Intel's 12th Gen Core i9-12900K remains a strong processor (CPU) option for PC gaming enthusiasts who have shied away from 13th and 14th Gen desktop instability issues. It has 16 cores and 24 threads with a Turbo boost of up to 5.2GHz, plus its overclocking capabilities allow you to push performance.
To get the most out of your Intel Core i9-12900K, you will need a great LGA1700 motherboard, including those using the Z690 and Z790 chipsets. We've collected the best motherboards right here, allowing you to overclock this monstrous processor to your heart's desire. Just be sure you have ample cooling!
Best overall
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is perfect for the Core i9-12900K. The VRM setup and power delivery design are exceptional, allowing you to overclock this CPU without power issues safely. Plenty of M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 RAM support, and a gorgeous design. You can usually find it for about $592 at Amazon.
Top alternative
The ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming is a little more affordable without cutting down on the features. It features PCIe 5.0, DDR5 RAM, a 16+1 power delivery design, high-quality components, 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, plenty of USB ports, and a striking yet subtle design. The $300 price at Amazon is not bad at all.
Best Z790
With 16+1 power stages, huge VRM, M.2, and chipset heatsinks, built-in RGB lighting, Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 RAM support, PCIe 5.0 compatibility, and tons of expansion slots, the ASUS Prime Z790-A is a killer board for your overclocked Core i9-12900K. At about $260 at Newegg, it's also one of the cheaper options on the list.
Best budget
The MSI Pro Z690-A Wi-Fi is an excellent budget choice considering you can find it for as low as $165 at Amazon. It has a 14+1+1 power delivery design with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM support, plus there are plenty of USB options. Despite the Pro name, it'll be great for PC gamers looking to keep costs down.
Best DDR4
The ASRock Z690 Steel Legend is relatively affordable at about $180, and it offers support for DDR4 RAM for anyone moving from older platforms with no aim to upgrade memory. It has a 13-phase power delivery design with 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi, PCIe 5.0 support, and M.2 slots for your OS, software, and games.
Best ITX
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi is a compact ITX board supporting PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM with a 10+1 power delivery design handling a little overclocking. The 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi are excellent for a small PC doubled up as a media center, paired with two M.2 slots for storage. Pick it up for about $218 at Amazon.
Choosing the best motherboard for the Core i9-12900K
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You can't choose the wrong motherboard for most PC builds, so long as the socket and chipset match up and support the processor you wish to use. In this case, we've focused on Z690 and Z790 motherboards for the Core i9-12900K.
Our top pick is the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero due to its potent overclocking support, including 20+1 power stage delivery and a steady UEFI BIOS. In our ASUS ROG Maximum Z690 Hero review, former Windows Central Senior Editor Rich Edmonds says, "For 12th Gen Intel processors, especially the Core i7 12700K and Core i9-12900K, this board will let you push these already very powerful CPUs even further with excellent power delivery and BIOS support."
Suppose our top pick is too far out of your budget at about $592 (totally understandable). In that case, there's always the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming at about $300 or the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi DDR5 at about $260.
Even the budget-friendly ASRock Z690 Steel Legend is worth considering at about $180, especially if you have DDR4 RAM. For smaller ITX builds, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi is one of the best motherboards for the Intel Core i9-12900K available. You can pick it up for somewhere around $218 at Amazon.
What makes the Core i9-12900K so great?
Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino and former Senior Editor Rich Edmonds teamed up to review the Core i9-12900K. They ultimately came to the conclusion that it's a super CPU for multiple tasks, stating:
"Whether you need a CPU for gaming or for video editing, the Intel Core i9-12900K is an amazing processor. The new hybrid technology Intel is using just works. The CPU uses very little power when the system is doing next to nothing but is capable of ramping up to impressive clock speeds when you need the performance."
The strong overclocking potential makes it great for enthusiasts, but you'll want to be sure you have the right motherboard for the job as well as ample cooling.
