Looking for the Best Motherboard for i7 9700k?

The ongoing battle with AMD has proved to be quite challenging for the Intel camp. In order to compete with Ryzen, Intel finally had to increase the core count on their processors.

Shortly after, they started to make moves with newer architectures as well. This resulted in excellent Intel processors for gaming, such as the Core i7 9700K.

While the 9700K does not have hyper-threading, it still performs admirably with modern PC gaming. This is thanks to the eight cores and impressive turbo boost of up to 4.9GHz.

This unlocked processor is ripe for overclocking as well, which allows users to open the doors to exceptional performance.

However, to take full advantage of all of this, you need a great gaming motherboard to bring out the full power of the 9700K. That’s why we’re taking a look at the best motherboards for i7 9700K.

In this article, after extensive research, we narrowed down the list of the best motherboards for i7 9700K, so you can find a board just for you.

First off, let’s compare the top three motherboards the gaming industry would love for you to have on your build!

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 i7 9700K Comparison Table

How Did We Decide on the Best Motherboards for i7 9700K

In order to get a spot on this list, a board needs to prove itself according to several different parameters.

We try our best in order to elaborate on this and provide a clear example and situations where a certain motherboard can prove to be a good fit for certain users. Here is how we perform our research and testing process.

First off, we need to consider the topic, which revolves around the best motherboards for i7 9700K.

It is vital that a motherboard does not constrict an excellent processor such as the 9700K. Not to mention work well with the i7 Intel Core. It is also crucial that each motherboard on this list can provide at least decent overclocking support.

That is the reason why you’ll notice us discussing VRMS, power stages, and power/thermal efficiency a lot in this guide.

With that said, it is highly possible for content creators, video editors, and other working professionals to use this processor in their workstation builds.

A lot of people will want to overclock as well, as this is an unlocked chip. It is obvious that we should take note of which motherboards are good at this, which are sub-par, and how all of them compare to one another.

Reliability is also a big concern, so durability should be up to snuff for the long term.

Going back to our key parameters, they are VRM design, aesthetics, connectivity, and overall value.

All products are judged according to this, and they have ranked accordingly. This is evident once you read through each motherboard description and see the ranking system for yourself.

Check These:

• Best Motherboards For i7 4790K
• Best Motherboards For Intel i7 10700K
• Best Motherboards For Intel Core i5 6500
• Best Motherboards For i9 9900K

7 Best Motherboards for i7 9700K!

With all of that crucial background out of the way, let’s finally have a glance at our roundup of the 7 best motherboards for i7 9700K. Hopefully, you will find something that fits your needs.

1. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E – Editor’s Choice Motherboard for i7 9700k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4266MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 10 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac WIFI, Bluetooth 5.0

It is next to impossible to create a list of best motherboards for i7 9700K and not include a Strix motherboard on the list.

Strix products are known for having features that appeal to gamers, and they also look absolutely stunning. Fortunately, performance is also quite good with Strix, so this was an easy win for the i7 9700K.

Design-wise, the Rog Strix Z390-E immediately impresses after taking it out of the box. It uses the same design style that has become familiar at this point, but Z390 was when ASUS overhauled the Strix styling. Since then, every Strix product has followed suit.

The all-black PCB pairs nicely with the dark heatsinks and black metallic accents. The large rear panel cover features an RGB zone, which is controllable via Armory Crate software.

Moving on, this motherboard has three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots for multi-GPU support. Both Nvidia SLI and AMD Crossfire are supported here. The top slot is x16, the middle one is x8, and the last one will run at x4. There is also wireless connectivity options with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.

You also get two M.2 slots for storage, accompanied by six SATA ports for your traditional drives. Near these slots, the chipset heatsink features Strix branding along with a metallic grey finish.

Apart from that, you get all the features of a high performance motherboard. Features such as a clear CMOS button, BIOS flashback, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, dual channel memory support and 2.5G Ethernet are a given.

