Best 11th Gen Compatible Z490 Motherboards with Rocket Lake 11900K

If you are looking for the best 11th Gen Compatible Z490 Motherboards, look no further. For efficient output, the cutting-edge Intel 10th Gen CPUs demand the finest Z490 motherboards.

Also Read: Budget LGA 1200 Motherboards – Intel Z490 for Core i5 10600K 10500K

With the constant introduction of new hardware in the market, it is possible to get confused about purchasing. If you have decided to try the Intel 10th Gen Comet Lake train and intend to obtain the most benefit from your latest CPU, then the best Intel Z490 motherboard will suit your needs. These motherboards are implemented with the latest LGA 1200 socket. Moreover, even the cost-effective B460 options provide enhanced connectivity, power delivery components, and strong networking. They also provide the upcoming 11th Gen Rocket Lake compatibility.

When you require an entirely new motherboard platform for the new chips of Intel, there are odds that it will continue for several CPU generations. This holds, particularly considering Intel’s inclination for the 14nm silicon. Though the 10th Generation CPUs may not have caused uncertainty in the tech world, they are actually the market’s speediest gaming chips.

If your gaming machine is prevalent for several years, upgrading will provide you a quick system. The resulting system will have faster and more capacity memory, faster cores, faster networking, faster USB, and faster storage. Upgrading to the 10th generation from 7th, 8th, or 9th to 10th may not be a huge leap. However, the leap from 2nd to 10th Gen is great.

Related Reading: Best LGA 1200 Socket Motherboards – Intel Z490 for Core 10900K 10700K

The K-series CPUs are equipped with 125W TDPs. Bu, the CPUs with higher core counts, will execute more power than the mentioned one. It implies that even the cost-effective Z490 motherboards are equipped with strong power delivery circuitry. In terms of official PCIe 4.0 support, the Intel Z490 chipset is lacking. This support is available on the rivalry X570 platform from AMD.

Certain manufacturers like MSI claim the presence of PCIe 4.0 support in their Z490 motherboards. They claim that 10th generation CPUs are not supporting it and therefore could not be authenticated. Intel would not authenticate any details in any way regarding its future products. Hence, as of now, the PCIe 4.0 support in Z490 motherboards is vague. It must not be considered in the buying decision.

Through the specifications are improved, we are not yet impressed with the rising trend in terms of pricing. Before a year or so, we were astonished to observe $1,000 high-end desktop motherboards for the Threadripper or the X-series chips. However, now the manufacturers are preparing their motherboards for $800 despite Z490 is still a prevailing chipset. We don’t deal with lots of PCIe lanes or quad-channel memory. However, these expensive motherboards come with many advanced features.

Let’s now look at the details of the best Z490 motherboards Compatible with Intel 11 Gen Rocket Lakes:

Best 11th Gen Compatible Z490 Motherboards:

Before  we get into the details, let us quickly look at the high-end options in Intel’s 11th Gen lineup:

For the new 11th Gen CPUs, these are the following chipsets that fully support the new architecture.

1. Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme – Amazon | Newegg
2. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike Amazon | Newegg
3. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi Amazon | Newegg
4. MSI MEG Z490 Ace Amazon | Newegg
5. Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master Amazon | Newegg
6. ASRock Z490 Taichi Amazon | Newegg
7. Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi Amazon | Newegg

1. Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme:

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At the price of a full gaming PC, you get this Asus motherboard, one of the best Z490 motherboards.

Generally, the Asus ROG boards are always considered a high-end offering. But there are certain lower-spec alternatives in this guide. I felt that the MSI is a supporter. Its Godlike boards actually reinforced the notion of the enthusiast motherboard that cost; if you would forgive the expurgated invective, your money will be in vain. After the randomly charged X570 Godlike, the brand Asus has certainly decided it has complete freedom to levy the price whatever it finds apt.

