What is the best motherboard for 13900k? Recently, Mike, our senior editor, and I engaged in a discussion about buying a mobo for our i9 PC. While we both have different POVs, we summed up 6 top-notch models and finalized one for our lab. In this article, I’ll share our insights about these six mobos. Let’s have a look!
Quick Answer
Quickly put, there are a lot of boards in the market. However, the optimal board for i9-13900k is the one that has the following characteristics:
- Comes with an LGA 1700 socket;
- The mobo can provide a power supply between 700 – 1000 watts;
- It should support at least DDR4 RAM;
- There needs to be a PCIe 4.0 fast lane.
To find such a motherboard that fits the above criteria is like boiling the ocean. However, there is no need to worry. I have jotted down a guide that reviews the 6 mobos that not only fulfill the above requirements but also will satisfy your needs. Moreover, you’ll also get the benefit of a 5-factor buying guide in the end. So, without any delay, let’s dive deeper into the details!
A Comparison Table of the Best Motherboards for Intel Core i9-13900k
The following table quickly compares the motherboards for Intel Core i9 13900k:
Motherboard name | Chipset | RAM | Memory | Build | Price |
Intel Z790 | 4x DDR5 slots | 5x M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports | ATX | $399.32 | |
Intel Z790 | 4x DDR5 slots | 4x M.2 and 4x SATA III ports | ATX | $199.99 | |
Intel Z690 | 2x DDR5 slots | 3x M.2, 4x SATA III ports | Mini-ITX | $355.23 | |
Intel Z690 | 2x DDR5 slots | 2x M.2 slots | Mini-ITX | $189.99 | |
Intel Z790 | 4x DDR4 slots | 4x M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports | ATX | $194.29 | |
Intel Z790 | 4x DDR5 slots | 5x M.2 slots | ATX | $529.99 |
After a quick comparison, let’s discuss these motherboards in detail:
1. Overall the Best Motherboard for 13900k: MSI MPG Z790 Carbon
I have listed the advantages and tradeoffs of the motherboard below:
Pros
- It features a couple of MOS heatsinks that extend the surface for better heat dissipation.
- Using this motherboard, you can increase the power of your CPU, whether single or multicore.
- With DDR5 – 7600 MHz, the mobo offers you the fastest memory performance and reliable data transfer.
Cons
- You may have to go through the drive installation process for the first time usage.
Behold the majestic power of the MPG Z790 Carbon. This board qualifies my chart as a GOAT mobo for i9 13th GEN CPUs. Here is why. It boasts robust power delivery for builders craving maxed-out 13th Gen Intel performance. On top of that, its capacious LGA 1700 socket swallows flagship CPUs without blinking.
And you don’t even talk about the beastly 19+1+1 power phase design that enables effortless overclocking. The screwless M.2 installation simplifies upgrades down the road. With robust DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0, this board rips through bandwidth-hungry tasks. However, expansion options are limited, and the price tag is aimed squarely at enthusiasts.
Features
Discover the features of the product below:
- It has an 8-layer Server-grade PCB to stabilize the power input.
- The mobo features an ALC 4080 audio processor for an enhanced gaming sound experience.
- The 3-amp water pump liquid cools the CPU during the heavy workload.
Specs
I have listed the salient specifications of the MPG Z790 Carbon below:
Specification | MSI MPG Z790 Carbon |
Chipset: | Intel Z790 |
RAM: | 4x DDR5 slots, up to 7600+ MT/s (OC) |
Storage: | 5x M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports |
Board type: | ATX |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G LAN |
2. The Best Motherboard with Fast Memory Support: ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi
The pros and cons of the motherboard are given below:
Pros
- The Turbo Boost technology allows you to adjust clock speed based on workload.
- The BIOS installation is easy for first-time users.
- OptiMem II option adds shielding zones to eliminate signal interference.
Cons
- You need to choose the proper OC (overclocking) settings to run higher RAM with this mobo.
The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus is one of those boards that can easily handle a powerful gaming rig. Mike reviewed this beast and was, let me say, “ASTONISHED” with its performance. This budget motherboard gives a “TUFF” time to other contenders in this price range. Its beastly Intel Z790 chipset swallows up the iconic Core i9-13900K without breaking a sweat.
The cutting-edge DDR5 memory support laughs in the face of lag. On top of that, the mighty 3500Mb/s ethernet port dominates multiplayer battles. And you don’t even talk about fast-lane PCIe 5.0 that theoretically gives you 32 GT/s per lane speed, twice the previous generation. With show-stopping aesthetics like embedded RGB lighting, your entire build will command attention.
Features
I have discussed the features of the product below:
- It has an XMP1 profile that allows you to put a load on the RAM for multitasking.
- The build is military grade, which ensures the durability of the board.
- Intel Rapid Storage Technology increases memory transfer and decreases power consumption.
Specs
Discover the specs of the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus below:
Specification | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi |
Chipset: | Intel Z790 (supports 13th & 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs) |
RAM: | 4x DDR5 slots |
Storage: | 4x M.2 and 4x SATA III ports |
Board type: | ATX |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN |
3. The Best Compact Motherboard: MSI MEG Z690i Unify
The following are the good and bad things of the motherboard:
Pros
- The board’s Surface Mount Technology ensures overall better mechanical performance.
