Ever tried picking a motherboard and felt like you needed a PhD to understand all the jargon? Fear not—2025’s LGA1851 lineup has something for everyone, from hardcore gamers to video editors and compact PC builders. These boards aren’t just about supporting Intel’s latest chips; they’ll handle blazing-fast DDR5 RAM, multiple M.2 SSDs, and next-gen connectivity without flinching.
In this guide, we’ll walk through seven standout Z890 and B860 motherboards that strike the perfect balance between features and value. Whether you want bleeding-edge overclocking, thunderbolt-speed transfers, or a mini-ITX build that hums quietly in a small case, you’ll find a board here that’s just right for your next build.
Best LGA1851 Motherboards: Quick Comparison
| Model | Form Factor | Connectivity | Price (Amazon) |
| ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 EXTREME | E-ATX | Wi-Fi 7, 10G/2.5G LAN, Thunderbolt 5, USB Type-C | $999 – Buy Now |
| ASRock Z890 Taichi | ATX | Wi-Fi 7, 10G LAN, USB4, Thunderbolt 4 | $828 – Buy Now |
| MSI MEG Z890 ACE | ATX | Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G/10G LAN, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 | $660 – Buy Now |
| ASUS ProArt Z890-CREATOR WIFI | ATX | Wi-Fi 7, 10G/2.5G LAN, Thunderbolt 5, USB Type-C | $490 – Buy Now |
| MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi | ATX | Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G LAN, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2 | $350 – Buy Now |
| GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Elite X ICE | ATX | Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G LAN, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2 | $329 – Buy Now |
| ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I GAMING WIFI | Mini-ITX | Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G LAN, Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C | $220 – Buy Now |
Best LGA1851 Motherboards: Top Picks
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 EXTREME
Quick Highlights
- 24+2+1+2 VRM stages for rock-solid power delivery
- Supports DDR5 memory up to 8600 MHz (O.C.)
- Dual LAN: 10 GbE + 2.5 GbE plus Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Integrated Thunderbolt™ 5 ports and USB Type-C® connectivity
- Built-in 5″ LiveDash OLED shows real-time stats and custom graphics
- Price – $999 – Buy Now
The ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme represents the pinnacle of ASUS’s Z890 lineup. Its sprawling 24+2+1+2-phase VRM, powered by dual 8-pin CPU inputs, delivers the cleanest juice to Intel Core Ultra Series processors. Whether you’re pushing for four-digit memory clocks or running sustained multi-threaded workloads, the robust DrMOS phases keep voltages rock-steady. The Extreme’s E-ATX footprint accommodates five PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, each with its own heatsink, letting you stack next-gen SSDs for blistering storage performance.
Connectivity is equally insane: built-in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 handle wireless peripherals, while dual LAN ports (10 GbE and 2.5 GbE) ensure maximum bandwidth for large file transfers or low-latency gaming. Thunderbolt 5 over USB-C unlocks 80 Gbps bi-directional speeds for external GPUs or fast RAID arrays. The built-in 5″ LiveDash OLED can display real-time system info—temperatures, clock speeds, or custom logos—perfect for builders who want both looks and function. High-end water-cooling loops are a breeze to integrate thanks to reinforced mounting points on the expansive VRM heatsinks.
Pros
- Unmatched power delivery for extreme overclocking
- Ultra-fast connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, 10 GbE, Thunderbolt 5
- LiveDash OLED for dynamic system monitoring
Cons
- E-ATX size demands a large chassis
- Premium pricing reflects flagship status
ASRock Z890 Taichi
Quick Highlights
- 20+2+1 VRM design with premium 105 A power stages
- DDR5 memory support up to 9200 MHz (O.C.)
- Wi-Fi 7, 10 GbE LAN, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4
- Five PCIe M.2 slots with full-length heatsinks
- Polychrome RGB headers with addressable LED sync
- Price – $828 – Buy Now
ASRock’s Z890 Taichi balances extreme feature density with a distinctive gear-themed aesthetic. Its 20+2+1-phase VRM, powered by high-efficiency 105 A DrMOS, provides rock-solid stability for high-end Core Ultra processors. Overclockers will appreciate the reinforced PCB and dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, which sustain peak loads with minimal droop. Memory overclocking tops out around 9200 MHz, giving plenty of headroom for DDR5-boosted performance.
