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Looking for the best motherboard for i7 10700k?
The Intel Core i7 10700K is a part of Intel’s 10th Generation Comet Lake processors. With 8 cores and 16 threads thanks to hyper-threading, this beastly CPU is a great processor for gaming and workstation builds.
Motherboards with the Z590 and Z490 chipsets are a great choice for the 10700k. For now, keep in mind that it’s usually wiser to go with these chipsets to find the best motherboards for i7 10700K. If that is confusing to you, worry not as we’ll go over everything in this comprehensive guide.
We’ll briefly discuss how we choose these motherboards, go over a brief buyers guide, and more. First, let’s get to our top three choices.
Before moving on make sure you check the following detailed tutorial on how to choose the best motherboard for you: How To Choose The Right Motherboard For Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide
Best Motherboards For Intel i7 10700K Comparison Table
Editors' Choice ASUS ROG STRIX Z590-E Gaming
| Best Premium Motherboard For i7 10700k Gigabyte Aorus Z590 Tachyon
| Best Budget Motherboard For i7 10700k ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus (Best Seller)
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How Did We Decide On The Best Motherboards For Intel i7 10700K
Putting together a list of the best motherboards for Intel i7 10700K is more complicated than most people might think.
First off, we need to consider what processor we are buying the motherboard for. In our case, we are looking for the best motherboards for Intel i7 10700K.
This makes things a bit easier, as we only have to concern ourselves with the Z490 or Z590 chipsets/motherboards.
This is because we are dealing with an unlocked processor, meaning it can be overclocked with ease. So while B460 or B560 boards would work, they don’t make much sense if we’re going to overclock.
If you’re not overclocking, then there’s no real reason to buy the i7 10700K either way. It’s better to go with the 10700F in that regard.
So, once we narrowed it down to Z490 and Z590, things do not end there. Z590 boards support PCIe 4.0, while only a few Z490 boards do the same.
This is because Intel’s Comet Lake processor lack any support for PCIe 4.0 in place. The reason then for including Z590 boards in this roundup comes down to pricing and futureproofing if you upgrade to an 11th gen processor.
Last but not least, we concern ourselves with four main parameters: VRMs, Aesthetics, Overall Value, and Connectivity.
We study the motherboards based on these parameters and give them an overall rating. Finally, the boards are ranked relative to their rating.
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7 Best Motherboards For Intel i7 10700K
So, without any further discussions, let’s get down to it. Here are our top picks for the best motherboard for i7 10700K.
1. ASUS ROG STRIX Z590-E Gaming – Editor’s Choice
Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 5333MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 Phases | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, Dual 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth
Pros:
- Uses high-end components all around
- ROG SupremeFX audio is quite good
- Premium look and feel
- Great overclocking features for enthusiasts
- Excellent VRM and thermal design
Cons:
- Still manages to be a bit expensive
Z590 motherboards tend to get quite out of hand very quickly. Some choices are ridiculously expensive, as we’ll see soon.
Considering this our top pick, it had to be something that combines a premium design, relatively decent pricing, and great overclocking support. The ROG Strix Z590-E is just that and plenty more.
Design-wise, the Strix Z590-E looks and feels similar to previous Strix motherboards. This is a great thing in fact because these motherboards always have a premium design.
We have the familiar all-black PCB, paired with giant heatsinks on both the VRMs and chipset. The heatsinks are designed cleverly to allow better heat dissipation.
Of course, they are black as well. Both the chipset heatsink feature the holographic ROG logos.
This board features three M.2 slots, two of which are PCIe Gen 4 and the other two are PCIe Gen 3. All of these slots have heatsinks which add to the overall look of the board.
We also get support for higher frequency memory at 5133MHz, and you can add up to 128 gigs of RAM here.
You even get a two-digit LED debugger at the top right corner. A feature loved by enthusiasts.
This board also features a 14+2 phase VRM design. It is perfect for the i7 10700K, as you can overclock it to your heart’s content. You also get a USB 3.2 G2X2 Type-C port, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and two more in a Type-A configuration.
Add four more 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and an additional two USB 2.0 ports. You even get Wi-Fi 6E and dual ethernet outputs.
Furthermore, you get a clear CMOS switch, a BIOS flashback button, and great sound powered by ROG SupremeFX. All in all, this is a perfect motherboard for the i7 10700K and easily earns the editor’s choice award.
