No one can operate a single operation without the potent and highly immersive motherboard. It is as vital as RAM, CPU, GPU, or any other cooling piece of equipment. Let’s power up your workstations with the best Z490 motherboard for maximizing performance. If you are facing issues downloading the data or games, you should buy the motherboard for gaming to set the benchmark on the battlefield. But, if you are looking for a card that can allow stunning results with the 10th Gen Intel Core processors, then the Z690 motherboards will be the best decision you have ever made. Well! The technological world has introduced many competitive motherboards to level up your style.

Playing games is fun; winning and losing are part of the game. But when it comes to pro gamers or serious enthusiasts, perfection, skills, and epic performance becomes the priority. Furthermore, forget the maintenance issues with the Z590 motherboards that allow unique thermal solutions. Molding your gaming or work will decide your PC to challenge the top-end market. Are you demanding the card which provides the heatsinks, M.2 slots, steel backplates, or more? Then you are at the location where you will get all in one with precision and accuracy. Warranty matters to the pro gamers as they want the technology that can last for years without any up-gradation.

Our top picks

01

best z490 motherboard

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

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02

best overall z490 motherboard

MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

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03

best affordable z490 motherboard

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

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Quick Shopping Tips:

Without any guidance, you may face the loss of having the technology that doesn’t fit into your full gear. Let’s start with it:

CPU: How can anyone work in a manner without proper command and processing? No doubt, the processing unit works like a brain in any gear. So forget the mismanagement of the working or gaming. Check the compatibility of the processors with the potent and astounding circuit cards. The primary source will receive the commands, read them or save them, and proceed with the orders to bring out the stunning results.

TDP: Can you bear the distortion of the parts of your outclass gear because of the heat energy? When you perform multiple actions, the system generates the heat as it consumes the power to proceed. The modern cards have brought appealing cooling solutions to lower the temperatures. They offer you the extra-large heatsinks, M.2 slots, or cooling fans to dissipate the heat from different gear parts.

Chipset: It is significant as it works as the backbone in any board to support the specific generation of the processor. The electronic chip has been integrated into the motherboard for connecting to peripherals. The question will be: What does it do within the board and CPU? Do not worry; the answer is simple: it allows the CPU to communicate with the other connected and external devices. The chipset is functional and allows stunning performance if you consider its compatibility with the CPU, RAM, and PCIe.

Ports: Have you ever counted the ports on any board? Many devices offer the ports in the specifications, but users get offended when they come to know it’s not enough for them. Buy the card considering your choice and needs. If you want to attach the external devices, then USB ports are helpful. No doubt, SATA and M.2 slots are equally worthy for the users. The board internally integrated ATX connectors, CPU sockets, and memory slots.

The Best Z490 Motherboards: First look

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

best z490 motherboard

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MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

best overall z490 motherboard

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MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

best affordable z490 motherboard

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MSI MEG Z490 Ace

MSI MEG Z490 Ace

best atx z490 motherboard

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Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master

Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master

gigabyte's best z490 motherboard

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ASRock Z490 Taichi

ASRock Z490 Taichi

best ddr4 z490 motherboard

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Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi

Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi

best wifi-6 z490 motherboard

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ASUS Prime Z490-A

ASUS Prime Z490-A

best z490 motherboard with thunderbolt 3

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The Best Z490 Motherboards: In-depth Review

01

best z490 motherboard

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

Brand

Asus

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage regulator

16 phases

PCIe x16

2

USB Ports

22

Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme
Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme

PROS

+16 Infineon power stages

+SupremeFX S1220A codec

+1 x ThunderboltEX 3-TR card

CONS

-No HDMI display

-No multi-graphics support

Asus is an outclass brand challenging the market with its remarkable features and epic performance. The all-new Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme unleashes to bring out the maximum performance of the 10th Gen Intel core processors. No doubt, the user often asks for the power solutions; the best Z490 motherboard features the 16 Infineon TDA21490 power stages. Moreover, the board’s design offers the Intel LGA 1200 socket for excellent compatibility with the Intel processors. It will blow your mind with high-quality alloy chokes and allow dual capacitors. The board brings the astounding gaming audio with the SupremeFX S1220A codec.