Connectivity includes next-gen Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a blazing 10 GbE port for LAN gaming or workstation use. USB4/Thunderbolt 4 combo ports handle single-cable docking solutions and external graphics. Storage options expand with five M.2 slots, each shrouded by large aluminum thermal guards to keep SSD temperatures in check. The built-in Polychrome RGB system lets you synchronize case lighting for a cohesive build aesthetic.
Pros
- Rich connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, USB4, 10 GbE
- Strong VRM for sustained overclocking
- Ample M.2 storage lanes with robust heatsinks
Cons
- BIOS options can overwhelm first-time overclockers
- Premium feature set demands a high budget
MSI MEG Z890 ACE
Quick Highlights
- 24+1+2+1 phase DrMOS power delivery with ProCool II connectors
- Supports DDR5 up to 8000 MHz+ (O.C.)
- 10 GbE + 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports for 40 Gbps
- Dynamic Dashboard OLED panel for live system stats
- Price – $660 – Buy Now
MSI’s MEG Z890 ACE shines as a gamer-focused ATX powerhouse. The 24+1+2+1 VRM setup, with quality DrMOS and ProCool II power connectors, ensures stable CPU power under full GPU loads. Whether you’re chasing top GPU boost clocks or maxing thread-ripped render tasks, the ACE won’t stutter. Memory enthusiasts can push DDR5 modules beyond 8000 MHz, squeezing every last ounce of bandwidth from the platform.
For connectivity, the ACE delivers 10 GbE plus 2.5 GbE LAN, ideal for lag-free online gaming and rapid file transfers between NAS. Dual Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports give 40 Gbps bi-directional throughput for eGPUs or multi-device daisy chaining. Its Dynamic Dashboard OLED gives you a mini display to show temps, clock speeds, or custom animations. Built-in steel-reinforced PCIe slots handle heavy GPUs, and pre-mounted I/O shields speed up installation.
Pros
- Top-tier VRM and cooling for power users
- Comprehensive high-speed I/O, including dual Thunderbolt 4
- Integrated OLED dashboard for on-the-fly monitoring
Cons
- Frequently returned item on Amazon
- High price for mainstream gamers
- BIOS interface can be complex
ASUS ProArt Z890-CREATOR WIFI
Quick Highlights
- 16+2+1+2 VRM phases tailored for content creation
- DDR5 memory up to 7600 MHz (O.C.)
- Dual 10 GbE + 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7 support
- Five M.2 slots with active cooling & PCIe 5.0 slot
- Thunderbolt 5 Type-C provides 80 Gbps I/O
- Price – $490 – Buy Now
ASUS’s ProArt Z890-CREATOR WIFI is purpose-built for creative professionals and workstations. Its 16+2+1+2-phase VRM ensures stable power for long video renders, 3D workflows, or virtualization. Overclocked DDR5 up to 7600 MHz keeps large datasets moving quickly, while five M.2 slots—each with an active heatsink—let you run multiple NVMe drives in RAID. A PCIe 5.0 slot readies you for future GPU and SSD generations.
Connectivity is remarkable: triple LAN ports (10 GbE + 2.5 GbE + 1 GbE) give flexible networking options for NAS, server, and cloud uploads. Integrated Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 handle wireless peripherals and fast data on the go. Thunderbolt 5 over USB-C delivers up to 80 Gbps, allowing instant access to external Thunderbolt arrays or monitors. AI OC and Auto Tuning tools help you easily balance performance and stability without diving deep into BIOS.
Pros
- Unmatched storage expandability with five M.2 slots
- Triple-LAN connectivity for pro-networking use cases
- Thunderbolt 5 future-proofs high-speed I/O
Cons
- High-end feature set overshoots casual users
- Frequently returned item on Amazon
- E-ATX chassis required for full clearance
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi
Quick Highlights
- DDR5 support up to 7200 MHz (O.C.)
- 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Thunderbolt 4 expandability via header
- Enhanced Heatsink design with extended coverage
- Price – $350 – Buy Now
MSI’s MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi balances price and performance for gamers. Its strong VRM phases, paired with Core Boost tech, deliver clean, stable power for high-end Core Ultra CPUs. Memory support up to 7200 MHz (O.C.) ensures smooth multitasking and game loading times. Thermal solutions include extended heatsinks over the VRM and M.2 zones, keeping temperatures in check even under intense overclocks.
