The Intel Core i9 13900K (or the higher clocked Core i9 13900KS) is a 24-core, 32-thread number-crunching behemoth that excels at both gaming and productivity, offering strong performance in synthetic benchmarks and excellent single-core performance that dominates games in a neat package. It has been replaced by the slightly faster Intel Core i9 14900K in the past few months, which also touts AI overclocking profiles and Intel's new APO scheduling enhancements as reasons to be the current de facto flagship.
How to Pick the Right Motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K CPU
The Core i9 13900K is Intel's most powerful consumer-grade CPU from its 13th-generation Raptor Lake-based lineup. As a result, it also commands a significant power draw and thermal requirements to operate at its maximum potential. Users looking for a motherboard to pair with one of Intel's fastest CPUs in 2024 need to consider the following when selecting a motherboard for Intel's highest core count consumer-grade CPU to date:
Power Delivery: The Intel Core i9 13900K can require anywhere between 125W to 253W for gaming and productivity-related work with some users even pushing above its turbo power limits. This requires a motherboard with the ability to deliver stable current to avoid throttling the 13900K, especially at higher clocks where it would ideally like to deliver performance.
Future-Proofing: With Intel's 13900K CPU catering almost exclusively to enthusiast gamers and power users alike, most of its target consumer base will also look for hardware that is relevant well beyond the next year or two when making a purchase decision. Therefore, priority would be given to Intel's newer Z790 chipset and refreshed 14th-generation Intel motherboards, PCI-E 5.0 support (GPU and NVMe), and support for newer USB-based Thunderbolt 4 ports out of the box.
I/O and Connectivity Options: Users requiring the ability to plug in a variety of hardware into their gaming PC or workbench built around the Intel Core i9 13900K CPU would prefer having a slew of networking options (high-speed ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and BT 5.3 or higher) as well as plenty of USB ports in tow. Some users would also prefer having Thunderbolt connectivity via their motherboards as well as multiple USB-C ports, something that more premium motherboard options have aplenty.
Value For Money: Users might be understandably confused about what constitutes the best that they can buy in terms of price-to-performance ratios versus the best currently available. This means that while performance and budget-centric options do exist, the best value for money often exists somewhere in the middle for prospective buyers.
The Best Motherboards For The 14900K
These are some of the best motherboards you can pair with Intel's fastest consumer-grade CPU.
The Best Motherboards for Intel Core i9 13900K
MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Gaming Motherboard
An Ace In The Hole
- Brand
- MSI
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCI Express 5.0
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Form Factor
- DIMM
The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX supports DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 devices, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports for reliable and fast network connectivity as well as faster transmission speeds.
The motherboard uses an Intel LGA1700 socket compatible with Intel Core 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation processors. It also supports entry-level processors like Celeron and Intel Pentium Gold.
The high-end motherboard features a 24+1+2 phase VRM that delivers robust and stable power to the processor even when overclocking heavily, making it ideal for professional gaming and other demanding applications.
- Wi-Fi
- WI-FI 7
- USB Ports
- 18x USB Ports (Front and Rear), including two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Front Ports with 60W PD
- M.2 NVMe Connector
- 4x M.2 Gen4 Ports, 1x M.2 Gen5 Port
- CPU Support
- Supports 12th/13th/14th Gen Intel Processors
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Power Phases
- 24+1+2
- Networking
- Wi-Fi 7, Dual 2.5G Ethernet, BT 5.4
- Overclocking potential for the Intel Core i9 13900K
- Excellent networking under the hood: Wi-Fi 7, Dual 2.5G Ethernet, and BT 5.4
- Built-in I/O plate which can make installations neater
- High DDR5 memory overclocking potential
- Looks considerably more premium than most of its competitors in the same price range
- Future-proof PCI-E 5.0 support for the GPU
- Requires users to have access to Wi-Fi and ethernet drivers when installing a fresh copy of Windows
- Pricier than comparable Z790 alternatives with similar specs
- Tool-less SSD seems to be troublesome for some users
The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Gaming Motherboard is the highest-end motherboard MSI currently offers, apart from their overclocking-centric GODLIKE lineup. It supports Intel's 14th generation CPUs, excellent DDR5 memory overclocking potential, and a premium design including an integrated I/O plate at the rear.