You even get access to the SupremeFX S1220A HD audio codec, which is great for games. On top of all of that, you get a 10 power stage VRM configuration that is built for overclocking.

All in all, this is an impressive motherboard through and through. It has everything an average gamer could want, while still satisfying select enthusiasts with its fit and finish. If you can get past the somewhat absurd pricing, this is by far the best motherboard for i7 9700K for most people.

RATING:

• VRM Design: 9/10
• Aesthetics: 9/10
• Connectivity: 9/10
• Value For Money: 9/10
• Overall Rating: 9/10

2. MSI MEG GODLIKE Z390 – Best Premium Motherboard for i7 9700k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4600MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: E-ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Killer 1550 WiFi, Killer E2500 LAN, Bluetooth

For the second spot on our list, we have a motherboard that has a spec sheet that speaks for itself: the MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE. Note the MSI MEG z390 gaming motherboard has an emphasis on GODLIKE.

This is the best enthusiast motherboard for the i7 9700K. It is certainly over the top in terms of raw performance results. This is the cream of the crop, so expect this to not be an affordable option for most.

The design is the most interesting aspect of this motherboard, making it extremely versatile in a lot of builds. It uses a black and grey finish on the PCB, heatsinks, and all over the exterior.

This allows it to blend in with almost any build perfectly. The VRM heatsink is massive, and they provide excellent cooling to the 16+2 phase power delivery.

This board has a massive rear panel cover like the MSI MPG z390 gaming board. However, this one has an infinity mirror inside it, providing an elegant and unique design element.

To the right side of the DIMM slot, we have a two-digit display that shows error codes during post. This is helpful for hardware enthusiasts who might want to troubleshoot without much effort.

Just below this is an OLED display that is fully customizable. You can display CPU speed, temperature, or even add custom images and gifs.

High-end components are common with this board. You get Killer 1550 Wireless-AC, E2500 LAN, and even Turbo U.2. Apart from that, it includes three M.2 slots for storage. It delivers high performance, looks great, and is a good motherboard for your Intel CPU.

Enthusiasts will be pleased by the quality of the hardware buttons present near the bottom of the board. The Power and Reset buttons side beside an interesting-looking dial.

This dial can be used to switch between OC profiles in the BIOS and is customizable to a good extent. Impressive stuff.

To say this gaming motherboard is impressive is an understatement. The GODLIKE enters this list with no holds barred.

The top-tier components, cleverly thought-out design, audio boost, and superb overclocking truly make this a sight to behold. However, as you can guess, the best of the best comes at a hefty price.

RATING:

• VRM Design: 10/10
• Aesthetics: 9/10
• Connectivity: 9/10
• Value For Money: 7.5/10
• Overall Rating: 8.87/10

3. ASUS Prime Z370-A – Best Budget Motherboard for i7 9700k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4000MHz | Chipset: Intel Z370 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 10 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac WIFI, Bluetooth 5.0

The Intel Core i7 9700K works great with either Z370 or Z390 motherboards. There’s not a world of difference between the two, which makes choosing between them easier.

As such, the ASUS Prime Z370-A is a good motherboard option for people who want to build a gaming PC on a budget.

In terms of design, the ASUS Prime Z370-A retains the look of higher-end ASUS motherboards. It doesn’t look anything like the ROG Strix lineup, but it has its own sense of style.

Prime motherboards are known for their white aluminum heatsinks and the inclusion of subtle RGB lighting. The PCB is black and the heatsinks we talked about contrast it gorgeously. While the triangular patterns are a bit distracting, they don’t take away from the design at all.

With that said, the design is not all that this motherboard has going for it. It is using the same VRM design as some of the more expensive ASUS motherboards. The major difference is that it gets rid of a few of the higher-end features like on the ASUS ROG Strix z390.