If you are willing to obtain a long list of features, you need to pay for it. I suggest that the tons of features are not packed with accompaniment extras; the price is justified. All the features you obtain from the Maximus XII Extreme are practical for an expensive Comet Lake architecture. This varies from the additional fan controller to the Thunderbolt card to the DIMM.2 storage expansion. However, I would like to specify two of my favorite components in the pack, i.e., the braided SATA cables and the multi-head screwdriver.

You even benefit from the high performance. Overall, the MSI Z490 Godlike has a benefit over the straight speeds. However, if I am purchasing a Core i9 10900K, I wish to overclock the hell of it. Moreover, the MSI Z490 motherboard got toasty at 5.3GHz for all cores. These two motherboards are high-end boards, but I prioritize the Asus.
ROG Maximus XII Extreme.

Features:

• Equipped with the Lga1200 socket for powering the 10th generation Intel Core desktop processors.
• The system optimization offers great overclocking, and the cooling profiles are customized to your rig.
• The synchronized RGB lighting feature functions with a wide portfolio of those PC devices that are aura sync compatible. There is support for the Philips hue and available light strips.
• It comes with separate water cooling zones, diverse fan controls, and m.2 heat sink for efficient cooling.
• Connectivity: Intel 2.5 GB Ethernet, Marvell Aqtion 10GB, USB 3.2 gen 2, Langaurd, Quad m.2, and Intel Wi-Fi 6

Specifications:

• Size: E-ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4700 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 (or x8/x8), 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
• Rear USB: 10x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
• Video ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports on extension card (DP1.4)
• Storage: 2x M.2, 2x M.2 (DIMM.2 board), 8x SATA 6Gbps
• Network: 1x 10Gb Marvell ethernet, 1x 2.5Gb Intel Ethernet, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• Supports max. 4 onboard M.2 drives to enhance storage space
• Smooth online gameplay
• OLED live dashboard offers excellent customization and decent hardware monitoring
• Active cooling for maximum performance
• Excellent build quality

Cons:

• The system shuts down on its own

2. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike:

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If you search for a high-end Z490 motherboard, the MSI MEG Z490 Godlike is a decent choice. I may still fight back with the naming scheme as well as the identically unpleasant price tag. However, it is difficult to argue considering its tech specs. The Comet Lake architecture would acutely prolong the power delivery system. Furthermore, through the 90A Smart Power Stage and 16 phases, this motherboard is engineered to retain a stable power supply. This holds irrespective of what power the Core i9 10900K intends to draw via it.

The output is wonderful with the power you fed it. In terms of gaming performance, the performance I obtained from this MSI Godlike motherboard surpasses that of the Maximus XII Extreme. It exceeds by a few frames per second. However, video encoding also needs to be considered. At supply speeds, it is a touch cooler as well. However, the same did not convert to the overclocked performance. This is because the highest temperature limit is 99°C while operating at the 5.3GHz at all cores. I was not still suppressed with the result, but I will be unhappy operating at that level constantly.

This MSI motherboard offers PCIe 4.0 support. The built-in M.2 Xpander-Z can support maximum PCI 4.0 bandwidth. But a sticker is available on it, which warns that the processor and chipset may restrict the transfer rate. Furthermore, there is an assurance of Rocket Lake providing PCIe 4.0 support to the Intel network. Since the Z490 is allegedly compatible, there is odd that a Gen4 NVMe SSD may benefit in the future.

Considering the build quality, OC performance, and the overall bundle, I prioritize the ROG board, but it’s a victorious thing. You, too, can make a credible argument on why the MSI Godlike is one of the best Z490 motherboards. The enhanced performance, premium hardware design, superb stability, compatibility testing, and support for 10G super LAN justify your investment.

