Today we will explore the best motherboard choice for the Intel Core i9-13900K and briefly explain why it is the best.
Updated: Mar 16, 2023 11:20 am
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Best motherboard for 13900K
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME
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Runner up motherboard for 13900K
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS MASTER
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Best budget motherboard for 13900K
ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI
Intel released it’s new Raptor Lake CPUs in September 2022, and since then we’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how much of a lead Intel has over AMD. The 13900K specifically does better than the 7950X and for less money to boot. But enough about the 13900K’s achievements, what’s the best motherboard for the Core i9-13900k?
We’re particularly excited about the 13900K and all of the performance it brings to the table. You will not be left wanting after picking up one of these CPUs.
We’ve all seen the performance metrics of the Raptor Lake flagship over the top-dog Alder Lake CPU, they were most recently revealed to us by Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger at Intel’s latest Innovation event.
Pat went on to reveal that the Raptor Lake family will have a flagship CPU containing up to 24 Performance and Efficiency cores, up to a 15% better single-core performance gain, and up to 41% better multi-thread performance gain. That’s a serious performance gain considering Intel is on record basically saying that Raptor Lake is just to bridge the gap between the 12th and 14th generations.
We need one heck of a motherboard to utilize all the power coming from the 13900K, that’s why we’ve selected the best Z790 motherboards out there to date. Buckle up because we’re about to run through the best motherboards for the Intel Core i9-13900K.
There may be some hardware here that was released in 2022 or earlier, but we assure you that this is still the best hardware for the job. We will update the article when more hardware becomes available.
Best Intel CPU deals US
Grab yourself a deal on some of the new 13th-generation CPUs this Christmas – along with other Intel CPUs.
Intel Core i9-13900K CPU & Motherboard bundle
For the highest performance to push your next-gen gaming PC to its limits, make things easier with our custom-made i9-13900K bundle below:
Core i9-13900K High-end bundle
Motherboard
ROG Z790 Maximus Hero
RAM
32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB
Cooler
AUS ROG Ryujin ii 360
The Intel Core i9-13900K is designed to be the best of the best, donning an extra eight E-cores over the last generation 12900K. The 13900K also has a much higher base and boost core frequency, all thanks to some serious advancements in core technology.
The specifications for the i9-13900K are as follows:
- Cores: P-cores 8 / E-cores 16
- Threads: 32
- Base clock frequency: P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz
- Boost clock frequency: P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz
- L3 cache: 36MB
- Default TDP: 125 W / 253 W boost.
- iGPU: Intel UHD graphics 770
Things to consider when looking for the best motherboard for Core i9-13900K
Here are some things to consider when picking up a new motherboard for the Core i9-13900K.
Socket
Bear in mind that the only socket that will fit the i9-13900K is socket LGA 1700. Any other CPU socket is incompatible with the Core i9-13900K. All of Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation CPUs use socket LGA 1700.
Currently, there are only two motherboard generations that carry socket LGA 1700, these are the Intel 600 series, and the Intel 700 series. For example, the flagship chipset for both of these motherboard generations would be the Z690 and the Z790. This is not to be confused with AMD’s 600 series motherboard line-up.
Memory
Intel first introduced DDR5 memory support with its 12th-generation CPUs, offering the chance for users to upgrade to a platform supporting the new standard of memory. Intel, however, also manufactured DDR4 capable motherboards for the 12th gen CPUs to ease the transition as DDR5 memory at the time (and still is) pretty expensive.
You’ll be pleased to know that Intel is offering the same choice with its 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs. Intel is allowing the manufacture of both DDR4 and DDR5 motherboards on the LGA 1700 platform. You just have to make sure you pick the right motherboard/memory combo.
Features
You want a motherboard that will support the latest technology since you’re packing one of the best CPUs in the market into it. The latest and greatest include USB 4.0, PCIe Gen 5, and the new NVME SSD dimension support. Features can really determine a motherboard’s worth, especially when opting for a specific motherboard for a specific use case.