Has anyone noticed that this board has extra-large heatsinks for the VRM to enhance your gaming or working experience? Integrating the chipset and efficient M.2 slots make it more compatible for winning the battles. With the solid steel backplate, the Z490 motherboard offers multiple fan headers, an extension card, and excellent AI cooling to balance the thermals. You may lose the game if you have no ultra-fast connectivity. Well! The board offers you the Intel Wi-Fi 6 and the durability of Ethernet with Marvell and LANGuard technology. It will appeal to the gamers with 2” Livedash OLED, cherished Aura Sync RGB lighting, RGB headers, and Gen 2 addressable headers.

02

best overall z490 motherboard

MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

Brand

MSI

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

E-ATX

Voltage regulator

16+1+1

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

17

MSI MEG Z490 Godlike
MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

PROS

+Intel WiFi 6 AX201

+Extra-large heatsinks for VRM

+DDR4 memory supports 128GB

CONS

-No gold audio jacks

-No support for Optane memory

Regarding the latest technology, MSI never leaves the place empty. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike is the modern board that highly supports 10th Gen Intel core, stunning Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors with the efficient LGA 1200 sockets. If you want to enjoy the durability of the channels with the DDR4 memory, it allows 128 GB. The incredible board offers the outclass triple Turbo M.2 with the double side M.2 Shield Frozr, which can transfer the speed up to 32 GB/s bandwidth. Moreover, the circuit card has the potent M.2 XPANDER-Z GEN4 S accessory with two additional M.2 slots.

It’s time to cheer up with the ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity within the onboard 10G super LAN plus 2.5G LAN. Well! No one can refuse the performance of the 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports integrated on the rear panel. These ports allow a maximum transfer speed of up to 40 GB/s. Enjoy the 4k display with the Intel Z490 motherboard and daisy chain configurations. Who can bear the higher thermal energy in their powerful gears? No one, the board offers the Frozr heatsink designed explicitly with active cooling. For high-end performance, the user can feel heat dissipation with double ball bearings and MOSFET backplates.

03

best affordable z490 motherboard

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

Brand

MSI

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage regulator

12 phases

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

14

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi

PROS

+Dual M.2 slots

+Mystic RGB lightning

+Gigabit LAN & LAN 2.5G

CONS

-No U.2 port

-No buffered memory

Were you looking forward to boosting your gaming style and working potential? You are at the right place because the MSI has launched the latest MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi that will level up your gaming. The board has fantastic features will make it the center of everyone’s attention. It will level up your gaming with its DDR4 memory that allows a speed of 4800 MHz. Enjoy the compatibility of LGA 1200 sockets within the affordable item that highly supports the Intel 10th Gen Core processors. Moreover, you will not deny the immersive embedment of the SLI/CF and the efficient durability of the M.2 slots.

Undoubtedly, many gamers and enthusiasts adore the gleaming lighting effects and LEDs that add glamor to their full gears. The circuit card has brought the outclass Mystic light RGB that will blow your mind. In contrast, the best Z490 motherboard provides the USB 3.2 Gen 2 and DP/HDMI to enhance your experience. The card’s memory capacity is 128 GB, which is enough for gamers and professionals. Apart from this, the USB is empowered by the ASmedia 3241 controller, which offers a speed of up to 20 Gb/s. The circuit card has brought the 2.5G LAN plus Gigabit LAN with the WiFi 6 for ultra-fast gaming.

04

best atx z490 motherboard

MSI MEG Z490 Ace

Brand

MSI

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage Regulator

16+1 phases

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

14

MSI MEG Z490 Ace
MSI MEG Z490 Ace

PROS

+Directx 12

+Crossfire & SLI

+Frozr heatsink for active cooling

CONS

-No Thunderbolt

-No Equintia controller

MSI MEG Z490 Ace is the flagship model amongst other top-shelf items that will push gaming limits. Let’s find the solution to the heat dissipation; it brings the Frozr heatsink for active cooling. The Crossfire and SLI board provides 14 USB ports for external or internal devices. Moreover, the Zero Frozr technology and efficient MOSFET backplates create an epic performance. The board has the credibility of the LGA 1200 socket with the Intel Core processors, Platinum Gold, and Celeron processors. The board immersively supports the 12 Directx and dual kit memory up to 128 GB.

