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By: Robert Llarves | Date Posted: January 5, 2023
Sitting at the top of the 13th gen Intel “Raptor Lake” processor series is the Intel Core i9-13900K. This highly powerful processor offers exceptional performance, allowing it to easily handle any task thrown at it. The Intel Core i9-13900K also has a competitive price in comparison to its AMD counterpart, making it an even better value for those looking for a powerful high-end CPU.
The Core i9-13900K features a high core count which makes it perfect for multitasking and running intensive applications such as video editing software or 3D rendering programs. Its integrated graphics enable users to enjoy PC gaming without the need for a discrete GPU, so you can get the most out of your machine’s performance.
Looking deep at its specification, the Core i9-13900K features a total of 24 cores (8 performance and 16 efficient cores), and has 32 threads in total with a max turbo frequency of 5.40GHz for its performance cores and 4.30 GHz for its efficient ones, while the base frequency starts at 3.00GHz and 2.20GHz respectively. In addition, this processor also comes with a 36 MB Intel Smart Cache to store your information as you work or play.
However, as with any high-end CPU, the Core i9-13900K runs quite hot. In order to keep this CPU at its peak performance, you’ll need an efficient cooler to accompany it. There are many different cooling solutions available, ranging from air coolers to liquid AIOs, so there is something for everyone here. Having an efficient cooler for the Core i9-13900K ensures that it performs optimally at all times.
The combination of powerful specs and competitive pricing makes the Intel Core i9-13900K an ideal choice for users who need maximum performance. If you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC or upgrade an existing one, then the Core i9-13900K is an excellent choice. In order to get the most out of your CPU, you’ll need a reliable motherboard that can keep up with its performance. Here are some of the best motherboards available for the Intel Core i9-13900K.
![]() | MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 |
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![]() | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 |
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![]() | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi |
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![]() | MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 |
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![]() | ASRock Z790 PG-ITX |
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Best Entry-Level Motherboard for Core i9-13900K
Packed with impressive specifications while still being competitive in price makes the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 a great choice for an entry-level motherboard for a high-end Core i9-13900K processor.
It sports a great power design with its 16+1+1 Mirrored Power Arrangement and dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, along with its Core Boost and Memory Boost features. It also features an Extended Heatsink Design that helps keep temperatures under control while the M.2 Shield Frozr adds protection against thermal throttling on your M.2 storage devices.
You’ll also get plenty of features for networking and other connectivity, including support for 2.5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Plus, the onboard audio is great thanks to Audio Boost 5 which provides studio-grade sound quality while gaming. When it comes to memory support, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 supports up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 5333+(OC) MHz.
Moreover, the build quality of the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 is exceptional. Utilizing a 6-layer PCB made with 2oz thickened copper and server-grade material makes this motherboard incredibly durable and dependable. Overall, if you’re looking for an entry-level motherboard for a Core i9-13900K processor, then the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 should be your go-to choice.
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 is great for those wanting to build a powerful system without breaking the bank. Its solid power design, connectivity options, and excellent build quality make this motherboard a great choice for anyone looking for an entry-level motherboard for their Core i9-13900K processor.
Best Affordable Motherboard for Core i9-13900K
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is our best recommendation if you are looking for a budget-friendly motherboard to pair with the Core i9-13900K.
This motherboard is packed with features, including a twin 16+1+2 phases digital VRM solution with a 70A power stage to provide stable and efficient power delivery. The M.2 Thermal Guard III offers ultimate cooling performance for your NVMe SSDs while the fully covered MOSFET heatsinks and advanced thermal design ensure an optimal temperature balance within your system. Additionally, PCIe Ultra Durable Armor and 6-layer PCB provides extra protection against electrical damage or short circuit.
Connectivity-wise, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is equipped with next-gen connectivity, SMD PCIe 5.0, four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C. On top of that, this motherboard also offers fast networking capabilities including 2.5GbE LAN and Intel WiFi 6E 802.11ax.
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX also features such as high-end audio capacitors and audiophile WIMA capacitors for great sound quality.
Finally, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is designed with RGB FUSION 2.0 so you can customize your lighting to match the look of your PC. It also supports addressable LED and RGB LED strips for even more vibrant visuals. Furthermore, Smart Fan 6 allows you to control fan speeds, while Q-Flash Plus Update BIOS without installing CPU, Memory, and GPU makes updating a breeze.
All in all, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable motherboard that has plenty of features and performance potential. With its great value proposition and reliable performance, this motherboard is ideal for those who are building a powerful workstation or gaming rig with a Core i9-13900K processor.
Best Overall Motherboard for Core i9-13900K
Moving on with our best overall motherboard recommendation, we have the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi. This motherboard guarantees to provide more than enough power solution for your Intel Core i9-13900K processor, thanks to its 18+1 90A power stages with ProCool II power connector. It also comes with high-quality alloy chokes, and durable capacitors to ensure reliable performance. Additionally, it has an optimized thermal design that includes a VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, hybrid fan headers, double-sided M.2 heatsink, and Fan Xpert 4 utility to keep your system cool even under intense usage.