RATING:
VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall Rating: 9/10
2. Gigabyte Aorus Z590 Tachyon – Best Premium Motherboard For i7 10700k
Memory Support: 64 DDR4 @ 5333MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+1 Phases | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth
Pros:
- Extreme overclocking features
- Clever design choices that cater to enthusiasts
- 12+1 VRM design with 100A power stages
- Filled to the brim with bells and whistles
- Tonnes of fan headers
Cons:
- Not practical or affordable for mid-range buyers
The next motherboard on our list caters to the fans of premium motherboards. We’re talking about hardware enthusiasts, and people who like to tinker with their components for higher performance.
If that fits your bill, then the Aorus Z590 Tachyon is hands down the best flagship motherboard for you.
Let’s talk about the design first, which is already quite unconventional on its own.
This beast features four PCIe full-length slots, four M.2 slots, excellent heatsinks, and a subtle design.
Some might say the design is a bit simple, but that is so that you can use it on a test bench as well. For example, this best enthusiast motherboard comes with a separate I/O shield instead of a rear panel cover.
As such, the VRM heatsink is a bit smaller here. The ATX power port is also near the bottom, for easier access in workstation/testbench builds.
Another unique design quirk is that it uses two DIMM slots instead of the usual four. We don’t count this as a con, because this is since there is less interference when you have only two sticks installed.
It allows you to overclock better than you could with four RAM sticks. A unique choice and this shows that it is built for hardware enthusiasts, not your average gamer.
Furthermore, this motherboard features power and reset buttons on the switch itself. You also get programmable buttons that can be used to save OC profiles or tweak the voltage.
On top of all of that, you get a 12+1 phase VRM design with each power stage having access to 100A of power.
This means the board can output 1300A of power in total. Quite impressive. It has tonnes of fan headers and great wireless connectivity options.
So, the Tachyon is not for the average gamer. It has advanced features and comes at a high-end price.
While it is not practical for everyone, it is by far the best overclocking motherboard for i7 10700K. It is one of the best premium choices.
RATING:
VRM Design: 10/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
3. BEST SELLER: ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus – Best Budget Motherboard For i7 10700k
Memory Support: 64 DDR4 @ 5333MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: 2.5 GbE LAN
Pros:
- Excellent value proposition
- Robust VRM design on a budget
- Supports high-frequency memory
- M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0
- Thunderbolt 4 port is a great inclusion
Cons:
- Lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
When it comes to Z590 motherboards finding a decent one on a budget is difficult. Finding a good one that doesn’t skimp out on features is even more so.
While the Asus TUF Gaming Z590-Plus is not the cheapest out there, it’s the best value thanks to its excellent feature-set and competitive price. Let’s take a quick look as to why that is.
As usual, we’ll start with the design. ASUS has changed some things around for the design. It still features the black PCB along with the black heatsinks. However, these heatsinks look similar to those on their high-end models.
They are bigger than the previous generation, which allows for great thermal efficiency. It features a fanless heatsink and an RGB zone near the top-right edge. This zone is controlled via Aura Sync.
The motherboard has two full-length PCIe x16 slots and two x1 slots. The top slot runs at PCIe 4.0 speeds, while the bottom one is limited to PCIe 3.0.
We also get three M.2 slots for storage. One of these is PCIe Gen 4, while the others use PCIe Gen 3.
You also get support for ASUS Armory Crate, an excellent software to tune your motherboard and control the RGB of every component in your PC build. It goes a step further and allows you to sync everything perfectly.
Apart from that, you get a robust 14+2 phase power delivery system. The VRMs here are immaculate, something you only see on higher-end motherboards. It should pair nicely with the Intel Core i7 10700K. Overclocking should not be much of a major issue either.
All in all, this is an excellent budget motherboard. The only thing lacking here is Wi-Fi support, which is a bit of a letdown.
Apart from that, it offers everything the average gamer might need. While it’s not for the enthusiasts, it offers a value proposition too hard to ignore.
RATING:
VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 8/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
4. ASRock Z590M PRO4 – Cheap Micro-ATX Motherboard For i7 10700k
Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4800MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: mATX | Voltage Regulator: 10+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN
Pros:
- Excellent choice for budget-users
- Decent looks for the price
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
- Decent memory overclocking
Cons:
- Only dual M.2 support
- No built-in Wi-Fi or LAN
- The audio could be better
Z590 is a high-end chipset, that’s for certain. However, that does not mean that all Z590 motherboards need to be expensive.
