This is the best motherboard for i7 4790K processors review with premium specs and features. Although choosing the ideal gaming motherboard can be challenging and time-consuming, our experts simplified the process by providing five incredible products for various purposes.
In addition, this stunning article answers the most frequently asked questions so that you do not have to read other guides and reviews. Keep reading our superb buyer’s guide to becoming an expert at Intel motherboards with futuristic designs and features.
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The 5 Best Motherboards for i7 4790K Reviews
Although it is mandatory to learn about the product’s unique features, we must focus on the details to be able to make the right decision. Keep reading the following sections to learn all there is to know about these products.
1. MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard
Pros:
- This unit features an incredible form factor ideal for gaming and video editing
- Customers can easily pair modern Intel processors using the chipset
- It has the PCI-Express x16, and PCI Express graphics card interface
- There are four memory slots available
Cons:
- The overall memory speed is not ideal for premium gaming
- This unit is not readily available
The key criteria of the product are:
- Processor:5 out of 10
- Memory (RAM):5 out of 10
- Expansion slots: 8 out of 10
- SATA ports: 9 out of 10
The MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard is the first reviewed product in this guide, having unique and premium features. Before reading the detailed review, customers can quickly locate the pros and cons and discover more about this product’s ratings regarding the four critical criteria.
For example, the MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard has standard processor support thanks to the chipset type, which is decent for streaming, programming, and video editing. Our experts therefore provide a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
In addition, the MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard has great memory support, especially considering its price. Namely, customers can enjoy the maximum memory capacity of 32 GB DDR4, similar to the ASUS Prime.
But unfortunately, the MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard does not have a superior memory speed because it can only run at 3,000 MHz, which is not ideal. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
Another motherboard’s vital feature is compatibility and connectivity because customers must easily pair their gaming devices. For example, MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard has typical USB support, including three PCIe Express x16 3.0 ports and four PCIe Express x1 slots.
Fortunately, this is all customers need for casual gaming and streaming, although you need more support if you turn professional. Thus, this excellent unit gets a final score of 8 out of 10 for the expansion slot key criterion.
Ultimately, the MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard gets its highest rating for the last critical criterion, the SATA ports. Namely, customers use these ports to provide additional external memory for their gaming setups, such as SSDs, which are essential by current standards.
Fortunately, the MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard has six SATA ports, all you need for mid-range games and video editing software. We then provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the SATA port key criterion, this unit’s highest score.
Overview
The MSI ATX 2600 DDR3 Z97-G45 1150 Motherboard has enough SATA and RAM slots, so you should not worry about this feature. Therefore, this is the ideal choice for customers wanting an all-around and affordable gaming unit. Moreover, you will enjoy its memory capacity.
2. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard
Pros:
- There is a plethora of memory support customers can choose to install
- It features multi-graphics, such as 2-Way AMD Crossfire, and 2-Way NVIDIA SLI Technology
- Customers get the GIGABYTE UEFI Dual BIOS feature
- There is enough maximum memory speed for smooth video editing
Cons:
- The Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 feature does not provide great results
- It might be challenging to enjoy the latest premium games
The key criteria of the product are:
- Processor: 9 out of 10
- Memory (RAM): 9 out of 10
- Expansion slots:5 out of 10
- SATA ports:5 out of 10
The ratings of Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard prove this product is unique and worth purchasing.
For example, customers can easily install the latest Intel Core processor for an improved gaming experience thanks to the adequate slot. Furthermore, this unit has the advanced Z97 Express chipset, which is impressive regarding performance and speed. Henceforth, we provide a final rating of 9 out of 10 for the processor key criterion.
The Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard receives an identical rating for the memory (RAM) key criterion thanks to its impressive speed. Although customers get standard memory support of 32 GB DDR, they can enjoy a higher speed than the previously featured product.
For example, the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard has a maximum memory speed of 3.200, which should be enough for casual gaming and video editing. Thus, our experts agreed on a final score of 9 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
Furthermore, the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard scores slightly lower for the following criterion, but it is still excellent. Namely, this unit has three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, where one runs as x8 and the other at x4.