If you’re a renderer and need lots of GPUs running at the same time, you might opt for a motherboard that has a lot of PCIe X16 slots. Or, if you work with audio, you might want lots of USB output and a decent sound chip. It depends entirely on the use case you have in mind for your PC.
Why is motherboard choice important when building a PC?
The motherboard is an essential component of a PC, and the choice of motherboard is important for several reasons:
- Compatibility: The motherboard must be compatible with the CPU, memory, and other components that you plan to use on your PC. This includes the socket type, which must match the socket type of the CPU, as well as the memory and expansion slot types.
- Features: The motherboard provides the interface for connecting all of the components in your PC, and the choice of the motherboard can affect the features that are available to you. For example, some motherboards have built-in Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt connectivity, while others do not. Some motherboards also have additional features such as RGB lighting and overclocking capabilities.
- Expansion: The motherboard determines the number and type of expansion slots that are available, which can affect the future upgradeability of your PC. For example, if you plan to add a dedicated graphics card in the future, you will need a motherboard with a PCIe slot.
- Power delivery: The motherboard is responsible for delivering power to the CPU and other components, so the quality of the power delivery can affect the stability and performance of your PC. A high-quality motherboard with robust power delivery can help to ensure that your PC runs smoothly and is less likely to experience issues such as system crashes or blue screens.
- Brand and Quality: The brand and quality of the motherboard also play a role in the overall performance and stability of the system. Some brands are known for their high-quality products and offer better warranties and support than others.
Power
The Intel 13th-generation CPUs require more power than previous generations. In fact, these are some of the highest TDPs we have ever seen from a desktop CPU. Over 250W of TDP can be produced by the 13900K in its default state alone. Because of this, you’re going to want a motherboard with at least a 20 + 2 power stage configuration.
Best motherboard for Intel Core i9-13900K
The i9-13900K spares no expense when it comes to technology and performance, so we’ve picked the best of the best to pair it with.
Here are the top motherboards for the Intel Core i9-13900K:
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C and front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, eight USB 3.2 Gen 2, and two PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots
Pros
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Strong power stages -
PCIe Gen 5 -
Heightened DDR5 speeds -
Lots of connectivity
The Maximus Z790 Extreme is the best of the best, built for only the most avid PC enthusiasts.
The Maximus sports a full 24 + 1 power stage setup rated for 105A with dual ProCool II power connectors, high-quality alloy chokes, and premium metallic capacitors. Designed to take overclocking to the next level.
Obviously, we have full PCIe Gen 5 support on a single M.2 SSD slot and both of the PCIe X16 slots, bringing blistering speeds to GPUs and NVMe SSDs alike.
The Maximus is equipped with DDR5 support up to 7600MHz, almost unheard-of speeds for memory. The Maximus is supporting your 13900K and making sure it has everything it could ever need.
Not to mention the Maximus is also teeming with connectivity, Here’s a list of some of the connectivity on this Z790 monster: Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C and front-panel connector, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C and front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, eight USB 3.2 Gen 2, and two PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots.
This is the best motherboard you can possibly seat your brand-new 13900K into.
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS MASTER
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS MASTER
USB 3.2, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, Audio, Q-Flash, Clear CMOS, and 10GB/s ethernet
Pros
-
Strong power stages -
Great overclocking potential for price -
DDR5 ready and PCIe Gen 5 compatible
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is a motherboard in between the other two entries, offering the best without the premium ASUS price tag.
The Master offers many features, the most impressive of which is power delivery. The Master offers a huge 20 + 1 + 2 power stage design, meaning it has three clustered stages as opposed to two, delivering only the cleanest power where the CPU needs it most.
We have full PCIe gen 5 support on the Master, donning a single PCIe gen 5 M.2 slot and one PCIe Gen 5 x16 GPU slot.
Like the ROG Maximus, the master is also equipped with support for up to DDR5 7600MHz meaning your 13900K will never miss a beat.