The ASRock Z590M Pro 4 is proof of that. This is one of the cheapest Z590 motherboards out there and might just be one of the best micro-ATX motherboards on the market.
For those of you not aware, this compatible motherboard uses a micro-ATX form factor, which is quite different from standard ATX. Micro-ATX cuts down on some features, and that’s why the Z590M Pro 4 is so inexpensive.
With that said, it manages to nail the basics head-on.
Let’s talk about the design first. The PCB is black and white, and this color scheme works wonders with the white aluminum heatsinks on this board.
Speaking of which, these heatsinks can be found on one of the M.2 slots, over the VRMs, and of course, the audio chipset.
Furthermore, the chipset heatsink also features RGB. In terms of power delivery, we have a 10+2 phase design that works wonders for the 10700K.
While extreme overclocking might be a bit of an issue, no one is going to do that with such a cheap board. The fact that it can handle light to medium overclocking is a plus point alone.
Apart from all of that, the Pro 4 is an excellent Z590 option. It features a couple of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, decent overclocking on the memory, a lot of storage ports, and more.
While it does lack in the Wi-Fi department, we can let that slide because of the very reasonable price and abundance of features available here.
To wrap it up, this decent motherboard is not quite for enthusiasts or overclock extremists.
For someone who just wants a decent and cheap micro-ATX board, pop in the 10700K, and to enjoy what the gaming industry has to offer, this is a great option. It manages to punch above its weight for the price, not bad at all.
RATING:
VRM Design: 8/10
Aesthetics: 8/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
5. ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming – Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7 10700k
Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 5133MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Pros:
- A lot of features for an ITX Board
- Two M.2 slots for storage
- Impressive memory overclocking
- Surprisingly good CPU overclocking for ITX
Cons:
- Quite expensive compared to competitors
- Lacks S/PDIF port and 7.1 audio
The fifth spot on our list goes to an ITX motherboard. It’s time to switch things with an ITX board, and what better way to do it than with an excellent Strix product from none other than ASUS.
The Strix Z590-I Gaming might be the best ITX motherboard for Intel i7 10700K. Let us quickly explain why that is the case.
First off, the Strix Z590-I gaming flexes its muscles thanks to the iconic design. While this is a compact motherboard, it still sits proudly next to its ROG Strix ATX counterparts.
Featuring a large rear-panel cover that combines the M.2 and chipset heatsinks, this thing looks spectacular. This mini itx board features a ROG eye logo over the chipset heatsink, adding to the overall visual flair.
In terms of expansion slots, it features a single PCIe x16 and two M.2 slots for storage.
The dual M.2 support is a great addition to this ITX board. As for the memory, you get support for 64 gigs of RAM that can run at 5133MHz.
You also get Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth support. Furthermore, you get access to superior audio thanks to the SupremeFX audio codec on this board.
In terms of CPU overclocking, it’s quite decent for an ITX choice. This is only because the VRMs perform well, thermally speaking.
Overall, this is the best ITX motherboard for i7 10700K. While it is expensive, you get access to an ITX motherboard that will outlive most of the components in your SFF PC. Not a bad trade at all.
RATING:
VRM Design: 9/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall Rating: 8.25/10
6. ASRock Z490 Taichi – Best Designed Z490 Motherboard For i7 10700k
Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4666MHz | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth
Pros:
- Design that stands out from the crowd
- Support high-frequency RAM
- Decent overclocking support
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Cons:
- No PCIe 4.0 support
- The design is great, but a bit outlandish for some people
As we’re nearing the end of our last, it is important to include a Z490 motherboard. What better of doing that than going with a board that stands out from the crowd.
The Z490 Taichi perfectly fits that description. This is, hands down, one of the most unique-looking products available in the PC market. Fortunately, it isn’t just a form over function scenario, as this board has a lot of value.
The main thing here is the design, so let’s talk about that first.
ASRock is constantly changing up the look of the Taichi lineup. This version features an interesting black/copper theme that is complemented by the clockwork-styled chipset heatsink.
We can also see some clockwork stencils on the rear panel. It even features customizable RGB on both of these components.