Features:

• E-ATX
• 10th Gen Intel Core
• LGA 1200 Socket
• Thunderbolt 3 Type-C
• Mystic Light RGB
• Wi-Fi 6 connectivity

Specifications:

• Size: E-ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5000 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Rear USB: 8x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
• Video ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3
• Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps, 2x M.2 Xpander-Z
• Network: 1x 10Gb Aquantia, 1x 2.5Gb Realtek LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• It comes with plenty of functions
• Dynamic Dashboard II is intuitive
• Easy to monitor CPU lock speed, system fans, RAM, RGB lighting, etc.
• MSI customer support is excellent
• Top-notch CPU performance

Cons:

• The Realtek Ethernet adapter disconnects during gaming
• Some profiles are bad
• Expensively priced

3. MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi:

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This MSI MPG Z490 gaming motherboard makes you feel like a normal motherboard. This is because it comes with a thin back panel and does not include OLED displays. The idealistic air of the ultra-enthusiast putting together at the top of the test may make one excited. However, the Z490 gaming carbon motherboard will embitter us without bias. Certainly, you will never get the same set of high-end features found in either Maximux XII or Godlike boards. However, when it comes to high performance, it is as important.

Its gaming performance does not lie anywhere between any of these Z490 boards already tested. The performance is just a little behind the real CPU performance found in productivity apps. In terms of overclocking, the performance of this gaming motherboard cannot be compared to the giants with our 10900K operating at its peak.

The cooling mechanism and power components are not enough to avert the power-hungry CPU from restraining when pushed to the maximum 5.3GHz all-core. However, that may imply that it is not the board you will select for an overclocked i9 machine that is actually a small niche of gamers. For i5 or i7 CPUs, this gaming carbon motherboard is the best choice for your Comet Lake CPU.

Features:

• It comes with DDR4 Memory, up to 4800(OC) MHz
• Supports 10th Gen Intel Core / Pentium Celeron processors for the LGA 1200 socket
• Support for Lightning Gen 4 Solution for future use
• Comes with Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX Solution and 2.5G LAN with LAN Manager: Serves as an upgraded network solution for multimedia and professional use.
• With one click, it allows the controlling of 16.8 million colors or 29 light effects.
• Mystic Light Extension supports RGB as well as a RAINBOW LED strip.

Specifications:

• Size: ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Rear USB: 5x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
• Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
• Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
• Network: 1x 2.5Gb LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• BIOS is user friendly
• Easy to perform overclocking
• It comes with WiFi inbuild so no need to purchase adapters
• Reasonably priced
• Competitive performance

Cons:

• 2 of the pins were bent
• WiFi signal is not so strong

4. MSI MEG Z490 Ace:

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With a gold finish and use of metal components, the MSI MEG Z490 Ace motherboard appears unique. The primary M.2 slot is positioned over the GPU instead of placing it below. The aspects like fast booting, outstanding fan control, and white postcode display make this motherboard a refined product. The M.2 installation is hassle-free; you need not discard lots of screws and the part of the heatsink.

The powerful VRM design makes this motherboard famous. There are dual 8-pin power connectors that effectively feed a 16+1 phase 90A design. The included heatsink leads to efficient cooling. A tiny fan is included that only spins when needed. Moreover, MOSFET baseplates are available at the back. It implies that you could overlock as per the needs.,

The appealing finish, well-organized BIOS, high-performance features, top-notch VRM design, and efficient overclocking suggest that this motherboard fulfills all the basic expectations. The price seems reasonable considering all these features. Hence, its name truly justifies its functioning, i.e., Ace in performance.

Features:

• Supports 10th Generation Intel Core / Pentium Gold / Celeron Processors for LGA 1200 socket
• Supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 128GB total (4800MHz)
• Frozr Heatsink designed with active cooling, Double Ball Bearings, Zero Frozr Technology, and MOSFET Backplates for high-performance heat dissipation
• Triple Turbo M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr delivers transfer speeds of up to 32 GB/s for ultra-fast SSDs
• On-board 2.5G LAN plus Gigabit LAN with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Specifications:

• Size: ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Rear USB: 6x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
• Video ports: N/A
• Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
• Network: 1x Realtek 2.5Gb, 1x Intel 1GB LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• High-end performance is perfect for gaming
• Strong VRM design
• Efficient power section
• Delicate design
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Coil whine comes out from the VRMs

5. Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master:

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The weight is the most prominent aspect that came into notice while unboxing the Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master. It offers high durability, and it is expected considering the price. Though a few Aorus boards illuminate to mimic a laser light show, this motherboard just presents delicate lighting across the chipset heat sink and rear I/O. So, the illumination is not so much. The entire appearance is modern and modest.

