6 Best Alternatives to the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic DDR5 Motherboard (2026)

How these alternatives compare

MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi adds Wi-Fi 6E, a feature the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic lacks entirely. Both boards share the LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 lanes, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet. You get modern wireless connectivity here without sacrificing wired networking speeds. The ASRock model relies on you providing your own wireless solution. If you want built-in Wi-Fi 6E alongside standard ATX dimensions, this MSI option offers a more complete connectivity package. It keeps the essential Z790 chipset features while adding the wireless capability the original board omits.

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi matches the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic in core specs like LGA 1700 support, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E, which the original board does not offer. Both are ATX form factor boards designed for gaming builds. The MSI model provides the same wired networking speed but adds wireless convenience. You get similar performance characteristics with added wireless flexibility. If you value Wi-Fi 6E alongside standard ATX dimensions, this board delivers those extras. It maintains the essential connectivity features while including the wireless standard the original lacks.

ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi shares the LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 lanes, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet with the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic. It includes Wi-Fi 6, whereas the original board offers no wireless connectivity. Both boards target gaming users with similar wired networking speeds. The ASUS model gives you built-in Wi-Fi 6 alongside the same Ethernet performance. You get comparable core specs with added wireless capability. If you need Wi-Fi 6 and multiple M.2 slots, this board provides those features. It keeps the essential Z790 foundation while adding the wireless connectivity the original omits.

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi matches the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic in LGA 1700 support, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E, a feature absent from the original board. Both are ATX boards suitable for gaming builds. The MSI option provides the same wired networking speed but adds wireless connectivity. You get similar core performance with added Wi-Fi 6E convenience. If you want built-in wireless alongside standard ATX dimensions, this board offers that advantage. It maintains the essential Z790 chipset features while including the wireless standard the original lacks.

ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero shares the LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 lanes, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet with the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic. It includes Wi-Fi 6E, which the original board does not offer. This board features a 20+1 power phase design compared to the ASRock 14+1+1 design. It also provides five M.2 slots, offering more storage expansion options. You get superior power delivery and storage capacity alongside the same wired networking speed. If you prioritize extensive storage and robust power delivery, this board delivers those extras. It keeps the essential connectivity features while adding significant hardware advantages.

GIGABYTE AORUS ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi shares the LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 lanes, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet with the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic. It includes Wi-Fi 7, a newer standard than the wireless features found in other alternatives. The original board offers no wireless connectivity at all. You get next-generation wireless speeds alongside the same wired networking performance. If you want the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, this board provides that capability. It maintains the essential Z790 chipset features while including the most advanced wireless technology available in this group.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASRock Z790 PG Sonic DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Intel LGA1700 builds needing 2.5 GbE and DDR5

CPU Socket

LGA1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

5

View on Amazon: ASRock Z790 PG Sonic DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This ASRock Z790 motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA1700 socket. It features DDR5 memory with speeds over 7200 MHz when overclocked and includes PCIe 5.0 lanes. The board uses a 14+1+1 power phase design and provides 2.5 GbE networking. It targets users seeking a solid foundation for modern Intel builds with reliable connectivity and power delivery for high-speed components.

Pros

• Supports DDR5 memory up to 7200+ MHz with overclocking
• Features PCIe 5.0 for next-generation storage and graphics
• Includes 14+1+1 power phases for stable CPU operation
• Equipped with 2.5 GbE Ethernet for faster LAN speeds

Cons

• Lacks built-in Wi-Fi, unlike many competitors on this list
• Only includes 2.5 GbE Ethernet, not 10 GbE or higher
• No mention of USB4 or Thunderbolt support in specifications

Good fit if

• You need a reliable LGA1700 board for Intel 14th Gen CPUs
• You plan to use DDR5 RAM at high overclocked speeds
• You prefer wired 2.5 GbE networking over wireless connectivity

Skip if

• You require built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity
• You need 10 GbE or higher Ethernet speeds
• You want a motherboard with integrated Thunderbolt support

Verdict: ASRock Z790 PG Sonic LGA1700 DDR5 is a practical choice for builders who prioritize wired 2.5 GbE connectivity and high-speed DDR5 support over wireless features. It suits users who want to pair their own Wi-Fi solution with a stable LGA1700 platform.

2 Also great

MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: budget-conscious builders needing modern connectivity

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Ethernet Speed

2.5Gbps

View on Amazon: MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi is an ATX motherboard for 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors. It features four DDR5 slots supporting up to 128GB of memory. You get PCIe 5.0 support for fast data transfer. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5Gbps LAN. This board suits builders who want solid modern standards without premium pricing.

Pros

• Supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
• Four DDR5 slots with 128GB max capacity
• PCIe 5.0 interface for high-speed transfers
• Built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
• 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for fast wired connections

Cons

• Lacks the advanced VRM cooling of gaming-focused boards
• No RGB lighting control features listed
• Fewer USB ports than premium alternatives

Good fit if

• You need reliable Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity
• You want DDR5 support for future-proofing
• You prefer a straightforward ATX layout

Skip if

• You require extreme overclocking capabilities
• You need integrated RGB lighting control
• You prefer a smaller micro-ATX form factor

Verdict: MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ATX delivers essential modern specs like DDR5 and Wi-Fi 6E at a budget price. It fits users who want solid performance without premium features.

