Best CPU and motherboard combination 2024 – our top picks

In 2023, technology is changing quickly, particularly CPUs and motherboards, which are vital for computer systems. The right CPU and motherboard pairing greatly influence performance. In this article, we’ll explore the best CPU and motherboard combination for 2023. Let’s get started without delay!

The best CPU and motherboard combinations

Below, we present the top CPU and motherboard combinations that we believe are the best and most efficient options available.

We have taken various factors into account, including socket compatibility, memory support, form factor, and more, to ensure that we recommend the CPU and motherboard combo that suits your specific needs. Keep reading to explore the best CPU and motherboard combinations for 2023.

The i9-13900K is the best Intel CPU, offering incredible power and surpassing its competitors. With 24 cores and 32 threads, it excels in both single and multi-core tasks, making it the top choice for multi-threaded performance.

Although the 13900K has higher power consumption compared to Alder Lake, the increase in power leads to a significant performance boost. Raptor Lake CPUs provide up to 15% improved single-core performance and up to 41% improved multi-core performance. These enhancements make a noticeable difference, especially at 4k resolution, thanks to ultra-fast CPU cores.

You don’t necessarily need to upgrade your motherboard to benefit from this performance, but there are advantages to doing so. The doubled L2 CPU cache allows for smoother processing of instructions with no slowdowns.

With a maximum core speed of up to 5.8 GHz, which is currently the fastest on the market, the 13900K delivers lightning-fast performance.

However, it’s important to note that this power comes with a cost. Under extreme stress, the 13900K generates significant heat. While most users won’t push the CPU to its limits, our stress test showed the CPU throttling up to 13% when using a 360mm AIO cooler.

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

The Z790 Maximus Hero is an extraordinary motherboard designed to meet the highest standards of performance for enthusiasts. It excels in overclocking with a powerful 24 + 1 power stage system capable of delivering 105A. With dual ProCool II connectors, premium components, and robust heatsinks, it ensures stability during intense overclocking.

One standout feature is full support for PCIe Gen 5, guaranteeing lightning-fast speeds for GPUs and NVMe SSDs. Both PCIe X16 slots provide optimal performance for high-speed devices, expanding beyond a single M.2 SSD slot.

DDR5 support allows speeds up to an astonishing 7600MHz, offering the perfect foundation for peak performance with your 13th-gen Intel CPU.

Connectivity options are impressive, including Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C with Quick Charge 4+, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. Seamlessly integrate peripherals and high-speed devices for a versatile and future-proof setup.

Together, the Core i9-13900K and the Maximus Z790 hero make a fantastic pairing, they complement each other beautifully.

The AMD Ryzen 7900X is part of the new Zen 4 architecture, offering a significant performance boost for AMD users. It aligns with current technological standards by supporting DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5, pleasing AMD users worldwide.

With 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7900X delivers impressive performance for both multi-core and single-core tasks. Its boost clock speed of 5.6 GHz ensures excellent single-core performance, comparable to Intel’s previous-generation Alder Lake CPUs. This makes it an excellent choice for 4k gaming.

The Ryzen Zen 4 CPU cores have doubled their cache size, with each core now having 1MB instead of 512KB. This enhancement allows for faster processing by handling more instructions.

However, it’s important to know that the TDP (thermal design power) of the 7900X is higher compared to its predecessor. With a base power of 170W and a boost power of 230W, the CPU generates more heat, similar to the i9-13900K. Unfortunately, CPU cooler technology hasn’t caught up with the power of these latest CPUs.

GIGABYTE X670E Aorus Xtreme

The Aorus Extreme is a powerful motherboard with impressive features that boost your system’s performance. Its standout feature is the unique 20 + 1 + 2 power stage design, which delivers clean and precise power to the CPU. The VRM heatsinks ensure cool operation.

Connectivity is a priority with the Aorus Extreme, offering comprehensive support for PCIe Gen 5. The dedicated M.2 slot and GPU slot provide optimal performance and high-speed connectivity for your devices.

The Aorus Extreme proudly supports DDR5, like the other motherboards on this list, allowing for speeds up to 7600MHz. Your CPU will never be limited in terms of memory speed.

The Aorus Master’s thermal armor provides extensive coverage, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and maintaining system performance.

With a variety of connectivity options, including USB ports, USB Type-C ports, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio connections, the Aorus Master seamlessly integrates with a wide range of peripherals and devices.

Together the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Aorus X670 make a perfectly efficient pairing.