There are 10 USB ports available on the rear panel. This is the only motherboard to possess one LAN port, despite being an efficient Intel 2.5G controller. There is Wi-Fi 6 but look for other motherboards if you want dual LAN. The impressive aspect is the Gigabyte’s audio accompanied by an ESS Sabre DAC.

There are 6 standard SATA ports and triple M.2 slots that individually showcase thermal padding on both sides of the drive. It is important to note that Gigabyte is also flaunting its PCIe 4.0 support. This should not be considered in the buying decision.

The drawbacks are not that major, and they are hard to perceive. One drawback is that in several cases, the performance lags. It is not a matter of concern, but when you compare those motherboards that are powerful competitors, you need to consider some differences. This drawback does not restrict you from the purchase. If the price is lower, it would be a winner.

Features:

• Triple ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 equipped with Thermal Guards II
• Innovative thermal design with Direct Touch Heatpipe II and fins-array II heatsink
• Q-Flash Plus update BIOS; no need to install the CPU, Graphics Card, and Memory
• 125dB SNR AMP-UP Audio with High-End ESS SABRE 9118 DAC, ALC1220, and WIMA Audio Capacitors

Specifications:

• Size: ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5000 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4)
• Rear USB: 6x USB 3.2, 4x USB 2.0
• Video ports: 1x HDMI
• Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
• Network: Intel 2.5Gb LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• Stable and excellent performance
• Sturdy build quality
• The capacitor quality is good
• It comes with thunderbolt support as well as a Gigabit LAN port
• Premium-quality audio
• Plenty of USB ports on the backplate

Cons:

• Absence of WiFi antenna
• Cannot access BIOS via Display Port

6. ASRock Z490 Taichi:

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In terms of appearance, the Z490 Taichi does not digress much from its latest siblings. The design shows an analog theme and adorable retro. The beautiful RGB lighting adds to the overall appearance.

The Taichi has an amplified 15-phase VRM system that is being fed by the dual 8-pin power connectors. These connectors are designed to deal with the existing demands of the 10th Gen processors. Every choke comes with a rating of 60A, and it is less than the 90A offered by the Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte.

There are 3 tiny fans incorporated within the heatsink. Fortunately, they work quietly, and their noise could not be perceived over the sound of an AIO CPU pump and cooler. When connected with a light load, there will be no spinning.

Asrock also flaunts its PCIe 4.0 support, though again, beating to the punch with Intel not assuring future support or compatibility. In terms of performance, this Taichi motherboard scores well in bandwidth-sensitive applications. This depicts that it sets insistent memory sub-timings.

The DDR4-4000 C16 test performed by us demands a voltage bump to attain stability. This board did not hesitate while pushing our 10900K to the 5.2 GHz on every core. The 5.3 GHz frequency is possible, but the heat generated from the CPU leads to instability.

The ASRock Z490 contains almost all the basic features. It comes with an easy-to-navigate, user-friendly BIOS and a powerful set of features. Its VRM is not so much efficient as the other motherboards in the test. A BIOS update is missing. Other than this, the Taichi motherboard fulfills all the basic expectations.

Features:

• 14 Phase Dr.MOS Power Design
• Supports DDR4 4666MHz+ (OC)
• Supports 10th Gen and next-generation Intel Core TM Processors (Socket 1200)
• 3 PCIe 3.0 x16 and 2 PCIe 3.0 x1
• Supports NVIDIA SLI TM and AMD 3-Way CrossFireX

Specifications:

• Size: ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4666 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Rear USB: 8x USB 3.2
• Video ports: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
• Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
• Network: Dragon 2.5Gb, 1x Intel 1Gb LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• Stable performance
• Efficient overclocking
• Easy to navigate BIOS
• Suitable for bandwidth sensitive applications

Cons:

• Makes annoying sound

7. Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi:

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The pricing of the Asus ROG Maximus Hero motherboard seems more compared to the features. It is a value offering motherboard with tons of features. Compared to the Maximus XII Extreme, the Hero board is a bargain product. Moreover, it is equipped with a 14+2 phase VRM design, and every stage is rated at 60A. It is not inferior to talk; however, the MSI, Max XII Extreme, and Gigabyte boards come with enhanced VRM specs. Also, the point to consider is the dual 8-pin power vs. the 8+4 pin of the Hero. A tiny cooling fan is included that can be installed if you wish to drive the board hard.

Asus gains the upper hand when the matter comes to the BIOS features. But it can be breathtaking for beginners. Asus lets you tweak several settings without any hassles. Moreover, it can overclock the 10900K to the 5.2GHz as well as memory to DDR4-4000. When trying 5.3 GHz, the cooling performance observed is not that great. If there is a top-shelf cooling available, then this Hero board can deal with it. The DDR4-4000 16-16-16 memory offers optimal performance. Keep in mind that Asus provides the Maximus XII Apex if OC is your major game.

Though the features are plenty, we cannot overlook the price. The $400 price seems a lot of money, chiefly when the competitor Gigabyte and MSI Z490 motherboards are slightly cheaper. Considering that, the Asus rarely blunders with its ROG boards. Moreover, the brand has amassed a faithful band of followers, suggesting its fame.

If you opt for Hero, you benefit from stunning 5G networking and outstanding build quality. However, its VRM is not class-leading, but this is only applicable to serious overclockers. What we anticipate is it could have been a few dollars cheaper. However, if you choose the Maximus XII Hero, the price will justify the features. We can consider this board as a ROG refinement for a higher price.

Features:

• The 10th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel LGA 1200 socket offer outstanding performance.
• To push the CPU performance, it comes with 14+2 power stages and the ProCool II power connector. For the same, it comes with durable capacitors and decent quality alloy chokes.
• For efficient thermal performance, it comes with a heat pipe, heatsink, and fan headers.
• The AI cooling operates quietly to balance the heat output and audio. The same is accomplished by decreasing fan speeds and retaining temperature to 5°C.
• For fast gaming connectivity, it comes with dual Ethernet, i.e., Gigabyte Ethernet and 5 GB. Also, it comes with dual M.2, USB 3. 2 Gen 2, LANGaurd, and Intel WiFi 6 AX201 (802. 11 ax).
• For customized light output, it comes with the Asus Aura Sync RGB lighting. The corresponding system includes RGB headers and Gen 2 addressable headers.
• The components like BIOS Flashback, Q-Code, FlexKey, and pre-mounted I/O shield conveys DIY friendly design.
• The SupremeFX S1220A codec, Sonic Studio III, and DTS Sound Unbound offer enhanced gaming audio. The same dive you deep into an immersive gaming experience.

Specifications:

• Size: ATX
• Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 (OC)
• Expansion slots: 3x PCIe 3.0 (x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4), 3x PCIe x1
• Rear USB: 8x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
• Video ports: 1x HDMI
• Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gbps
• Network: 1x Marvell 5Gb, 1x Intel 1Gb LAN, Intel WiFi 6 wireless

Pros:

• Plenty of controls and options in the BIOS
• Excellent power delivery without making noise
• Affordably priced for the features
• Highly suitable for serious gamers
• Sturdy build quality

Cons:

• The onboard rest/power buttons cannot be turned off
• The flex and other buttons are useless

Conclusion

These are some of the confirmed motherboards expected to work with the 11th Gen Intel Rocket Lake CPUs. However, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. There would be many more options out there across the price range.

I hope you like our recommendations. Feedbacks are welcome in the comments section below. Thanks for visiting! Have an excellent day!