The Core i9-14900KF continues to be one of the best gaming CPUs in my testing, thanks to its unprecedented gaming performance and top-notch features. However, I noted that it is important to pair the Core i9-14900KF with a well-built motherboard to get the best performance results, both at stock and overclocked settings. Based on my test results, I have rounded up a list of the very best motherboards that can maximize the potential of the Core i9-14900KF.
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: Our roundups feature products that are based on dedicated hands-on testing by our team of experienced hardware experts. Find out more about how we test.
Here’s a quick look at the best motherboards for Core i9-14900KF and a brief comparison of their specs:
Last update on 2023-12-14
Got the i9-14900KF? Be sure to check out our tested roundups:
Best Motherboard For i9-14900KF
I selected the following motherboards for i9-14900KF based on my testing and hands-on experience:
- Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
- Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900KF: MSI MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI
- Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
- Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E
- Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
- Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi
Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Reliable power delivery system
- Excellent VRM cooling
- Solid connectivity options
- Top-notch networking features
Cons
- Lackluster design
- No RGB lighting
Design and Build Quality: I find the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi motherboard’s black design appealing for its minimalistic and rugged look, but some may be disappointed at the lack of RGB lighting. The motherboard’s 6-layer PCB, crafted from IT-170 server-grade material with 2oz copper layers, ensures exceptional reliability.
Performance: According to my testing, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK excels in overclocking the Core i9-14900KF, thanks to its 16+1+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages. I found that the extended VRM heatsinks and 7W/mK thermal pads maintain exceptionally low temperatures for the VRM components, enabling superb overclocking results.
Features and Connectivity: I think that the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX offers great value with features like a capable ALC4080 audio processor, as well as Clear CMOS, and Flash BIOS buttons. It has ample USB ports, four M.2 slots, and robust networking options like a 2.5 GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 7, making it a strong choice for gamers, in my opinion.
Buy It If:
You want the perfect motherboard for i9-14900KF: The Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX makes a compelling case to be the ideal motherboard for i9-14900KF, in my view, given its exceptional feature set and robust power delivery system.
You want an understated design: Building a stealthy workstation? I think the dark theme of the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX complements an understated build just perfectly.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want elaborate lighting: This board may not appeal to RGB enthusiasts since I did not find a glimmer of RGB lighting on the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX, and that is by design.
You want PCIe 5.0 storage: I noted that MSI has not provided an M.2 slot capable of PCIe 5.0 speeds on the Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX, which is a bit of a letdown.
What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For i9-14900KF?
For the Core i9-14900KF, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi covers all the bases by providing a superb feature set along with a reliable power delivery system at a reasonable price point, making it the best overall motherboard for i9-14900KF.
| VRM Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
MSI MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WiFi
Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 19+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7800+ | Display Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 10x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Exceptional 19+1+1 phase VRM
- Well-equipped connectivity options
- Impressive aesthetics
- Excellent storage features
Cons
- Quite expensive
- No DisplayPort output
Design and Build Quality: I appreciate MSI’s deviation from their traditional design language in the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi motherboard. The sophisticated look, along with an RGB panel on the I/O cover, adds an attractive touch. The board’s robust build quality, featuring an 8-layer server-grade PCB reinforced with 2oz thickened copper, impressed me.
Performance: In my testing, MSI’s Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi excels in its overclocking endeavors, particularly with the Core i9-14900KF. I noted that the excellent 19+1+1 phase VRM design with 105A SPS power stages remains cool during intense overclocking sessions, thanks to the multi-cut heatsink array incorporating a direct touch heatpipe.
Features and Connectivity: I observed that the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi offers a superb feature set, as the storage suite includes a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and the integrated WiFi 7 contributes to the decent networking options. I found the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps Type-C port on the rear I/O interesting, and the board’s front expansion options are adequate.
Buy It If:
You want extraordinary overclocking potential: My test results reveal that the 19+1+1 phase VRM of the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi delivered an outstanding overclocking experience with the Core i9-14900KF.
You want exceptional storage features: Equipped with 5 M.2 slots (including a PCIe 5.0 socket) and 6 SATA ports, I noted that the storage expansion on the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFI was exceptional.
Don’t Buy It If:
Your budget is limited: Despite its compelling price-to-performance ratio, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi is indeed an expensive motherboard that can hurt your wallet.
You need a DisplayPort output: I observed that the rear I/O of the Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi lacked a DisplayPort output, which can be slightly annoying during troubleshooting.
What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For i9-14900KF?
If you’re shopping at the premium end of the market, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon MAX WiFi is your best bet thanks to its outstanding 19+1+1 phase VRM design and superb connectivity options, making it the best high-end motherboard for i9-14900KF.
| VRM Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, eDP | USB Ports: 10x rear, 8x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Attractive white exterior
- Well-balanced connectivity options
- Excellent storage features
- Robust power delivery
Cons
- Single USB 2.0 header
- No USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port
Design and Build Quality: I like that ASRock catered to the latest trend in the PC industry with the all-white Z790 Steel Legend motherboard, featuring a stylish camouflage pattern and RGB lighting on the I/O cover. I also appreciate the 6-layer PCB with 2oz Copper layers, which not only boosts durability but also gives it a premium feel.
Our motherboard specialist, Nauman Siddique, was quite impressed with the aesthetics of the Z790 Steel Legend:
“ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is a beautiful board providing a combination of silver and white color accents with vivid and evenly done RGB lighting”.
Performance: I was pleasantly surprised by the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend’s overclocking performance with the Core i9-14900KF in my testing. It delivered exceptional performance thanks to its 16+1+1 phase VRM layout and Nihicon 12K caps. I noted that the substantial heatsink array effectively cools the VRM, ensuring excellent thermal performance.
Features and Connectivity: ASRock impressed with the feature set of the Z790 Steel Legend, offering PCIe 5.0 speeds on the primary M.2 slot as well as solid networking options. I found the rear I/O to be well-equipped, and the USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port caught my attention. I also think that the graphics card holder is a helpful addition.
Buy It If:
Take a look at the images we captured when testing Z790 Steel Legend WiFi from ASRock:
You want an exceptional all-white motherboard: My testing reveals that the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend is a beautiful amalgamation of form as well as function, thanks to its supreme features and attractive aesthetics.
You want versatile display outputs: If you plan to use the motherboard’s display ports, I noted that the Z790 Steel Legend has a host of versatile display outputs including eDP.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want more USB 2.0 ports: I observed that the Z790 Steel Legend only has a single USB 2.0 internal header, which can limit the connectivity of external peripherals.
You find the design too aggressive: Although the looks of the Z790 Steel Legend are quite impressive to me, some may find the camouflage pattern to be slightly too much.
What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i9-14900KF?
In the market for all-white motherboards, the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend stands out due to its extraordinary design, robust power delivery system, and a host of versatile connectivity options, making it the best white motherboard for i9-14900KF.
- Read our ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard Review
- Best Motherboard For i7-13700K
- Best White PC Cases
- Best White CPU Coolers
| VRM Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 10/10 |
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi 6E
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Power Delivery: 10+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 9x rear, 8x internal | Storage: 2x M.2, 2x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Excellent for compact PCs
- Impressive external dock
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- Attractive design language
Cons
- High price tag
- Limited expansion slots
Design and Build Quality: I noted that the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I motherboard retains the aggressive ROG design with a striking Strix script on the I/O cover and appealing RGB lighting. It impressed me with its ten-layer PCB for signal integrity, robust M.2 heatsinks, and a reinforced PCIe 5.0 slot for heavier graphics cards, enhancing its overall build quality.
Performance: I was pleasantly surprised by the ROG Strix Z790-I’s overclocking performance with the Core i9-14900KF in my testing. I found that it faired very well thanks to its 10+1 phase VRM design and 105A power stages. The VRM heatsinks also contributed to its performance, thanks to an embedded heatpipe and unique multi-cut design.
Features and Connectivity: ASUS impressed with the features of the Strix Z790-I, including the ROG Strix HIVE module, which offers enhanced external features. It also provides 2 M.2 slots (including a PCIe 5.0 slot), versatile connectivity options, and the innovative ROG FPS-II card for convenient I/O expansion, which I find particularly appealing.
Buy It If:
You want to build a high-end compact PC: Planning to build a small form factor PC around the Core i9-14900KF? My testing shows that the ROG Strix Z790-I is the ideal motherboard for the job.
You want unique display outputs: I noticed that the rear I/O of the Strix Z790-I was quite impressive, especially thanks to the two Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as other display outputs.
Don’t Buy It If:
You have a limited budget: The Strix Z790-I is catered towards a specific market and is therefore a bit more expensive than its ATX competition.
You want more expansion slots: If you have multiple PCIe expansion cards, sound cards, or storage cards, then the Strix Z790-I is not ideal for that scenario.
What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i9-14900KF?
