Best Motherboards For i9-12900K in 2023
Finding the best motherboards for i9-12900K requires a lot of thinking because i9-12900K is a newly launched product by Intel and only supports the Z690 chipset and LGA1700 socket. The Intel Core i9-12900K is a high-performance processor with a hybrid architecture from the Alder Lake line. It comprises 24 threads and 16 cores, combining 8 high-performance (P-cores) and 8 high-efficiency (E-cores). This design will help to deliver a balance of power and efficiency to those who require exceptional performance.
1
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite
2
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus
3
GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X
Intel Core i9-12900K belongs to Intel’s 12th generation and supports PCIe and DDR up to the 5.0 version. It offers advanced features and capabilities with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a 30MB smart cache. This processor can handle all heavy-duty tasks, such as gaming, video editing, or powerful content creation. Different companies, such as ASUS, ASROCK, Gigabyte, and many others, have released their Z690 chipset-supported motherboards for Intel Core i9-12900K. This causes massive competition, but it may benefit users, who can choose a motherboard that aligns with their needs and preferences.
In this article, I have narrowed down the best motherboards for i9-12900K and reviewed them based on personal experience. Not only this! A buying guide at the end of this article will also help you whether you’re stuck between two motherboards or unable to understand your preferences.
Our Recommendations Top 8 Best Motherboards For i9-12900K
Design
Product
Features
Price
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX
GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Pro
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
MSI MEG Z690 Unify
GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X
GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme
1
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WIFI
9.7
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 Plus WiFi motherboard is the best ATX gaming motherboard due to its feature-rich and exceptional performance for gaming enthusiasts.
For gaming, one of the key features to consider in a motherboard is its power delivery system. Z690 plus Wi-Fi features a 14+1 DrMOS Power Stage 80A design, which provides stable power delivery to boost the clock speed required to handle the demands of modern gaming and intensive tasks. To cool down the heat generated during these tasks, an efficient cooling system, including VRM and PCH heatsinks, three M2 slots with extensive fan headers with UEFI monitoring, is incorporated into the motherboard.
Z690 Plus Wi-Fi motherboard offers four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, allowing for high-speed NVMe SSDs. This enables faster data transfer rates and quicker system responsiveness.
Additionally, it provides four SATA ports with a transfer speed of 6 Gbps, offering additional storage options for traditional hard drives or SATA SSDs. TUF LANGuard, a specialized networking technology, helps protect against lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges for enhanced durability.
For gamers, the motherboard provides an excellent online gaming experience. It comes with WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, ensuring high-speed wired and wireless connections. The motherboard also incorporates Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation, significantly reducing background noise and enhancing communication clarity during gaming sessions.
The motherboard supports and enhances the performance of DDR5. DDR5 has a default voltage of 1.1, restricting users to push timing and frequency. But TUF Wi-Fi has the exclusive ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP) firmware feature that safely bypasses the PMIC restrictions of DDR5 memory and allows users to simplify overclocking options. Not only this! It can accommodate up to 192GB of DDR5 RAM in a dual-channel configuration, and support of up to 6000 Hz ensures efficient performance and ample memory capacity for gaming and productivity tasks.
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However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 Plus WiFi motherboard does not feature superior aesthetics. Still, its moderate power delivery system, hassle-free memory overclocking option, and stable connectivity make it a suitable choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking to build a reliable system with competitive features at an affordable price point.
2
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX
9.8
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX comes in an ATX form with Z690 express chipset and LGA 1700 socket factor, specially designed for gaming enthusiasts. It balances expandability and space efficiency.
One of the standout features of the Z690 AORUS Elite AX is its top-notch performance, making it an excellent choice for users who want to push their system to the limit. Its 16+1+2 digital VRM design and 60A power stages with tantalum polymer capacitors deliver stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU. A comprehensive cooling system features heat spreaders and good fan headers to support multiple case fans, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy workloads such as gaming or overclocking.
