Top 5 gaming motherboards for Intel Core i5-14600K
The Intel Core i5-14600K is among the most capable mid-range gaming chips available today. The processor packs the latest technology and IPC improvements from Team Blue and comfortably beats the competing Ryzen 7600X in both single as well as multi-core workloads. This makes it perfect for mid-range, premium gaming PCs. However, choosing the best motherboard for the chip can be difficult, given there are dozens, if not hundreds, of suitable options on the market.
This article lists the top five motherboards for the Core i5-14600K ranked from least to most expensive.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.
The Intel Core i5-14600K can be paired with both budget and high-end gaming motherboards
5) Gigabyte B760 DS3H AC DDR4 ($139)
The Gigabyte B760 DS3H AC DDR4 is among the best budget options for the Core i5-14600K. The board isn't the fanciest on the market but has all the necessary features for a well-rounded gaming system. Everything it offers, coupled with its affordable $139 price tag, makes it a decent option if you're on a budget.
The board bundles an 11-stage VRM design, which should be enough for the i5. The 'B' series offerings lose out on overclocking support; hence, the power solution won't matter much. You get five PCIe slots with this board, making it ideal for data mining and AI training purposes. Moreover, it comes bundled with wireless technologies, support for ARGB LEDs, and four RAM slots.
Pros:
- The Gigabyte B760 DS3H AC DDR4 is quite affordable at just $139.
- You get all the necessary hardware support with this board.
Cons:
- The motherboard is locked to DDR4 and doesn't pack overclocking support.
4) MSI B760 Tomahawk WiFi ($169)
The Tomahawk lineup continues to be a fan favorite for offering high-end features at a reasonable price. The B760 provides admirable power and cooling, support for PCIe Gen 5 SSDs and GPUs, as well as both DDR5 and DDR4 RAM. These features make it a top recommendation for the Intel Core i5-14600K.
The motherboard is powered by a 14-stage power solution. You can choose between its DDR5 and DDR4 variants, offering extra flexibility. Moreover, you also get WiFi 6E support with antennas in the box. The board is also based on a high-quality 6-layer setup. All of this feels like a steal at just $169.
Pros:
- The MSI B760 Tomahawk looks stylish and has ample cooling for SSDs and VRMs.
- The board supports PCIe Gen 5 SSDs and GPUs and can be paired with both DDR5 and DDR4 RAM.
Cons
- You don't get CPU core overclocking support with the B760 motherboards.
3) MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi ($209)
Coming to the more high-end options, the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus can be a solid option for the Core i5-14600K at just over $200. It shares a similar DNA to the Tomahawk, with high-end features and impressive cooling.
The board might be the most well-rounded option for budget chips like the i5, given it supports overclocking as well as the latest features like Gen 5 SSDs and GPUs. Additionally, it's reasonably priced.
In terms of the underlying hardware, you get a 16-phase power solution, which is enough for the 14600K. Moreover, you get WiFi 6E connectivity with antennas out of the box. This entry also shares a similar six-layer board setup as the Tomahawk. In terms of storage options, you get four NVMe SSD slots with six SATA ports on this board.
Pros:
- The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus pairs a capable 16-phase VRM setup.
- It is priced reasonably at $209.
Cons:
- The Realtek ALC897 audio codec is quite dated and not capable of high-quality output.
2) NZXT N7 Z790 ATX ($299)
The NZXT N7 Z790 can be the best option for those who prioritize looks. The motherboard is available in both white and black liveries. This product is among the most minimalist options you can buy.
In terms of the underlying hardware, the motherboard is quite stacked. It is based on a 19-stage VRM setup, which makes it quite capable of overclocking. Moreover, you get all the latest technologies like Gen 5 connectivity and in-built WiFi 6E and Bluetooth standards.
Pros:
- The NZXT Z7 Z790 is one of the best motherboards in terms of looks.
- It is quite stacked when it comes to the underlying hardware.
Cons:
- At $299, the board can be quite expensive for the Core i5-14600K.
1) Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ($699)
If you're looking for the ultimate motherboard for the Core i5-14600K, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the answer. This is arguably the best motherboard for overclocking and is packed with features that can push the chip well beyond its stock capabilities.
You get a whopping 23-stage VRM setup with the board. It also supports next-gen WiFi 7 connectivity and ample cooling to handle up to a Core i9-14900KS with ease. At $699, however, the board is quite expensive.
Pros:
- The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is one of the most capable motherboards for overclocking.
- Thanks to its 23-stage VRM design, you can squeeze every last bit of performance out of your Core i5-14600K.
Cons:
- At $699, the board can drill a solid hole in your pocket.
The above are some of your best options for the Core i5-14600K. We don't recommend spending more than 75% of the CPU's price on a board if all you want to do is multitask and game. However, if you want to overclock the chip, going for some of the more expensive options can make sense.