Intel’s i5-14600KF is a remarkable mid-range processor that incorporates a total of 14 threads, 20 cores, and a boost clock speed of 5.5 GHz. Its impressive performance means you are going to need a capable motherboard in order to benefit from everything the CPU has to offer. My list of the Best Motherboards For i5-14600KF is here to help you with exactly that.
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Make sure to check out these tested round-ups if you are interested in making a build for the i5-14600KF:
Last update on 2023-12-13
Best Motherboards For i5-14600KF
Here is my list of the Best Motherboards For i5-14600KF.
- Best Overall Motherboard For i5-14600KF Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
- Best High-End Motherboard For i5-14600KF MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
- Best White Motherboard For i5-14600KF ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
- Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-14600KF ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi 6E
- Best Value Motherboard For i5-14600KF ASRock Z790 PG Riptide
- Best Overclocking Motherboard For i5-14600KF ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Best Overall Motherboard For i5-14600KF
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
- Competitive price
- Sleek visuals
- Decent performance
Cons
- Entry level codec
- No Gen 5 M.2
Design & Build Quality: The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX incorporates a black-gray design along with white stenciling on the chipset and NVMe heatsinks. It’s built on a sturdy 6-layer PCB, which also houses MSI’s capable Advanced Thermal Design for optimal cooling performance. I also found hints of RGB under the chipset heatsink.
Performance: Throughout our tests, I found no performance discrepancies within the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. It comes packed with a capable 16+1+2 Hybrid Digital VRM design, 70A Smart Power Stages, as well as support for DDR5 memory up to a frequency of 7600 MHz.
Features & Connectivity: The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX uses a multi-function button which gives you access to features such as BIOS, RGB, and safe mode. Moreover, I was also left surprised by its extensive host of storage and connectivity options, the most impressive of which include WiFi 6E, a 20 Gbps type-c port, and 4 M.2 slots.
When our senior reviewer, Nauman Siddique, ran tests on the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, he was left surprised by the motherboard’s versatility, stating:
“The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is a well-balanced motherboard with a feature set that would easily provide the daily-driver requirement.”
Buy It If:
During testing, we captured the following images of the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX:
You want a versatile motherboard: The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX benefits from its excellent price-to-performance ratio, providing a nice blend of performance and features.
You are targeting an all-black build: I noticed that the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite’s sleek black aesthetic makes it a perfect fit for an all-black PC.
Don’t Buy It If:
You intend to benefit from PCIe 5.0 storage: The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX does not come with a PCIe Gen 5.0 M.2 slot.
You prefer a higher-end audio chip: While the presence of the entry-level Realtek ALC897 is not an insurmountable issue for standard users, audiophiles might be interested in something a bit more capable.
What Makes It The Best Overall Motherboard For i5-14600KF
All in all, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an exceptionally built motherboard that provides phenomenal performance without compromising on its visual appearance. Its reasonable price tag combined with the extensive set of features make it the Best Overall Motherboard For i5-14600KF.
- Read our Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review
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| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
Best High-End Motherboard For i5-14600KF
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
- Exceptional performance
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Cons
- No RGB
Design & Build Quality: Unsurprisingly, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi’s aesthetical elements aren’t vastly different from its contemporaries, featuring a black PCB that is followed by yellow accents that emphasize the Tomahawk branding. I was also quick to notice that RGB lighting is entirely absent on the board.
Performance: Performance is where the motherboard impressed me the most. From a PCIe Gen 5.0 slot to a robust 16+1+1 VRM configuration with 90A power stages, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leaves no room for concern in this department. The motherboard supports DDR5 memory up to a speed of 7800 MHz, a respectable figure.
Features + Connectivity: I observed that it is also well-equipped in terms of features. You are provided with the capable ALC4080 Audio codec along with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for connectivity. Other connectivity options include a Gen 5.0 x4 M.2 slot, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on the rear I/O for 20 Gbps transfer speeds, and a 2.5GB LAN port.
Buy It If:
Take a look at the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX Wi-Fi from our review:
You want a well-balanced feature set: Packed with a capable audio codec, a Gen 5.0 PCIe slot, and a Gen 5.0 M.2, you won’t be disappointed with the motherboard’s feature set.
You want to benefit from a Gen 5.0 NVMe drive: Since the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi comes with a Gen 5.0 SSD slot, you’ll be able to benefit from faster SSDs.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want RGB lighting: I was not able to find a single hint of RGB lighting on the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi, which can be off-putting for some people.
What Makes It The Best High-End Motherboard For i5-14600KF
In my experience, the Tomahawk series has dominated the grounds for its excellent feature sets, and that also rings true for the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi. Not only does it incorporate an M.2 slot that supports the Gen 5.0 standard, but you also get a powerful VRM configuration, making it the Best High-End Motherboard For i5-14600KF.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFI
Best White Motherboard For i5-14600KF
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
- Visually striking design
- Capable VRM
- Gen 5 M.2
Cons
- No USB 2.0 headers
- No USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 rear I/O port
Design & Build Quality: The ASRock Steel Legend WiFi comes with an aesthetically pleasing black-and-white design while also including hints of gray on the PCB. Speaking of which, the motherboard uses a 6-layer, 2 oz copper PCB to ensure a stable experience. RGB lighting has been scattered throughout the board to give it a more balanced look.
Performance: Throughout our testing, we were impressed by the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi’s performance. It comes bundled with a 16+1+1 phase power delivery along with 60A power stages. RAM compatibility is also decent, with support for DDR5 memory up to a speed of 7200 MHz.
Features & Connectivity: ASRock has managed to incorporate a few note-worthy features on the Z790 Steel Legend WiFi such as the graphics card holder to accommodate bulkier cards, steel-reinforced PCIe slots, and multiple display outputs. On top of that, it also provides WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
Buy It If:
Here are a few images we captured during our tests of the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi.
You intend on building a white-themed PC: The ASRock Z790 Steel Legend’s black-and-white aesthetic will make it a perfect addition to a white-themed build.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want more connectivity options: With only a single USB 2.0 header and no 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on the rear I/O, USB connectivity was slightly disappointing on the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFI.
What Makes It The Best White Motherboard For i5-14600KF
ASRock’s Steel Legend series of motherboards have become touted for their appealing white design and the Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is no different. Not only that, but it also brings a slew of modern features to the table including PCIe Gen 5.0 NVMe support, making it the Best White Motherboard For i5-14600KF.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 10/10 |
ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi 6E
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-14600KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Power Delivery: 8+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 2x DIMM, 96GB, DDR5-7600+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear, 5x internal | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E
Pros
- Solid rear I/O connectivity
- Great value
- Attractive design
Cons
- No overclocking support
Design & Build Quality: The motherboard comes with hints of polychromatic accents on the heatsinks while encompassing a matte-black PCB that comprises a total of 8 layers. Overall, the motherboard is reinforced with high-end components and robust heatsinks that extend all the way to the M.2 slots, giving the board a sturdy feeling.
Performance: I was surprised to find that the ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFI 6E also keeps up when it comes to performance, using an 8+1 phase VRM configuration with 80A power stages. Apart from that, you get a full-length PCIe Gen 5.0 x 16 slot as well as 2 DIMM slots that support RAM modules up to a speed of 7600 MHz.
Features & Connectivity: The ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi features an M.2 Q-latch, Q-LED for debugging, as well as WiFi 6E. I was pleased to see that the motherboard also comes with 2 PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slots, 4 SATA connections, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on the rear I/O.
Buy It If:
You are building a small-form-factor PC: Its mini-ITX footprint renders it suitable for anyone interested in building a small form-factor system.
You want a value mini-ITX board: With the addition of a Q-LED, capable power delivery, and the ROG SupremeFX 7.1 audio codec, the motherboard does a phenomenal job of keeping up with its Z790 counterparts.
You want a mini-ITX board with great connectivity: The smaller size has not stopped ASUS from equipping the motherboard with plenty of USB ports, WiFi 6E connectivity, and M.2 slots that receive decent cooling.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want to overclock your CPU: The ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming does not support overclocking.
What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-14600KF
The ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi 6E manages to pack an extensive selection of modern features while retaining a smaller footprint. Between decent connectivity options, to a capable VRM configuration comprising 9 phases, the motherboard’s feature-set is not vastly different from a full-sized board, making it the Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i5-14600KF.
| Performance: 7/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASRock Z790 PG Riptide
Best Value Motherboard For i5-14600KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 14+1+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR5-7200+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 9x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 5x M.2, 8x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN
Pros
- Decent overclocking potential
- Fantastic value for money
- 5x M.2 slots
- Gen 5 NVMe support
Cons
- Average Audio Codec
- No WiFi connectivity
Design & Build Quality: The ASRock Z790 PG Riptide is fairly well-built for the most part, using a 6-layer PCB along with steel-reinforced PCIe slots. Aside from the matte-black PCB, I found blue accents on both the chipset heatsink and VRM cover that accentuate its rather simple design. RGB can also be found on the chipset heatsink.
Performance: Performance is adequate on the ASRock Z790 PG Riptide since it utilizes a 14+1+1 VRM design with 50A power stages. We were also pleased to find out that the motherboard allows for decent overclocking thanks to the great VRM cooling allocated.
Features & Connectivity: The ASRock Z790 PG Riptide comes with RealTek ALC897 audio, four PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slots as well as a PCIe Gen 5.0 slot. While it lacks WiFi connectivity, you will be provided with a Killer 2.5GB ethernet port as an alternative.
When our senior reviewer, Nauman Siddique, passed the ASRock Z790 PG Riptide through its paces, he was specifically impressed by its fantastic value, concluding:
“If you can live without the wireless connectivity and looking for a pocket-friendly Z790 motherboard that still provides Gen5 base connectivity for storage and PCIe, then look no further”
Buy It If:
Take a look at a few images of the ASRock Z790 PG Riptide that we captured during our review.
You want a budget-friendly Z790 board: Despite retaining an impressive feature set and a Gen 5.0 NVMe slot, the ASRock Z790 PG Riptide does not cost an outrageous amount.
