When building or upgrading a PC with Intel’s 13th or 14th Generation CPUs, choosing the right motherboard is critical. The Z790 chipset offers the best combination of performance, overclocking capabilities, and future-proof features tailored to gamers, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. But with a flooded market of motherboards from companies like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock, it’s essential to know which models provide true value and reliability.
TL;DR: The Intel Z790 chipset is designed to unlock the full potential of Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen CPUs with PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support, and advanced power delivery. The best Z790 motherboards combine robust VRMs, efficient cooling, ample connectivity, and premium build quality. Models such as the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, MSI MEG Z790 ACE, and Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master stand out for enthusiasts. For value-focused users, boards like the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend offer excellent features at a more accessible price.
What Makes the Z790 Chipset Special?
The Z790 chipset is the flagship platform for Intel’s Raptor Lake (13th Gen) and Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen) desktop CPUs. It maintains the LGA 1700 socket and builds on the Z690 foundation by offering:
- Increased PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Wider DDR5 memory profiles support
- More USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports
- Top-tier support for overclocking
- Better overall I/O support
These advantages make the Z790 chipset ideal for enthusiasts, gamers, and productivity users who demand high performance and future-proofing from their systems.
Top Z790 Motherboards for Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs
We’ve broken down the best Z790 motherboards by use case to help make your decision easier.
1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero – Best Premium Z790 Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a premium ATX motherboard designed for hardcore gamers and overclockers. It boasts a 20+1 phase power structure, ensuring rock-solid stability under heavy workloads or during CPU and memory overclocking. With both DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, it delivers cutting-edge performance and speed.
- High-end VRM with finned heatsinks for top-tier cooling
- Five M.2 slots with dedicated heatsinks
- Diverse connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, 10 USB ports
- Pre-applied thermal pads and reinforced PCIe slots
Best for: Enthusiasts and overclockers who want future-proof power combined with a sleek design and robust feature set.
2. MSI MEG Z790 ACE – Best for Overclocking
For users looking to push their CPU to the absolute limit, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE stands out with an outstanding 24+1+2 phase VRM and direct power delivery for incredible stability. This board is targeted toward serious performance seekers who need dependable support for DDR5 RAM at high frequencies and extreme tuning options in the BIOS.
- Luxury-grade PCB build and outstanding thermal design
- Supports up to 7800 MHz DDR5 memory
- PCIe 5.0 GPU and storage compatibility
- On-board diagnostic tools like POST codes and BIOS flashback
Best for: Hardcore overclockers and users who want ultra-reliable voltage retention with meticulous BIOS control.
3. Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master – Best All-Rounder
Balancing performance, build quality, and value, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master is perfect for those who want high-end features without exceeding the $500 mark. Its 20+1+2 twin digital VRM setup ensures stable CPU performance even during intense operations.
- Wi-Fi 6E and 10 GbE LAN for lightning-fast networking
- Five M.2 slots with full coverage heatsinks
- Strong memory overclocking support and TPM 2.0 compliance
- Sturdy aluminum backplate and protective DDR5 shield
Best for: Users wanting top performance in gaming and multitasking without diving into the ultra-premium segment.
4. ASRock Z790 Steel Legend Wi-Fi – Best Budget-Friendly Z790
Not everyone needs flagship-level features. For mainstream builds, the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend sacrifices some of the high-end frills for a more affordable price point—while still supporting DDR5 and decent power phases (16+1+1).
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN
- Three M.2 NVMe slots for fast storage
- Sturdy components with robust capacitors
- Support for BIOS flashback and decent fan controls
Best for: Budget-minded gamers or builders seeking Z790 features without spending over $250.
5. ASUS PRIME Z790-A WiFi – Best for Creators and Productivity
This motherboard targets creators and professionals who need stable performance, multiple display outputs, and high memory bandwidth. The PRIME Z790-A features great connectivity options, including multiple USB-C ports, and roomy space for GPUs and storage add-ons.
- Upgradeable Wi-Fi 6E module
- DDR5 support up to 7200 MHz
- Three M.2 slots with heat shields
- Excellent software suite with AI optimization tools
Best for: Content creators using tools like Adobe Premiere, AutoCAD, and Blender with a powerful CPU and GPU combo.
Important Features to Consider When Buying a Z790 Motherboard
If you’re unsure where to start or how to prioritize your motherboard selection, consider the following key factors:
- VRM Quality and Cooling: A solid VRM means better overclocking headroom and system longevity. Pick boards with large, finned heatsinks.
- PCIe and Storage Support: Choose PCIe 5.0 if you plan on high-end GPUs or Gen 5 SSDs.
- Memory Compatibility: Most Z790s support both DDR4 and DDR5. Opt for DDR5 if building with longevity and speed in mind.
- Connectivity: USB 4.0/Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5G or higher LAN ports are essential for modern tasks and multitasking setups.
- Form Factor: ATX boards offer the most features; Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are better for compact builds but may compromise expandability.
Final Thoughts
The Z790 chipset delivers premium-grade performance and next-gen connectivity, making it the ideal platform for Intel’s 13th and 14th Generation CPUs. Whether you need beastly overclocking capabilities, creator-friendly expansion, or a reliable gaming-centered foundation, there’s a Z790 motherboard that matches your needs.
Top-tier options like the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero or the MSI MEG Z790 ACE shine for enthusiasts, while more budget-conscientious users will find exceptional value with boards like the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend. Ultimately, your ideal choice depends on your performance goals, budget, and future upgrade plans.
Whichever path you take, investing in a capable and well-reviewed motherboard is the cornerstone of building a stable, high-performing PC.