3 Also great

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Gaming builds with standard ATX cases

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Ethernet Speed

2.5Gbps LAN

View on Amazon: MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 expansion. Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit LAN provide modern networking. This ATX board suits gamers needing fast storage and reliable connectivity for desktop builds.

Pros

• LGA 1700 socket for 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs
• DDR5 memory support for high-speed performance
• PCIe 5.0 expansion for next-gen components
• Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN

Cons

• Listed as a renewed product rather than new
• No mention of Wi-Fi 7 support unlike some competitors
• Standard ATX size may not fit smaller cases

Good fit if

• You need Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity
• You are building a standard ATX desktop
• You want PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing

Skip if

• You require brand new inventory only
• You need Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
• You are building a mini-ITX system

Verdict: The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX delivers solid specs for gamers using 12th or 13th Gen Intel processors. It fits users who value Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0 in a standard ATX form factor.

4 Best budget

ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Gaming builds needing Wi-Fi 6 and four M.2 slots

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a 16+1 power phase design and PCIe 5.0 support. You get four M.2 slots for storage and built-in Wi-Fi 6. The board also includes 2.5GbE Ethernet. It is designed for gaming builds that need reliable connectivity and modern expansion options.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
• 16+1 power phases
• Four M.2 slots
• PCIe 5.0 support
• 2.5GbE Ethernet

Cons

• Wi-Fi 6 is slower than Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 found on competitors
• 2.91 pounds is heavier than some lighter alternatives
• Lacks the premium aesthetic features of ROG series boards

Good fit if

• You want reliable Wi-Fi 6 without paying for Wi-Fi 7
• You need four M.2 slots for storage expansion
• You prefer a durable ATX board for gaming

Skip if

• You require the fastest Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 speeds
• You are building a compact ITX or mATX system
• You want the highest-end ROG Maximus features

Verdict: ASUS TUF Z790-Plus WiFi ATX offers solid specs for gamers who value Wi-Fi 6 and multiple M.2 slots. It fits users who need reliable performance without the cost of Wi-Fi 7.

5 Also great

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Standard ATX gaming builds needing Wi-Fi 6E

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and features PCIe 5.0 lanes for high-speed components. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet. This ATX board targets gamers who need reliable modern standards without premium pricing.

Pros

• Supports PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity
• Features 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
• Compatible with DDR5 memory modules

Cons

• Lacks Wi-Fi 7 support found on competitors
• Does not include built-in Thunderbolt
• No mention of USB4 connectivity

Good fit if

• You need Wi-Fi 6E for stable wireless connections
• You are building a standard ATX gaming PC
• You want PCIe 5.0 support for new GPUs

Skip if

• You require Wi-Fi 7 speeds
• You need Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports
• You prefer a smaller mATX form factor

Verdict: MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi ATX delivers solid gaming specs with Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0. It fits builders who want modern connectivity without paying for Wi-Fi 7.

6 Best premium

ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Gamers needing five M.2 slots and high power delivery

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This is an ATX motherboard for Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors. It features a 20+1 power stage design and supports DDR5 memory. You get five M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 connectivity. The board includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet. It targets gamers who want robust power delivery and high-speed storage options.

Pros

• 20+1 power stages rated for 90 A
• Five M.2 slots for storage expansion
• Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
• Onboard Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2
• Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard

Cons

• 9.3 pounds weight is heavier than standard ATX boards
• Wi-Fi 6E is slower than the Wi-Fi 7 on the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X
• Higher power phase count may be unnecessary for non-overclocking builds

Good fit if

• You need five M.2 slots for a large storage array
• You want a robust 20+1 power stage for high-end CPUs
• You prefer Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 7

Skip if

• You need Wi-Fi 7 for the fastest wireless speeds
• You want a lighter motherboard for easier handling
• You are building a budget PC with lower power demands

Verdict: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ATX offers extensive storage and power features for serious gamers. It suits users who prioritize five M.2 slots and a 20+1 power design over the latest Wi-Fi standard.

7 Best wi-fi 7

GIGABYTE AORUS ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and storage capacity

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a 16+1+2 phase VRM design for stable power delivery and four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for fast storage. The standout spec is integrated Wi-Fi 7, which sets it apart from other Z790 alternatives that typically offer Wi-Fi 6E. You get 2.5 GbE Ethernet and dual-channel DDR5 memory support with XMP 3.0.

Pros

• Integrated Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
• 16+1+2 phase digital VRM solution
• Four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots
• 2.5 GbE Ethernet port

Cons

• M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0, not PCIe 5.0
• Heavier build at 4.89 pounds
• No mention of USB4 or Thunderbolt support

Good fit if

• You want the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard
• You need multiple fast NVMe storage drives
• You are building a standard ATX system

Skip if

• You require PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots
• You need a smaller mATX form factor
• You prefer Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 7

Verdict: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X ATX is a solid choice for builders who prioritize next-generation wireless speeds and robust power delivery for Intel's latest processors.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions