If you’re looking for the best motherboard to pair with your i7 4790k, then you’ve come to the right place.
There are a lot of motherboards on the market, and it can be hard to determine which one is best for your needs.
We’ve done the research for you and have found the best motherboards for i7 4790k processors. Whether you’re looking for a high-end gaming motherboard or a more budget-friendly option, we have something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the motherboards for the i7 4790k and also show the features and pros of each motherboard.
1. MSI Intel Z97 LGA 1150 DDR3
The MSI Z97 PC Mate is our top pick for the best motherboard for i7 4790k processors. This motherboard has a lot to offer, including support for 2-way SLI/CrossFireX configurations, USB 3.1 support, and multiple graphics card support.
Quality Display
The MSI Z97 PC Mate has a quality display with VGA, DVI, and HDMI ports. You also get 2-way CrossFireX support for SLI/CrossFireX configurations. Due to this feature, you can enjoy quality visuals on up to three displays.
Multiple graphics card support
This motherboard supports multiple graphics cards, so you can enjoy quality visuals on up to three displays. Graphics card options include NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon.
USB support
It also offers USB 3.1 support, which is the latest standard in USB connectivity. This means you’ll be able to transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
Chipset
It uses the Intel Z97 chipset, which is designed for use with Haswell processors. This chipset offers support for DDR3-1600 memory and PCI Express 3.0.
Pros
- This is a very user-friendly motherboard
- The system is 100% stable, drivers are installed cleanly
Cons
- It doesn’t fit exactly right in my Newegg Rosewill ATX Black Gaming case
2.ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VII HERO is one of the best motherboards for i7 4790k currently available in the market. It comes with a number of features that makes it a great choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts. This is definitely a great choice for those who are looking for a high-end motherboard that can offer great performance.
Hardcore power with Premium Components
It comes with the Extreme Engine Digi+ III which provides hardcore power delivery with premium components. Having these features, the motherboard can provide great overclocking potential and stability for gaming and other demanding tasks.
Fast Network-optimization
The GameFirst III is a network-optimization software that provides no-delay gameplay. This is perfect for gamers who want to have the best gaming experience.
Instant Keyboard Upgrade
KeyBot is a feature that allows you to upgrade your keyboard instantly. With this feature, you can easily add macros and other customizations to your keyboard.
Onboard with Precision-engineered Audio
The M.2 onboard feature provides up to 10Gb/s data-transfer speeds. This is perfect for those who want to transfer large files quickly.
The SupremeFX feature provides precision-engineered audio that gives you the best sound experience. It’s perfect for gamers and music lovers who want to have the best sound quality.
Pros
- Nice touches make the installation easier
- Dual intelligent processors save energy
- BIOS and software are well-designed and feature-rich
- Supports low voltage RAM
Cons
- Some users have complained about the noise level of the fans.
3.MSI Z87-G45 Gaming
If you’re looking for the best motherboard to pair with your i7 4790k, then the MSI Computer Corp. Motherboard ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 is a great option. This motherboard has a lot of features that make it ideal for gaming, including OC Genie 4, Sound Blaster, Audio Boost, and Optimized ‘Gaming’ Ports.
Large Memory
Memory-wise, this motherboard can handle up to 4x DDR3-3000(OC)/ 2800/ 2666/ 2600/ 2400/ 2200/ 2133/ 2000/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 DIMM Slots, Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Buffered, for a total max capacity of 32GB. So if you’re looking to game with a lot of memory, this motherboard can handle it.
Connectivity
MSI Z87-G45 Gaming also has great connectivity options, with 3x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots (run at x16, x8/x8, or x8/x4/x4), 4x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 Slots, 6 x USB 3.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB connectors), and 8 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 6 ports available through the internal USB connectors).
Ethernet
It also has a Killer E2205 PCI-Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller, so you’ll be able to game with fast and reliable internet. Having fast and reliable internet is important for any gamer, so this is a great feature to have in a motherboard.
SATA
This motherboard also has 6x SATA3 Ports and supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10. So if you’re looking for a great gaming motherboard with a lot of features, the MSI Computer Corp. Motherboard ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 is a great option.
Pros
- Layout- best I’ve dealt with yet
- Lots and lots of USB 3 ports! WOW!
- Easy Bios to use.
Cons
- Bios can be quirky at times
4.ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero
If you’re looking for the best motherboard to pair with your i7 4790k, then you can’t go wrong with the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Z390 Gaming Motherboard. This high-end gaming motherboard is packed with features to help you get the most out of your processor, including Dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and onboard 802.11AC Wi-Fi.
Dynamic System Cooling
The FanXpert 4 cooling system delivers dynamic system cooling, based on Intelligently predicting and thermal telemetry. A cooling system is a key factor in maintaining stability when overclocking, and the FanXpert 4 system ensures that your system stays cool and stable even when pushed to its limits.
Addressable RGB Lighting
With Aura Sync RGB lighting, you can create a nearly endless spectrum of colors. The headers are also addressable, so you can sync the effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem of Aura Sync-enabled products.
Pre-Mounted I/O Shield
The I/O shield is pre-mounted, so you can avoid the hassle of installation and represent ROG’s attention to detail and quality. With this feature, you can be confident that your motherboard will have a streamlined installation and a professional look.
Design
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero Motherboard is designed for 9th and 8th Generation Intel Core processors.
Pros
- OC BIOS settings are flexible and very easy to use
- A built-in shield makes easy installation
- Reliable.