ELITE AX supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM across four slots, allowing ample memory capacity and high-speed multitasking. A range of connectivity options are also available. It includes PCIe 5.0 slots for future-proof expansion, quad NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for high-speed storage, and various USB ports for external device connectivity. The motherboard also features an Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 module for fast and reliable wireless networking and a 2.5 GbE LAN port for high-speed wired networking required in gaming.
The manufacturer makes it a viable gaming option by giving it a sleek black and silver color scheme, complemented by RGB LEDs that can be customized using AORUS’s software. Not only this, but the motherboard also features Amp-Up Audio with ALC4080 and WIMA audio capacitors, delivering immersive sound quality for an enhanced gaming and entertainment experience.
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX is a highly capable motherboard and provides an excellent platform for gamers and power users looking to harness the full potential of Intel’s 12th-generation processors. The only drawback is the need to update the BIOS. Although this is a common requirement when using newer processors, Gigabyte provides user-friendly tools such as Q-Flash Plus, which allows BIOS updates. Overall, this motherboard is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality and feature-rich solution for their next build in terms of affordability and reliability.
3
GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G
9.5
The GIGABYTE Z690 Aero G motherboard may not be the top-performing option for gaming, but its white color attracts a massive audience. It is an excellent choice for those who want a good balance of performance and features at an affordable price point with the Z690 chipset for the Intel Core i9-12900 Processor.
Regarding performance, the Z690 Aero G is comparable to the ASUS TUF Z690 PLUS. It features a 16-phase VRM, configured in 16+2+1 phases with 70A MOSFETs for Vcore. It prevents the system from crashing during overclocking with its comprehensive cooling solutions, including heatsinks, heat pipes, M2 Thermal guards, and fan headers that can be monitored by smart Fan 6 software.
The motherboard provides four memory slots in the top right section, supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with overclocking capabilities up to 5333MHz. Although there might be some performance loss compared to DDR5 memory, it is unlikely to be noticeable in real-world applications.
For expansion and connectivity, the Z690 Aero G offers three PCIe X16 slots, one running at PCIe 5.0 and one X16 mode specialized for graphics card installments. While the remaining two run in Gen4 X4/X4 mode, configured by AMD Quad and 2-Way CROSSFIRE configurations. However, it lacks PCIe X1 or X4 slots, which might limit some expansion options. Additionally, there are six SATA III ports for further storage expansion, offering flexibility in storage configuration.
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It features Intel 2.5GbE LAN for a stable wired connection and supports Bluetooth 5. However, it does not offer Wi-Fi but supports different standards. The Z690 Aero G also includes a variety of USB Type-A and Type-C ports, including USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 ports. It also features two ARGB headers and two RGB headers, allowing users to customize the lighting and aesthetics of their build.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end motherboards, its white-themed design, exposed IPC, and decent build quality make the GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G an appealing choice, especially for those aiming for a clean and professional build.
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GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Pro
9.4
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro is the best mid-range motherboard in the Aorus line. As the name suggests, it has an ATX form factor and supports DDR5 memory slots with its Z690 chipset. It supports LGA1700 and offers 4 slots of DDR5, allowing for high-speed dual memory configurations with a maximum speed of 6200MHz and a capacity of up to 128GB.
Its VRM layout is not as efficient as others, but it still provides a more than good power delivery configuration with a 16+1+2 phase design and 90A power delivery for the CPU. Although its cooling support includes seven cooling connections and a sizable I/O heatsink connected to the top heatsink via a heat pipe, the CPU socket may get slightly warmer compared to more expensive options.
One notable aspect of the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro is its extensive I/O connectivity. It boasts 13 USB connectors, providing users with a wide range of options for peripheral device connectivity. The motherboard features heat-absorbing padding that shields the four available PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, with additional shielding on the slot above the main GPU lane, which is PCIe 5.0 compatible. The remaining two bottom slots are PCIe 3.0.