It offers PCI-E 5.0 support for both future GPUs as well as a singular M2 SSD slot even as it packs in an impressive five storage slots in total, with the latter four offering PCI-E 4.0 speeds. In addition to this, MSI offers dual ethernet ports and support for Wi-Fi 7 as well as Bluetooth 5.4, making it a cutting-edge product for networking needs.
The MSI MEG ACE MAX's Z790 trim also comes with a robust 24+1+2 power design in addition to plenty of cooling for its VRMs. With a tool-less M2 drive install procedure on the primary NVMe M2 slot, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Gaming Motherboard is a perfect, next-generation partner for Intel's last-generation Core i9 CPU that continues to hold its own even against most of its newer CPU releases.
For users looking for a similar motherboard but with a better price, the 13th generation supporting MSI Z790 MEG ACE (Sans the MAX moniker) is still a great and viable option. It trades at a sizable $170 discount versus its newer replacement even as it shaves off some of the latest connectivity and 14th-generation support out of the box. The latter should not concern users intending to upgrade to or look for a new Intel Core i9 13900K CPU (which is supported out of the box) in any case.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master
A Masterclass In Price-To-Performance Ratio
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Form Factor
- E-ATX
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master offers excellent I/O options, a well-designed VRM configuration (20+1+2) to support the demands of even the most taxing Intel Core i9 CPUs, and throws in plenty of USB ports into the mix to ensure PC gamers and enthusiasts alike are well-accounted for.
With built-in support for Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, and 10GB of Ethernet in play, the Z790 Aorus Master delivers extensively on connectivity even as it trades at a sizeable discount in 2024, making it an excellent alternative to most of its pricier siblings that accompanied Intel's 14th generation Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs.
- Wi-Fi
- Intel Wifi 6E
- USB Ports
- 11x Type A, 3x Type C
- M.2 NVMe Connector
- 5
- Chipset
- Z790
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Power Phases
- 20+1+2
- Networking
- Marvel AQtion AQC113C 10GbE
- PCI Slots
- 3x PCI-E x16
- Audio
- Realtek ALC1220-VB Codec
- Storage interfaces
- 4x SATA
- Easily pushes the 13900K to higher clocks thanks to its 20+1+2 phase digital VRMs
- Future-proof PCI-E 5.0 support for both the GPU and a single M2 slot
- Best-in-class 10-gigabit ethernet plus Wi-Fi 6E and BT
- Built-in I/O plate making for a cleaner install than more budget options
- User-controllable LEDs on the motherboards for a mid-range Z790
- High DDR5 RAM overclocking potential along with a large QVL
- Might not fit in all cases due to its larger size
- Some users report coil whine when running heavier benchmarks
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master benefits from multiple price cuts that see its price pushed down below $400, making it a viable consideration versus its competition which still competes for the most part at a sub-$500 price tag. It offers excellent VRMs, and PCI-E support for both the GPU and M2 SSDs, depending on which users intend to use (both share PCI-E 5.0 bandwidth currently).
With an aggressive gaming-themed design that also offers users control over the onboard LED lighting in addition to decent RAM overclocking potential as well as 10 Gigabit Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 under the hood, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master offers significant connectivity to an already-burgeoning I/O arsenal at a price tag that intrudes on the mid to high-end Z790 motherboard market with its price cuts understating its top-tier hardware offerings for an all-round motherboard for gamers and professionals alike.
For users needing the latest iteration of the Z790 Aorus Master, Gigabyte also offers a 14th-generation-ready Z790 Aorus Master X alternative that sits at a sub-$450 price tag while offering Wi-Fi 7 support out of the box in addition to a slight redesign to the aesthetic that otherwise occupies the same size as the Z790 Aorus Master, making it an iterative improvement at best. The Z790 Aorus Master is currently only marginally cheaper than its successor on Amazon, which could make the latter an excellent choice for users looking for a motherboard with better underlying tech in 2024.
Best Gigabyte Motherboards for Gaming in 2024
Gigabyte is one of the most reliable vendors when it comes to motherboards. These motherboards offer unparalleled features for every dollar spent.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula
Power In A Beautiful Package
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCI-E 5.0/4.0
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5, up to 8000 MHz+
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is the successor to its well-received Z690-based predecessor, offering a cleaner aesthetic and plenty of upgrades under the hood.
With Wi-Fi 7 under the hood in addition to the ability to overclock RAM better than previous models thanks to DIMM Flex as well as a 5Gb Ethernet port in play, the ROG Maximus hits a nice balance between form and function thanks to its excellent OLED display that can be customized using the bundled armory crate software.