- There is a 7W/mK Thermal Pad that cooperates with heatsinks to maintain temperatures.
- Plenty of M.2 ports allow you to connect various SSD memory drives.
Cons
- You have to perform BIOS flash, as many users complained the old BIOS doesn’t load.
The MEG Z690i Unify flaunts bleeding-edge tech for power users yearning to build an uncompromising Intel 13th Gen gaming rig. Its LGA 1700 socket provides seamless integration with the flagship processor, while the robust 10+1+1 phase power design enables effortless overclocking.
My experience was this board was smooth. Everything works quite well with enough power on the board. Moreover, the onboard WiFi 6E ensures lag-free online gaming, and the PCIe 5.0 slot supports the latest GPUs. With the premium ALC4080 audio codec, your games will sound as good as they look.
Features
Find the features of the product below:
- The Frezr Heatsink Design ensures that your PC never runs in extreme heating conditions.
- The motherboard has a world record of clocking 7450.62 MHz.
- The direct 10+1+1 design gives three three-phase power supply for high-end processors.
Specs
The following are the specs of the MEG Z690i Unify:
Specification | MSI MEG Z690i Unify |
Chipset: | Intel Z690 |
RAM: | 2x DDR5 slots, up to 6800MHz (OC) |
Storage: | 3x M.2, 4x SATA III ports |
Board type: | Mini-ITX |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN |
4. The Best Motherboard with ITX Build: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I
You can find the perks and cons of the motherboard below:
Pros
- You get Armory Crate software that allows you to control the board’s performance.
- Thunderbolt 4.0 allows you to transfer data faster.
- This mobo features ProCool II power connectors that ensure stable power delivery.
Cons
- The tight fitting of the board may make you struggle during installation.
The ROG Strix Z690-I storms the ITX scene like a hurricane. I love this mobo because it can overclock your 13th Gen Intel with its LGA 1700 socket and AI-tuned auto-overclocking algorithms.
With this Wifi best budget motherboard, the DDR5 RAM and 7.1 audio system enhance your gaming experience. Moreover, the patented screwless M.2 design makes storage a breeze, while the cyberpunk-inspired RGB lighting and augmented audio transport you to a sci-fi future.
Features
Let’s find out the core features of the product:
- It uses artificial intelligence in its framework that learns and optimizes your performance.
- The Savitech SV3H712 amplifier and DTS Sound Unbound ensure you don’t miss the details in your audio.
- The mobo comes with an integrated I/O cover and VRM heatsinks to control the generated heat.
Specs
You can explore the main specs of the product below:
Specification | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I |
Chipset: | Intel Z690 |
RAM: | 2x DDR5 slots, up to 6400MHz (OC) |
Storage: | 2x M.2 slots, 4x SATA III ports |
Board type: | Mini-ITX |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G LAN |
5. The Best Entry-level Motherboard: MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi
These are the pros and cons of the product:
Pros
- A digital PWM is an option that allows you to control the power of the fans and pumps of the board.
- The mobo has a PCIe steel armor that protects the PCIe slots from bending and EMI interference.
- The driver utility installer saves you from the headache of installing the drivers manually.
Cons
- Setting up the BIOS is a bit tricky compared to other premium ones.
The PRO Z790-P WiFi is a board that gives you a balance between performance and affordability. Being a mid-range motherboard, it gives you all the basic things that can get you started with the i9 13th Gen CPU.
While the overall board may not compete with the premium mobos, the small things matter, like a Steel Armor, TBT connector, AI-based temperature cooling, and a high-quality sound card. Moreover, onboard 2.5Gb LAN and WiFi 6E ensure blistering connectivity for work and play.
Features
The features of the product are given below:
- The boards use a TBT connector that ensures a fast data transfer between mobo and expansion cards.
- AI-based temperature cooling on the board allows you to manage temperatures.
- Audio boost gives supports high-definition sound output.
Specs
I have explained the main specs of Pro Z790-P WiFi below:
Specification | MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi |
Chipset: | Intel Z790 |
RAM: | 4x DDR4 slots, up to 5333MHz (OC) |
Storage: | 4x M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports |
Board type: | Mini-ITX |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G LAN |
6. Best Motherboard Featuring 20-Stage Power: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
Listed below are the pros and disadvantages of the motherboard:
Pros
- You get advanced Polymo lighting that resonates well with your CPU’s performance.
- A CPU Over-voltage Jumper that allows you to handle the voltage input for overclocking.
- The use of intelligent controls like AI allows you to optimize your performance.
Cons
- The sound quality didn’t impress me at all.
Brace for impact because the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero strikes the motherboard scene with its towering 23-stage power delivery and cosmic DDR5 memory support. I included this board on my review list as it gives one more M.2 socket and two more SATA 3 connectors than Aorus Z790 (My previous favorite board).