In addition, this motherboard offers three PCI Express 2.0 1x slots, and a single PCI port, which is all the support you need, together with the USB ports. As a result, we give a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the expansion slot key criterion.
Lastly, the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard is nearly perfect for the final key criterion, SATA ports. For example, customers can find the standard six SATA ports at the back, which provides easy access to additional external memory.
However, the Multi Graphics features have 3-Way, 2-Way AMD Crossfire, and 2-Way NVIDIA SLI Technology. Consequently, the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard gets a final rating of 9.5 out of 10 for the SATA port key criterion, nearly missing a perfect score.
Overview
The Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard has an incredibly low form factor with stunning specs and features. Therefore, it is the perfect choice for customers building low-profile computer setups with a futuristic design. In addition, you will love its SATA ports.
3. MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard
Pros:
- Customers can use the four included DIMM slots for additional support
- The 3,300 MHz maximum memory speed is ideal for multitasking
- It is an excellent choice for more advanced computer builds
- The standard form factor provides many compatibilities features
Cons:
- It is one of the least affordable featured products in this guide
- The number of PCIe slots is not ideal
The key criteria of the product are:
- Processor:5 out of 10
- Memory (RAM):5 out of 10
- Expansion slots: 9 out of 10
- SATA ports: 9 out of 10
The MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard is the third featured product, and as you can see, this unit has many pros and received excellent ratings. For example, motherboards at this price feature the standard Intel Core Z97 chipset, which is sufficient for most common tasks.
In addition, customers can easily pair older and newer processors, so you should not worry about compatibility. Hence, our experts agreed on a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the processor key criterion, an excellent start.
Fortunately, the MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard receives the highest rating so far regarding memory because it overperforms the previous products. Although customers do not get tremendous maximum memory storage, they will experience higher FPS thanks to the impressive memory speed.
Namely, the MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard has a memory storage capacity of 64 GB DD4 and a memory speed of 3,300 MHz, but you can overclock for more. Thus, we provide a final score of 9.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
The last two criteria get impressive ratings, too, thanks to the incredible features and compatible devices. For example, the MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard has many expansion slots, including a couple of USB 3.0 Generation 1, HDMI, and VGA slots, essential for video editing, programming, and gaming.
n addition, there are four DIMM slots, a single M.2 slot, and three PCIe Express slots. Henceforth, this unit receives a final rating of 9 out of 10 for the expansion slot key criterion.
Lastly, the MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard gets an identical score for the SATA ports because it has typical support. For example, there are six SATA ports at the back, so customers can easily add external memory such as SSDs.
Consequently, you will be confident that there will always be enough storage for large files during heavy video editing or premium games. Thus, our experts provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the SATA port key criterion, which sounds impressive.
Overview
The MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard is the best-performing product regarding memory storage and speed. Therefore, customers wanting a faster motherboard will benefit the most from this product’s specs and features. It would help if you also gave this unit a try.
4. ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard
Pros:
- The ASUS 5X Protection provides all-around protection for your gaming setup
- The USB 3.0 Boost and form factor features improve transfer speeds
- The BIOS 3 is crash-free, and you can restore corrupted BIOS data from the USB storage
- Customers get a real-time network bandwidth management
Cons:
- This unit significantly lacks maximum memory speed
- The black and gold design might not be suitable for all computer builds
The key criteria of the product are:
- Processor: 9 out of 10
- Memory (RAM): 7 out of 10
- Expansion slots:5 out of 10
- SATA ports:5 out of 10
Although the ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard did not receive extremely high ratings on all vital criteria, it is still an excellent product for beginners and casual gamers.
Fortunately, the ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard has the standard processor support, allowing users to use the latest Intel Core processors. Therefore, our experts provide a final score of 9 out of 10 for the processor key criterion, which is an excellent quality indicator.
Unfortunately, the ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard does not receive as high ratings for the following criteria. First, although customers get a decent memory storage capacity of 32 GB DDR4, the motherboard might struggle with premium games at high settings.