Showcasing masterful use of its compact space, the ROG Strix Z790-I is equipped with a reliable power delivery system for overclocking, as well as unique connectivity features including an external dock, making it the best mini-ITX motherboard for i9-14900KF.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I was also featured in:
| VRM Performance: 7/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7600+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 10x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Superb value for money
- Impressive rear I/O
- Modern networking options
- Solid VRM design
Cons
- Lack of RGB lighting
- No PCIe 5.0 storage
Our resident motherboard expert, Nauman Siddique, endorsed the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX as an ideal value pick for the Core i9-14900KF:
“The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is a well-balanced motherboard with a feature set that would easily provide the daily-driver requirement in the main-stream mid-range market segment”.
Design and Build Quality: The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a sleek all-black design with distinctive ridges on the I/O cover, which I find appealing, even though the RGB lighting placement may not appease everyone. I found that the 6-layer PCB with 2x Copper layers minimizes interference, and the steel-reinforced PCIe 5.0 slot enhances durability.
Performance: The Z790 AORUS Elite AX impressed me on the test bench, thanks to its outstanding 16+1+2 phase VRM design with 70A power stages. It’s a great choice for overclocking even the Core i9-14900KF, especially if you’re on a modest budget. I noted that the multi-cut heatsinks and thick 6mm heatpipe contribute to its positive performance.
Features and Connectivity: Considering its price, I was pleasantly surprised by the feature set offered by the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, including the Multi-Key option for versatile functions. I also liked the storage options with 4 M.2 slots as well as the rear USB-C 20 Gbps port. Its networking suite is also solid, featuring WiFi 6E and a 2.5 GbE LAN port.
Buy It If:
Here are a few shots of the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX from our review:
You want to maximize value for money: At an affordable price point, I found that the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX checked all the boxes, making it an incredible value for money.
You want to build an all-black PC: Owing to the stark lack of RGB lighting and its black facade, I noted that the Z790 AORUS Elite AX was perfectly suited to stealthy PC builds.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want PCIe 5.0 storage: Although the Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts 4 M.2 storage slots, my tests show that it lacks a socket capable of supporting PCIe 5.0 speeds.
You want more RGB lighting: I quite like the understated design of the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, but some users may prefer a dash of RGB lighting instead.
What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i9-14900KF?
Featuring a well-balanced array of connectivity options, modern networking ports, and an excellent 16+1+2 phase power delivery system for robust overclocking, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the best value motherboard for i9-14900KF.
| VRM Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO
Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 20+1+2 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-8000+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB Ports: 12x rear, 9x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 7
Pros
- Extraordinary 20+1 phase VRM layout
- Incredible rear I/O connectivity
- Excellent storage options
- Beautiful design language
Cons
- Very expensive
- Only 2.5 Gigabit LAN
Design and Build Quality: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO impressed me with its iconic ROG design and striking RGB elements. Its exceptional build quality is evident through features like the integrated chipset and M.2 heatsink, metal backplate, quick-release PCIe and M.2 slots, and reinforced PCIe slots, all contributing to a sense of reliability.
Performance: In my testing, the Z790 DARK HERO’s 20+1+2 phase VRM design performed exceptionally well in maintaining sustained overclocks for the Core i9-14900KF. I noted that ASUS has included 10K black metallic capacitors to enhance reliability, and the gigantic aluminum heatsink also ensures optimal thermal performance.
Features and Connectivity: The Maximus Z790 DARK HERO stands out with top-notch features, including the SUPREMEFX ALC4082 audio codec, and convenient switches for BIOS flashback and CLEAR CMOS. I also appreciate the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, as well as two Thunderbolt 4 ports which add to its impressive feature set, along with WiFi 7 networking.
Buy It If:
You want to overclock the Core i9-14900KF: My tests show that the incredible 20+1+2 phase VRM of the Z790 DARK HERO showed superb overclocking potential when paired with the Core i9-14900KF.
You want an exceptional feature set: Showcasing a stacked rear I/O, superb internal expansion options, and an excellent storage suite, I noted that the Maximus Z790 DARK HERO boasted a superb feature set.
Don’t Buy It If:
Your budget is limited: The Maximus Z790 DARK HERO certainly falls towards the premium end of the pricing spectrum, despite its unique nature.
You want faster LAN networking: At this price point, I think that ASUS could have added a faster LAN option than the standard 2.5 Gigabit port.
What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i9-14900KF?
In the premium segment, the ASUS Maximus Z790 DARK HERO reigns supreme thanks to its extraordinary overclocking capabilities, exceptional connectivity options, and a host of unique features that make it the best overclocking motherboard for i9-14900KF.
| VRM Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Our expert panel also recommends the following motherboards:
Helpful Motherboard Key Terms
Keep in mind the following key terms when shopping for a new motherboard.
- Form Factor: Form factor refers to the size and shape of a motherboard, which determines its physical compatibility with computer cases. Common form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
- M.2 Slot: An M.2 slot is a small and versatile expansion slot on the motherboard that supports various devices like SSDs, Wi-Fi cards, and other add-on components, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities.
