core i9 13900K

Intel's latest flagship processor, the Intel Core i9, boasts impressive gaming performance and outstanding benchmark results across various tasks. With 24 cores and 32 threads, it effortlessly handles workload and is compatible with PCIe 4.0/5.0 and both 7th and 12th generation motherboards.

Specifications:

- Brand: Intel

- CPU Model: 13900K

- CPU Socket: LGA 1700

- Cores: 24

- Threads: 32

- PCIe 4.0 Support: N/A

- Base Clock Speed: 3.0GHz

- Boost Clock Speed: 5.8GHz

- Cache: 68MB

- PCIe Compatibility: PCI-E 4.0 & 5.0

- TDP: 253W

- Integrated Graphics: Yes, Intel UHD Graphics 770

Benefits:

- Offers significant power in a compact 24-core, 32-thread design

Is slightly faster than the competition in some games

Has a significant lead in some synthetic benchmarks thanks to it leveraging its 24-core configuration

Works with both, Intel's 12th and 13th-generation motherboards

Cons Consumes considerably higher amounts of power than its competition from AMD

Is not the fastest gaming CPU on offer currently

Requires high-end cooling to function adequately/overclock without throttling

At Amazon, the Intel Core i9 13900K is priced at $552, while at Newegg, it is priced slightly higher at $557. As the fastest Intel-based CPU currently available, the i9 13900K boasts 24 cores and 32 threads, making it a powerhouse for productivity tasks and gaming. However, it requires aggressive cooling and high power consumption, so it is essential to pair it with top-notch PC hardware, including a capable cooler, memory, and motherboard, to fully unleash its potential.

FAQ

With the imminent release of Intel's 14th generation CPUs, the position of the 13900K at the top of the leaderboard is set to face stiff competition. Intel is determined to reclaim the gaming performance crown from AMD, especially since the launch of the Ryzen 7000 X3D CPUs. What's interesting is that the upcoming 14th generation CPUs are said to retain the same socket, which means they should be compatible with the aforementioned motherboard recommendations. This compatibility allows for a seamless upgrade from the current reigning Intel champion.

Q: What is the fastest Intel CPU?

The Intel Core i9 13900K is currently the top-performing CPU that Intel has to offer. An even more refined variant, known as the Intel Core i9 13900KS, not only provides higher clock speeds but also represents a meticulously selected version of its predecessor.

Q: What RAM is compatible with the Intel Core i9 13900K?

The Intel Core i9 13900K is compatible with DDR4 3200MHz and DDR 5600 MHz memory modules. It also performs optimally with XMP-enabled memory, allowing for overclocking potential of up to 8200 MHz on DDR5 RAM, contingent upon the utilization of a compatible Z790-based motherboard.