In the world of high-performance computing, a motherboard serves as the foundation for your entire system. For serious gamers, content creators, and power users, investing in a motherboard with cutting-edge chipset technology is crucial to maximizing speed, stability, and upgrade potential. The 790 chipset series—particularly AMD’s X790 and Intel’s Z790—represents the latest in motherboard innovation. These boards support the newest generation of processors, PCIe 5.0, faster memory configurations, enhanced connectivity, and a range of overclocking features that push performance boundaries. Whether you’re building a new rig from scratch or upgrading an existing one, selecting the best 790 motherboard ensures you get the most from your system. Below, we explore the top five 790 motherboards that offer outstanding features, superior build quality, and future-ready support for the most demanding computing tasks.

Best 790 Motherboards

1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

Supports Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket
Offers DDR5 RAM support up to 7800 MHz for lightning-fast memory performance
Equipped with five M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 x16 for next-generation GPU and storage expansion
Features 20+1 power stages with high-quality chokes for extreme overclocking stability
Comes with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, WiFi 6E, and 10 USB ports for unmatched connectivity
Robust VRM cooling with aluminum heatsinks and integrated fan headers ensures system temperature stays optimal
Includes ROG-exclusive features like AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and a pre-mounted I/O shield
Additionally, the aesthetic is complemented by customizable RGB lighting and a sleek armor plate
Perfect for elite gamers and professional content creators who demand performance without compromise
A premium pick for anyone wanting to future-proof their setup with top-tier hardware

2. MSI MEG Z790 ACE

High-end Z790 motherboard tailored for Intel’s latest CPUs with excellent build quality and performance tuning
Supports DDR5 memory up to 7800 MHz (OC) and provides five M.2 slots with Shield Frozr cooling
Includes dual PCIe 5.0 slots for next-gen GPUs and NVMe SSDs, ideal for enthusiasts
Offers an extended heat pipe design and triple-layer MOSFET thermal pads for efficient heat dissipation
Backed by a 24+1+2 Duet Rail Power System, ensuring efficient power delivery even during heavy workloads
Features ultra-fast networking with Dual 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E support
Moreover, the board includes onboard 7.1 HD audio, dual USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and a Type-C port on the front panel
Customizable Mystic Light RGB zones allow full personalization and theme synchronization
Exceptional BIOS interface and overclocking profiles cater to experienced builders
Best for power users seeking a board that delivers stability, speed, and aesthetic excellence

3. GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master

Optimized for Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs with LGA 1700 socket support and cutting-edge connectivity options
Offers support for DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 for both GPU and SSD configurations
Comes with a 20-phase power design and large fin-array heatsinks for superb thermal efficiency
Features five M.2 connectors and four SATA ports for expansive storage possibilities
Advanced audio codec with ESS SABRE HiFi ensures studio-quality sound output
Enhanced with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C 20Gbps, and rear I/O shield with 10 USB ports
Additionally, the integrated I/O panel includes Q-Flash Plus and Clear CMOS for recovery and updates
Solid board layout and reinforced DIMM and PCIe slots provide added structural durability
Ideal for gamers and workstations that require fast read/write speeds, multitasking, and immersive audio
A feature-rich and performance-packed motherboard offering superior expandability and reliability

4. ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara

Uniquely designed with Carrara-marble-inspired aesthetics and exceptional component engineering
Powered by a 24+1+2 phase VRM setup for extreme overclocking and voltage regulation stability
Offers PCIe Gen5 x16 and Gen5 x4 M.2 support for advanced GPU and SSD performance
Supports DDR5 memory up to 7400+ MHz via dual-channel configuration
Features built-in Killer E3100 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E, along with Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless versatility
Enhanced with high-definition 120dB SNR audio powered by Realtek ALC4082 and ESS SABRE DAC
Robust aluminum heatsinks and heatpipe architecture manage heavy loads effectively
Additionally, the BIOS includes instant flash tools, secure boot, and flexible fan tuning profiles
Aesthetically pleasing and functionally powerful, this board turns heads and delivers muscle
Best for users who want unique looks paired with elite performance in one package

5. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4

A more affordable yet robust Z790 motherboard with support for both DDR4 and Intel’s latest CPUs
Equipped with 14+1 DrMOS power stages and six-layer PCB for enhanced signal and thermal management
Features PCIe 5.0 x16 support and multiple M.2 slots with thermal guards for improved storage performance
Offers USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 for full display flexibility
Integrated WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5G LAN provide fast networking options
TUF military-grade components ensure durability in high-performance environments
Moreover, the board includes intuitive BIOS and AI noise cancellation for enhanced usability
Reinforced PCIe slots and ESD guards help protect connected hardware from environmental factors
Ideal for builders who want a reliable gaming platform without stepping into ultra-premium territory
An excellent value choice that blends toughness, modern features, and upgrade flexibility

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 790 Motherboard

Selecting the right 790 motherboard involves understanding your usage needs, desired compatibility, and future upgrade goals. Whether you’re gaming, editing 4K video, or developing software, a quality motherboard can ensure consistent performance and future scalability.