Internally, the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro offers additional features, including headers for USB, temperature sensors, and lights. Users can also add Thunderbolt functionality through an expansion card. It does feature other functional buttons, such as Clear CMOS and BIOS flash buttons. The motherboard supports WiFi 6, comes with a DisplayPort, and includes a 2.5G Ethernet jack, providing users with versatile connectivity options.
In terms of design, the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro stands out with its gray-colored armor and top VRM heatsink. This departure from the usual color schemes adds a visually appealing touch to the motherboard. The red WIMA capacitors are also exposed, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal. It offers more visual stimulation compared to many other motherboards. To check further designs of motherboards, our choices for the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600G are also available for consideration.
While it may not be the ideal choice for white-themed cases and offers only two 3.5mm audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF out, Its generous I/O connectivity, decent VRM and cooling capabilities, DDR5 memory support, and additional internal features make it the best mid-range motherboard.
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ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
9.5
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-I Gaming WiFi is a top-of-the-line mini-ITX motherboard for high-performance gaming PCs such as Intel Core i9-12900K in compact spaces. Despite its small form factor, it is a feature pack with a Z690 chipset.
Z690-I boasts a 10+1 phase VRM with 105 amp power stages for stable power delivery to the CPU, making it suitable for moderate overclocking on Intel’s flagship i9-12900K processor. For efficient cooling, it has VRM heatsinks with adequate fins to help dissipate heat effectively, keeping temperatures under control during intensive tasks.
The Asus Rog Strix Z690-I supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM across two DIMM slots and can handle high-speed memory modules running at up to 2133MHz, which could be beneficial for demanding gaming and multitasking. It features a 2.5 GbE LAN port for high-speed wired networking, Wi-Fi 6E support for wireless connectivity, and effective connectivity options with nine USB ports on the rear IO and five internally.
The Z690-I also includes two M.2 slots with PCIe Gen 4 support, allowing fast NVMe SSDs. Additionally, it provides four SATA ports for traditional hard drives or SATA SSDs, giving you flexibility in choosing storage options. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I offers comprehensive features, including a Clear CMOS button, BIOS flashback, 12v and 5v lighting headers, and additional PCBs for extensions. Despite its compact size, these features make it a versatile choice for various PC builds.
The motherboard’s design is aesthetically pleasing and has a clean and sleek appearance because of the massive heatsinks and an I/O cover covering the entire PCB. Including the ROG eye and ROG Strix script on the heatsinks adds a unique touch to the overall look. The motherboard’s style is well-suited for compact builds with RGB lighting setups.
If you want to build a gaming PC with a small form factor with Intel Core i9-12900K, the Z690-I should be on your list. However, the Z690-I is a premium motherboard, but it delivers exceptional performance and functionality, making it worth the investment for enthusiasts who prioritize performance in a small form factor.
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MSI MEG Z690 Unify
9.5
The MSI MEG Z690 Unify motherboard is an ideal choice for users seeking the best high-speed motherboard due to its support of such high RAM frequencies.
One of the standout features of the MSI MEG Z690 Unify is its 19+2 power phases with a 105A SPS and Titanium choke III, which greatly enables power-driven CPU overclocking. The MSI MEG Z690 Unify boasts a total of 5 M.2 slots, all of which are covered with metallic heatsinks and thermal pads. These features effectively dissipate heat generated by high-performance M.2 SSDs, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring optimal performance. Moreover, the motherboard’s 8 layers of server-grade PCB provide extra headroom for overclocking RAM up to an impressive 6,666MHz without causing any potential harm or performance issues.
Its matte dark finish and stealth design exude sophistication and elegance. This motherboard is particularly suitable for black noir builds and individuals prioritizing pure performance over flashy RGB lighting because it does not come with synchronized RGB lighting. However, it does offer dedicated headers on the board that allow users to add their own RGB lighting and enhance the overall user experience with its easy installation process. For instance, you can easily install an M.2 SSD without screws.