Apart from the design, this motherboard offers three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots, three PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots, and support for fast memory up to 4666MHz.
You even get a robust 12+2 phase VRM design that can handle decent overclocking thanks to the thermal management on here.
The only thing lacking here is PCIe 4.0 support, but that’s a limitation of the Z490 chipset itself.
Aside from that, you get Wi-Fi and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Not bad at all for the asking price. If you want to buy a board that looks unique, then this is quite the choice.
Some people might not be fans of the, admittedly, outlandish design as we are, but even then it is a great mid-range motherboard all-around. We highly recommend this uniquely designed board.
RATING:
VRM Design: 8/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8.25/10
7. ASRock Z590M Phantom Gaming 4 – Cheapest Z590 Pick For i7 10700k
Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4800MHz | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: mATX | Voltage Regulator: 8 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: 2.5 GbE LAN
Pros:
- Three M.2 slots on an mATX board
- Decent memory overclocking
- Affordable price for every gamer
Cons:
- Generic and somewhat boring design
- CPU overclocking is quite limited
- Connectivity options are lacking
The final entry on our list is also the cheapest. We know that the words Z590 and cheap don’t exactly go hand in hand, but the Phantom Gaming 4 is a great choice on a budget.
Don’t get this one confused with ASRock’s Pro 4, which is more expensive and a tad bit better in some regards compared to this one. However, this option wins in terms of the value offered.
So, let’s quickly go over the design. Unfortunately, there is not much to talk about here. This is an entry-level option, so it is quite generic in design.
It features a black PCB with a lot of silver stenciling all around.
The heatsinks on the VRMs and chipsets are also quite small and don’t exactly look the most premium. They work well in fulfilling their purpose, however, which is more than you could want from a cheap micro-ATX motherboard.
In terms of specs, this gaming motherboard supports 128 gigs of memory running at 4800MHz.
You can further fine-tune the memory if need be. This affordable motherboard uses the Z590 chipset, which means it can run of the three M.2 slots at PCIe Gen 4 speeds. Not bad for a cheap matx motherboard.
It has 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, six SATA iii ports, and a decent 8 phase VRM design.
The power delivery doesn’t allow for great overclocking, but it does handle the 10700K quite well. Overall, this is not the best matx motherboard but it’s decent for the price. Not much to say other than that.
The cheapest motherboard in our list lacks some features like WI-Fi and Bluetooth, and it surely isn’t for hardware enthusiasts. Considering how cheap it is, it’s great for entry-level buyers.
RATING:
VRM Design: 7/10
Aesthetics: 7/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Worth Mentioning Picks
Another worth mentioning motherboard you could consider is the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi .
It comes at an affordable price and even though it doesn’t come with extra premium features it’s a decent motherboard for i7 10700k
Buyer’s Guide – How To Pick The Best Motherboard For i7 10700k
Compatibility
This has to be an obvious statement, but figuring out the compatibility between the motherboard and processor is quite crucial. First off you need to consider which manufacturer you are going with, Intel or AMD.
Once that is done, figure out which processor you are buying and which generation that specific processor belongs to. The motherboard choice depends on two decisions entirely. Here’s a brief rundown of both of those aspects
Socket: First off you need to know which socket your processor uses. Intel is using the LGA1700 socket right now, and AMD is using AM4. Different generations of motherboards have different sockets, so this will affect your choice. Some sockets remain the same throughout two or more generations, which provides a great upgrade path.
Chipset: One socket or one generation of the motherboard can support different chipsets. This does not mean all chipsets work well with each processor, however. For example, you can’t pair a high-end Ryzen 9 5950X with a cheap A520 chipset/motherboard. You need to know how good the VRMs need to be, how many ports you need, and whether you need full PCIe 4.0 support or not. Researching different chipsets is a good way to educate yourself on the matter.
Power delivery and VRMs
Voltage Regulating Modules or VRMs are power delivery components. These supply the motherboard and other components with clean and stable power. The more stable the VRMs, the better the CPU can perform.
For example, when you are overclocking or performing intensive tasks, you are pushing the processor to its limits. Having a robust VRM configuration will allow you to reach higher frequencies at a lower voltage.
This means that the system is more stable at higher loads. Examples include intensive 3D rendering, overclocking, playing VR games with high graphical fidelity, and more.
