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Have you decided on Intel for your next build? That’s cool. We’ve picked the 5 best Z790 motherboards for 2025.
Released in Q4 2022 alongside Intel’s Raptor Lake line of desktop processors. The Z790 series upgrades the existing Z690 motherboard with PCB design, PCIe signal integrity, and enhanced support for faster DDR5 memory and I/O options. As of 2025, we know that the Arrow Lake (Z890) platform is available as an option.
However, Raptorlake is much faster than Arrowlake in gaming performance, provides similar Multithreaded performance, and it becomes hard to pass with reduced prices.
In this article, we have provided the 5 best z790 motherboards based on the official manufacturer’s data and real-world usability and discussed the following:
- DDR5 compatibility
- PCIe 5 support
- Networking capabilities
- USB ports
- Power delivery
- Pricing and use cases
Without wasting your precious time, let’s get on with the recommendations.
Disclaimer – Specifications and pricing information are subject to change without notice. Before purchasing, kindly refer to the manufacturer’s data and avoid compatibility issues. Our pricing data is from Newegg, dated 24 March 2025.
1. Asus Prime Z790-A WiFi
Price: $219. Best for Mid-Range All-Rounder Builds
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Delivery | 16+1+1 phases (60A per stage) |
| Memory Support | DDR5 up to 7200 MHz (OC), 128GB max (4x DIMM) |
| Storage | 4x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots + 4x SATA 6Gb/s |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 (Extensive PCIe 5 toggles between PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 on the two provided slots) |
| Networking | Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| USB Ports | Rear: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Audio | Realtek S1220A 7.1 Surround Sound |
| Key Features | M.2 Q-Latch, AI Cooling II, Aura Sync RGB |
Why Buy?
The Prime series from Asus has always been a perfect blend of affordability and performance. It is equipped with a 16-phase VRM design that can handle CPUs up to the Core i9 14900. You can get away with 14900K or 14900KS, but it is recommended to stick below that. This board might not attract creative professionals due to the lack of native Intel Thunderbolt support.
2. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO
Price: $998. Best for Enthusiasts & Overclockers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Delivery | 20+1+2 phases (90A per stage) |
| Memory Support | DDR5 up to 8000 MHz (OC), 192GB max (4x DIMM) |
| Storage | 5x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 4x PCIe 4.0) + 4x SATA 6Gb/s |
| PCIe Slots | 20+1+2 phases * (90A per stage) |
| Networking | Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt™ 4, 6x USB 10Gbps, 4x USB 5Gbps |
| Audio | ROG SupremeFX ALC4082 + ESS ES9218 Quad DAC |
| Key Features | PCIe Slot Q-Release, BIOS FlashBack™, Polymo Lighting |
Why Buy?
For Gamers, content creators, and even LN2 overclockers, this motherboard is one way to enter the hall of fame. It has native Thunderbolt support for those who need it. The recommended CPU for this motherboard is 14900K / 14900KS
3. MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi
Price: $179.99. Best for PCIe 5.0 Storage Users On a Budget
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Delivery | 16+1+1 phases (80A DrMOS) |
| Memory Support | DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz (OC), 256GB max (4x DIMM) |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0) + 7x SATA 6Gb/s |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Networking | Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| USB Ports | Rear – 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (20Gbps), 4x USB 10Gbps |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4080 7.1-Channel |
| Key Features | M.2 Shield Frozr, EZ Debug LED, Lightning Gen 4 M.2 |
Why Buy?
The MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is optimized for PCIe 5.0 SSDs without compromising GPU bandwidth. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot operates independently, avoiding lane-sharing issues from the CPU. The board recommends CPUs up to Core i9 14900.
4. ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4
Price: $329.99 Best for Memory Overclockers on a budget
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Delivery | 18+1+2 phases (105A SPS) |
| Memory Support | DDR5, 4x DIMM slots, up to 8266+ MHz (OC), 192GB max |
| Storage | 5x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 4x PCIe 4.0) + 4x SATA III |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (x16/x8 modes), 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Networking | 5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB Ports | Rear: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps Type-C), 6x USB 10Gbps, 4x USB 5Gbps |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 + Audiophile Capacitors (7.1 Surround) |
| Key Features | PCIe UD Slot X (reinforced PCIe 5.0), EZ-Latch M.2 design, Sensor Panel Link |
Why Buy?
It is the only motherboard below the $500 price point to support DDR5 speeds beyond 8000 MHz.It also offers a rare 5GbE LAN. Some users report that you need to update your BIOS for 14th-gen i9 stability. To avoid the stability problem, you can run the 14900K / KS at Intel’s recommended power settings.
5. ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4
Price: $119.99. Best Budget DDR4 Option
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Delivery | 10+1+1 Power Phases (50A DrMOS) |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1700 (Supports 12th/13th/14th Gen Intel CPUs) |
| Memory Support | DDR4, 4x DIMM slots, up to 5333+ MHz (OC), 128GB max |
| Storage | 2x M.2 Slots (PCIe Gen4x4), 6x SATA III |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Networking | Intel 1Gb LAN (No Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 6x USB 3.2 Gen1 in the rear side and 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 on the front. |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 7.1-Channel HD Audio |
| Key Features | DDR4 Budget Option, PCIe 4.0 GPU Support, SATA/M.2 Lane Sharing |
Why Buy?
The ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4 is a micro-ATX budget board offering DDR4 support. It is recommended that users with CPUs up to 14600K check this one out. Please note that you should avoid high-speed storage drives because the bandwidth is shared between the SATA / M.2 lanes.
Key Considerations When Choosing
- CPU Compatibility: Most Z790 boards support 12th–14th Gen Intel CPUs, but if you choose an i9 model, please check its VRM configuration.
- DDR4 vs. DDR5: DDR5 offers future-proofing, but DDR4 boards (like the ASRock Z790M) are affordable with stripped-down features.
- PCIe 5.0 Needs: Only high-end boards like the ASUS Dark Hero offer dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (with the extensive PCIe mode).
Final Recommendation
- Gamers: MSI Tomahawk (PCIe 5.0 GPU + storage balance).
- Overclockers: ASUS Dark Hero (outstanding power delivery).
- Budget Builder: ASUS PRIME Z790-A or ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4
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