Intel has released the new 12th generation Core i9-12900K processor, which has 24 threads and 16 cores. Moreover, it supports LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset. Some features that set it apart from its predecessors include PCIe 5, DDR5, Turbo Max 3.0, 5.2 GHz clock speed, and many more. This high-end invention will satisfy you since it beats all its competitors.
It would be best if you made sure that the motherboard you purchase goes hand in hand with the processor. When you’re building your PC for the first time, the motherboard is one of the significant components determining how your PC will perform in the long run. Finding the correct type of motherboard compatible with the i9 12900 K will be overwhelming for you since there are different boards to choose from. We’ve picked out the best motherboard for i9 12900K to help you make a mindful purchase.
| Award | Design | Best | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Budget Motherboard for i9 12900K |  | View | |
| Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i9 12900K |  | View | |
| Best Overall Motherboard for i9 12900K |  | View | |
| Best Gaming Motherboard for i9 12900K |  | View | |
| Best Value Motherboard for i9 12900K |  | View | |
| Best High-End Motherboard for i9 12900K |  | View | |
| Best ATX Motherboard for the i9 12900K |  | View |
The motherboards in this guide are designed to work with Intel’s I912900 K processor. Since you’ve already chosen the CPU, you’ll have to choose the motherboard that supports LGA 1700. Based upon your requirements, you will then consider other features such as RAM, WIFI support, Design, etc. Before selecting the motherboard, you need to know a few things.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Motherboard size: Consider the motherboard’s size and whether it fits the CPU case. A motherboard comes in various sizes, which is called its form factor. It ranges from mid-size tower to full tower to mini and micro ATX. The ATX form factor, the full-sized tower, is popular since it allows you to insert additional components and offers many expansion slots. Choose the i9-12900k motherboard form factor according to your requirements.
Socket type: After selecting the form factor, check the socket compatibility of the motherboard. You will find three types of sockets: BGA (Ball Grid Array), LGA (Land Grid Array), and PGA (Pin Grid Array). Intel uses LGA, while AMD processors utilize PGA. Depending on your chosen processor, you must buy your motherboard to avoid incompatibility issues. As a rule of thumb, decide which processor you’ll buy first since the CPU needs to be able to support the socket type, or else the system won’t work. Both the Intel and AMD processors work with LGA 1200/1700 and AM3/AM4, respectively.
RAM: When buying the motherboard, you need to consider the RAM as this is one of the significant components you shouldn’t compromise on. Know what you’re going to use the system for. If you plan to use it for gaming or to run modern programs, 16 GB DDR5 RAM is highly recommended. Also, if you plan to upgrade your RAM, go for a motherboard with up to 4 memory slots to increase the RAM quickly.
PCI Slots: The PCI slot is a port found on the motherboard that allows you to add expansion cards. The number of additional cards you wish to add depends on how you use the PC. If you use the PC for gaming, you’ll need multiple PCI x16 slots to make room for adding a graphics card with high bandwidth. A standard motherboard has a small PCI slot that lets you add cards such as a video card, sound card, etc. Check that your motherboard has integrated PCI slots.
SATA: If you plan to increase the storage capacity in the future, look for a motherboard with multiple SATA ports so you can easily connect it to external storage mediums like SDD and HDD. So far, SATA III is the fastest and latest drive. It offers up to 6Gb/s of speed. For maximum performance, you should use the SATA III interface if you are using an SSD or any drive that can speed up to 6Gb/s.
Aesthetics: Most motherboards have a minimalistic design, but if you’re someone who fancies a decent-looking motherboard, this factor would be important to you. You’ll find modern boards with RGB headers, fancy lighting, and exotic color schemes that make them aesthetically pleasing. However, that comes at a cost, so you must consider your budget before buying a motherboard.