For example, SupremeFX is replaced with the Crystal Sound 3 codec. We get three PCIe full-length slots though, and you do get SLI/Crossfire support. The overall performance is pretty decent, and it holds up in both gaming and synthetic workloads. It is a quality gaming motherboard for a tight budget.

You also get support for 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0. The 10-phase VRM configuration is quite decent, but we don’t expect people to perform heavy overclocking here. A higher-end Z390 option would be a bit better.

Overall, the ASUS Prime Z370-A is for the folks who want a good-looking best budget motherboard, along with RGB lighting and gaming-focused features. It’s great for people who want an all-around motherboard that looks good, but enthusiast overclockers might prefer to stay away from this pick.

RATING:

• VRM Design: 8/10
• Aesthetics: 8/10
• Connectivity: 9/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall Rating: 8.5/10

4. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Code XI – Best Looking Z390 Motherboard for i7 9700k

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 8+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac WIFI, Bluetooth 5.0

If we’re talking about design, few come close to the ROG Maximus XI Code. It builds upon the excellent legacy of Strix motherboards and takes the philosophy of creating great looking and great performing motherboards a step further.

While design certainly is not everything, that ideology has started to change as of late. If you’re the type of person who makes sure the gaming setup looks good, you’ll have an appreciation for this one.

It uses the same matte black PCB, which has a very sleek finish. The VRM heatsinks are massive, and it blends almost seamlessly into the giant rear panel cover. Instead of the usual branding and logos that make a board busy, ASUS keeps it minimal here.

The chipset heatsink and M.2 heatsinks are combined into one single unit. This unit also serves as the shielding around two of the three PCIe slots. As the PCIe slots are protected, it helps with a safe slot core.

Enough about the design, because this motherboard has Aura Sync, customizable RGB, USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, and a plethora of other features. It’s not just about the design here. You also get great support for water-cooling pumps and fan headers.

ASUS states that this motherboard has a “twin phase” VRM design. You get 8 phases for the CPU socket and 2 for the memory and other components.

However, it’s a bit frustrating that the overclocking support is not as good as it could be. You can still get away with light to medium overclocking, but you expect more when one is paying this much.

Overall, this is still a great motherboard. The value here is a bit skewed because of the lackluster overclocking, but it’s a great option for people who are not hardcore overclockers. By far, this is the best-looking Z390 motherboard!

RATING:

• VRM Design: 9/10
• Aesthetics: 9/10
• Connectivity: 8/10
• Value for money: 7.5/10
• Overall Rating: 8.37/10

5. ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX – Cheap Z390 ITX Motherboard for i7 9700k

Memory Support: 32GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ITX | Voltage Regulator: 5+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, 802.11ac WIFI, Bluetooth 5.0

It’s a no-brainer to include the best mini-ITX motherboard for i7 9700K, as there is a high chance that many ITX and SFF PC lovers are reading this out there. If you’re one of them, then know that is by far one of the best mini ITX form factor motherboards out there.

The power delivery and VRM heatsinks extend right around the one on the chipset and M.2 slots. These heatsinks are connected to each other by a 2oz copper pipe for better heat dissipation.

This motherboard also integrated RGB LEDs near the bottom edge, to provide a glow near the bottom of a PC case. Other than that, this ITX board for 9700K even includes RGB headers and USB headers with high transfer speeds.

Performance is always a concern with ITX motherboards, however, the ASRock Phantom Gaming ITX does the job quite well. You don’t need to be concerned with the heatsinks getting toasty, so the 9700K can go full throttle for longer periods.

Of course, overclocking is a bit limited, but that was an obvious aspect because of the 5+2 phase power design. Power efficiency is also quite decent at both idle and full load.

ASRock does offer another ITX board for the Z390 chipset, known as the Z390M-ITX. With that said, that option is best left avoided because the Phantom Gaming version features better looks and better raw performance. The value aspect here is also quite hard to ignore here, as the pricing is quite aggressive.