- Overclocking: Overclocking is the practice of increasing the clock speeds of the CPU, RAM, or other components to achieve better performance, but it can also lead to increased heat generation and potentially reduce component lifespan if not done carefully and with proper cooling.
- VRM (Voltage Regulator Module): VRM is a component on the motherboard responsible for regulating and delivering the correct voltage to the CPU. It plays a crucial role in CPU stability and power efficiency.
- I/O Shield: An I/O shield is a metal or plastic plate that mounts to the rear of the computer case, providing openings for motherboard I/O ports (USB, audio jacks, Ethernet, etc.) and shielding against electromagnetic interference.
- Chipset: The chipset is a group of integrated circuits on the motherboard that control data flow between the CPU, RAM, and various peripheral devices. It includes the Northbridge and Southbridge (or their integrated equivalents) and determines the motherboard’s capabilities and features.
How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For i9-14900KF
- Form Factor: I meticulously examined form factor options, considering Mini-ITX for compactness and ATX for expandability, ensuring compatibility and space utilization in diverse PC builds. The choice of form factor can greatly impact the overall size and capabilities of your PC.
- Power Delivery: VRM and overclocking capabilities were high on the priority list. I placed significant emphasis on strong power delivery and effective cooling solutions, which are critical for achieving optimal performance and stability during overclocking endeavors. A robust VRM system can be the key to pushing your CPU to its limits.
- Feature Set: I scrutinized connectivity options, expansion slots, and additional functionalities, taking into account USB ports, M.2 slots, and onboard features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more to provide a comprehensive view. The features on a motherboard can significantly enhance or limit the versatility of your PC.
- Design and Aesthetics: I recognized that a motherboard’s appearance significantly influences a PC’s overall visual appeal. I assessed both the aesthetic appeal and practicality of the motherboard’s layout and cable management to offer a holistic perspective. Aesthetics go beyond mere looks; they also impact cable management and airflow within your PC case.
- Value for Money: My aim was to identify motherboards that strike a harmonious balance between performance, features, and price, ensuring that users can make an informed choice that aligns with their budget constraints and specific needs for their i9-14900KF builds.
Why You Should Trust Us
Tech4Gamers has etched a remarkable presence in the tech industry, having solidified its journey with over a decade of invaluable experience. Our team is composed of highly skilled experts who are leaders in their respective domains of research, content creation, and hardware evaluation. Thanks to our expertise, we have received recognition from industry giants such as GIGABYTE, MSI, ASUS, Deepcool, and others, further establishing our credibility as a trusted source in the world of hardware and technology content.
Committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence, both for ourselves and our audience, we at Tech4Gamers meticulously conduct comprehensive testing and in-depth analysis. Drawing upon the knowledge and proficiency of our PC hardware specialists, we subjected each motherboard in this guide to a series of carefully planned tests, resulting in unbiased and objective data to create this roundup.
FAQs
The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi can be considered the best overall motherboard for i9-14900KF, according to my testing. It offers a host of useful connectivity features, an excellent networking suite, and a robust power delivery system for reliable overclocking.
Yes, the Core i9-14900KF will work on a Z690 motherboard. The 14th generation Intel CPUs are compatible with all 600-series and 700-series Intel chipsets, including Z690. You may need to install a BIOS update for optimal compatibility.
The Intel 14th Gen desktop CPUs use the LGA1700 socket, which is found in 600-series and 700-series motherboards. The LGA1700 socket can be found on H710, B760, H770, Z790, H610, B660, B670, and Z690 motherboards.
The Core i9-14900K is more expensive than the Core i9-14900KF because the former has integrated graphics, while the latter does not. The F-series SKUs have the iGPUs fused off and are ideal for those users who want to use a dedicated graphics card.
Yes, the Core i9-14900KF supports DDR4 as well as DDR5 memory. You cannot use both memory types on the same motherboard, however, as each one requires a dedicated motherboard due to physical incompatibility.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[Reviews Specialist]
Usman Saleem brings 8+ years of comprehensive PC hardware expertise to the table. His journey in the tech world has involved in-depth tech analysis and insightful PC hardware reviews, perfecting over 6+ years of dedicated work. Usman’s commitment to staying authentic and relevant in the field is underscored by many professional certifications, including a recent one in Google IT Support Specialization.
- 8+ years of specialized PC hardware coverage
- 6+ years of in-depth PC hardware analysis and reviews
- Lead PC hardware expert across multiple tech journalism platforms
- Certified in Google IT Support Specialization
