I (f you’re looking to build a PC with an Intel Core i7 9700K processor, the motherboard you choose will have a significant impact on your system’s performance. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the best motherboard for your specific needs. In this article, we’ll look at the best motherboards for i7 9700K, including their features, performance, and compatibility.
Key Takeaways:
About the Intel® Core™ i7-9700k Processor
Before we dive into the best motherboards for i7 9700K, it’s essential to understand the processor’s capabilities. The i7 9700K is an eight-core, eight-thread processor that operates at a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and can boost up to 4.9 GHz. This processor is designed for high-performance tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. However, to achieve the full potential of the i7 9700K, you’ll need a motherboard that can handle its power.
Intel Core i7-9700K single thread rating benchmark shows that it is still a viable option to go for if you want to game, edit videos or do 3D rendering.
Our Top 5 Best Motherboard for i7 9700K In 2023
Disclosure: We test and research all products before recommending them on our blog. As part of the Amazon Affiliate program, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our Amazon links. Thank you for supporting our blog!1) ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero is one of the best motherboards for i7 9700K on the market. It features an Intel Z390 chipset, robust VRMs, and excellent connectivity options. The board supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, and it comes with pre-mounted I/O shield for easy installation. The board also features 5-way optimization technology for easy overclocking and AI cooling for optimal thermal management.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 8+2 phase VRM design for stable overclocking | High price point |
| Multiple M.2 slots and PCIe slots for expansion | Overkill for some users’ needs |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | – |
| Advanced thermal design with heatsinks covering VRM and chipset | – |
2) Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Master Motherboard
The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Master is another excellent choice for i7 9700K. This board features a powerful 12+2 phase VRM design, three M.2 slots, and dual Intel LAN for excellent connectivity. The board also features RGB lighting and an advanced thermal design to keep your system cool even under heavy loads.
| Pro | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12+2 phase VRM design for stable overclocking | High price point |
| Multiple M.2 slots and PCIe slots for expansion | Some users may not need all the features it offers |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | – |
| Advanced thermal design with heatsinks covering VRM and chipset | – |
3) MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC Motherboard
The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC is an affordable motherboard that doesn’t skimp on features. It features a 10+2 phase VRM design, support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, and RGB lighting. The board also features an advanced thermal design with both VRM and chipset heatsinks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 6+2 phase VRM design for stable overclocking | Limited M.2 and PCIe slots for expansion |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | No Thunderbolt 3 support |
| Affordable price point | – |
| Advanced thermal design with heatsinks covering VRM and chipset | – |
4) ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX/AC Motherboard
If you’re looking for a small form factor motherboard for your i7 9700K build, the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX/ac is an excellent choice. It features a powerful 6+2 phase VRM design, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a full-speed M.2 slot. The board also features an advanced thermal design with a heatsink covering the VRM and chipset.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small form factor for compact builds | Limited expansion options due to size constraints |
| Powerful 6+2 phase VRM design for stable overclocking | Not ideal for users who need multiple PCIe slots |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | – |
| Full-speed M.2 slot | – |
| Advanced thermal design with heatsinks covering VRM and chipset | – |
5) ASUS TUF Z390-Pro Gaming Motherboard
The ASUS TUF Z390-Pro Gaming is a reliable and durable motherboard that’s built to last. It features a 12+2 phase VRM design, support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, and ASUS’ TUF components for maximum durability. The board also features an advanced thermal design with heatsinks covering the VRM and chipset.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable and durable build quality | Limited M.2 and PCIe slots for expansion |
| 12+2 phase VRM design for stable overclocking | No Thunderbolt 3 support |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | – |
| Advanced thermal design with heatsinks covering VRM and chipset | – |
Our Pick of The Best Motherboard for i7 9700K CPU in 2023
In short, it depends on preference by preference. Let us put it in a few points based on our team research to give you concise judgment on which one is the best motherboard for i7 9700K according to us:
- Why ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Mobo? because it is the best high-end motherboard for demanding tasks like overclocking and gaming.