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- CPU Support
- Intel 12th/13th/14th Generation
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Power Phases
- 20+1+2 Power Phases
- Networking
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Multiple changes under the hood allow for better overclocking
- Large memory QVL and supports up to 8000 MHz RAM
- Excellent power delivery handles the 13900K at higher clocks
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5 Gigabit Ethernet Port to allow for better connectivity than its predecessor
- Supports liquid cooling on the board itself using the HybridChill VRM cooling solution
- Customizable LiveDash OLED screen
- Pricey compared to most other Z790 motherboards
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is a contender for both the most premium motherboard for the Intel Core i9 13900K and one of the best overclocking ones in the business that meets the needs of all but the most ardent overclockers. It offers excellent power delivery, high memory overclocking, and ASUS's AI overclocking built into the motherboard, which happens to be one of the most user-friendly solutions for overclockers with different levels of experience.
It integrates a differential-sensing circuit to detect, account for, and rectify differences between reported and actual voltages provided to the CPU. This allows for better and more fine-tuned reporting, and by proxy, control of the overclocking process. It matches this by offering a dedicated passive and liquid-cooled solution for its VRMs, something ASUS brands as 'HybridChill'.
With a dedicated 2-inch OLED display on the motherboard that hosts information about the entire boot process and can be configured or customized to deliver personal messages or stats depending on user needs, the Z790 Maximus Formula does have its wow factor covered with ease compared to the competition. It also delivers on the aesthetic end with ease without compromising on connectivity or functionality.
With USB 4 (Thunderbolt) support in play along with Wi-Fi 7 and support for as much as 5 Gigabit Ethernet speeds in play in addition to as many as 5 M2 SSD slots, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is a complete package, marrying the highest-end current gen tech with that of the future, making it a great future-proof motherboard that also supports Intel's latest 14th generation CPUs from the get-go, making it a premium, but excellent choice for users looking for the best in the business.
ASUS has somewhat dialed down prices on the Maximus refresh motherboards, but the Z790 (as the ultimate offering) currently only sees a minor $25 discount. For users looking for a similar motherboard from ASUS but in black, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is also an excellent contender. It currently trades at a larger $50 discount over MSRP versus its white sibling.
It does, however, compromise on the onboard VRM liquid cooling support, a higher bandwidth ethernet connection (5 Gigabit vs 2.5 Gigabit), and perhaps more importantly, the Livedash display that remains exclusive to the ROG Maximus Z790 Formula.
MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi
Powerful, budget-centric offering
- Brand
- MSI
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Wi-Fi
- WiFi 6E
MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi holds several PCI-E slots for adding various kinds of expansion cards at the same time. Its support for highly clocked memories, Intel's 12th/13th/14th gen CPUs, and fast storage is commendable. At an affordable price, it is one of the few motherboards that come with EZ Debug LEDS for easy troubleshooting.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- USB Ports
- Rear: 7, Front: 7
- M.2 NVMe Connector
- 2
- CPU Support
- Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th gen
- Chipset
- B760
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Power Phases
- 12+1+1
- Networking
- Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCI-E 4.0
- PCI Slots
- 5x PCI-E
- Audio
- Realtek ALC897 Codec
- Well-rounded power delivery offering (12+1+1 phases)
- Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, and 2.5G Ethernet connectivity
- Interesting amount of PCI-E x16-styled slots (but with limited bandwidth)
- Great value for its feature set
- Handles overclocked memory at up to 6800 MHz+ clocks
- Single RGB header on the board for users looking for lighting support
- Offers only 3 SATA ports when using the dual M2 slots (shares bandwidth with 2nd M2 slot)
- No PCI-E 5.0 support whatsoever (GPU or SSDs)
For users on a stricter budget and not looking to push the Intel Core i9 13900K higher by overclocking it, a budget B760 motherboard might just be all that is required. The MSI B760 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi Motherboard delivers that and then some with solid networking. Thanks to it supporting Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.3, one can argue it holds its own with some of the more premium motherboards on The Best War Games's list.
It also offers decent power delivery for those concerned if it can handle something as powerful as the Core i9 13900K or its immediate successor, even as it clocks in at just $160 on Amazon at the time of writing. At the same time, it does offer limited support for DDR5 RAM overclocking, making it a great unit to pair with higher-end XMP 3.0-compliant memory. It also sees regular updates with the BIOS update being pushed out in January 2024.
