Question Need help deciding motherboard for i5 13600k build - NZ.

[JordynSQ]

Hello, basically as title. I am building a pc with a i5 13600k and perhaps a 4070 or a 7800 XT as they are similarly priced in NZ, but I am stuck deciding on what motherboard to get. The boards are DDR5, probably to go with either a 5600MT/s or 6000MT/s (not sure whether to go 5600 MT/s for slightly more ensured stability per Intel recommendation or not) 2 x 16gb pair. I am aware that the difference between this and high end DDR4 might not be noticeable/negligible so I am pretty flexible on this if presented with a solid argument.

Currently I am looking at: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI, Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI, Asus TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI,
Asus PRIME Z790-A WIFI.

These boards are around the same price point in NZ if I do not consider buying from Newegg NZ which I would rather not as warranty, returns etc are probably a little more hassle free than buying from a seller within NZ.

I am looking for opinions mainly surrounding those boards, though if there is something in the similar price range, or lower (lower would be nice), and the justification good then I am extremely open to suggestions. Please remember that I am based in New Zealand, so pricing and availability, especially availability, is pretty poor compared to the US.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lafong]

I'd at least make a list of:

Must have features

Like to have features

Anything I'd like to outright avoid

And then tick them off while scanning the spec sheets at the manufacturer web site.

Candidates might include:

number and type of M.2 ports

what audio codec

possibly unusual features like CMOS clear button; Q Flash button; Thunderbolt

number and type of USB ports

number and type of monitor connections

number of system fan connections

VRM details

Try to avoid being influenced by the horror stories you can find about all candidates on the Internet.

Pray that nothing is DOA and that you never have to deal with customer service or RMA.