For example, it is impossible to experience high FPS due to the low memory speed of just 1,600 MHz, which is lower than the previously reviewed products. Thus, we provide a final score of 7 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
The ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard gets an improved score for the expansion slots thanks to the four memory slots, the USB 3.0 Boost feature, and the standard HDMI and VGA slots.
In addition, customers get the impressive Network iControl feature that allows real-time network bandwidth management. Therefore, the ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard has everything casual streamers, gamers, and video editors need. Consequently, the expansion slot key criterion gets a final score of 8.5 out of 10.
Ultimately, the ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard gets a lower rating for the SATA port key criterion because it does not have as many ports as similar products.
Namely, all customers get are four SATA ports and no M.2 slots. Henceforth, although you get standard support, this unit might not be ideal for installing additional external memory. As a result, our experts agreed on a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the SATA port key criterion.
Overview
The ASUS B85M-G Micro 1600 ATX LGA 1150 DDR3 Motherboard is the least potent unit regarding memory and speed. Thus, this unit should get the job done if you do not care about extremely fast motherboards. In addition, you will benefit from its impressive processor support.
5. ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard
Pros:
- The all-Around Protection provides the best quality, reliability, and durability
- The HDMI and DVI outputs provide a high-definition visual experience
- The Intel H81 chipset is ideal for low and mid-range gaming
- The LGA 1150 CPU socket is standard for units at this price
Cons:
- There is not enough maximum memory storage capacity
- There are a few PCIe Express slots and ports
The key criteria of the product are:
- Processor:5 out of 10
- Memory (RAM):5 out of 10
- Expansion slots: 8 out of 10
- SATA ports: 7 out of 10
The ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard is the least powerful featured product in this guide, but it does not mean there are no exceptional features. For example, this unit features the standard LGA 1150 CPU socket, providing essential processor support.
In addition, the basic Intel H81 chipset offers an average performance with most gaming components. Henceforth, we give a final score of 8.5 out of 10 for the processor key criterion, this unit’s highest score.
On the flip side, the ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard receives this article’s lowest score for the memory key criterion. Namely, customers only get a maximum storage capacity of 16 GB, which is insufficient for most mid-range and high-end games.
In addition, the top 1,600 MHz memory speed is low, and there is no room for overclocking the performance. Thus, our experts agreed on a final score of 6.5 out of 10 for the memory (RAM) key criterion.
Fortunately, the ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard receives an improved overall rating for the expansion slots because there are enough ports. Namely, customers get a total of three PCIe Express slots and the standard HDMI and DVI outputs, providing a high-definition visual enjoyment.
Fortunately, the ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard has the USB 3.0 Boos technology, resulting in improved transfer speeds. As a result, we give a final rating of 8 out of 10 for the expansion slot key criterion.
Finally, the ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard does not have as many SATA ports as similar products. Thus, customers must consider this before purchasing this unit because they will lack appropriate SSD support.
Fortunately, this is a low-profile and affordable motherboard, so that you can benefit from these features. Consequently, the SATA port key criterion receives a final rating of 7 out of 10, which is not ideal.
Overview
The ASUS H81M-A Micro DDR3 ATX 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboard is the least powerful unit but has excellent expansion support. Therefore, this is the ultimate choice if you need an affordable and compatible motherboard. You will not make a mistake purchasing this unit.
Final Conclusion
Opting for the perfect gaming, streaming, or video editing motherboard can be highly challenging, especially if you want to pair the Intel Core i7 4790K processors. As a result, our experts created this guide by thoroughly reviewing five motherboards with impressive form factors and memory features.
Henceforth, we highly recommend buying the MSI Z97-Gaming 5 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 Motherboard because it has impressive ratings on all vital criteria.
On the other hand, it would be great to purchase the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 5 LGA 1150 Z97 Motherboard because there are many SATA ports and expansion slots. Whatever you decide, you will not be making a mistake purchasing any featured product in this guide.
