Intel’s Rocket Lake-S series of desktop processors are here and bring several features like PCIe 4.0 support, improved Xe graphics, and a higher IPC (Instructions Per Clock), to name a few. Leading the Intel 11th Gen processors pack is the octa-core Core i9-11900K featuring boost clocks of up to 5.3GHz and 16MB of L3 cache. So if you were looking to pick one up for your gaming or creative needs, you could consult this handy guide containing the best motherboards for i9-11900K.
Ensuring your motherboard comes equipped with a capable VRM power delivery and cooling system is essential to getting the best performance out of your Intel Core i9-11900K. We recommend going with only the Z590 chipset since it unlocks the full potential of your 11th Gen processor’s PCIe lanes for additional USB ports, high-speed NVMe storage, and multi-GPU setups.
So, without wasting much time, let’s go over the best motherboards for the Intel Core i9-11900K. We will also be comparing different form factors like ATX, mATX, and ITX to make sure every build style is adequately covered.
Best ATX Motherboards for i9 11900k
ROG Maximus XIII Hero
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 2x HDMI 2.0 | Rear USB: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 2 x Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6EKey Features
- Intel 2x 2.5GbE LAN
- Intel 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
- 14+2 VRM Phase Design
- VRM, M.2 and Chipset heatsinks with heat pipe
- ASUS Aura Sync RGB
If you were looking to provide the best to your new Intel Core i9-11900K processor, look no further than the ROG Maximus XIII Hero. It comes packed with a slew of modern features ranging from the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports at the back to a high-performance networking setup that includes Intel’s WiFi 6E and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet.
The onboard 14+2 VRM power stages can provide up to 90A of current per stage, which should be ample for your gaming and creative needs. Add to this the massive cooling solution that features heat pipes to wick heat away from the chokes and VRMs for ideal temperatures, and you’ve got the perfect setup for overclocking your 11th Gen Core i9.
For those looking to run multiple GPUs in SLI or Crossfire configurations, the two PCIe 16x slots are ideal since they support eight lanes of 3rd or 4th Gen PCIe per slot. The four NVMe M.2 slots are also excellent for configuring your setup with multiple high-speed drives.
The motherboard’s connectivity options are also impressive, with dual Thunderbolt and 2.5Gb Ethernet, several USB 3.2 ports, and WiFi 6E to allow for fast file transfers and downloads with supported hardware.
Overall, the Maximus XIII Hero is the best motherboard for enthusiasts, content creators, and hardcore gamers who can use it to make the best use of the Core i9-11900K.
GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5400 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16(x16/x8) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8) +1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 2x DisplayPort 2.1 | Rear USB: 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Aquantia 10GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210Key Features
- Aquantia 1x 10GbE LAN
- Intel 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
- 18+1 VRM Phase Design
- Reinforced PCIe and Memory slots
- Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 with 4 RGB headers
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master should be the motherboard of choice for those looking to push the Intel Core i9-11900K to its limits through overclocking. Its monstrous 18+1 phase VRM solution, complete with 90A power stages, is the best you can get among any Z590 motherboards and is sure to function exceptionally well at extreme overclocks. Gigabyte also loaded the power delivery system with high-quality capacitors to ensure additional stability.
Beyond the power delivery system, the reinforced PCIe x16 slots can handle multiple GPUs in the x8/x8 PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 configuration. Gigabyte’s cooling solution for the VRMs includes several tweaks, such as wider heat pipes and a redesigned fin stack for better heat dissipation.
The motherboard also includes a Dual BIOS setup for easier recovery on bad overclocks or BIOS corruption and supports Q-Flash for flashing the BIOS without installing any components. Out of the three M.2 slots on the motherboard, two support the latest PCIe 4.0 spec, allowing for lightning-fast transfer speeds with supported drives.
For enthusiasts and gamers interested in squeezing out every bit of performance from the Core i9 through overclocking, the Gigabyte Aorus Master is an excellent option thanks to its power delivery system, which will ensure a stable operation.