- Why Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Master Mobo? It is a top-of-the-line motherboard for even the most demanding tasks.
- Why MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC Mobo? Because it’s a High-performance motherboard at a very affordable price.
- Why ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX/AC Mobo? It is a Compact motherboard with powerful performance.
- Why ASUS TUF Z390-Pro Gaming Mobo? Simple, reliable, and durable motherboard for moderate gaming and productivity tasks.
Our Buying Guide for The Best Motherboard for i7 9700K
When choosing a motherboard for i7 9700K, there are several factors to consider, including:
Socket Type
The i7 9700K uses an LGA 1151 socket, so you’ll need a motherboard that supports this socket type.
Chipset
The chipset determines the motherboard’s features and capabilities. For i7 9700K, the best chipset options are Z390, Z370, and B365.
Form Factor
Motherboards come in different sizes, including ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX. Consider the form factor that best suits your needs and case size. If you ask us, we prefer ATX and Micro-ATX.
Power Delivery
A robust power delivery system is critical for stable overclocking and optimal performance. Look for motherboards with high-quality VRMs and heatsinks. You can check out our 2023 guide and recommendations for the best CPU coolers for i7 9700K so you can OC CPU without burning it up.
Expansion Slots
Consider the number and type of expansion slots available on the motherboard, including PCIe slots, M.2 slots, and SATA ports.
RAM Support
The i7 9700K supports DDR4 memory, so ensure the motherboard you choose supports this memory type and has enough RAM slots.
The Impact of Motherboard on i7 9700K Performance
In the quest for peak performance from an Intel Core i7-9700K processor, the motherboard is a key player that often flies under the radar. It’s the secret sauce that could push your system from good to great. So, what’s the best motherboard for i7 9700K?
Selecting the best motherboard is like putting the final, crucial piece into a puzzle. It orchestrates the entire symphony of your computer’s components and can unlock the full power of your i7-9700K. This critical choice demands a balance between features, performance, and price. With the right motherboard, you can ensure that your i7-9700K functions at its optimum, leading to smoother operations and stellar performance in gaming, productivity, or any computationally demanding tasks.
In a nutshell, if you’re keen on leveraging every ounce of power from your i7-9700K, then dedicating time to find the best motherboard for your CPU is an investment you won’t regret. Let the search for the best motherboard for i7 9700K begin!
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best motherboard for i7 9700K is essential for building a high-performance PC. Consider factors such as socket type, chipset, form factor, power delivery, expansion slots, and RAM support when choosing a motherboard. The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi), Gigabyte AORUS Master, MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC, ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX/ac, and ASUS TUF Z390-Pro Gaming are all excellent choices for i7 9700K builds.
FAQs
Can I use a Z370 motherboard with i7 9700K?
While it’s possible to use a Z370 motherboard with i7 9700K, it’s not recommended as it may not provide enough power delivery for optimal performance.
How many RAM slots does the i7 9700K support?
The i7 9700K supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 64GB, depending on the motherboard.
What is the best chipset for i7 9700K?
The best chipset options for i7 9700K are Z390, Z370, and B365.
Do I need a Wi-Fi-enabled motherboard for i7 9700K?
While not necessary, having a Wi-Fi-enabled motherboard can provide added convenience for wireless connectivity.
Can I overclock i7 9700K with any motherboard?
Not all motherboards are capable of overclocking i7 9700K. Look for motherboards with robust power delivery systems and advanced thermal management for stable overclocking.
What is the best motherboard to pair with Intel i7-9700K?
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) is the best motherboard to pair with Intel i7-9700K.
How much RAM is recommended for an i7-9700K?
It is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM for an i7-9700K.
What is the i7-9700K compatible with?
The i7-9700K is compatible with LGA 1151 socket and Intel Z390 chipset.
Is an i7-9700K high-end?
Yes, the i7-9700K is considered a high-end processor.
