Products at a Glance
The 13900KS is the top-of-the-line class of Intel’s new gen of CPUs, so the powers and speed are both gigantic. The processor has 24 cores and 32 threads divided with the already-known hybrid architecture of Team Blue.
Besides, it counts with 3.2 GHz of base frequency and a boost clock speed of 6GHz; an incredible number capable of matching the most powerful GPUs; it uses the same socket LGA 1700 as the 13900K, which makes it great for people with previous-gen motherboards too. And last but not least its TDP goes as high as 125W.
How we picked the best motherboards for 13900KS
We searched for the best motherboards in the market and decided to select both Z700 and Z600 to take advantage of the backward compatibility of the CPU. To select only the best we looked at key features, namely: power delivery; memory support, we refer to DDR5 availability (when possible) and we looked for nice expansion slots for PCIe support.
Last but not least, due to the great power of the components, we looked at cooling solutions and overclocking potential; a good enthusiast will overclock a beastly CPU like this one. We tackle this task keeping price in mind; although, we also know you are likely willing to spend in this regard.
Product Reviews
- Amazing audio solutions
- Optimized VRM thermals
- Dominant power solution
- Great performance
- Expensive
ASUS never lets us down when it comes to motherboards. It’s figured out a way to deliver the most high-end, feature-rich boards in the market – and consistently. In this case, we consider the Maximus line to be the best fit for 13900K CPUs. The ASUS ROG is a top-tier motherboard that encapsulated the fastest and most powerful capabilities.
The motherboard features a robust power delivery system, with a 24 + 1 teamed power stages design and a ProCool II power connector for improved voltage regulation and heat dissipation.
The board also offers a range of features for overclocking, including LN2 Mode for extreme overclocking, and the OC Zone, which provides quick access to key overclocking features. It has several connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.2 ports, Thunderbolt 4, two PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots, and HDMI 2.1.
It also comes with a built-in audio solution which is powered by the SupremeFX audio processor and also has an ESS ES9023P digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for high-fidelity audio output.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is a high-end motherboard that is built for power users, overclockers, and enthusiasts. it comes with all the features you would expect from a top-of-the-line motherboard, including robust power delivery, advanced overclocking options, and a wide range of connectivity options. That makes it our pick of the best motherboards for Core i9 13900KS.
- A lot of M.2 capacity
- Great features for price
- Top SSD and VRM cooling
- No real generational change
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming is another high-end motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts. It is built on the Intel Z700 Express chipset and supports LGA 1700 processors. This is a less expensive option than the other ASUS classes, although the E class gives this board more heatsink space for overclocking.
The design may have been updated over the previous iteration, but the VRM configuration for the Z790-E Gaming remains unchanged. It features 18+1 stages that provide 90A each. The heatsinks are large and cover a significant portion of the top of the board, aiding in heat transfer but also making it more challenging to access the two relevant power connectors.
The four PCIe 4.0 drives require less cooling as they are equipped with exceptional thermal padding. All five high-speed drives are integrated into the motherboard, eliminating the need for additional expansion cards. One of the drives is compatible with SATA-based M.2 SSDs and the remaining four can be connected using SATA connectors.
Given the power-delivery, cooling, and enthusiast features of this Strix board (eg. AI Overclocking), this comes second in our best motherboards for Core i9 13900KS. But it may be the top pick for enthusiasts.
- Five M.2 sockets
- Robust power delivery
- Beautiful RGB-free aesthetic
- Not a Z790 motherboard
If you want access to the last Intel 13th-gen CPUs but can’t afford a Z790 board, you can get along with a Z690. These are still amazingly powerful boards capable of matching the whole power of the 13900 CPUs. You would only need to feel comfortable performing a quick BIOS update and the board will provide the best features you can get for the price. The Intel Core i9 13900KS CPU has good backward compatibility, so using an older board isn’t a problem.
The Unify’s all-black design packs 5 M.2 ports to ensure the best connectivity and speed. It also has a durable VRM, a variety of quick USB ports at the back, 2.5 GbE with Wi-Fi 6E, and a sleek design eben without RGB lighting. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that doesn’t have fancy lights, the Z690 Unify is a great choice to consider as the foundation of your build.
- Strong and solid build quality
- Support for fast RAM
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 card
- More USB ports would be good
This is another strong Z690 motherboard. The Maximus line from ASUS is the top-tier one of the brand so it ensures the best environment for your CPU and rig to succeed. The motherboard features a variety of high-speed USB ports, including a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen2x2, and dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN with two PCI-E slots that are compatible with the latest Gen5 technology.
It is an ideal choice for building a high-performance PC with dual graphics cards, as it offers maximum bandwidth and stability using the ROG GPU holder that prevents sagging from heavy GPUs. Additionally, the AuraSync software allows for customization and adds a personal touch to your build.
The board supports 64GB DDR5 6600MHz memory, 2x PCI-E 5.0 x16 Slots, 1x PCI-E 5.0 x4 Slot, 3x PCI-E 4.0 x4 Slots, and 5x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1. It’s not bad connectivity, but more USB slots wouldbe useful. The board also delivers a Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E, ensuring the best WiFi performance for that price.
Features and considerations
Before purchasing the motherboard is important to understand its compatibility. Intel decided to release the CPU with the same socket 1700 as previously used, and it took that path to give the possibility of Z600 board users to keep their boards and still use new CPUs with a simple update. And to be fair, these motherboards will draw the same power as the newest Z700E standard.
However, the new-gen boards will provide a more modern and powerful environment for the whole rig with new features such as PCIe 5.0 SSD support, more & better USB on the I/O, or increased storage.
Other than that, you also need to keep in mind the power delivery: the Intel Core i9-13900K has a high TDP of 125W, so it’s important to choose a motherboard with a robust power delivery system to ensure a stable operation and overclocking potential.
Our Verdict
You’re about to build a top-tier rig and you have to ensure the best quality components. The first step is to have the best motherboard you can get. in the article we’ve given you the best from the Z790 and Z690 generations. If you’re willing to pay for the best, we think Asus has got you covered. We think the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is first in the best motherboards for the Core i9 13900KS. It’ll be perfect for a high-end PC using high-quality components, audio support, and connectivity.
If you wish to save some money, then you can go for a Z690 board and take advantage of the backward compatibility of Intel’s 13900K processors. If that’s your preference, you should go for the MSI MEG Z690 UNIFY. This board offers a feature-rich environment for your rig at a great price. Keep in mind, though that you’ll have to perform a quick BIOS update to have it working.
- Now read more about the Core i9 13900KS