No doubt, you will be amazed by the triple Turbo M.2 within the M.2 Shield Frozr provides speed up to 32 GB/s for SSDs. Don’t be bound by the slow connectivity; the Z490 motherboard has brought the onboard 2.5G LAN with the ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6. The board highly supports the DDR4 memory with the four efficient DIMM slots. Furthermore, the user will adore the pre-installed I/O shielding of the card, which can protect the device from electrostatic discharge. The gamers can satisfy their gaming with the enhanced audio and precise performance. The great board offers you the six SATA III slots and three PCIe x 16 slots.

05

gigabyte's best z490 motherboard

Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master

Brand

Gigabyte

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage regulator

8+8 phases

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

14

Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master
Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master

PROS

+Bluetooth 5.0

+Multi graphics technology

+1x S/PDIF optical connector

CONS

-No SATA express slot

-Not applicable for PS/2

The buyers know how worthy it becomes when they get what they want in a suitable investment. Whenever you wish upgradeability, you should prefer the Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master; the modern board launched to meet the competition in the technical market. The gamers or enthusiasts can enjoy the futuristic aesthetics with the Gigabyte’s motherboard, bringing a new era to esports. You will adore the thermal design of the board, which offers the Fins ArrayII, enlarged M.2 thermal guard II, thermal pads, and heatsink II to cool down the full gear. The board has the baseplate within the material of the NanoCarbon. The outclass H/W feature detects the noise, temperature, voltage, fan speed, and more.

Moreover, the board offers a digital controller with the new Tantalum polymer capacitor array and an 8+8 CPU power connector for precision. The outclass board brings the maximum overclocking performance from the 10th Gen Core Intel processor. Regarding VRM, the Intel Z490 motherboard offers the 14 phases of digital VRM with a 90A smart power stage. Non-ECC DDR4 memory has dual channels, which allows the memory speed up to 5000 MHz. Enjoy the gaming with the Real take and high-definition audio. The board has brought out the 14 USB ports with multi graphics technology. In contrast, the board offers unique features like easy tuning, fast boosting, game boosting, RGB fusion, and more.

06

best ddr4 z490 motherboard

ASRock Z490 Taichi

Brand

ASRock

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage regulator

15 phases

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

13

ASRock Z490 Taichi
ASRock Z490 Taichi

PROS

+Fan tachometer

+Supports HDP 2.3

+Supports SMBIOS 2.7

CONS

-No PCIe x 4 support

-No ECC RAM support

Are you tired of searching for the board that fits your full gear? Let’s summarize your struggle with the ASRock Z490 Taichi, which is stunning for gamers and enthusiasts. The board highly supports the Intel 10th and 11th Gen Core processors with the LGA 1200 socket. The all-new design of the 15-phase Z490 motherboard brings epic performance. The circuit card has got a DDR4 memory with a speed of 4666 MHz. The stunning card has three PCIe 3.0 x 16 and two PCIe 3.0 x 1 slot. Do not forget to consider the connectivity of the card that can cause maximum performance on any battlefield.

Here you have a great choice of board that allows the graphics output options like HDMI and DisplayPort. Many gamers feel annoyed by the external sounds in the gaming battles, and the DDR4 motherboard has the 7.1 CH HDH audio and Nahimic audio. The astounding circuit card has the immersive 8 SATA 3 and 1 Hyper M.2 slot. Along with this, the board integrates thirteen USB ports for the internal and external devices to communicate with each other. The board supports the Nvidia SLI and AMD 3-way CrossfireX. The board provides the Dragon 2.5 Gigabit LAN and Intel Gigabit LAN to enhance your experience.

07

best wifi-6 z490 motherboard

Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi

Brand

Asus

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage regulator

14+2 phases

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

17

Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi
Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi

PROS

+AI networking

+14+2 phase stage

+Unbuffered Optimum III memory

CONS

-No Directx 12

-M.2 slots aren't easily accessible

Many brands and products have been launched in the high-end market following the user’s needs. Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi is the heart-winning card that will allow great performances with precision. Well! It’s time to experience realistic gaming with the Z490 motherboard, which offers AI overclocking, AI cooling, and AI networking for optimization. The latest Intel 1200 socket brings maximum performance with the 10th Gen Core processors. The PCIe x 16 supports the multi-GPU SLI And CFX for epic gaming. The board has stunning power solutions that offer 14+2 phases with the ProCool II power connector and high-quality ally chokes.