Chipset Compatibility

The 790 chipset is offered in variants depending on CPU brand:

Intel Z790: Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs, PCIe 5.0, and DDR5
AMD X790 (hypothetical naming for latest platforms): Supports AMD Ryzen 7000 series, AM5 sockets, and PCIe Gen 5

Ensure your motherboard matches your chosen processor brand and model.

Memory Support

Memory type and speed can impact both performance and stability:

DDR5: Provides faster frequencies and future-proofing
DDR4: More affordable, slightly slower, and widely available
Higher-end boards offer overclocking support and dual-channel memory architecture

Choose boards that support your preferred RAM type and allow expansion up to 128GB or more.

Expansion and Slots

Future upgrades rely heavily on available slots:

PCIe 5.0: Critical for next-gen GPUs and ultra-fast SSDs
M.2 NVMe: Preferred for storage; look for 3–5 slots with heat spreaders
SATA: Necessary for older drives or additional storage

Verify that your board includes enough expansion ports for your planned setup.

Power Delivery and VRM Quality

VRMs affect stability and overclocking:

More phases (18+ preferred) offer smoother voltage distribution
Heatsinks and heatpipes help cool power components and prolong life
Choose boards with premium capacitors and MOSFETs for reliability

Overclockers and gamers will benefit most from stronger VRM systems.

Connectivity and Networking

Today’s workloads require fast data transfer and robust networking:

USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, 20Gbps ports for external drives and peripherals
WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN or higher for seamless gaming and cloud access
Bluetooth 5.2+ for wireless accessories

Modern motherboards pack all of these, but entry-level boards may cut corners—choose wisely.

Audio and Visual Output

While most users will use dedicated GPUs:

Onboard audio with high SNR DACs improves gaming and streaming
HDMI/DisplayPort support allows iGPU video if discrete GPU is not installed
Check rear panel I/O for sufficient port types and layouts

Quality onboard audio is essential if you don’t plan to use an external DAC.

FAQs

Q1: What processors are compatible with Z790 motherboards?
Intel Z790 motherboards support both 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket.

Q2: Can I use DDR4 memory on a Z790 motherboard?
Some Z790 boards, like the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus D4, are designed specifically for DDR4. Check compatibility before purchasing.

Q3: What’s the difference between Z790 and B760 chipsets?
Z790 offers better overclocking, more PCIe lanes, and expanded USB support. B760 is more budget-friendly with fewer features.

Q4: Is PCIe 5.0 necessary for gaming?
Not currently, but it ensures better performance for next-gen GPUs and SSDs. It’s more about future-proofing than immediate gains.

Q5: How many M.2 slots do I need?
At least two is ideal—one for your OS and one for additional games or media. Heavy users may benefit from four or more.

Q6: Do all Z790 motherboards have WiFi?
No. Some models skip WiFi to reduce cost. Look for “WiFi” in the name if this is important to you.

Q7: Can I use my existing power supply with a new 790 board?
Yes, if it meets the required wattage and includes modern connectors (like 8-pin EPS). High-end boards may need dual CPU power inputs.

Q8: What form factors are available for 790 boards?
Common options include ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX. Choose based on your case size and component layout preferences.

Expert Tips for Choosing and Using 790 Motherboards

Match your RAM type—DDR5 is faster, but DDR4 is cheaper and more stable at this point
Future-proof your build by choosing boards with PCIe 5.0 and multiple M.2 slots
Check cooling compatibility—ensure your CPU cooler fits the motherboard’s socket and form factor
Update BIOS immediately if you plan to use the latest CPU generation
Use Q-Flash/BIOS Flashback for safe BIOS updates without booting the OS
Buy with expansion in mind—even if you don’t need all the ports now, you might later
Use dual-channel RAM kits for optimal performance rather than mixing sticks
Look for reinforced PCIe slots if you plan to install heavy GPUs or cards

Comparison Table

Motherboard Name	Chipset	RAM Type	PCIe 5.0	M.2 Slots	Ideal For
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero	Z790	DDR5	Yes	5	Overclockers and gamers
MSI MEG Z790 ACE	Z790	DDR5	Yes	5	Creators and extreme performance users
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master	Z790	DDR5	Yes	5	Balanced performance and audio
ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara	Z790	DDR5	Yes	4	Style-focused enthusiasts
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus D4	Z790	DDR4	Yes	4	Budget builders and first-time users

Conclusion

Choosing the best 790 motherboard ensures you unlock your CPU’s full potential while enabling high-speed storage, enhanced connectivity, and room for upgrades. If you’re chasing absolute peak performance, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and MSI MEG Z790 ACE deliver enthusiast-class features and future-ready support. For those who want standout aesthetics paired with functionality, the ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara offers stunning design with power-packed internals. Budget-conscious users can confidently rely on the ASUS TUF Z790-Plus D4, which proves that performance and affordability can coexist.

From high-frequency RAM support to advanced cooling and BIOS utility features, these motherboards serve as the ultimate core for your gaming or professional rig. With the right board, your PC will not only meet today’s demands—it’ll be ready for the innovations of tomorrow.