Selecting the ideal motherboard for the Intel Core i7 14700K is a crucial step in building a high-performing PC. The i7 14700K, with its enhanced core and thread count and increased CPU clock speeds, calls for a motherboard that can match its mid to high-end capabilities. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best B760 and Z790 motherboards, spanning various brands and price points, to complement the 14700K’s performance. We delve into the specifications, performance, compatibility, and pricing of each board, pinpointing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
The Best Motherboards for the 14700K
1. NZXT N7 Z790
PCI-E x16:
1x PCI-E 5.0
1x PCI-E 3.0
PCI-E x4:
3x PCI-E 4.0
RAM Support: 192GB DDR5 7200MT/s
USB Ports: 8
NZXT’s N7 Z790 motherboard stands out as the top overall choice in this roundup, offering the best blend of aesthetic appeal and feature set. Known for their refined and elegant designs, NZXT has crafted a motherboard that is both visually striking and functionally robust.
Featuring a Gen5 PCI-E x16 slot and a great selection of rear IO, the N7 Z790, while lacking Gen5 SSD support, still provides ample features for mid-range to high-end systems. Its signature NZXT style is a key selling point, catering to users who value both performance and design.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Sleek and sophisticated design | ❌ No Gen5 SSD slots |
✔️ Gen5 PCI-E x16 slot for future GPU upgrades | ❌ Aesthetic-focused design might not appeal to all users |
✔️ Ample rear IO options |
2. ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4
PCI-E x16:
1x PCI-E 5.0
1x PCI-E 3.0
PCI-E x4:
3x PCI-E 4.0
RAM Support: 128GB DDR4 5333MT/s
USB Ports: 9
The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a DDR4 motherboard option that balances cost and aesthetics. Its white heatsinks and abundant RGB lighting offer a visually appealing choice for those who prefer a lighter theme in their PC builds.
Feature-wise, the B760-A includes a Gen5 graphics card slot, preparing it for future GPU upgrades. While it lacks Gen5 SSD slots, the presence of two Gen4 slots should suffice for most storage needs. Its rear IO is well-equipped with high-speed ports, and networking options like 2.5 Gigabit LAN and WiFi 6E add to its appeal, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Aesthetically pleasing with white design and RGB | ❌ No Gen5 SSD slots |
✔️ Gen5 graphics card slot for future-proofing | ❌ Limited upgrade potential due to DDR4 memory |
✔️ Good networking options with fast LAN and WiFi 6E |
3. Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X
PCI-E x16:
1x PCI-E 5.0
1x PCI-E 4.0
PCI-E x4:
1x PCI-E 5.0
4x PCI-E 4.0
RAM Support: 192GB DDR5 8266MT/s
USB Ports: 10
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Pro X stands out in the market for its unique white design, extending even to the PCB. This motherboard is an excellent choice for builders aiming for a white-themed system, offering more than just aesthetics with its wide-ranging capabilities.
Equipped with features like widespread Gen5 support, 5 Gigabit LAN, and WiFi 7, the AORUS Pro X pairs well with the i7 14700K. Its 18+1+2 VRM phases ensure robust overclocking potential, and the array of high-speed USB ports on the rear IO enhances its functionality.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Unique all-white design for thematic builds | ❌ May be overkill |
✔️ Comprehensive Gen5 support and high-speed networking | ❌ Priced at a premium for its aesthetics and features |
✔️ Strong overclocking capabilities with extensive VRMs |
4. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi
PCI-E x16:
1x PCI-E 5.0
1x PCI-E 4.0
PCI-E x4:
4x PCI-E 4.0
RAM Support: 192GB DDR5 7800MT/s
USB Ports: 8
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi is a solid gaming-centric motherboard, suitable for those building a system around the Core i7-14700K. Known for their durability and reliability, ASUS TUF motherboards are a go-to for gamers on a budget.
It features a 16+1+1 VRM design for stable overclocking and supports DDR5 RAM speeds up to 7800MT/s. While lacking Gen5 SSD support, its impressive rear IO and options like 2.5 Gigabit LAN and WiFi 6E make it a well-rounded board for gaming builds.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Strong VRM setup for overclocking | ❌ No Gen5 SSD support |
✔️ High RAM speed support | ❌ May not be the best fit for ultra-high-end builds |
✔️ Comprehensive rear IO with no USB 2.0 ports |
5. MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi
PCI-E x16:
1x PCI-E 5.0
1x PCI-E 4.0
PCI-E x4:
1x PCI-E 5.0
3x PCI-E 4.0
RAM Support: 192GB DDR5 7800MT/s
USB Ports: 10
The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi continues the legacy of the TOMAHAWK series, offering a reliable and powerful option for more high-end builds. This motherboard comes with WiFi 7 and a Gen5 SSD slot, notable upgrades from its predecessors.
It features robust VRMs for overclocking, supports DDR5 RAM up to 7800MT/s, and boasts a comprehensive rear IO without any USB 2.0 ports. The aesthetics have also seen a refresh, making it a visually appealing choice for modern builds.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Advanced features like WiFi 7 and Gen5 SSD slot | ❌ No Gen5 SSD support |
✔️ Strong overclocking capabilities with robust VRMs | ❌ May not be the best fit for ultra-high-end builds |
✔️ Aesthetic improvements and comprehensive rear IO |