So, how can you judge if a motherboard has decent VRMs?
You’ll often see motherboard manufacturers saying their motherboard has a “12+2” phase power design or something similar. This refers to the number of power phases available to the VRMs.
As usual, higher is better, but due to shady and misleading marketing, that’s not always the case. The quality of the VRMs, MOSFETs, and other electrical components matters a lot as well.
Reviewers and hardware testers do a better job at understanding the limits of a VRM design on motherboards. You should rely on that instead of just going for numbers. Great examples for this type of content includes Gamers Nexus, Actually Hardcore Overclocking, and Buildzoid.
Important Connectivity Options
All motherboard buyers must be at least somewhat familiar with the basic connectivity options available to them.
These include USB ports, USB headers, RGB headers, fan headers, SATA ports, M.2 slots, number of PCIe slots, ethernet, audio ports, and more. Know what you are going to need before buying so that you don’t run out of ports in the long run.
Most product pages have connectivity options and ports listed right at the forefront. Some manufacturers even add this information on sites such as Amazon, Newegg, and B&H. I
It is as simple as going to the product page and seeing if the motherboard has enough wireless connectivity features for your needs.
A lot of motherboards also have Wi-Fi, so check what WI-Fi controller your motherboard is using to judge its single-core performance. If you don’t need Wi-Fi, you can usually find a cheaper variant of the same board.
PCIe Expansion Slots and PCIe 4.0
PCIe slots are also something you should be familiar with. The full-length x16 slots are available to attach a graphics card. Some M.2 slots also use PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the chipset or processor for higher speeds. It depends on the chipset and intel processors as to how many of these PCIe lanes they can provide.
In general, PCIe 4.0 is twice as fast compared to PCIe 3.0. Now, that is an exciting thing, but a lot of GPUs are unable to take advantage right now.
The M.2 Gen 4 drives are more exciting, as they already provide a huge performance gain out of the box. These drives are similar to what the PS5 is using, allowing it to have better load times.
Still, Gen 4 speeds are something gamers can not benefit from right now. It is more for futureproofing and for the early adopters. If your workload requires faster storage, then PCIe 4.0 makes more practical sense.
Aesthetics
Some might consider the motherboard to be a combination of the PCB, controllers, electrical, components, etc. However, that’s not the case.
A good-looking motherboard can truly add some aesthetic appeal to the overall gaming rig. Manufacturers understand this, and this is why the trend of green or brown PCBs is long gone.
Instead, motherboard manufacturers are using mostly black or neutral PCBs to avoid clashing with other components in the PC.
Many motherboards also include RGB logos on the VRM and chipset heatsinks. Some even go as far as incorporating LEDs on the edge of the motherboard for edge lighting.
You’ll also see that higher-end motherboards have more armor/shielding around components and heatsinks. This adds to the visual appeal as well as improves the overall durability of the board.
Aesthetic value is important now more than ever, as people are starting to treat PC building as a form of art.
FAQs
Which motherboard is best for i7 10700K?
The best motherboards for i7 10700K consists of Z590 and Z490 chipsets such as the ROG Strix Z590-E and Gigabyte Aorus Tachyon prove to be the best for i7 10700K. This is because these motherboards support faster memory and have better overclocking capabilities.
Is the i7 10700K a high-end CPU?
The i7 10700K is a high-end CPU because it features 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock of 5.1GHz, which is more than enough for most workstation builds and better gaming performance.
What motherboard chipset is best for an i7 10700K?
Intel’s Z490 and Z590 are the best chipsets for the i7 10700K. The socket is LGA1200, and compatible chipsets include B460, B560, H410, H470, H510, H570, Z490, and Z590. However, the only sensible chipset choices are the Z490 and Z590 motherboards for 10700K.
Is B460 good for i7-10700K?
B460 motherboard is not a good choice for the Intel Core i7 10700K. This is because while this chipset is perfectly capable, it doesn’t support overclocking. The supported memory frequency is also quite lower on the B460 motherboards out there.
Does the i7-10700K run hot?
The i7 10700K does run hot. This is because it has a higher TDP than processors like the AMD Ryzen 5600X. It is a great performer, but you will have to invest in a decent CPU cooler mounting hardware to squeeze out every ounce of performance the 10700K can put out.
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