- Quick Shopping Tips:
- Best Motherboard for i9 12900K List
- Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX
- MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
- MSI MEG Z690 Ace
- ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero
- ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula
- Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER
- ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING
- ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS WiFI
- Conclusion
- Related Articles:
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Motherboard for i9 12900K List
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX
Best Budget Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LGA 1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Delivers top performance
✓Comes with RGB lights
✓Sufficient fan headers
✓Affordable price
REASONS TO AVOID
✗You need to update the bios
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX uses DDR4 instead of DDR5 RAM, which shouldn’t be a massive concern because DDR4 delivers high performance even if you’re gaming. For this AORUS motherboard model, Gigabyte uses a black and silver color scheme. Not to mention the RGB LEDs around the motherboard that are controllable via AORUS’s software.
For gamers who want to overclock the system, Gigabyte has a great cooling system that stabilizes the system’s temperature. You’ll find heat spreaders at the bottom of the board aiming to cool down the Z690 chipset. As for power, this motherboard features an 8+4 CPU pin design that ensures users can overclock without burning out the processor. Gigabyte motherboards use this design as a standard feature.
Speaking of RAM, you’ll get 4 RAM slots to increase the RAM capacity up to 128 GB. There are 6 SATA ports, 2 PCIe slots, and external USB ports. An Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 CNVi chip is built into the rear panel of the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 model from GIGABYTE. In a nutshell, The Gigabyte Z690 does offer great features for gamers and regular users.
MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LGA 1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR5 | Memory Speed: 4800 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Subtle design
✓Delivers great performance
✓Supports DDR5
✓Has sufficient expansion slots
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Very few USB ports
The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon Wi-Fi is another top-grade motherboard having features to impress. It supports DDR5 memory, which is perfect if you use the PC specifically for gaming. Thanks to its 18 + 1 + 1 voltage delivery system, the motherboard produces stable power and cools its components with large heatsinks and thermal pads.
Up to 128 GB of RAM can be installed on the motherboard. Moreover, the chipset enables the features of 2 PCIe 5.0 x 16 slots to install GPU and other essential cards. The Intel i9 12900 K processor works like a charm when overclocked. As an early platform adopter, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon Wi-Fi is a motherboard that looks great because it allows users to push Intel’s Core i9 processor past its factor set limitations without experiencing any issues.
MSI does a great job with the heat sinks that ensure the components are not overheating. In terms of speed, it’s exceptional. Wired LAN supports 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and 2.5 Gbps. Wi-Fi supports the new Wi-Fi 6E protocol, that’s theoretically faster. From DDR5 support to 5 M.2 slots to overclocking ability, you can enjoy the benefits at a slightly higher price.
MSI MEG Z690 Ace
Best Value Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LGA 1700 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR5 | Memory Speed: 4800 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Good value for money
✓Supports DDR5
✓Designed for overclocking
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Expensive
Featuring a gold and black theme, the MEG Z690 ACE is a motherboard having one of the most elegant designs among all Z690 boards. Its quality and pricing make it feel more premium than MSI’s previous ACE offerings. This time, the MEG Z690 ACE has an E-ATX form factor, as opposed to the ATX form factor of the MEG Z590 ACE. It also features a more modern appearance. There are four memory slots, each supporting a maximum of 128 GB of dual-channel memory.
It is possible to install DIMMs in the correct slots, as they are labeled. Since DDR5 memory has a different latch position, forcing a DDR4 module into a DDR5 slot could cause severe damage. Moreover, this motherboard is designed for overclocking; you can expect smooth & stable operation of the electrical circuitry. It also includes an extra cooling backplate with thermal pads for maximum cooling performance.
Since the core i9-12900K processor draws a lot of power, you can overclock the processor without any issues, and the heatsink ensures that the processor doesn’t overheat. The motherboard provides six SATA ports, five M2 slots, and three PCI Express x16 slots to thoroughly take advantage of its features. This motherboard has powerful VRM settings for overclocking, top-of-the-line DDR5 memory, dual PCIe Gen 5.0 slots, and quadruple M.2 connectors at a competitive price.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero
Best Overall Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LG1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR5 | Memory Speed: 4800 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Delivers excellent performance
✓Has cooling systems
✓Aesthetic board design
✓Sufficient USB ports
REASONS TO AVOID
✗It’s expensive
Speaking of features, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero includes plastic locks holding the M.2 drives, so you don’t have to use screwdrivers to mount the drives. The board comes with the latest memory technologies, including 3 x16 PCIe slots, 3 M.2 slots, and 6 SATA ports. This means you can easily increase the memory capacity and add additional cards for upgrading.