Furthermore, it will free you from the tension of heat dissipation as it brings a heatsink, heat pipes, and fan headers that can balance the system’s temperatures. Who will not take the opportunity to have the WiFi-6 motherboard that causes low noise while performing multiple tasks? We know the pain of losing the game when the only reason is slow connectivity. The card offers the ultra-fast connectivity of the dual Ethernet with the 5Gb and Gigabit Ethernet. In contrast, it also provides the LANGuard, dual M.2, Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11 ax), and USB 3.2 Gen 2. No more noisy gaming with the high-quality audio of the SupremeFX S1220A codec.

08

best z490 motherboard with thunderbolt 3

ASUS Prime Z490-A

Brand

Asus

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Intel Z490

Form Factor

ATX

Voltage regulator

12+2 phases

PCIe x16

3

USB Ports

15

ASUS Prime Z490-A
ASUS Prime Z490-A

PROS

+6-layer PCB

+PCH heatsink

+Fan Xpert 4 utility

CONS

-No wireless LAN

-Only one onboard USB 3.2 Gen1

ASUS Prime Z490-A is the breathtaking circuit card that will adore you to invest in the right place. If you want a board that can bring excellent compatibility with the 10th Gen Intel Core processors, it will ensure maximum performance. The gamers can enhance the power solution with the excellent 12+2 DrMOS power stages. The great board has the astounding 6-layer PCB, ProCool socket, alloy chokes, and appealing dual capacitors for precise power supply. Whenever you perform multi-tasks on the gear, it generates heat, damaging the internal parts and causing disruptions.

Undoubtedly, the board has the stunning VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink with the hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4 utility to cool down the gear. We all know how vital it becomes for users eager for your boosted performance. Routing the traces and vias within the Intel Z490 motherboard brings the maximum overclocking with the OptiMem II. The board’s built-in ensures great productivity with the Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3 header support, dual M.2 slots, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. You can personalize your gaming with the ASUS-exclusive Sync RGB lightning: including RGB headers and addressable headers.

Final Words

It’s time to face the hurdles and find the best technology to enhance the performance of the gear. Pro gamers and enthusiasts know the worth of the great motherboards that can level up their styling, playing, working, or more. With the SATA connectors, the best Z490 motherboard provides excellent compatibility. If you want stunning and efficient slots, the board must bring the PCIe 3.0 x 16 slots and the PCIe 3.0 x 1 slot. Leave the disruptions behind with the board offering excellent cooling solutions like heatsinks, fans and fans headers, and more. Enjoy the outclass performance with the personalization of the RGB lighting.

Never mind if you want too much in a single investment. But you should be aware of your technology and needs as the wrong decision can ruin everything. We have brought the best motherboards that allow ultra-fast connectivity, such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet, LANGuard, and LAN Gigabit. The boards mentioned above have multiple DIMM slots and efficient M.2 slots. Apart from this, if you want to connect various devices, then the number of USBs is integrated for internal and external connections. With the form factor of ATX, LGA 1200, and chipset Intel Z490, the board supports the Intel 10th and 11th Gen Core processors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Z490 motherboard is best?

Whenever you look for the best product that can last for years, Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme is the best decision you have ever made. The board features 16 Infineon power stages to manage the power issues. It brings exceptional compatibility with the Intel processors. Forget about the disruptions with the high-quality alloy choked and dual capacitors. Enjoy the outstanding audio quality with the all-new SupermeFX S1220 codec.

Is the Z490-a good motherboard?

If you want to achieve the next level of gaming and working experience, start with the best motherboard. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi is the modern board that has brought the all-new aesthetics to the market. The circuit card will add glamor to your gear with the adorable LEDs and Mystic RGB lightning. The card offers you 128GB of memory, which is more than enough for online gaming or data storage.

Which ASUS Z490 motherboard is best?

Of course! Asus provides the best boards to bring tough competition and high-end items. For example, Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi is a stunning board with the DDR4 memory that offers 128 GB memory with a speed of 4800 MHz. The outstanding card provides the 14+2 power phases with the immersive ProCppl II power connector.

What motherboard should I get for 2021?

In the modern era, ASRock Z490 Taichi is the best investment for gamers and professionals. The board highly supports the Nvidia SLI™ with the AMD 3-way Crossfire. Well! The circuit card brings the three PCIe x 16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x 1 slots. The card offers the graphics output in the form of HDMI and a display port.