The Intel i5-13600K is a highly efficient CPU with 14 cores and 20 threads, running at over 5GHz. It stays cool and doesn’t get as hot as its bigger brother, the 13900K.

In terms of cost, the 13900K is very budget-friendly, falling between the 7600X and the 7700X. It outperforms the former and matches the latter, showcasing Intel’s strength in this range.

The 13600K is perfect for average gamers who want to upgrade their CPU without spending too much. It has 20 threads, making it great for multi-core workloads. It strikes a unique balance that many other CPUs don’t achieve, as they usually prioritize one aspect over the other. The 13600K is versatile and can handle various tasks effectively.

ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI

The ASUS Prime is a motherboard that focuses on simplicity and reliable power delivery. It features a 16 + 1 DrMOS power stage design that ensures efficient performance without any obstacles, even when the CPU reaches its maximum boost speed.

When it comes to memory support, the Prime can handle DDR5 memory up to DDR5 7000MHz. Although this may be slightly lower compared to other motherboards, it’s important to consider the competitive price of the ASUS Prime, making it a great choice for builders on a budget.

While maintaining strong support for PCIe Gen 5, as expected from a Z790 motherboard, the ASUS Prime provides PCIe Gen 5 on a single PCIe x16 GPU slot. However, it’s worth mentioning that the M.2 SSD slots don’t offer PCIe Gen 5 support, which helps keep the motherboard’s design cost-effective.

To optimize manufacturing costs, ASUS has streamlined the connectivity options on the Prime. Nevertheless, it still includes essential features for the average PC gamer, such as USB 3.2 ports, USB Type-C ports, audio connections, DisplayPort, and 2.5GB/s Ethernet. These ensure smooth integration with various peripherals and provide reliable networking capabilities.

Together the Intel Core i5 13600K and the ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI make for one heck of a budget CPU and motherboard pairing.

Best CPU and motherboard combinations – things to consider

Here we will outline some things to consider when shopping for your next CPU and motherboard combination. We will factor in things such as compatibility, memory speed, and connectivity. Hopefully, this will allow you to gain an understanding of just what to look for when acquiring your next CPU and motherboard combination.

Can the CPU and motherboard combination impact performance?

Yes, the CPU and motherboard you choose can greatly affect how well your computer performs. The CPU does the actual work of running programs and doing calculations, while the motherboard connects all the different parts of the computer together.

The CPU you pick determines how fast your computer can do things and how many tasks it can handle at once. Some CPUs are better at certain types of tasks, like gaming or video editing, and they need specific kinds of motherboards to work with.

The motherboard is like the traffic cop of your computer, making sure all the parts can talk to each other. It decides what kind of memory you can use, how many devices you can plug in, and how fast everything can go. It also supplies power to the CPU.

When you choose a CPU and motherboard, it’s important to make sure they work well together. If you get a really fast CPU but pair it with a cheap motherboard, you might not get the full performance out of the CPU. On the other hand, if you have a high-end motherboard but use a lower-end CPU, you might not be able to take advantage of all the features the motherboard offers.

To get the best performance, you need to think about how the CPU and motherboard work together. Consider things like compatibility, the features you need, and what you plan to use your computer for. This way, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your CPU and motherboard combo.

Useful links

Here is a bank of useful motherboard links.

• Best motherboard for gaming
• Best DDR5 motherboard
• Best 13th gen motherboard
• Best B660 motherboard
• Best X670 motherboard

Final word

In 2023, the CPU and motherboard are crucial components that significantly impact computer performance. Choosing the right CPU and motherboard combination is essential for achieving optimal results. We have explored some of the best CPU and motherboard pairings available this year.

The Intel Core i9-13900K paired with the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 stands out as a top choice for exceptional multi-threaded performance. The i9-13900K delivers incredible power with its 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Maximus Z790 provides robust overclocking capabilities and comprehensive connectivity options.

For AMD users, the Ryzen 9 7900X combined with the GIGABYTE X670E Aorus Xtreme is an excellent choice. The Ryzen 9 7900X offers impressive performance for both single-core and multi-core tasks, and the X670E Aorus Xtreme provides optimal power delivery, connectivity, and support for DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5.

Budget-conscious gamers can consider the Intel Core i5-13600K and the ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI combo. The i5-13600K offers efficiency and versatility with its 14 cores and 20 threads, while the ASUS PRIME Z790-A WIFI delivers reliable power delivery and essential features at an affordable price.

When selecting a CPU and motherboard combination, it is crucial to consider factors such as compatibility, memory speed, and connectivity. Ensuring a balanced pairing will maximize system performance and enhance the overall computing experience.