Best Z790 Motherboards: Our Top Picks

The importance of selecting the right motherboard for your PC becomes even more serious when you realize that pretty much everything you add to your PC plugs into the motherboard.

For gaming, most users want the best CPU and GPU. Currently, the 13th Gen Intel Core Processor, codenamed Raptor Lake, offers significant performance gains for gamers and content creators alike.

So, most gamers and creators use them. But it would be best if you also had a compatible motherboard to keep up with the processors. 

This is where the Z790 chipset comes into play. The Z790 chipset is the latest and greatest from Intel, specifically designed to work hand-in-hand with 12th Gen Alder Lake and the new 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors.

So, if you plan to have either CPUs on your PC, you need a good Z790 motherboard. Luckily, you are on the right page as we list the best Z790 motherboards today. 

Benefits of Z790 Motherboards

Here are a few reasons that should convince you to buy a Z790 motherboard for your next gaming setup:

• First, it comes with the support for LGA 1700 socket. Not only does this ensure you get compatibility for 13th-Gen Raptor Lake CPUs but also for 12th-Gen Alder Lake. 
• Since the Raptor Lake processors have heavy power demands, these motherboards have better power delivery systems for maximum performance. 
• The Z790 chipset prepares you for the future with PCIe 5.0 support, the next-gen standard for graphics cards and storage. This opens the door to blazing-fast data transfer speeds, ensuring your system stays ahead of the curve.
• Finally, it is a treat for overclocking as it allows users to push their hardware to the limits. Most offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces for fine-tuning clock speeds and voltages, unlocking even more performance potential.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying 

Since the Z790 motherboards are top-notch for gaming builds, you will find many options to choose from. Many options often lead to confusion. However, those can be resolved with a few factors to keep in mind:

• First and foremost, you need to find the right form factor that fits your needs. Z790 motherboards come in various sizes, from compact Mini-ITX to expansive ATX and E-ATX. For instance, ATX offers the most expansion slots and features, while Mini-ITX prioritizes space savings in smaller cases. So, make sure to look at your PC case before making any decisions. 
• Then, you must find a motherboard with a good VRM configuration since VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) delivers power to your CPU. Also, remember that more VRMs and higher amperage ratings generally translate to better overclocking headroom.
• This might sound like a no-brainer, but people often overlook this feature. You need better connectivity options. So check the number of USB ports (including the latest USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 standards), fan headers for additional cooling, and onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
• Then, you must see the storage options your motherboard offers. This is not a big deal, as most modern motherboards offer a mix of PCIe and SATA slots for connecting storage drives. If you go for high-end motherboards, you might get multiple PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots for the fastest NVMe SSDs.
• After all, it is about gaming; a big part of gaming is visual appeal. So, you should go for an aesthetic motherboard that goes well with your overall gaming setup. 

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Best Z790 Motherboards

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II

If you are looking for the best overall Z790 motherboard, then the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II motherboard has to be up there. This ATX motherboard comes with a 16+1+2 phase power delivery system.

So, it is perfect for overclocking enthusiasts. Then, the motherboard supports the latest Intel LGA 1700 socket, making it compatible with both 12th Gen Alder Lake and 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs.

If we talk about the storage options, you get many SATA III ports and five PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for bleeding-edge NVMe storage solutions.

Furthermore, the networking capabilities are top-notch, with integrated WiFi 7 and 2.5GbE LAN, ensuring smooth online experiences. This feature-packed motherboard is a good choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a powerful and feature-rich platform for their Raptor Lake CPU.

The powerful VRM configuration ensures efficient power delivery for even the most demanding overclocking scenarios. Ample cooling solutions keep your system running cool under pressure.

Reasons to Buy

• If you plan to overclock your CPU, this is the motherboard you need. 
• It comes with some of the best connectivity options. 
• The customizable RGB lighting and a sleek design enhance your build’s visual appeal.

Reasons to Avoid 

• It comes in an ATX form factor, so you need a mid-tower or full-tower case. 
• The motherboard comes with a premium price tag. 

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Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme

For those who are looking for the best high-end option, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme would be a good fit. This E-ATX board boasts a powerful digital VRM power delivery system.

This caters perfectly to extreme overclocking and handling the most power-hungry Raptor Lake CPUs. It supports the LGA 1700 socket and many storage options. 

The Z790 Aorus Extreme features 10 GB Ethernet, 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports, flagship-class audio, PCIe 5.0 GPU and M.2 support, overkill power delivery, and a high-end motherboard appearance. MSI’s Z790 Godlike provides a few additional features.

This feature-rich powerhouse is designed for serious overclockers and content creators who expect the best. The strong VRM arrangement, likely to include high-quality components, ensures consistent power delivery when pushing your CPU to its maximum.

Its huge storage capabilities and fast networking make it ideal for managing large files and creative activities. Additionally, it supports liquid cooling solutions for those pushing their systems to the maximum.

Reasons to Buy

• Ideal for extreme overclocking and demanding workloads 
• 10GbE LAN, dual Thunderbolt 4, and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots ensure top-tier performance.
• It comes with liquid cooling support, which is good for overclockers. 

Reasons to Avoid

• This is one of the most expensive Z790 motherboards on the market.
• A less extreme Z790 board might be sufficient for casual users or moderate overclockers.

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ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Next, we have another E-ATX form factor Z790 motherboard for users looking for a relatively affordable Z790 motherboard.

This ATX motherboard boasts a capable 24+1+2 phase power delivery system, suitable for moderate overclocking and handling current and next-generation Intel CPUs. It supports the LGA 1700 socket for 12th-Gen Alder Lake and 13th-Gen Raptor Lake processors.

This motherboard is designed for budget-conscious builders and gamers who want the most bang for their buck without giving up critical features. The strong VRM architecture provides overclocking flexibility, while the PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot ensures compatibility with high-speed storage.

Integrating 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6 ensures superior wired and wireless communication. Unlike some inexpensive boards, it has an impressive 8 SATA III ports, making it an excellent choice for those that have several storage devices.

Reasons to Buy

• There are many storage options. 
• The power delivery system is an overkill.
• It is a feature-packed Z790 motherboard at a competitive price point.

Reasons to Avoid

• A mid-tower or full-tower case is required for proper fit.
• It does not look as premium as some of the other motherboards on the list. 

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MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi

Finally, we have another budget-friendly choice for gamers. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomhawk WiFi. On this motherboard, you get a 16+1+1 phase digital VRM configuration, which is more than good for handling current and next-gen Intel CPUs. This board also supports the LGA 1700 socket for 12th-Gen Alder Lake and 13th-Gen Raptor Lake processors.

Then, you will also get good storage and connectivity options built into the board. So, if you are on a tight budget and need an affordable Z790 motherboard, check out this one.

The VRM setup gives sufficient headroom for overclocking or handling demanding games. WiFi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN provide a reliable and fast network connection for online gaming and content streaming. 

Reasons to Buy

• It comes with a well-rounded feature set at a competitive price point.
• Supports high-performance NVMe storage for fast boot times and game loading.
• MSI’s signature black-and-white aesthetic provides a clean look that complements various builds.

Reasons to Avoid

• A mid-tower or full-tower case is required for proper fit.
• While there are RGB headers for adding lighting strips, the board lacks built-in RGB illumination.

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Final Thoughts

The Z790 chipset unlocks the potential of 13th-Gen Raptor Lake CPUs, offering future-proof performance and support for cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0.

Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or overclocker, there’s a perfect Z790 motherboard to meet your needs and budget. We hope this guide helps you to find your ideal Z790 motherboard. If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to us.