In terms of networking and connectivity, this motherboard comes with an Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet and LANGuard protection for faster online gaming. It also has best-in-class WiFi 6E technology with a range of up to 6GHz frequency for smoother streaming and fast response times when gaming from anywhere in your home. Furthermore, there’s support for Bluetooth v5.3, allowing you to easily connect your wireless peripherals or compatible devices like headphones and speakers.
Overclockers will also love the AI Overclocking feature of this motherboard as it enables users to easily overclock their Intel Core i9-13900K processor with ease. This feature makes it possible to get the most out of your CPU without having to fiddle around with complicated settings or BIOS tweaks. It also has AI Cooling II, which automatically manages fan speeds based on system temperatures for a quieter and cooler operation.
Finally, you can enjoy crystal clear audio quality thanks to the AI Noise Cancellation technology which eliminates background noise from incoming and outgoing audio signals for improved sound clarity.
If you’re looking for a motherboard for your Intel Core i9-13900K that can provide unbeatable performance and stability – look no further than the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming. It doesn’t just look good on any setup but also provides great features for gaming, overclocking, and other computer activities.
Best White Motherboard for Core i9-13900K
Many manufacturers also have created white motherboard models to meet the demand for a white theme PC. The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is one of the best white motherboards available in the market today that can support Intel’s latest Core i9-13900K processors. It has an impressive design with a black, gray, and white color scheme that looks great when paired with your other components.
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 comes with a great VRM design that includes a 16+1+1 Duet Rail Power System providing ample power for the Core i9-13900K and any other components connected to the board.
This board also features an enlarged heatsink with a heat pipe which helps keep the system cool during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, it has MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mk as well as additional choke thermal pads and M.2 Shield Frozr providing ultimate cooling efficiency.
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 also supports DDR4 Memory up to 5333+(OC) MHz, so you get plenty of room for overclocking. It also comes with PCIe 5.0, allowing for lightning-fast data transfer speeds. There are multiple fan headers and USB ports as well as support for a variety of lighting effects that can be customized to your liking.
Overall, the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is an excellent choice if you’re looking to build a PC using Intel’s Core i9-13900K processor. With its great power delivery, aesthetically pleasing design, and efficient cooling system, you’ll have no problems creating a powerful and stylish gaming rig.
Best SFF Motherboard for Core i9-13900K
Of course, we have a motherboard recommendation for those planning to build a compact PC using the Core i9-13900K. The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX is an excellent choice. It features adequate power delivery, which consists of 10+1+1 Phase Power Design and SPS for Vcore, ensuring that your system is stable. However, we don’t recommend overclocking this motherboard as its VRM might not be able to handle the additional power draw.
The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX also features two DDR5 DIMMs, allowing you to install up to 6800+(OC) memory for maximum performance and stability. And, it comes with one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for adding a powerful graphics card.
Networking-wise, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX has you covered. It comes with an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E module, as well as a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port. Both of these will ensure lag-free online gaming and smooth streaming sessions.
Despite being small in size, it does come with all the necessary connectivities such as three M.2 slots, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C in Front, 6x USB 3.2 (Gen2 Type-A), and 3 SATA ports for storage expansion.
Overall, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX is a great choice for those who are looking for an SFF motherboard for their Core i9-13900K build. It has all of the features that you need to get your system up and running quickly and smoothly. Plus, it doesn’t come with any unnecessary extras that would drive up the cost unnecessarily. So, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable SFF motherboard for your Core i9-13900K build, then this should be at the top of your list.
These are the good things you should expect from the motherboards mentioned above:
All motherboards on this list feature great VRM designs, with high-quality components that are capable of providing plenty of power for the Core i9-13900K processor and any other components connected to the board.
Some even come with a more robust power delivery, which is beneficial if you are planning to overclock the Core i9-13900K.
These motherboards come with a variety of ports and connectors to allow for maximum flexibility when it comes to expansion options. This includes a number of USB ports including a Type-C port, PCIe 5.0 slot, M.2 slots for high-speed SSDs, and Wifi for wireless connectivity.
When it comes to build quality, you can be sure that these motherboards are built to last. They are manufactured by trusted brands ASUS, ASRock, GIGABYTE, and MSI, and use only high-quality components to ensure maximum stability. Plus, they all come with a three-year warranty for peace of mind.
Lastly, all of these motherboards make use of the same LGA 1700 socket which ensures compatibility with the Core i9-13900K processor. Additionally, they come with the right chipset to support this processor and its features. So, you can be assured that there won’t be any compatibility issues.
There you go – our list of the Best Motherboards for Core i9-13900K. With the right motherboard, you can ensure that your gaming rig is both powerful and reliable. All motherboards included in this guide works really well with this processor, so you can assure that you’ll get the optimal performance from your system.
We also did mention the things you can generally expect to get from these motherboards so you have an idea of the features you can get from them. We hope this guide has given you some ideas on what to look for when shopping for a Core i9-13900K motherboard.