The 11th generation of Intel Core-series processors is different in configuration compared to the 10th generation. Intel Core i9-10900K had 10 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Core i9-11900K comes with 8 cores and 16 threads. The launch price of the i9-11900K was around $539, compared to the i9-10900K’s $488, but the up to 19% instructions per cycle (IPC) improvement per core in this generation compensates for the reduced core count.
Intel Core i9-11900K outperforms the i9-10900K in single-core workloads, which makes it more effective for gaming applications despite having fewer cores. The processor is compatible with both Intel Z490 and Z590 chipsets, but Z590 is preferred because it supports PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and improved memory overclocking. That is why we have reviewed only Z590 motherboards in this article that are suitable for a processor like Intel Core i9-11900K.
Here, we will discuss some of the best motherboards for Intel Core i9-11900K to maximize single-core and gaming performance, while ensuring stable overclocking and access to the latest connectivity standards.
MSI MEG Z590 GODLIKE
MSI MEG Z590 GODLIKE is the flagship motherboard based on the Z590 chipset, and it is one of the most feature-rich motherboards designed for Intel’s 11th Gen CPUs. The price of this motherboard is above $800, placing it in the premium category, but it delivers advanced features that justify the cost for professionals and enthusiasts. This motherboard is not suitable for average users, and it is originally targeted towards content creators and overclockers. It offers 20+1 phase VRM power delivery, support for 128 GB DDR4 memory at 5333 MHz, four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Killer E3100G 10G LAN. It can provide you with anything that a high-end mainstream motherboard can provide you, whether that be premium I/O connectivity, workstation-grade stability, customizable RGB lighting, or extreme overclocking capabilities.
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO is the most popular Z590 flagship motherboard by the company for enthusiasts, which is a more affordable variant of the ROG MAXIMUS XIII FORMULA that removes the integrated EK water block but keeps the same 14+2 power stage VRM design. The ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO is capable of stable overclocking of the Core i9-11900K up to 5.3 GHz, while providing quality features like 10 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 4 PCIe 4.0 slots, and 4 M.2 slots with heatsinks.
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-A GAMING
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-A GAMING is a Z590 chipset motherboard designed for Intel Core i9-11900K processors. The design features a white PCB and heatsinks. The quality of this motherboard is comparable to the ROG Strix Z590-E model, with similar VRM power delivery and memory support up to DDR4-5333, but the company has used a white theme in this motherboard, which fits well with white or black PC cases. The price of this motherboard is around $300, which is lower than the MAXIMUS XIII HERO at about $450, yet performance differences in gaming benchmarks are usually under 3%, although the MAXIMUS series motherboards always offer more USB ports, PCIe slots, and advanced connectivity options.
MSI MEG Z590 UNIFY
MSI MEG Z590 UNIFY is a high-end motherboard with a 16+2 power phase VRM design by MSI that belongs to the new UNIFY series, and it is comparable to the ASUS ROG Strix Z590-A in overclocking performance. The design of this motherboard is minimalist and completely free from RGB lighting. Instead, the company focused on thermal efficiency and stability, which is why it is one of the most reliable and best-valued motherboards for Intel Core i9-11900K with support for PCIe 4.0, four M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 6E.
MSI MPG Z590 GAMING CARBON WiFi
The MSI MPG Z590 GAMING CARBON WiFi is a Z590 motherboard featuring 16+1 power phases and PCIe 4.0 support, designed for high-end gamers. The price of this motherboard is similar to the UNIFY motherboard, but this motherboard provides integrated RGB lighting with Mystic Light zones and dual M.2 slots with heatsinks, while the UNIFY model is meant for content creators. The carbon fiber design with customizable RGB effects makes it one of the most feature-rich motherboards in the Z590 lineup, making it a suitable companion for Intel Core i9-11900K.