Networking is future-ready with Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5 GbE LAN for low-latency matches. A dedicated Thunderbolt 4 header lets you add a Thunderbolt card if you need high-speed external storage or displays. RGB Fusion 2.0 lets you synchronize ASUS-compatible lighting, and reinforced PCIe slots handle heavy GPUs without sag. For gamers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank, the Tomahawk delivers.
Pros
- Simplified yet powerful VRM for stable performance
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5 GbE for fast online gaming
- Competitive price point
Cons
- DDR5 top speed limited compared to premium boards
- Thunderbolt requires an add-on card
GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Elite X ICE
Quick Highlights
- 16+1+2 phase VRM
- DDR5 speeds up to 7000+ MHz (O.C.)
- Wi-Fi 7, 2.5 GbE LAN, Thunderbolt 4 over USB-C
- Five M.2 slots with Thermal Guards
- EZ-Latch PCIe slots for tool-free GPU installation
- Price – $329 – Buy Now
The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Elite X ICE strikes a strong balance between features and cost. Its 16+1+2 VRM arrangement, combined with VRM Thermal Armor and M.2 Thermal Guard, delivers dependable power to even the hottest CPUs. Up to five M.2 slots—each featuring GIGABYTE’s Thermal Guard—allow RAID arrays without thermal throttling. Memory overclocks approach 7000+ MHz, giving ample bandwidth for gaming and streaming.
Networking includes Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5 GbE LAN for smooth online play, while Thunderbolt 4 on USB-C offers 40 Gbps for eGPUs or external docks. RGB FUSION 2.0 supports customizable lighting effects, and EZ-Latch PCIe slots simplify GPU swaps. Suited for builders who need high-end storage and moderate overclocking without premium pricing, the Elite X ICE proves its “Elite” moniker.
Pros
- Five M.2 slots with robust thermal protection
- Strong VRM and power design
- Balanced feature set with reasonable cost
Cons
- DDR5 overclocking slightly behind top-tier models
- RGB implementation less extensive than rivals
ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I GAMING WIFI
Quick Highlights
- Mini-ITX form factor with 10+1+2+1 VRM phases
- DDR5 support up to 6800 MHz (O.C.)
- Wi-Fi 7, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth 5.4
- Single M.2 slot with heatsink, Thunderbolt 4 over USB-C
- AI overclocking features in mITX footprint
- Price – $220 – Buy Now
For ultra-compact builds, the ROG STRIX B860-I Gaming WiFi packs a robust 10+1+2+1 VRM into a Mini-ITX board. Despite its small 17×17 cm size, it supports DDR5 up to 6800 MHz (O.C.) and includes a single M.2 slot with a dedicated heatsink for GPU-adjacent storage. Built-in Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5 GbE LAN ensure fast networking in tight spaces, and Thunderbolt 4 via USB-C port lets you connect high-speed storage or displays without expansion cards.
Asus’s AI Overclocking tools automate voltage and frequency tuning, making it easy to squeeze extra performance in a small chassis. The board’s reinforced PCIe slot handles full-length GPUs, while active chipset fan and VRM heatsinks keep thermals in check. It’s the ideal choice for SFF gamers who refuse to compromise on either space or capability.
Pros
- Incredible power delivery for mITX builds
- Modern I/O packed into tiny footprint
- Automated AI overclocking
Cons
- Single M.2 slot limits storage expansion
- Higher mITX build costs due to small chassis requirements
Conclusion
From full-blown E-ATX powerhouses like the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme to compact mITX champions like the ROG STRIX B860-I Gaming WiFi, 2025’s LGA1851 ecosystem offers a board for every builder. Content creators will appreciate the ProArt Z890-Creator’s five M.2 slots and triple LAN, while gamers can opt for the MSI MEG Z890 ACE or MAG Z890 Tomahawk for fast LAN and robust VRM. Balancing price and performance, the GIGABYTE AORUS Elite X ICE delivers five M.2 slots without a flagship price. Whichever motherboard you choose, your Core Ultra “Series 2” CPU will have the stable power, memory bandwidth, and connectivity to dominate tasks and games alike.
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