Plus why you should upgrade
Intel has recently released their 13th-gen “Raptor Lake” processors, which means that a new range of motherboards is available. While the new processors use the same LGA1700 socket that the 12th gen CPUs used (meaning they’ll still work on Z690 motherboards), the newer Z790 motherboards promise better compatibility and more efficiency.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade, here are the 5 best Z790 motherboards that you can buy right now.
Table of Contents
Why Upgrade to a Z790 Motherboard?
Z790 chipset motherboards are the top-end motherboards available for the latest generation of CPUs. They offer the best when it comes to features like IO connectivity options, PCIe 5.0 graphics card support, increased RAM, and overclocking capabilities.
The difference between Z790 motherboards is largely down to the manufacturer — for example, ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte are three of the most well-known manufacturers, and their offerings provide different features for different users.
However, as we’ve already mentioned, Z790 motherboards don’t differ massively when compared to the previous Z690 models. The main differences are increased support for:
- PCIe 5.0 headers
- Thunderbolt 4 USB ports
- DDR5 RAM (and unlike AMD’s latest Ryzen chipset, Intel’s 13th-gen supports DDR4 memory back-compatibility)
- Better overclocking capabilities and power delivery
- Wi-Fi 6E
1. Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is one of the most affordable options when it comes to Z790 motherboards. It’s loaded with features that make it perfect for a mid-range, low-cost DDR5 gaming PC. It also has a great design that will fit well with different build styles.
With powerful Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) and solid heatsinks, the Aorus Elite AX also provides support for mid-level overclocking. This means you can boost your Intel 13th-gen CPU and get the most out of your system.
Key Specs
| Specification | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory | DDR5 128GB 7600MHz |
| PCIe x4 Slots | 4x PCIe 4.0 slots |
| PCIe x16 Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 and 2x PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Stages | 70A 16+1+2 power stages |
| IO | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 (rear IO only) |
| Storage | 4x M.2 Gen 4 slots |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit LAN connector |
The Bottom Line
Gigabyte’s AORUS Elite AX offers a great balance between price and features, meaning it’s the best budget gaming motherboard for mid-level 13th-gen setups.
2. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a near-flagship model that provides everything you need to make a top-tier Raptor Lake gaming PC. With full PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory support, easy overclocking, an easy-to-use BIOS, 90A VRMs, and massive VRM heatsinks, you can overclock even the Intel Core i9-13900K to its maximum capabilities.
Further, the Maximus Z790 Hero also provides a flagship-class audio solution so you can get the most high-quality audio currently available.
Key Specs
| Specification | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 128GB 7800MHz (and above) |
| PCIe x16 Slots | 2x PCIe 5.0, 1x PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Stages | 90A 20+1 power stages |
| IO | 2x 40 Gbps bandwidth Thunderbolt 4 Type-C headers, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Storage | 1x M.2 Gen 5 NVMe slot and 4x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit ethernet connector |
The Bottom Line
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a high-end model and its price reflects that position. If you’re looking to beat overclocking records, this is a good motherboard to go with. However, if you’re only going to overclock a little (or not at all), there are several other motherboards with similar feature sets at a lower price.
3. MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi
Another great mid-range option, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFI provides everything you need to get the most out of your next-gen PC build. With support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, you can build the perfect gaming machine without breaking the bank.
Key Specs
| Specification | MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFI |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 128GB 7600MHz |
| PCIe x3 Slots | 1x PCIe 3.0 slot |
| PCIe x16 Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0, 1x PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Stages | 90A 16+1+1 power stages |
| IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Storage | 4x M.2 Gen 4 slots, 7x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| Networking | Intel 2.5 LAN, Wi-Fi 6E |
The Bottom Line
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFI is a mid-tier motherboard that prioritizes the necessary features over features that appear in higher models like RGB lighting and Thunderbolt 4. What results is a reasonably priced motherboard with a solid set of features that’s more or less perfect for the average gamer.
4. ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard is for everyone who loves building compact PCs. Yet despite its Mini-ITX form factor, this ASUS motherboard doesn’t back down on functionality.
Note: For those who don’t know, the Mini-ITX form factor is one of the smallest form factors available – smaller even than micro-ATX boards. This means you can create tiny PC towers that pack a real punch.
Key Specs
| Specification | ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Memory | DIMM DDR5 64GB 7600MHz |
| PCIe x16 Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0, 2x PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Stages | 105A 10+1 VRM power stages |
| IO | 2x USB 4 Thunderbolt ports, 7x additional rear USB ports |
| Storage | 1x M.2 SSD Gen 5 slot, 1x M.2 Gen 4 slot, 2x SATA 6Gb/s |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE LAN |
The Bottom Line
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard is one of the best Mini-ITX options for 12th and 13th-generation builds.
The only problem is that you need to pay a premium to get all of these features in such a small package. In fact, its price point nearly reaches that of high-end ATX boards, at which point you’re almost better off building a full-sized PC tower with additional features.
5. Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is a massive motherboard of the E-ATX form factor. With all the extra space, Gigabyte added a huge amount of features, including a stack of connectivity options so you’ll never run out of space for your peripherals.
It also comes with a stack of smart overclocking features, including the ability to set 13th-gen Intel CPUs to 6GHz and higher with the click of a button. Alongside this feature, the Aorus Master includes the Optimization and Spec Enhance modes that let your 13th-gen CPUs run all cores at higher clock speeds and lower temps.
Key Specs
| Specification | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master |
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
| Memory | DDR5 128GB 8000MHz |
| PCIe x16 Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0, 2x PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Stages | 105A 20+1+2 power stages |
| IO | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 7x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 8x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Storage | 1x M.2 Gen 5 slot, 4 M.2 Gen 4 slots, 4x 6Gb/s SATA ports |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, high-speed 10GbE LAN chip |
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to build a massive PC tower that’s decked out with the latest technology, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is a great choice. But since it’s a massive board with a stack of top-end features, the Aorus Master isn’t cheap. Beyond price, the one thing to remember when considering this motherboard is whether your PC case supports E-ATX boards.
What Will You Choose?
Above, we’ve covered five of the best Z790 motherboards currently available on the market. From the normal ATX form factor to extra large E-ATX and small Mini-ITX models, there’s something for everyone. Now it’s time to choose your next GPU – AMD or NVIDIA?