At the same time, as a budget gaming motherboard, it does have its drawbacks. Users looking for upgradeability down the line or the ability to run cutting-edge SSDs might have to look elsewhere. It does not have any PCI-E 5.0 slots on the board, unlike its Z790-based counterparts. It also offers only two M2 slots, one of which takes out one of the four SATA ports functionality when in use, meaning it is probably not a great motherboard for users with the need to connect large amounts of storage down the line, even if PCI-E 5.0 is not a factor.
While gamers might not be altogether thrilled to learn that the motherboard only has a single RGB header in play, others might look at the MSI B760 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi Motherboard as a compromise, but one that heavily favors them, making it a relative no-brainer to get, especially if on a budget considering that LGA 1700 has seen its last high-performance CPUs before Intel reportedly reverts to a newer socket for its 15th gen offerings.
For users who do want a budget MSI motherboard, however, the MSI Pro Series Z790-A Wi-Fi remains an excellent alternative, clocking in just $60 more at multiple retailers while offering slightly better VRMs and overclocking support to eke out more from Intel's 13th generation behemoth.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
The Darker Hero-Knight
- Brand
- ASUS
- Memory Slots
- 4 Memory Slots, Up to 192GB Supported
- Memory Type
- DDR5 up to 8000 MHz+ (OC)
- Form Factor
- ATX
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is the latest in a series of well-established Z790 Motherboards in the ROG lineup. It adds native Wi-Fi 7 support as one of the first motherboards in the industry to do so while throwing in better memory overclocking and power delivery.
It comes with a bolder aesthetic in addition to cutting down to four available SATA ports from the original Hero with an otherwise identical arsenal as it integrates its additional M2 slots on the board itself, eliminating the need for users to get space for the ROG Hyper M2 card its predecessor uses.
- Wi-Fi
- Yes, Native Wi-Fi 7 Support
- CPU Support
- Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen CPUs
- Chipset
- Z790
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Power Phases
- 20+1+2
- Networking
- Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCI-E 5.0
- Excellent power delivery handles the Intel Core i9 14900K
- Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G Ethernet, and BT 5.4 support
- Supports all Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th generation CPUs out of the box
- Five M2 slots
- Dual USB 4 (Thunderbolt) ports
- Considerably more expensive than its already-pricey predecessor
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is a refresh of the older Z790 Hero which offered a premium but excellent, well-rounded approach to the LGA 1700 socket with Intel's latest consumer-grade chipset. It bakes in support of Intel's 14th-generation CPUs while offering better connectivity upgrades in tow. It switches out the Wi-Fi 6E support for better, future-proof Wi-Fi 7 support while moving the M2 slots that the Hero once had to use a PCI-E adapter to run onto the board itself.
This is done while maintaining the Dark Hero at an ATX spec instead of its larger E-ATX alternatives, even as it upgrades its design slightly to a more aggressive look this time around. With excellent VRMs in tow, it should be able to handle Intel's Core i9 13900K chip without breaking a sweat in multiple productivity and gaming scenarios, but gamers and enthusiasts tend to benefit more from the prominent ROG branding's aesthetic value than most power users.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is geared towards performance and gaming enthusiasts. It has no illusions about this, even as it prices itself an additional $100 over the ROG Hero, which can be had at a small discount at retailers such as Amazon for as low as $550. It offers an incremental upgrade to its predecessor much like the 14th generation Intel Core processors do versus the 13th generation Raptor Lake CPUs like the 13900K.
It continues to trade at a high premium over many of its competitors but recently benefited from a price cut of $50 at multiple retailers as its target users will consider the pros of having a well-built ATX-sized motherboard that has all the goodies they need to game out of the box with a pleasing aesthetic in tow while allowing them to use it with 14th-generation Intel CPUs out of the box.
Users can also grab the ASUS Z790 Maximus Formula as an alternative offering a white theme and an upgrade to a higher bandwidth 5 Gigabit ethernet port. In addition to passive plus liquid cooling for its VRMs, it offers an OLED display for a more refined, slightly more expensive design than ASUS's penultimate Maximus refresh motherboard, which is also ready for a 14th-generation CPU out of the box.
ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard
Good Things Come In Small Packages
- Brand
- ASRock
- Memory Slots
- 2
- Memory Type
- DDR5 (Up to 7000+ MHz)
- Form Factor
- mITX
- Wi-Fi
- Yes, Killer 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard is an excellent mITX motherboard that brings a host of new features including USB4, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 to a Z790 chipset in a compact but potent form factor while clocking in at a considerable discount to its closest Z790-based competition.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- USB Ports
- 11
- M.2 NVMe Connector
- 3 x M2 PCI-E 4.0 sockets
- CPU Support
- Intel 12th and 13th gen
- Chipset
- Z790
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Power Phases
- 10+1+1 phase
- Networking
- Killer 2.5G LAN
- Excellent memory overclocking
- Dual USB4 Thunderbolt ports
- 2.5G ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and BT 5.3 support
- Can be used in SFF builds as well as M-ATX PC enclosures
- Does seem to have some QC issues for certain users
- VRM cooling could be better implemented and more thorough for such a small motherboard
The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard offers a complete Z790-based Intel motherboard option that makes no compromises when it comes to functionality and expansion relative to its form factor. The mITX motherboard allows for excellent memory overclocking and has a capable 10+1+1 phase VRM solution under the hood. It also features dual USB4 ports with Thunderbolt support. This makes it one of the cheapest options with a Z790 chipset and all the underlying features expected of a motherboard that is to be paired with a powerful CPU like the Core i9 13900K.
Thanks to its form factor, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard can be used in a variety of builds and Small Form Factor (SFF) PC cases. It does, however, still offer three M2 slots, a PCI-E 5.0 GPU slot, and a fair number of USB ports for an m-ITX motherboard, while also offering the latest in networking specs (Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.3 support).
ASRock's mITX offering does tend to have considerable advantages, however. It is a well-priced alternative to more mainstream options while retaining a smaller size that allows for more flexibility with what builds it can be used with. On the flip side, with the larger RTX 4000 series GPUs, the PG-ITX can easily be dwarfed by a significantly larger GPU cooler, something that can make it a tricky aesthetic recommendation for most gamers.
Core i9 13900K
24-Core Number Cruncher
- Brand
- Intel
- CPU Model
- 13900K
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Cores
- 24
- Threads
- 32
The Intel Core i9 is Intel's 13th generation Raptor Lake flagship processor. It promises exceptional gaming performance in addition to excellent benchmark results for a wide slew of tasks. The 24-core, 32-thread processor tends to handle these with ease while offering PCI-E 4.0/5.0 compatibility with the 700 series motherboards it works with in addition to working with 12th generation motherboards which share the same socket.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- PCIe 4.0 Support
- N/A
- Base Clock Speed
- 3.0GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 5.8GHz
- Cache
- 68MB
- PCIe
- PCI-E 4.0 & 5.0 Compatible
- TDP
- 253W
- iGPU
- Yes, Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Significant power in a small 24-core, 32-thread package
- Slightly faster than the competition in some games
- Significant lead in some synthetic benchmarks thanks to leveraging 24-core configuration
- Works with both Intel's 12th and 13th-generation motherboards
- Consumes considerably higher amounts of power than its competition from AMD
- Not the fastest gaming CPU
- Requires high-end cooling to function adequately/overclock without throttling
The Intel Core i9 13900K remains one of the fastest Intel-based CPUs currently available (the better-binned, but similar 13900KS being superseded by the Intel Core i9 14900K). It offers a whopping 24 cores handling 32 threads. This makes it a productivity juggernaut with excellent single-core performance driving its gaming prowess considerably.
It does, however, continue to demand aggressive cooling options versus the competition and high amounts of power to sustain it at full load. This results in a CPU that requires an excellent supporting cast of PC hardware including a capable cooler, memory, and a motherboard to allow it to truly shine.