Additionally, the motherboard is equipped with a WIFI 6E module and an extra WIFI extender antenna, ensuring a reliable and fast wireless connection. It allows exclusive connectivity options and features a high-quality ALC4080 audio processor & amp for the most immersive gaming experience. Overall, the MSI MEG Z690 Unify motherboard is a stylish choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to build a powerful black build PC and prioritize performance for their Intel Core i9-12900K processor.
7
GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X
9.6
The GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X motherboard stands out in this listing due to its affordability without compromising style or performance. Gaming X is a worthy contender as the best budget motherboard.
The GIGABYTE Z690 motherboard has a revamped power configuration, including high-grade components. Gaming X boasts a durable power design, featuring a 16+1+2 Twin Hybrid Digital VRM Design with 60A DrMOS, and offers a comprehensive thermal design. The motherboard features 6 layers of PCB, high-coverage MOSFET heatsinks, and a fully shielded thermal design. These features ensure efficient heat dissipation and prevent thermal issues, safeguarding the motherboard’s performance and longevity.
Despite its affordable price, it offers all the necessary features expected from a gaming motherboard while delivering impressive speed. The DDR5 supports a blazing-fast memory frequency of 6000MHz, ensuring faster loading times and improved overall system performance. This aligns with the promises of the DDR5 standard and enhances the gaming experience.
While the GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming offers extensive connectivity and expansion options with its sleek gray and black aesthetic, it is important to note that it does not include built-in Wi-Fi functionality. However, this can be easily addressed using a separate Wi-Fi adapter or connecting via Ethernet for internet connectivity.
Overall, the GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X motherboard offers high-speed DDR5 support, durable power design, and a comprehensive thermal solution for impressive performance for gamers on a budget, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking a motherboard for the Intel Core i9-12900K processor.
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GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme
9.5
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Xtreme is an E-ATX Form Factor motherboard with 30.5cm x 28.5cm dimensions and a Z690 chipset, designed for gaming enthusiasts and professionals that offers exceptional capabilities for demanding tasks and gaming. Although it is a high-end motherboard, it is considered the best-value motherboard due to its excellent overclocking capabilities.
A robust power delivery system such as 20+1+2 Direct Digital VRM design and 105A power stages with tantalum polymer capacitors and efficient cooling mechanism including Thermal Reactive Armor with Nano Carbon Fins-Array III Heatsink, Direct Touch Heatpipe II, Nano Carbon Baseplate, Thermal Guards XTREME ensure optimal performance and cooling. Hence, Z690 Aorus Xtreme is ideal for users who want to push their system to its limits and extract the maximum performance of the Intel Core i9 12900K.
This motherboard supports DDR5 memory and accommodates up to 192GB of DDR5 memory across dual-channel non-ECC unbuffered slots. The Z690 Aorus Xtreme offers PCIex16 and impressive memory speeds, supporting frequencies up to 6,600MHz. This allows for blazing-fast data transfer rates, especially during memory-intensive tasks.
Since Gigabyte developed the Aorus line specifically for gamers, it worked on the aesthetic of Aorus Xtreme to make it visually appealing. Its dark and gunmetal color metal scheme and metallic backplate give it a sleek and premium aesthetic. Additionally, it offers RGB 2.0 fusion, LED light show design, UEFI BIOS, Easy tune, Norton Internet Security (OEM version), cFosSpeed, and many other advanced features. It also supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire and 2-Way AMD crossfire, an Essential USB Hex Audio Card, and an Essential USB DAC to deliver an immersive gaming or multimedia experience.
Z690 Aorus Xtreme offers four M.2 slots, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors, 10 USB 3.2 ports, and 2 USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, providing maximum storage room and a wide range of connectivity. The motherboard also features built-in Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5, and two Ethernet ports, including a 10GbE LAN and a 2.5GbE LAN, ensuring fast and reliable network connectivity.