Overall, the Phantom Gaming ITX is quite a quality motherboard. Once you look past the obvious limitations that come with the ITX, you’ll start to appreciate this motherboard for what it is. It’s great for small form factor (SFF) PCs, and you’re one of those people then this is a no-brainer.

RATING:

• VRM Design: 8/10
• Aesthetics: 8/10
• Connectivity: 8/10
• Value for money: 8/10
• Overall Rating: 8/10

6. Gigabyte Z390 Designare – Best Motherboard for i7 9700k for Professionals

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+1 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN, CNVI WIFI, Bluetooth 5.0

The Designare is more of a niche motherboard, aimed at workstations for professionals who need more control and a good amount of ports and memory slots. In that case, this is the best motherboard for 9700K, especially if you’re a content creator or into any sort of production.

In terms of design, the Designare board means business. It features a subdued and somewhat minimalist design, but it doesn’t look as generic as ASUS’ ProArt boards. This motherboard does compete with that product line, so it gets an advantage in the design. It uses a matte finish on the PCB, which looks quite sleek.

You also get creative RGB styling on both the rear panel cover and VRM heatsink. The combination of the blue, black, and silver color provides a unique look to this board. It could fit well in gaming PCs as well as workstations.

In terms of overclocking, this motherboard performs quite well. That’s quite important as people building a workstation want to save time on their workloads. Overclocking for better performance is a great way to go about that. You can easily achieve a 5.2GHz overclock on the 9700K, all thanks to the 12+1 phase VRM design.

Let’s cover the creator-focused features quickly. You can switch the last slot from PCH DMI-connected PCIe lanes to CPU root PCIe lanes. This allows you to take advantage of high bandwidth devices like capture cards, graphics cards, and add-in SSDs.

Furthermore, it includes dual rear panel Thunderbolt ports and dual M.2 slots for extensive storage options. You can also daisy-chain multiple displays from one Displayport output.

The motherboard also includes built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and an Intuitive BIOS. It has everything a content creator or working professional could want. The only thing missing is a faster Ethernet connection. Apart from that, this is an excellent choice for content creators.

RATING:

• VRM Design: 8/10
• Aesthetics: 8/10
• Connectivity: 8/10
• Value for money: 7.5/10
• Overall Rating: 7.8/10

7. Gigabyte Z390 M Gaming – Best Micro-ATX Motherboard

Memory Support: 64GB DDR4 @ 4200MHz | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: mATX | Voltage Regulator: 10+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Intel GbE LAN

Last but not least, we are looking at an entry-level option to end this roundup. While the Z390 M Gaming does lack some features that make the Z390 chipset so viable, it makes up for it with its reliable functionality, and of course, aggressive pricing.

In terms of design, there’s not a whole lot Gigabyte has left for us to say here. It’s a decent-looking motherboard all-around, with a large rear panel cover and decently sized VRM heatsinks.

The port selection on the back is a bit limited but should be enough for the average gamer. You get plenty of USB ports, along with USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type C ports. Really not bad at all.

Coming back to the design, well, the overall aesthetics are not exactly appealing.. It does not look ugly by any means; it just lacks some character compared to the other motherboards on this list. It is a bit generic if you will.

Fortunately, this micro-ATX motherboard supports high-frequency memory, a decent 10+2 phase VRM design, and high-quality audio.

Overclocking on this motherboard is fine if you want to tweak the 9700K a bit. However, the wiggle room in potential is quite small here, as the VRMs will get a bit hot if you start to push the voltage to higher levels.

Nothing dangerous will occur of course, but system stability might start to get a bit out of hand. Definitely not one for the enthusiast crowd.

Apart from that, this is a solid motherboard. Especially for the entry-level price. For people who don’t want to overclock too much, and are fine with the lack of Wi-Fi, this motherboard will fit you fine for the reasonable asking price.