You want to overclock your CPU: Thanks to the capable VRM setup and reasonable cooling, the ASRock Z790 PG Riptide provides decent overclocking headroom.
You want great storage options: With 8 SATA ports, four PCIe Gen 4 M.2 ports, and an extra Gen 5 M.2 slot, the ASRock Z790 PG Riptide does not miss the mark when it comes to storage.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want wireless connectivity: The ASRock Z790 PG Riptide does not offer WiFi connectivity.
You want a more feature-rich board: You will be missing out on features such as a better audio codec, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on the rear I/O, as well as debug LEDs.
What Makes It The Best Value Motherboard For i5-14600KF
The ASRock Z790 PG Riptide is a fairly accessible Z790 motherboard, that is not radically different from the higher-end variants. Between its extensive set of storage options and solid overclocking potential, I found a lot to like about the motherboard. Sure, it might lack a few features, but it makes up for those with its value-oriented price tag, which is why it has been titled the Best Value Motherboard For i5-14600KF.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4
Best Overclocking Motherboard For i5-14600KF
Chipset: Z790 | Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+1 Phase VRM | Memory Support: 4x DIMM, 192GB, DDR4-5333+ | Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear, 7x internal | Storage: 4x M.2, 4x SATA | Networking: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Excellent overclocking capabilities
- 16+1 Phase VRM Configuration
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Plain design
- No Gen 5 NVMe slot
Design & Build Quality: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 lives up to its name, delivering robust build quality thanks to the use of a 6-layer PCB, military-grade TUF chokes, and TUF capacitors. In my opinion, its design is fairly basic, offering a black aesthetic that is accompanied by RGB lighting.
Performance: Performance on the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 is excellent, being bolstered through the presence of a 16+1 phase VRM design with 60A power stages. Additionally, ASUS’ top-notch VRM and chipset heatsink combined with the capable power delivery gives the motherboard an edge when it comes to overclocking.
Features & Connectivity: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 features a front Panel Thunderbolt 4 connection, Realtek ALC1220A codec for audio, and WiFi 6 for wireless connectivity. Furthermore, the motherboard comes with four PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slots and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 slot on the rear I/O.
Buy It If:
You are interested in overclocking the i5-14600KF: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 makes for a perfect motherboard if you are interested in overclocking the Core i5-14600KF.
You want an affordable Z790 motherboard: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 is reasonably priced when compared to other Z790 motherboards.
You want flawless audio: The Realtek ALC1220A codec is a high-quality audio chip, perfect for anyone who wants to benefit from better audio.
Don’t Buy It If:
You prefer a motherboard with abundant RGB lighting: The TUF series is not specifically praised for its visual prowess, and that shows with the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFI D4’s lack of RGB.
What Makes It The Best Overclocking Motherboard For i5-14600KF
Overclocking capabilities on the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi are top-notch thanks to its 16+1 phase VRM configuration and robust cooling, making it the Best Overclocking Motherboard For i5-14600KF.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Design: 8/10 |
Interested in motherboards for 14th Gen CPUs?
Helpful Motherboard Key Terms
- Form Factor: The physical footprint your motherboard comes with is usually referred to as its form factor. The most commonly used form factors for motherboards are, ATX, mITX, and ITX.
- M.2 Slot: A slot designated on a motherboard for installing your M.2 NVMe drive.
- Overclocking: Overclocking involves going past the default-rated clock speeds on particular components to achieve better performance. This usually results in an increased heat output.
- VRM: Voltage Regulator Modules or VRMs are particularly designed to handle the flow of voltage to a specific component.
How We Tested & Picked The Best Motherboards For i5-14600K
- Form Factor: Before anything, you’ll first have to consider the form factor you want your motherboard in. To put things into perspective, anyone opting for a small-form-factor build will have to look for a similar-sized board.
- Power Delivery: The VRM configuration your motherboard comes equipped with is one of the most important factors to consider in a motherboard. Not only is it responsible for ensuring a stable supply of voltage to your processor, but it is also largely responsible for determining the total overclocking capabilities your motherboard will be able to provide.
- Feature Set: The feature set integrated within your motherboard can vastly influence a user’s decision. That said, a user’s desired feature set is mostly dependent on their workflow. For instance, anyone interested in benefitting from better audio will look for a solid audio codec in the feature list of a motherboard. Throughout my list, I have included a comprehensive summary of the feature set of every recommended motherboard.
- Design and Aesthetics: While the design and aesthetics of your motherboard have no direct correlation to its performance or value, anyone interested in setting a theme for their build will have to look for a motherboard that fulfills certain criteria in terms of visual appearance. Whether it’s additional RGB lighting or a particular color palette, the design you would want out of your board will come down to personal preference.
- Value: It is important to ensure that the motherboard provides performance that is commensurate with its price. Naturally, you might also consider other factors when evaluating the motherboard’s value, such as its feature set, storage options, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX has been selected as the best overall motherboard for i5-14600KF.
Yes, the i5-14600KF is compatible with the Z690 chipset.
Yes, the B760 chipset proves to be a reasonable choice for the i5-14600KF.
Yes, the Core i5-14600KF supports DDR4 memory.
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[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]
Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
