Heres our #1 pick Motherboard, theASUS ROG Maximus XIII Apex Z590.
For more awesome boards, check out the table below.
And lets not forget about the importance of aesthetics too.
Enter theASUS ROG Maximus XIII Apex.
This motherboard has got it all!
Lets talk about its design.
Maximus XIII Apex has a massive aluminum heatsink and a sleek all-black PCB.
But the Apex has a more aggressive look.
We also havefour M.2 slots;two support Gen 4, while the others use PCIe 3.0.
Thats some serious storage potential right there.
Now, lets check the connectivity.
The ROG Maximus XIII Apex hasWi-Fi 6E,Bluetooth 5.1, and a blazing-fast2.5 Gb Ethernet.
We never had to worry about lag or slow downloads during testing.
Also, theROG SupremeFXaudio was perfect for our immersive gaming sessions.
But heres the real star of the show: the massive18-phase VRMdesign.
This board features an enormous heatsink for the VRMs, taking full advantage of itsextended ATXform factor.
This motherboard could handle both our CPU and memory overclocking processes efficiently.
Its built for enthusiasts and overclockers who want the best performance.
With four M.2 slots, including PCIe 4.0 support, users can enjoy lightning-fast storage speeds.
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Apex delivers on every front.
Its VRM design, premium aesthetics, and abundance of features speak volumes.
So, if youre serious about pushing your system to the limit, this is the motherboard for you.
We chose the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge because it offers excellent value.
The chipset heatsink also includesAddressable RGB LEDs, adding to its visual appeal.
Wed be happier for an additional M.2 slot, but MSI made this compromise to keep the cost down.
The top M.2 slot includes analuminum heatsink, a nice touch.
The VRM design features12+1+1 power stages, with12 phasesdedicated to the CPU.
TheRealtek ALC 1220 Codecpowers the auxiliary outputs, while the2.5 GB Ethernetuses aRealtekaudio controller.
The motherboard also featuresIntels AX201interface for Wi-Fi andBluetooth 5.1connectivity.
Overall, the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge has almost everything an average gamer would need.
The robust DRMs allowed us to achieve high overclocks while keeping the price affordable.
We achieved excellent performance levels with support for memory overclocking up to 5000MHz.
The enlarged heatsinks on the board provided us with improved thermal performance, contributing to the systems overall stability.
It may restrict expansion options for users who require multiple high-speed storage devices.
Its feature set, memory overclocking capability, and built-in Wi-Fi make it a compelling choice.
Those who appreciate this design will be eager to showcase this motherboard.
However, its appeal goes beyond aesthetics; it offers exceptional value.
Since were so fond of this design, lets cover that first.
ASRock frequently refreshes its Taichi motherboards.
This model offers a premium finish with a sleekblack & coppertheme, enhanced by clockwork-styled heatsinks.
Thecustomizable RGB zonesandclockwork stencilson the rear cover panel add to its aesthetic appeal.
Beyond its design, the Z490 Taichi is a feature-packed motherboard.
Additionally, it supports fast memory with a maximum capacity of128 GB of RAMand speeds of up to4 MHz.
Notably, we also were able to use it in multi-GPU setups for bothNvidia SLIandAMD Crossfire.
Furthermore, the port selection is well-rounded, offeringWi-Fi 6andBluetoothsupport.
Weve got excellent overclocking performance due to the motherboards efficient heat dissipation with its large heatsinks and shrouds.
Given its extensive range of features, the Z490 Taichi offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio.
It has a robust power delivery system for stable overclocking and excellent performance.
What sets the ASRock Z490 Taichi apart is its impressive combination of features, capabilities, and aesthetics.
The12-phase/50A VRMfor Vcore ensures stable power delivery, allowing for efficient overclocking and optimal performance.
TheUSB 3.2 Gen 22 pop in-Cconnection ensures rapid data transfers, and numerousM.2andSATA portsallow for ample storage adaptability.
Although the ASRock Z490 Taichi is impressive, there are a few areas for improvement.
Also, using star screws on the chipset shroud can be annoying for those who prefer a cleaner aesthetic.
The ASRock Z490 Taichi stands as a top-tier motherboard, offering an excellent blend of features & aesthetics.
It is a well-rounded package for power users and gamers.
One standout feature of the Z490-E Gaming is its robustVRM coolingsystem, accompanied by an optionalactive cooling fan.
With a total of16 power stagesfromVishay, this motherboard delivered rock-solid power to our CPU.
Whether we were executing demanding tasks or pushing the limits of overclocking, this motherboard got our back.
ASUSs excellent UEFI BIOS is specifically designed to provide an optimal and stress-free overclocking experience.
Connectivity is a strong suit of this motherboard as well.
Lets not forget about the striking aesthetics of the Z490-E Gaming.
What sets the ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming apart is its excellent RGB implementation and eye-catching design.
Beyond looks, the motherboard delivers impressive performance out of the box.
Z490-E Gaming handles memory overclocking well and can achieve stable CPU overclocks thanks to its robust VRM design.
The thermals are well-managed, even during demanding tasks, ensuring consistent performance.
One drawback is that the ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming may not be the most budget-friendly option in its category.
This limited edition motherboard results from a collaboration between EVGAs hardware team and the legendaryVince K|NGP|N Lucido.
What sets the Z490 K|NGP|N apart is its ability to deliver exceptional overclocking performance.
So, we could confidently push our system to its absolute limits without fear of instability or overheating.
Whether youre an overclocking expert or a newcomer, this motherboard provides the perfect to show your overclocking creativity.