-
The Fastest Intel CPU In 2023Image
Display card main info widgetIntel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
$545 $620 Save $75Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Intel
- CPU Model
- Core i9 14900K
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Cores
- 24 (8P + 16E)
- Threads
- 32
The Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU is Intel's highest-end 14th generation CPU and offers the highest boost clocks for a consumer-grade CPU from Intel to date, clocking in at an impressive 6 GHz natively.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
It succeeds the limited-release Intel Core 13900KS as the first mainstream 6 GHz CPU, even as it brings a large power draw and thermal requirement to reach said clock speed.- Architecture
- Raptor Lake (Refresh)
- Process
- Intel 7 (10 nm)
- Base Clock Speed
- 3.2 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 6 GHz
- Cache
- 32MB L2 + 36MB L3 Cache
- PCIe
- PCI-E 4.0/5.0 supported
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- TDP
- 253 W
-
The Fastest Intel CPU In 2023 Without an iGPUImage
Display card main info widgetIntel Core i9 14900KF 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Intel
- CPU Model
- Intel Core i9 14900KF
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Cores
- 24 (8P+16E)
- Threads
- 32
- Architecture
- Raptor Lake Refresh
The Intel Core i9 14900KF 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU is Intel's highest-end 14th generation CPU sans an iGPU and offers the highest boost clocks for a consumer-grade CPU from Intel to date, clocking in at an impressive 6 GHz natively.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
It trades at a small discount over the 14900K while skipping an iGPU under the hood, requiring a discrete solution for system builders and end users to provide a functional PC experience.- Process
- Intel 7 (10 nm)
- Base Clock Speed
- 3.2 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed
- 6 GHz
- Cache
- 32MB L2 + 36MB L3 Cache
- PCIe
- PCI-E 5.0/4.0 Support
- Graphics
- No
- TDP
- 253W
The 13900K's 6GHz Successors: The Intel Core i9 14900K & 14900KF
Both the Intel Core i9 14900K and 14900KF build on the success of the Intel Core i9 13900K's impressive performance by offering a higher clock speed, AI overclocking support, and Intel's Application Optimization (APO) tech, making them a great alternative to users considering the 13900K as a CPU even as the latter trades as a discount currently.
The Intel Core i9 14900K and 14900KF themselves see larger price cuts during the same period in time than their predecessors, with the former being on sale on all three platforms that The Best War Games tracks for the CPU. This could be due to softer demand. The 14900K is, after all, a very similar CPU to the 13900K but also because the CPUs require a considerable investment to power, cool, and run at the highest tier compared to some of their lower-powered gaming and productivity alternatives.
With Intel's 14th generation CPUs already in play, the 13900K's position at the top of the table is no longer in play as Intel aims to take the performance crown for gaming back from AMD since the Ryzen 7000 X3D CPUs launched. Given that the 14th-generation CPUs retain the same socket, they also work with the above motherboards, plus additional recommendations from The Best War Games, allowing for an easy upgrade from the previous Intel king of the hill.
Is the Intel Core i9 13900K Relevant in 2024?
The advent of the Intel Core i9 14900K does not mean that the Intel Core i9 13900K should be written off. It is still Intel's penultimate CPU offering in raw performance even as it matches its successor in the number of cores and threads on offer. It is also often trading at a relative discount to make it a more appealing choice even as it continues to feature as one of Intel's most powerful CPUs to date. It does come to the table with considerable power requirements, in addition to cooling requirements for the same, making most of its motherboard choices ones that are higher-end Z690/Z790 options.
Exceptions do exist in the form of some B660 and B760 motherboards. However, the higher-end chipset-based motherboards remain a safer choice when being paired with Intel's 24-core juggernaut which can draw considerably large amounts of power when catering to certain workloads.
The Integrated GPU, an Intel UHD 770 series iGPU, does get the job done for entry-level gaming needs for some users. Still, the overwhelming majority of users will lean towards a discrete GPU for gaming and productivity use cases that need graphics horsepower. This makes a PCI-E 5.0 x16 slot an important offering for users banking on longevity, allowing for future-proofing down the line without looking at a GPU's compatibility thanks to the backward-compatible nature of the PCI Express connector.
The Intel Core i9 13900K requires some effort from gamers and enthusiasts alike to maximize their value from Team Blue's finest. The team at The Best War Games has stepped up to talk about some of the best motherboards that can be paired with Intel's last-generation flagship CPU to get the most out of it without compromise. Those still considering their options, should check out The Best War Games's regularly updated list of the best gaming motherboards too!
FAQ
Q: What is the fastest Intel CPU?
The Intel Core i9 13900K happens to be the fastest Intel CPU on offer. A better binned version of the same (Intel Core i9 13900KS) does offer higher clocks thanks to it being a cherry-picked version of the former.
Q: What RAM is compatible with the Intel Core i9 13900K?
The Intel Core i9 13900K supports both DDR4 3200MHz and DDR 5600 MHz memory modules. It does happen to function well with XMP-enabled memory that can push as much as 8200 MHz on DDR5 RAM, depending on an accompanying capable Z790-based motherboard.