One of the best features of the Master is its impressive thermal armor, the thermal pad covering the power stages, and VRMs rated for 12 W/mk. That’s some serious VRM cooling.
You can expect to find all the connectivity you could ever need here, such as USB 3.2, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, Audio, Q-Flash, Clear CMOS, and 10GB/s ethernet.
ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI
ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI
16 + 1 DrMOS power stages
USB 3.2, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, Audio, and 2.5GB/s ethernet.
Pros
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Cost effective -
Compatible with 12 and 13th gen CPUs
Cons
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Less features then premium boards on lesser chipsets
The ASUS Prime Z790 is the best budget motherboard for the Z790 chipset. Make no mistake, this chipset is still the best of the best, and don’t let the word “budget” trick you into thinking this is not a good motherboard.
The ASUS Prime comes with 16 + 1 DrMOS power stages keeping the power delivery to the 13900K clean, this motherboard does not have a strong position in overclocking. But it will allow the CPU to boost to its maximum boost speed automatically.
The Prime supports DDR5 memory up to DDR5 7000MHz, a little less than we’ve seen from other entries, but it’s still blisteringly fast.
PCIe gen 5 support is still plentiful on the ASUS Prime, offering one PCIe x16 GPU slot on the Gen 5 standard. However, there is no PCIe gen 5 support on the M.2 SSD slots.
The connectivity has been toned down a little to accommodate lower cost, but you’d still find all the features an average PC gamer would ever need, such as USB 3.2, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, Audio, and 2.5GB/s ethernet.
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
2.5 GbE LAN, audio, DisplayPort, WiFi 6E, USB 3,2, thunderbolt 4, and more.
GPU X16 slot and M.2 slot
Pros
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16+1+2 phase VRM design -
WiFi 6E -
Stealthy, less RGB than most models
Cons
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not as feature rich as other motherboards in the same price range.
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. It is not the fanciest Z790 motherboard out there, but it certainly gets the job done efficiently.
Gigabyte has used a twin 16+1+2 phase VRM design with 70A power stages in this motherboard. This level of VRM should be capable of running any 13th Gen CPU on stock settings. The VRM is also well-cooled thanks to large heatsinks.
You also get four M.2 slots and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the board for your storage needs. Networking is handled by a 2.5 GbE LAN port as well as WiFi 6E, a fantastic combo for the price of the motherboard.
There is not a lot that stands out about the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, aesthetically. most of the board is black with accents of Aours every now and then. Good news if you’re into low-profile, stealthy components.
In essence, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a great Z790 motherboard to consider if you are on a relatively limited budget. It does not have all the bells and whistles, but it provides decent value for your money overall.
Can the motherboard affect PC performance?
The motherboard acts as the backbone of the computer, connecting all the other components, such as the CPU, RAM, and graphics card. If the motherboard is not designed to support the specific components being used, or if it has limited bandwidth or outdated features, it can become a bottleneck and limit overall performance.
For example, a motherboard with a slow bus speed or a limited number of PCIe lanes may not be able to fully utilize the potential of a high-end graphics card or NVMe SSD. Additionally, a motherboard with an outdated chipset or BIOS firmware may not support the latest CPUs, memory speeds, or newer features like WiFi 6.
On the other hand, a high-end motherboard with a robust power delivery system, additional features like Thunderbolt 4 or 10G Ethernet, and support for faster memory speeds can potentially enhance system performance.
So, when building a new PC or upgrading components, it is important to select a compatible motherboard that meets the needs of the specific use case, so that the system can perform optimally.
Other useful Intel links
Final Word
The 13900K is one heck of a powerful CPU and it deserves a powerful platform to support it. That’s why, regardless of the price, we have selected the Maximus Extreme as our favorite motherboard for the Core i9-13900K.
Its superior power stage design and feature-rich platform will make sure that no matter what use case you have for the 13900K, you’ll be properly supported throughout. This was the Best motherboard for Intel Core i9-13900K.