Cons
- Stopped working after a week
5. ASUS Micro ATX Motherboard
The ASUS B85M-G is a great micro ATX motherboard for those looking to build a budget-friendly gaming PC. It has all the features you need to get the most out of your i7 4790k processor, including 5X protection, USB 3.0 boost, and fan expert.
Fan Xpert
The fan Xpert feature gives you dedicated control over your CPU and case fans, so you can fine-tune the cooling performance of your system to your specific needs.
Network iControl
With network iControl, you can easily manage your network bandwidth in real-time, so you can prioritize gaming traffic over other internet activities.
USB 3.0 Boost
The USB 3.0 boost feature provides up to 170% faster transfer speeds than traditional USB 3.0, so you can get your games and other data transferred to and from your PC quickly and easily.
ASUS 5X Protection
The ASUS 5X protection feature provides all-around protection for your motherboard, so you can be confident that your system is well-protected against any potential threats.
Pros
- It has four RAM slots and has room for a full-size graphics card.
- It seems well made.
- BIOS was the newest version.
- It can be overclocked with an unlocked CPU.
Cons
- It only has 2 fan connectors including the CPU fan.
6.MSI Intel Z97 ATX Motherboard
The MSI Z97 PC Mate is a great motherboard for those looking to get the most out of their i7 4790k processor. It features a robust Intel Z97 chipset and comes equipped with two PCI-E x16 3.0 slots, two PCI-E x1 slots, and two PCI slots. The board also has VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs, and is ready for 2-way CrossFireX setups.
CrossFireX
With support for 2-way CrossFireX, the MSI Z97 PC Mate is a great option for gamers who are looking to get the most out of their i7 4790k processor. CrossFireX allows you to run multiple graphics cards in tandem, providing a significant boost to your gaming performance.
Chipset
The MSI Z97 PC Mate uses the Intel Z97 chipset, which provides support for the latest Intel processors, including the i7 4790k. The Z97 chipset also offers enhanced overclocking capabilities, making it a great choice for those looking to get the most out of their processor.
Socket
This motherboard uses the LGA 1150 socket, which is compatible with the latest Intel processors, including the i7 4790k. With this feature, you’ll be able to upgrade to the latest and greatest Intel processors as they become available.
VGA, DVI, and HDMI
It has VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs, giving you a variety of options for connecting your monitor. Whether you’re using a traditional CRT monitor or the latest 4K HDR display, this motherboard has you covered.
Pros
- Excellent motherboard at a great price
- Beautiful aesthetics
- A solid choice for any computer built with 2 GPUs or less
Cons
- My onboard VGA connector was incredibly flimsy
7. Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 Motherboard
The Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 CrossFire ATX Motherboard is one of the best motherboards on the market for i7 4790k processors. It has a wide range of features, including support for 2-Way AMD CrossFire technology, and its UEFI DualBIOS makes it a great option for gaming and other high-end applications.
Slots
This motherboard has 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot, which is the latest standard for graphics cards, and 2x PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slots. It also has two regular PCI slots for other expansion cards.
Memory
This motherboard has 4 DIMM slots for DDR3 memory, and it supports up to 32GB of RAM. The memory slots are color-coded to make it easy to install the RAM in the correct order.
SATA
This motherboard has 6 SATA3 ports, which support RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. This means that you can have multiple hard drives connected to this motherboard, and they can be configured to work together for increased performance or data redundancy.
Ports
This motherboard has 1 D-Sub port, 1 DVI-D port, and 1 HDMI port. The HDMI port supports a maximum resolution of 4096×2160 at 24Hz or 2560×1600 at 60Hz. With this feature, you can connect your computer to an HDTV or other high-resolution display.
Pros
- Ran perfectly out of the box
- Drivers were super easy to install
- Runs my Core i5 4690k like a champion
- Supports up to three monitors and has four memory slots.
Cons
- No screws, No Backplate
What to consider while buying it?
Before purchasing a motherboard, you’ll need to take into account a few different factors:
Form Factor
The form factor of a motherboard determines the size and layout of the board. The most common form factors are ATX, microATX, and mini-ITX. Moreover, this will also determine which size of case you’ll need.
Processor Socket:
The processor socket is the component that connects the CPU to the motherboard. The most common sockets are LGA 1151 and AM4. However, there are a few other less popular sockets as well. Be sure to check that the motherboard you’re considering has the correct socket for your processor.
Chipset:
The chipset is the heart of the motherboard and determines what features the board will have. The most common chipsets are Intel Z270 and AMD X470. Once again, there are a few other less popular options as well.
Memory Slots:
The number of memory slots on a motherboard determines how much RAM you can install. Most motherboards have four slots, but there are a few that have eight or more.
Storage Connections:
The storage connections on a motherboard determine how many and what type of hard drives or solid-state drives you can connect. The most common storage connection is SATA, but there are also a few motherboards with M.2 slots or U.2 ports.
Socket Type:
The socket type refers to the type of CPU that the motherboard is compatible with. Intel and AMD use different sockets, so you’ll need to make sure that the socket on the motherboard matches the CPU you want to use.
Ports:
The ports on a motherboard determine what types of devices you can connect to the board. The most common ports are USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort. However, there are a few other less popular options as well.
Now that you know what to look for in a motherboard, you’re ready to start shopping!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’ve shown some of the best motherboards on the market for i7 4790k processors. And also discussed the pros and cons of each motherboard. Now you have the ability to select the best motherboard for your needs. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave us a comment below.