RATING:

• VRM Design: 8/10
• Aesthetics: 7/10
• Connectivity: 7/10
• Value for money: 8/10
• Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Best Motherboards for i7 9700k Buyer’s Guide

Now that we have taken a look at our roundup, let’s go over a few shopping tips when buying a motherboard for 9700K, or for any processor for that matter.

Chipset Differences

Different sockets and chipsets will support a wide variety of chipsets, so there are a lot of options. Let’s explore some chipset options for the 9700K to give you an example.

The 9700K uses an LGA1151 socket. It supports B360, Z370, and Z390 support. H310, H370, H410 also use the same socket but are not viable for the 9700K because of the low-end features.

B360 would be decent, but it lacks overclocking. We don’t recommend buying a motherboard without overclocking support for an unlocked processor.

That leaves us with Z370 and Z390. The differences here are minimal. Z370 lacks 802.11ac WiFi and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps), while Z390 includes both. The latter is not necessarily better, because the difference is quite minimal.

So, you want to look for a board that has a great VRM design, fits your budget, and has features that you need. That could be Z370, or it could be Z390.

Of course, some people will always go with the latest and “greatest” either way. Just make sure you still know the difference between each chipset to avoid later regrets. You may find later on it \, or isn’t Intel Optane Memory ready, and then need add-ons!

Voltage Regulator Modules and Power Phases

VRMs or voltage regulating modules are the components on a motherboard that delivers power to the CPU and other components. A high-quality VRM configuration should be able to provide clean and stable power to the system.

Of course, it’s the other way around with a poor VRM design. The latter can result in thermal throttling, limited overclocking, or even system BSODs.

The power delivery system takes power from the PSU and optimizes it for the consumption of components. This power delivery system consists of VRMs, MOSFETs, and other electrical components.

All of this is important to know if you want to overclock, which allows you to consume more power to improve the performance of the CPU.

On motherboard spec-sheets, you might come across marketing terms like “10+2 phase VRM design.” Do not be confused by this, as the quality of the VRMs matter just as much as the number of power stages/phases available.

Thermal Control

In order to have a clean and stable overclock, the VRMs need to be cooled adequately. Larger heatsinks and better overall efficiency go a long way in improving this aspect of a motherboard.

Generally, you want to avoid motherboards with poor VRMs and poor heatsinks entirely, as that is a destructive combination. A handful of chipsets, such as X570, even include a chipset fan to keep the motherboard cool.

Whatever the case may be, remember that poor thermal control will lead to thermal throttling and unstable overclocks so look for advanced thermal design.

ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX Motherboard Form Factors

Allow us to go over the three main form factors:

• ATX: ATX motherboards are the standard size. They include four DIMM slots, two or more M.2 slots, and two or more slots for GPUs. They are the safest option for people who don’t want to risk it with other form factors.

• Micro-ATX: mATX motherboards get rid of a few fan headers, some USB ports, and sometimes only have one or two GPU slots. Since mATX is a cheaper alternative, it is smaller and lacks the higher-end components of many ATX boards.

• ITX: Mini-ITX or ITX is more of a niche option. This is the smallest of the bunch and incorporates only two DIMM slots and one PCIe slot. You still may get dual M.2 slots on the best mini itx board options. These are reserved for people who want to build compact PCs. Sometimes they cost more than the average ATX board.

FAQs

What Motherboard is Best for i7 9700K?

The best motherboards for Intel i7-9700K are Z390 chipset boards such as the ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming, and MSI GODLIKE Z390. They allow you to heavily overclock the 9700K, and host features that are crucial for both gaming and production workloads

What Motherboards are Compatible with i7 9700K?

Z390 and Z370 motherboards are compatible with the i7 9700K. Other chipsets such as B-series and H-series are also technically compatible, but there is no overclocking support.

What Generation is i7 9700K?

The Intel Core i7 9700K is a 9th generation processor. It is a part of the Coffee Lake Refresh series of CPUs, that build upon mostly the same architecture as 8th Gen. processors.