Since the processor is power-hungry, an advanced cooling system must be installed. The board has four fan headers and water-based headers to keep the system cool. It’s not difficult to overclock the Intel Core i9-12900K with this MOBO; you can quickly increase the memory capacity and add additional cards for upgrading. Just select AI Overclocking and leave the system to do the work.
Even though the ASUS ROG Maximum Z690 Hero has an expensive price tag, it’s a suitable motherboard for those who want to use the latest memory technologies, overclock the CPU, and use the system to its maximum potential.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula
Best Gaming Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LGA 1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR5 | Memory Speed: 4800MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓High-grade performance
✓Excellent cooling system
✓Greater memory expansion slots
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Expensive price tag
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula motherboard provides premium specifications in the Maximus line. It is one of the first motherboards with a moonlight white design. The VRM configuration aims to provide high performance and stability during overclocking. It produces a total power of 105 A. To keep the processor and nearby components cool, you’ll find water blocks that ensure the system remains cool.
It can easily handle the Intel i9 12900K and the latest 12th-generation processors. If you’re looking for the motherboard, you can’t go wrong with the Z690 Formula as it supports DDR5, and if you’re playing games in 1080 resolution, you will have a smooth gaming experience. The Maximus Z690 Formula comes with unique features such as Q release, Q latch, and support for mounting cooling systems.
You can easily mount the M.2 drives and remove the graphic card by pushing the button located on the side. It has 5 M.2 slots that you can install, and heat sinks surround the area, so the drives don’t overheat. Considering its impressive features, the Maximus Z690 Formula is a great motherboard. The hefty price tag proves that the motherboard exhibits top-notch performance and quality.
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER
Best Value Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Chipset: Z690 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR5 | Memory Speed: 4000 MHz
REASONS TO AVOID
✓Designed for overclocking
✓Large heat sinks
✓Suitable for gaming
✓Affordable price
REASONS TO BUY
✗The RGB software isn’t the best
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master boasts remarkable features. With the thermal guard cooling solution, five M.2 slots are cooled down. The large heat sink includes a copper and aluminum fin array to ensure proper air circulation. If you love RGB lighting, the good news is the logo is infused with RGB lighting that blinks.
Moreover, the model supports DDR5 RAM and has a maximum capacity of 128 GB, so you can easily increase the RAM whenever you need to. Expanding the SSD over all six SATA ports can increase system performance. This motherboard features BIOS flashback buttons, WiFi 6E, and many USB ports. With that said, there is no doubt the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master will be able to benefit from the forthcoming PCIe 5.0 device, which is expected to offer twice the bandwidth.
The low-impedance PCB from Gigabyte R&D enables high speed and good signal integrity. Similarly, its ports and connectivity are excellent as well, offering the latest standards: Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2*2 (20 Mbps), WiFi 6E Intel with Bluetooth 5, and an Aquantia 10 GbE network card, which means you’re definitely in for a treat. Undoubtedly, AORUS Master is a truly stunning motherboard that keeps the AORUS brand’s traditions alive in terms of construction quality, reliability, and onboard features in the best way possible.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING
Best High-End Motherboard for i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR5 | Memory Speed: 4800 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Has sufficient ports
✓Comes with RGB lights
✓Supports the latest 12th gen processors
REASONS TO AVOID
✗It’s expensive
If you’re looking for a solid premium motherboard, look no further than the ASUS ROG Z690-E. The power-hungry i9 12900k processor receives the best cooling with two thick VRM heatsinks bonded together and encapsulated by a metal I/O shield. The thermal pads efficiently transfer heat from the phased array and inductor to the heatsink.