It is important to note that it comes at a premium price point. But its niche and advanced features, including powerful overclocking potential, DDR5 memory support, extensive connectivity options, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and advanced software and design, justify its price and make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-end motherboard solution.
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Motherboard For i9 12900K
As we all know, like any other processor, the exclusive design of the Intel Core i9 12900K processor gives its maximum performance when paired with the right motherboard. So choosing the best motherboard for i9 12900K processor is crucial, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with other components. Factors that need to be considered when purchasing are given below:
Chipset Compatibility
The 12th generation Alder Lake processors, including the i9 12900K, support FCLGA 1700 600, and newer 700 series chipsets, such as Z690, H670, B760, and Z790, offer full CPU and memory overclocking capabilities and are compatible with LGA 1700 sockets. However, the Z690 chipset is the safest option, as Intel specifically designed it for the i9-12900K. Another factor crucial for compatibility is the form factor of the motherboard, such as ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX, based on the desired build size.
VRM Quality
Since the i9 12900K needs high power to function properly, choosing a motherboard with a high-quality VRM design is crucial. The Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) regulates voltage and delivers stable and clean power to the processor. If you need extra performance for gaming like me, this factor is essential for you.
Cooling Methods
The i9 12900K generates significant heat while performing heavy tasks or overclocking, so choosing a motherboard with proper thermal solutions is important. High-quality cooling solutions, heatsinks for the VRM, M.2 slots, and more PCB layers also help dissipate heat more effectively and prevent the system from overheating and irreversible damage.
Connectivity and Expansion
Evaluate the I/O connectivity options offered by the motherboard. Look for good USB ports, PCIe slots, and compatible interfaces for connecting peripheral devices like GPUs and SSDs. Chipset Z690 usually offers 14 USB ports, 8 SATA ports, and many other advanced features, making it a suitable choice. Considering future upgrades and ensuring the motherboard has enough expansion slots is important.
Aesthetics
As a gaming enthusiast, you should know the importance of the visual design of the motherboard. Consider factors like PCB color, heatsink design, and lighting options (such as single-colored LED or RGB lighting) to match the desired aesthetic theme for your build. The sound quality and audio software are also essential.
Upgradability
The i9 12900K supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. When choosing a motherboard, decide which memory generation you plan to use and select a compatible one. Remember that DDR5 is the latest memory technology and offers potential performance benefits. PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 are different generations of the PCIe interface, which determines the speed at which data is transferred between components. It is recommended to choose PCIe 5.0 compatible devices, considering future upgrade plans.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read the reviews of the best 8 motherboards with the Z690 chipset, choosing the best motherboard for i9-12900K will be easier. For instance, if you’re looking for a gaming motherboard with all the latest features, including Wi-Fi, DDR5 memory supported, a powerful delivery system with overclocking, PCIe5 support, and many more. You should consider the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WIFI.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WIFI
Specifications:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intel Core i9-12900K overkill?
YES! The Intel Core i9-12900K is overkill for most users. While it offers impressive performance, the Ryzen 9 5900X is a more cost-effective option for gamers and significantly performs better in other tasks such as content creation, video editing, and multitasking. Therefore, opting for the Ryzen 9 5900X instead of the Core i9-12900K provides better value and improved performance for specific use cases that benefit from additional core power.
Which motherboard is best for Core i9?
In terms of gaming, GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX is the best motherboard for i9-12900K as it offers all features in this price range. At the same time, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I is an ideal choice for someone who wants to build a compact PC due to its mini-ITX form factor.
Does LGA 1700 support DDR4?
Yes! LGA 1700 supports DDR4. However, DDR5 is a more premium feature and an upgraded version of DDR4. For instance, GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G supports Intel Core i9-12900K and has amazing features with a white theme, perfect for a professional look build.
About Author
I am a dedicated gamer with a strong passion for the tech sector. My expertise in game development has allowed me to create immersive gaming experiences that capture the hearts of players globally. I continuously stay on top of advancements in tech and gaming and frequently attend industry events.
