Intel’s Core i5-14600K from the Raptor Lake refresh range targets both new builders and those seeking an upgrade. Despite mixed reactions from the PC building community, the 14600K offers solid performance. The key question is: which motherboard best complements the 14600K? Is it high-end or still mid-range? This roundup aims to clarify your decision-making process, evaluating motherboards based on features, design, performance, and value.
Best Motherboards for the Core i5-14600K
1. 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 steps up with a lighter aesthetic, perfect for white-themed builds. Like the MSI option, it’s a DDR4 motherboard, which translates to lower RAM costs and a more affordable overall build.
This board offers three Gen4 M.2 slots and a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, providing ample connectivity and fast transfer options. However, its lack of Gen5 slots and DDR5 support might soon limit its relevance as gaming and application requirements evolve. The B760-A’s attractive design and reasonable feature set make it a good choice for builders seeking a visually appealing motherboard for their Core i5-14600K, especially those planning a clean and minimalist build.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Attractive, lighter aesthetic | ❌ Lacks Gen5 slots and DDR5 support |
✔️ Three Gen4 M.2 slots | ❌ No overclocking support for CPUs |
✔️ USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port for fast transfers |
2. Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
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 7600MT/s
USB Ports: 12
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a mid-range option that strikes a balance between features and price. It’s particularly suitable for those building a mid-range system and prefer a motherboard with comprehensive features.
The board supports DDR5 memory up to 7800MHz and includes a Gen5 PCI-E x16 slot, keeping it up-to-date with the latest hardware. Its rear IO is equipped with high-speed USB 3.2 ports, ensuring versatile connectivity options. The main downside is the lack of a Gen5 M.2 slot, a feature increasingly common in SSDs. However, its strong feature set, including DDR5 support and high-speed connectivity, makes the AORUS Elite AX a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded Z790 motherboard.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Balanced mid-range option with Z790 chipset | ❌ No Gen5 M.2 slot for SSDs |
✔️ Supports high-speed DDR5 memory | ❌ Limited upgrades from previous models |
✔️ Includes a Gen5 PCI-E x16 slot |
3. MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4
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 MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk is an excellent entry point for Core i5-14600K builds, offering an affordable yet feature-rich platform. It’s a DDR4 motherboard, which generally means a lower overall build cost compared to DDR5 alternatives.
This board impresses with its modern Gen5 GPU slot and a comprehensive set of high-speed USB ports, including four 10Gbps options. Its DDR4 compatibility keeps costs down, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, the B760 chipset does mean you’ll miss out on some features and overclocking capabilities found in Z790 motherboards. Despite this, the MAG B760 Tomahawk stands out as a strong, cost-effective option for those prioritizing a budget-friendly build without sacrificing too much on features.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ High-end gaming aesthetics with RGB | ❌ Lacks some features of Z790 motherboards |
✔️ Modern Gen5 GPU slot | ❌ No overclocking capabilities |
✔️ Comprehensive high-speed USB options |
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 the latest addition to ASUS’s motherboard lineup, catering to the new 14th-Gen processors. It aims to maximize features within the constraints of the existing platform architecture.
This board offers enhanced DDR5 overclocking support and improved USB ports, alongside stronger VRM power phases for overclocking. However, it doesn’t bring many new or exciting features compared to its predecessor, a limitation of the platform’s consistency. Despite this, the TUF Z790-Pro remains a solid choice, especially for those seeking a reliable motherboard with a few modern tweaks, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Strong DDR5 overclocking support | ❌ Limited new features compared to predecessor |
✔️ Improved USB ports and VRM power phases | ❌ Limited upgrades from previous models |
✔️ Reliable and consistent performance |