Talking about performance, this undisputed flagship harnesses the full might of 13th Gen Intel with its LGA 1700 socket. Additionally, PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E sling data at nearly light speed. Moreover, Aura Sync RGB lighting glows as the integrated heatsinks and M.2 cooling gird for battle.
Features
You can explore the top features of the product below:
- The power phase design is one of the best with 20+1+2.
- The use of advanced AEMP has really improved the overclocking game.
- The BIOS utilizes state-of-the-art modes like EZ Flash 3 for quick login.
Specs
The specs of the ROG Maximus Z790 are given below:
Specification | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO |
Chipset: | Intel Z790 |
RAM: | 4x DDR5 slots, up to 7800+ MT/s (OC) |
Storage: | 5x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports |
Board type: | ATX |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G LAN |
5 Factors to Decide the Best Motherboard for the Core i9-13900K
You can’t just pick a random board when building a new high-end PC around Intel’s mighty Core i9-13900K. This may badly affect the overall performance. As a matter of fact, one of my readers did the same thing. He was a novice PC builder and used his 12th Gen motherboard, having an H410 chipset with this beast processor. This results in nothing but limiting the overall performance.
Having said that, I have prepared a cheat sheet of 5 factors that can help you buy only a suitable motherboard for your 13th-gen CPU processor. Explore more below:
1. Socket
Socket and its compatibility with the CPU are the most important things. You only need to get a motherboard that has a LGA 1700 socket. This mobo can optimally handle the power of your processor.
In contrast, if you go with the 10th or 11th Gen boards, you have to go from the hassle of BIOS updating, and it can even deprive you of the performance you expect. Therefore, Look for boards based on the Z690 or Z790 chipsets for optimal performance, like the MSI MEG Z690 Unify or the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero.
2. Memory
Next up is memory support. The 13900K works with DDR4 and blisteringly fast DDR5 RAM, so select a board matching your preferred memory setup. Those craving max bandwidth should look for DDR5-ready boards to harness the improved speeds.
DDR5 delivers double the bandwidth of DDR4 and supports substantially higher capacities per DIMM, up to 256GB. Although more expensive currently, my testing shows DDR5 offers clear advantages in a high-performance system and overclocking potential that will only expand as the technology matures.
3. Storage
Ensure your board has sufficient and fast storage connectivity. The Core i9-13900K craves speedy NVMe M.2 SSDs over SATA, so look for multiple M.2 slots with support for PCIe Gen 4.0 or 5.0 for the quickest access. Boards using the Z790, H770, Z690, and H670 chipsets typically offer the most and fastest M.2 connectivity to feed the storage appetite of a high-end motherboard.
4. Overclocking Capabilities
If overclocking is on your agenda, focus your search on Z690 and Z790 chipset motherboards, as lower-tier options often lack overclocking capabilities. For example, the “K”-less Core i9-13900 lacks overclocking support. But with the 13900K, only Z-series boards will empower you to push past stock speeds.
5. Features
Finally, ensure your board has features to complement your usage. The following are a bunch of features that you should prioritize while getting a motherboard:
- A fast thunderbolt, at least version 4 or above;
- The latest PCIe 5.0 support for quick data transfer;
- Latest Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, at least for fast wireless connection;
- A robust VRM and good cooling system to handle the PC’s temperatures;
However, you don’t need to go all the way to get a hi-fi board with all the above specs. Make a decision based on your needs. For example, if you’re a content creator, prioritize Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6E, and plenty of USB ports. Similarly, gamers will want PCIe Gen 5.0 for the latest GPUs and networking for lag-free multiplayer.
FAQs
Are Intel 14th-generation processors compatible with 13900K motherboards?
Yes, because the 14th-generation Intel processors need LGA 1700 sockets, which are present in 13900k motherboards. The Z790 and B760 panels are a couple of examples.
What socket does the 13900K require?
LGA 1700 socket is required for 13900k. This pocket provides improved compatibility with the CPU. Furthermore, you need a 700-series or 600-series chipset to work with these processors.
Can you use DDR4 with a 13900K?
Yes, you can use DDR4 with 13900K. The processor manages both the DDR4 and DDR5 memory. In actuality, you must use at least DDR4 RAM in order to get the expected speed.
Is the i9 13900K good for gaming?
Yеs, thе i9 13900k is adеquatе for gaming. It has 16 corеs, which arе twicе as many as thе previous gеnеration. Furthеrmorе, its DDR5/DDR4 RAM and PCIе fast lanеs lеt you play AAA titlеs еffortlеssly.
How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i9 13900K?
A mobo for thе i9 13900k should cost bеtwееn $200 and $500. For еxamplе, thе MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi costs around $200, whilе thе ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO comеs ovеr $500.
Conclusion
My final say about the best motherboard for 13900k is that this board can optimally handle this mighty processor’s power. However, the board choices are limited for this CPU. Hence, bear in mind the LGA 1700 socket, DDR4/DDR5 RAM, and NVMe M.2 SSDs while buying such a mobo.
Considering these buying factors, I can vouch for MPG Z790 Carbon. With its powerful specs and fast memory support, the motherboard handles the processor quite well. Moreover, it also maintains the temperature for power-demanding tasks.