The motherboard works like a beast when paired with the i9 12900k and delivers excellent performance. The SSD is powered by PCIe 5th generation, which offers unmatched performance. Another noteworthy feature is you can find enough ports and connectivity options which means you can utilize the motherboard to its maximum level.
Even though this motherboard is fairly expensive, it has every feature you’d expect from a high-end motherboard. It boasts DDR5, PCIe 5, and M.2 slots and is equipped with everything you’d need.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS WiFI
Best ATX Motherboard for the i9 12900K
Chipset: Z690 | Socket: LGA 1700 | Form Factor: ATX | Memory: 128 GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz
REASONS TO BUY
✓Budget-friendly price
✓Has a sleek design
✓Comes with 3 heatsinks
REASONS TO AVOID
✗It doesn’t support DDR5
Like its predecessors, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 Plus WiFi motherboard has a similar board design but has advanced features. A 14+1 DrMOS Power Stage 80A design should be more than enough to boost the clock speeds of Intel’s new CPUs. You get four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, Intel’s new WiFi 6 technology, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
In addition to that, the motherboard has two large heat sinks similar to the Z590 board. The structure displays impressively large walls that help conduct heat toward the roof. TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WiFi D4 is a motherboard that supports either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. In our case, up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM can be installed via a dual-channel configuration. It has 4 SATA ports that can transfer data at 6 Gbps.
ASUS very own M.2 SSD locking mechanism, presented in its predecessor, the TUF Gaming Z590-PLUS, is an fantastic feature! To sum it up, The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 Plus motherboard gives you access to an Alder-Lake processor that offers far superior processing power compared to Intel’s 11th Gen and even Ryzen. DDR4 and WiFi connectivity, as well as PCIe 5.0 support.
Conclusion
As there are so many motherboards available, it cannot be easy to decide which one is the best motherboard for i9 12900K. However, you don’t have to worry because, by now, you’ve read the top 8 motherboards for the Intel i9 processor. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that doesn’t cost a fortune, check out the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER or GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ELITE AX. Both motherboards can give you excellent performance, cooling systems, speed, and enough slots to add memory and other essential cards. Amazingly, you can easily install an i9 12900K processor and expect outstanding performance.
When it comes to motherboards, buying one is usually a one-time investment, so if you’re looking for something that you’ll use for a long time, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING should be your first choice. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula is another premium motherboard for gaming enthusiasts with DDR5 support, 5 M.2 slots, Q release, Q latch, and large cooling systems to keep the board cool when it heats up during overclocking. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is also an entry-level motherboard with blazing speed and a VRM cooling system to run the i9 12900K processor smoothly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which motherboard is best for i9 processor?
If your budget is good, you can buy the Asus Rog Maximus Z690 Hero that works absolutely great with the i9 processor. The power delivery, VRM system, and overclocking on this motherboard are exceptional. You can find all the premium features on one motherboard.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS WiFI will give you performance like the high-end motherboards.
What is the best gaming motherboard for i9 12900K?
When it comes to gaming motherboards, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero wins because it gives you a seamless gaming experience without any lags. Overclocking the Core i9-12900K should be no issue, and you’ll really enjoy a powerful workstation that works well for work and play.
What motherboard do I need for i9 12900K?
The motherboards that are listed in this guide support i9 12900K so choose the one that best meets your needs and is under your budget.
Is i9 an overkill?
When running heavy applications and games, an i9 is definitely overkill, especially if you plan to reach the maximum clock speed of the CPU.
CEO, Lead Writer
Sajid Ali is a tech enthusiast and gamer who loves to write reviews about gaming hardware. He has a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Sajid studied Intermediate Computer Science at Degree College and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Computer Science from GSC. In his free time, you can find him testing out new hardware and software, or playing the latest video games. Sajid's in-depth understanding of computers and his love for gaming make him the perfect author to turn to for all things tech and gaming.