ROG Strix Z590-E
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0 1x DisplayPort 1.6 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2,3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 2 x Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6EKey Features
- Dual Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- Intel 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
- 14+2 VRM Phase Design
- VRM, M.2 and Chipset heatsinks with heat pipe
- ASUS Aura Sync RGB with four RGB headers
ASUS’s ROG Strix Z590-E is a motherboard that offers much of what you would expect from a premium motherboard. Comparing it to the more expensive Maximus XIII Hero, we see no difference apart from the Thunderbolt ports at the rear, making the Strix a better option for most buyers.
Featuring the same 14+2 VRM phase design from the Maximus lineup, the Strix can easily handle the Core i9-11900K, even with significant overclocking. The large aluminum heatsink for VRM cooling also comes with a small fan that can adequately cool the power delivery system.
The motherboard comes equipped with four M.2 slots, two of which can operate at PCIe 4.0 speeds. The two PCIe x16 slots can be configured to run in an x8/x8 configuration enabling you to run two supported GPUs in an SLI configuration.
Networking on the motherboard includes dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and the latest WiFi 6E for speedy connectivity. You can also find several high-speed USB ports and headers on the rear and across the motherboard. A clear CMOS and BIOS flashback button are also available at the back for easier troubleshooting and BIOS upgrades.
The Strix Z590 offers all-around performance for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts while not skimping out on any of the relevant features from more expensive motherboards. We recommend the Strix to most buyers unless they require a board geared towards overclocking or high-speed connectivity.
GIGABYTE Z590 Vision G
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16) + 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0 1x DisplayPort 1.6 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2,2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1 x Intel I225-V 2.5Gb EthernetKey Features
- Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- Q-Flash for easy BIOS installation
- VRM cooling solution with dedicated heatsink and heat pipe
- Vision Link Type-C interface with support for external GPUs
With most motherboards aimed at gamers, few have the features and aesthetics that would make them suitable in a professional environment. The Gigabyte Z490 Vision G seeks to correct this by focusing on providing a minimalist design with several tweaks that make it ideal for professionals.
Starting with the 12 phase VRM, the Z590 Vision can easily handle the power requirements of the Core i9-11900K and ensure a stable operation. The white and silver accented heatsink feature Gigabyte’s direct-touch heat pipe to cool the VRMs during heavy workloads.
The rest of the motherboard shares the same design language, with the M.2 and chipset heatsinks taking on a silver accent. The four M.2 slots are handy for storing large amounts of data, and with Gigabyte configuring three of the four M.2 slots to run at the PCIe 4.0 speeds, you now have access to transfer speeds of up to 7000 MB/s on supported drives.
The single PCIe x16 slot also features sixteen PCIe Gen 4 lanes for support with the latest generation of GPUs. However, the lack of multi-GPU support is puzzling, considering it is necessary for many professional workloads like rendering.
Gigabyte also included a Thunderbolt-like VisionLINK feature that allows you to connect to external storage devices, GPUs, and other high-speed peripherals and outputs 60 watts of power to charge connected devices. Further connectivity options include Intel’s 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and high-speed USB 3.2 ports for fast data transfers and downloads.
If you are a professional looking to build a PC with the Intel Core i9-11900K, the Gigabyte Z590 Vision G is the best option for you. Apart from the lack of multi-GPU support, its unique aesthetic and VisionLINK connectivity should be good enough for you to consider sticking with it.
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Force
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16, x8/x8) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.6 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C,3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel I225-V 2.5Gb EthernetKey Features
- Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- 16+1+1 VRM power delivery system
- Enhanced thermal solution with VRM and M.2 Heatsinks
- MSI Mystic Light RGB
MSI’s premium Z590 option, the MPG Gaming Force, is an excellent option for those looking to get the best gaming performance out of their Intel Core i9-11900K. Featuring a 16+1+1 power system combined with a capable cooling solution, you can be assured that the motherboard will easily provide the processor with enough power to handle heavy gaming workloads at sustained boost clocks.
