MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a highly capable mid-range motherboard that pairs excellently with the Core i9-13900. It features a robust 16+1+1 phase VRM with 90A smart power stages to handle heavy multi-threaded workloads, alongside DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0 x16 connectivity, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E.
- Excellent VRM cooling and power delivery
- Four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with heatsinks
- Solid rear I/O connectivity including 20Gbps USB-C
- No PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 SSDs
- Aesthetic design is somewhat plain
Platform Match
The Intel Core i9-13900 requires an LGA1700 motherboard, utilizing Z790 or B760 chipsets. This platform supports high-speed DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity for modern gaming builds.
VRM Guidance
Although rated at 65W TDP, the i9-13900 boosts significantly higher under load. A robust VRM with at least 14+1 power phases is recommended to prevent thermal throttling.
Upgrade Path
Opt for Z790 boards to maximize PCIe 5.0 lanes, M.2 expansion slots, and future-proof high-speed USB connectivity.
Quick Compare Matrix
| Rank | Motherboard | Chipset | Size | Memory | Value | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi Best Balanced |
Intel Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz (OC) | ★★★★☆ | Buy Now |
| #2 | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Best Value |
Intel Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7600 MHz (OC) | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #3 | ASRock Z790 Pro RS Budget Pick |
Intel Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7200 MHz (OC) | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #4 | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi Premium Creator |
Intel Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7800+ MHz (OC) | ★★★☆☆ | Buy Now |
| #5 | ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi Mainstream Alternative |
Intel B760 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7200 MHz (OC) | ★★★★☆ | Buy Now |
Recommended Motherboards
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi
ATX
DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz (OC)
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a highly capable mid-range motherboard that pairs excellently with the Core i9-13900. It features a robust 16+1+1 phase VRM with 90A smart power stages to handle heavy multi-threaded workloads, alongside DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0 x16 connectivity, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E.
- Excellent VRM cooling and power delivery
- Four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with heatsinks
- Solid rear I/O connectivity including 20Gbps USB-C
- No PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 SSDs
- Aesthetic design is somewhat plain
Key Features: 16+1+1 Phase VRM, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, PCIe 5.0 x16, 4x M.2 slots
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
ATX
DDR5 up to 7600 MHz (OC)
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers outstanding value for gamers using the i9-13900. It features a strong 16+1+2 twin digital VRM design, excellent memory routing for high-speed DDR5, and convenient DIY-friendly features like PCIe EZ-Latch. With integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE, it covers all gaming essentials without premium price bloat.
- Great value-to-performance ratio
- EZ-Latch design for easy GPU removal
- Excellent DDR5 memory overclocking support
- Lacks a physical clear CMOS button on rear I/O
- Shared bandwidth on some PCIe slots
Key Features: 16+1+2 Phase VRM, Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 x16, EZ-Latch, 4x M.2 slots
ASRock Z790 Pro RS
ATX
DDR5 up to 7200 MHz (OC)
The ASRock Z790 Pro RS is an entry-level Z790 board that provides a cost-effective entry point for the i9-13900. It features a decent 14+1+1 phase power delivery system that handles the 65W CPU comfortably at stock settings. While it cuts back on premium aesthetics and Wi-Fi (sold separately on some variants), it retains essential PCIe 5.0 support.
- Highly affordable Z790 option
- Supports PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics cards
- Four M.2 slots for storage expansion
- Basic VRM heatsinks limit extreme overclocking
- No integrated Wi-Fi on base model
Key Features: 14+1+1 Phase VRM, PCIe 5.0 x16, 4x M.2 slots, Realtek 2.5GbE
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
ATX
DDR5 up to 7800+ MHz (OC)
For users looking to push the i9-13900 to its absolute limits, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi delivers top-tier performance. It boasts a massive 18+1 phase VRM, a dedicated PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for next-gen SSDs, and premium audio. Its robust cooling and diagnostic tools make it ideal for enthusiasts and creators alike.
- Massive 18+1 phase VRM
- Onboard PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Excellent diagnostic LEDs and Q-Release
- Very expensive
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot shares bandwidth with GPU
Key Features: 18+1 Phase VRM, PCIe 5.0 M.2, Wi-Fi 6E, ROG SupremeFX Audio
ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi
ATX
DDR5 up to 7200 MHz (OC)
The ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi is a solid choice for gamers who do not plan on overclocking their i9-13900. Utilizing the B760 chipset, it offers a stable 12+1 phase VRM, PCIe 5.0 x16 support, and TUF-grade durability. It provides a plug-and-play experience with reliable Wi-Fi 6 and ample high-speed USB ports.
- Stable plug-and-play performance
- TUF military-grade components
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE
- B760 chipset limits CPU overclocking
- Fewer PCIe lanes than Z790 options
Key Features: 12+1 Phase VRM, PCIe 5.0 x16, Wi-Fi 6, TUF Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Z790 motherboard for the non-K Core i9-13900?
No, a B760 board works perfectly since the i9-13900 is locked. However, Z790 offers better power delivery and more PCIe lanes for heavy workloads.
Can I use DDR4 RAM with these motherboards?
Only if you specifically buy a DDR4 variant of the motherboard. The models recommended here are the DDR5 versions, which offer superior performance.
Does the i9-13900 require a high-end VRM heatsink?
Yes. Even though it is a 65W TDP processor, it can draw over 200W during boost periods, requiring capable VRMs to prevent thermal throttling.