Z790 platform with 13600K compatible motherboard and RAM options available.
Z790 platform with 13600K compatible motherboard and RAM options available.
For the Intel 13600k, you should consider DDR5-compatible motherboards. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX and MSI Tomahawk Z790 Wifi are solid picks. The ASUS Prime Z790-A WIFI is also a good option. You might want to check if the G.Skill Trident Z5 supports DDR5 and avoid models with known GPU compatibility issues.
The Prime ranks low on the list, but each board is decent. I’d likely pick the Elite since its features suit me well (lots of USB, safe boot is useful), though the Tomahawk has its merits. What card are you running with? I’ve tried a board with a similar design (B650 Aorus Elite AX) and it worked perfectly without issues. The 2x16GB or 2x24GB version should be fine. If you’re using the 2x32GB or 2x48GB model, it could strain your IMC depending on luck. That size isn’t exceptional, but it’s not a dealbreaker either.
I considered the Prime option. What about the Tomahawk? Any benefits over the Elite? I’ll skip the Prime A. I’m unsure if it’s worth the extra 100 for the Aero G motherboard from Gigabyte, which includes 4 x gen M.2 and 1 x Gen 5 compared to the Elite’s 4 x gen 4. The model is at https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z79...-rev-10#kf Gainward 3070 Ti, moving from my 9900K PC. What’s your current motherboard? Can you clarify why upgrading to an IMC would be challenging despite different timings from another brand? I’m mainly using the PC for Avid’s Pro Tools and Gaming.
I avoid the Gen 5 M.2 slot because of how it's installed. To fit a Z790, you must shrink the main x16 slot down to just x8. This slightly impacts performance, though not significantly beyond storage benchmarks. The board performs well overall, offering an extra SATA port and a few additional fan headers at the cost of some USB ports. In real use, it should be nearly indistinguishable from similar models; focus should be on aesthetics and BIOS compatibility. Personally, I lean toward Gigabyte, but both options work. Based on photos, this model has a thinner backplate compared to the Red Devil XTX I used with the same PCIe lever. The Z690 Unify-X board came with the Gigabyte tall PCIe release. Kits come in different configurations—2x16GB/24GB are single rank, while 2x32GB/48GB are dual rank. Generally, more ranks allow higher speeds, but within the same speed range (like 6400 CL32), performance differences are minimal. DDR5 doesn’t drastically change things; most high-speed chips use similar memory ICs, and the PCB layout isn’t a major factor. The PMIC for top-speed kits tends to be Richtek now. If you want to cut costs, it’s worth considering alternatives.
You can add all four NVMe slots without affecting other connections, except for the two SATA ports you noticed. Installing the Thunderbolt 4 card shouldn’t interfere with anything else. For RAM, it’s best to stick with DDR5 modules and keep configurations flexible so future upgrades remain possible. The Z790 model should work with the 14th Gen processors, but double-check the latest specs on the shop page you mentioned. Thanks for your question—I’m happy to help!
Absolutely, you're right. These boards usually come with BIOS updates that accommodate them. The best choice depends on your needs, but generally I'd suggest the most affordable options in those speed ranges: 2x16GB and 2x24GB. These support both 6400 CL32 and 6000 CL30/32 speeds, and they should handle future memory overclocking. Here are some recommended kits:
- 2x16GB non-RGB: https://www.mindfactory.de/product_info....83365.html
- 2x16GB RGB: https://www.mindfactory.de/product_info....42695.html
- 2x32GB non-RGB: https://www.mindfactory.de/product_info....74165.html
- 2x32GB RGB: https://www.mindfactory.de/product_info....65672.html
For 2x24GB and 2x48GB, there aren't any kits available in stock, so unless you're open to alternatives, it might be safer to skip them.
Considering z690 boards support the 14th gen CPU, it might make sense to choose a z690 if you need that compatibility. A Z790 offers better performance and features compared to the Z690.
They actually offer a few more connectivity choices (some Gen 3 lanes on Z690 correspond to Gen 4 lanes on Z790) and you won’t need to worry about updating the BIOS. Staying with Z690 could still be a solid choice. My preferred board is the Z690 Carbon/Force since it’s been heavily promoted in many regions, and it provides a lot of features for its cost (Germany doesn’t seem to have the same promotions). Personally, I’m using a 13th-gen CPU on Z690 and have only minor issues—mainly with BIOS updates for things like 2x24GB being a touch slower than Z790 models. Generally, the price difference between Z790 and Z690 is around $10 or less, so unless you need specific features, the Z790 board is likely a better value.
It stands out among my top choices for a purchase. Alongside the Gaming X AX, Z790-A Pro and Z790 UD AC, these options appeal if you're looking to cut costs. However, I wouldn't want to push a 14900K on any of them. If your goal is to upgrade later to high-current CPUs, it could make sense to hold off until the Z790 models for the 14th generation. They should offer significant improvements in memory support and VRM performance at a reasonable price.