Thanks to the PCIe bifurcation on the top two x16 slots of the motherboard, you can run a dual-GPU setup, great for workloads like rendering. However, a lack of SLI support will mean there is no advantage for gaming.
A total of three M.2 slots are available for use with high-speed NVMe drives. Networking on the motherboard is limited to Intel 2.5 GbE LAN. Other connectivity options include high-speed USB 3.2 ports and headers on the motherboard that can provide high-speed transfers between external storage devices and other peripherals.
We would recommend the MPG Gaming Force to buyers looking for a motherboard with a capable power delivery system and a unique aesthetic that stands out from the rest.
Best mATX Motherboard for i9 11900k
ASROCK Z590M PRO4
Specifications
Form Factor: mATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16(max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel 1Gb EthernetKey Features
- Intel 1GbE LAN
- 12+1 phase VRM power delivery system
- ASRock Polychrome Sync RGB
- Reinforced PCIe slot
Going with an mATX motherboard can help you save money without sacrificing much of your Intel Core i9-11900K’s performance. While you might lose out on additional expansion via M.2 and PCIe slots, most buyers wouldn’t need to run an extra GPU or multiple SSDs in a single system, so going with a motherboard like the ASRock’s Z590M Pro 4 should be just fine.
Featuring a 12-phase power design, the Pro 4 can run the Core i9, even on heavy loads. Overclocking on the mATX board will be limited since it is equipped with just 50A chokes, unlike the 90A ones found in more premium ATX motherboards.
The PCIe slot configuration is 16 PCIe 4.0/3.0 lanes to the top x16 slot, while the bottom x16 slot is only wired with four lanes, limiting you to only one usable slot for a GPU. M.2 slots are also limited to only two, with one supporting PCIe 4.0 speeds. Connectivity includes several USB 3.2 ports on the back and Intel Gigabit Ethernet.
The ASRock Z590M seems to be a good option for those looking to save money on a motherboard. Although you might lose out on additional connectivity and expansion slots, the capable VRM power delivery system should give you a stock performance identical to ATX motherboards.
Best ITX Motherboard for i9 11900k
ROG Strix Z590-I
Specifications
Form Factor: ITX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 2x DIMM, up to 64GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel WiFi 6EKey Features
- Intel 2.5 GbE LAN
- Intel WiFi 6E
- Thunderbolt 4 port connectivity
- 8+2 phase VRM power delivery system
- Active VRAM cooling solution with heat pipe and triple-decker heatsink
While the small size of ITX boards might lead you to believe they lack the capabilities of larger motherboards, a premium ITX motherboard like the ROG Strix Z590-I can offer similar performance when paired with the latest Intel flagship Core i9-11900K.
The 8+2 phase VRM power delivery system may seem to be a downgrade, but it is still plenty sufficient for a powerful processor like the Core i9. ASUS even decided to integrate a fan into the triple-layer VRM heatsink to provide adequate cooling to the small package. The M.2 slots also feature heatsinks that take advantage of the CPU cooler’s airflow to cool attached SSDs.
Although the ITX form factor limits connectivity, the Strix Z590-I with its high-speed Thunderbolt 4, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, WiFi 6E, and USB 3.2 offer options that are comparable if not better than what you would get on an average motherboard. Storage on the motherboard is limited to two NVMe drives, one supporting PCIe 4.0, while the other slot will run SSDs on older PCIe 3.0 speeds.
If you are looking to build a small form factor PC, the ROG Strix Z590-I is your best bet for achieving the ideal performance with a Core i9-11900K since it does not sacrifice performance and connectivity options.
Final Thoughts
From this list, you will find a suitable motherboard for the Intel Core i9-11900K. It is important to mention that with the i9-11900K, your not getting much of a performance increase when compared to the previous-gen 10900K. Therefore, if you can get the 10900K for a considerably cheaper price, it may be the better option. Moreover, if you need recommendations on the RAM or graphics cards for your i9-11900K processor as well, we have several guides to help you as well.