The Z490 Dark K|NGP|N Edition focuses on the finest details to enhance your overclocking experience.
In addition to its overclocking capabilities, the Z490 K|NGP|N offers comprehensive features.
We didnt face any web connection issues during our tests thanks to theIntel-based Ethernetcontrollers andWi-Fi 6.
Also, the enhancedaudio codecdelivered immersive sound.
Weve picked the EVGA Z490 Dark K|NGP|N due to its unwavering dedication to extreme overclocking performance.
The unique memory configuration with two horizontally-mounted slots improves airflow and benefits the memory-latency-driven workloads.
The EVGA Z490 Dark K|NGP|N is a powerhouse built for extreme overclocking aficionados seeking unmatched performance and reliability.
One of the standout features of the Z490I Unify line is its active cooling mechanism.
No more worrying about excessive heat when pushing your system to its limits!
This motherboard is ready to tackle the most power-hungry CPUs fromIntels 10th generationand beyond.
With top-of-the-line90 A powerstages, it has delivered a solid punch of electricity to fuel our overclocking adventures.
The Z490I Unify also flauntsPCIe 4.0, ensuring youre future-proofed for tomorrows blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
It also hastwo M.2 slotsto accommodate your lightning-fast SSDs.
What truly sets the MSI MEG Z490I Unify apart is its dedication tomemory overclocking.
We were able to clock in at up to a mind-boggling5000 MHz.
This board is a dream come true for those seeking every last drop of performance from their RAM.
The MEG Z490I Unify is perfect for overclockers and individuals seeking a compact motherboard with exceptional performance.
The Z490I Unify has impressed us with its attention to detail and top-tier components.
One area for improvement is the limited number of SATA ports.
It might limit users with multiple storage devices.
Additionally, the absence of built-in RGB lighting may disappoint users who prefer a more flashy and customizable aesthetic.
Its focus on overclocking capabilities, efficient VRM design, and PCIe 4.0 suits users seeking uncompromising performance.
The nameGodlikesets high expectations, and this motherboard certainly lives up to them.
This more prominent form factor is well-suited for overclocking and accommodating additional high-end features.
The rear panel cover showcases an exquisite mirror-like design, accentuating the iconicMSI dragon logo.
While the VRM heatsinks may not be the largest, they are augmented bytwo small finsconcealed beneath the shrouds.
Weve got excellent overclocked performance thanks to the robust20-phasepower design.
The motherboard also impressed us with its connectivity options.
The standout feature of the Z590 Godlike is undoubtedly theOLED displaylocated to the right of the DIMM slots.
MSI refers to this as theDynamic Dashboard 2.
Not only this helped us with troubleshooting, but it also added a visually stunning element to the motherboard.
The Z590 Godlike motherboard is ideal for performance-focused PC users and overclockers.
The powerful VRM configuration and overclocking features further solidify its position as one of our high-performance motherboards.
However, this drawback does not impact the performance much.
The MSI MEG Z590 Godlike motherboard is a top-tier choice for PC enthusiasts and overclockers.
It represents the peak of motherboard excellence for demanding enthusiasts, overclockers, and those who seek unparalleled performance.
One of the standout features of this motherboard is its robustVRM coolingsystem.
Equipped with anoptional active cooling fan, it ensured optimal thermal management, even during our intense overclocking sessions.
Thesixteen 90 Apower stages fromInfineonprovided clean and continuous power delivery, enabling stable performance and reliable operation.
Regarding connectivity options, we enjoyed the high-speed networking capabilities withWiFi 6and2.5 Gb/s LANsupport.
TheMarvell AQtion AQC10710Gb Ethernetcontroller further enhanced the motherboards networking ability.
Furthermore, the Maximus XII Extremes BIOS is a testament to ASUSs commitment to providing an optimal overclocking experience.
The user-friendly BIOS and features likedual BIOSwithBIOS flashbackallow easy customization and recovery.
Aesthetically, the ROG Maximus XII Extreme delivered our system a sleek and modern look.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme is ideal for extreme overclockers and those prioritizing high-end performance.
The Maximus XII Extreme leaves no stone unturned when delivering a top-tier experience.
The Maximus XII Extreme excels in many areas, but one drawback is its premium price tag.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme Z490 motherboard embodies performance and innovation.
It is okay not to be clear about the buying approach that you should adopt.
Dont worry, though.
We are talking about Intel core i9-10900K processors, for its motherboards withLGA1200socket would be the right option.
InZ490 & Z590chipsets, these sockets are available.
And here youll find the best boards money can buy with those chipsets.
Thunderbolt 3is mostly used though there are few budget-based options where its absent.
Number of RAM slots
Motherboards come up with different RAM slot numbers.
It depends on their sizes.
Some can accommodate 2, some have 4, and others have 8.
We chose the best one that suits your needs.
Budget
When compiling a list like this, it is crucial to consider various budget levels.
Thats why heres a list of thebest CPU Coolers suited for the i9-10900K.
FAQs
Which chipset for i9-10900K?
The Intel Core i9-10900K is integrated withIntel UHD Graphics 630chipset.
It has a dynamic frequency of1.2 GHzand a graphics base frequency of350 MHz.
For more performance, you might overclock the processor.
Is it worth upgrading from 10900K to 11900K?
The performance jump from 10900K to 11900K is minimal, only2%in real-world use cases.
So, if you already use the 10th gen processor, I wouldnt recommend buying an 11th gen CPU.
What is the highest overclock for i9-10900K?
