Upgrading your computer starts with selecting the right motherboard, especially if you have an i7-9700K. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve researched the best motherboards for i7-9700K, focusing on performance, compatibility, and value.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful gaming motherboard for i7-9700K or a solid board for everyday tasks, I’ve got you covered. This guide will help you understand what to look for, including features like motherboard standoffs and pricing, so you can find the perfect match for your build.
Key Factors To Consider
- Chipset Compatibility: The i7-9700K is compatible with several chipsets, including Z370, Z390, and H370. If you plan to overclock, opt for Z370 or Z390 chipsets, as they offer better features for performance tuning. For a budget-friendly option, H370 is suitable.
- Overclocking Support: For those interested in overclocking, selecting a motherboard with Z370 or Z390 chipsets is essential. Look for boards with robust voltage regulator modules (VRMs) and effective cooling solutions to handle increased power demands and maintain system stability.
- Memory Support: The i7-9700K supports DDR4 memory, so it’s important to check the motherboard’s maximum memory speed and capacity. Look for models with 2 to 4 memory slots that support speeds ranging from 2666 to 4400MHz, allowing for potential future upgrades.
Best Motherboards For i7-9700K – An Overview
| Product Name | Chipset | Memory Support | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard | Z390 | DDR4 4400 MHz | Check On Amazon |
| MSI MPG Z490 GAMING PLUS | Z790 | DDR5 7200 MHz | Check On Amazon |
| ASRock H370M-HDV Motherboard | H370 | DDR4 | Check On Amazon |
| GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA | B760 | DDR4 5333 MHz | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi) | Z790 | DDR5 7000 MHz | Check On Amazon |
Best Motherboards For i7-9700K- Reviewed
1. MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard
For anyone looking to build a dependable PC, the MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard is an excellent option for the i7-9700k processor. Its extended heatsink design helps to keep the system cool, which gives you stable operation even during demanding tasks. With support for fast storage through Turbo M.2, you can enjoy quick boot times and fast data transfers, increasing productivity.
The MSI Z390-A PRO features Core Boost technology, delivering efficient power to your CPU for great performance. Audio Boost enhances sound quality for an immersive experience, perfect for gaming or watching movies. The PCI-E Steel Armor slots provide extra support for large graphics cards, ensuring they stay secure. Overall, this motherboard offers great quality and solid performance, making it one of the best motherboards for i7-9700k users
Specifications:
- PCIe Lanes: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (Compatible)
- Audio And Networking: Dual Gigabit LAN; audio details not specified (Partially Compatible)
- Additional Features: USB 3.1 Gen2, Turbo M.2 (Partially Compatible)
Pros:
- Excellent compatibility with Windows 11, ensuring a smooth transition from an older motherboard.
- The overclocking features are robust, allowing for significant performance gains with unlocked CPUs.
- Affordable pricing for the features offered makes it a good value choice.
- Good thermal performance, keeping temperatures low even under stress testing.
Cons:
- Limited documentation in the box can make setup challenging for novice builders.
- Unreliable front panel audio connector led to dissatisfaction with customer support.
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2. MSI MPG Z490 GAMING PLUS
This motherboard from MSI is designed to support 10th-generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors with an LGA 1200 socket. It can handle dual-channel DDR4 memory of up to 128GB, running at speeds of 4800MHz. With its Twin Turbo M.2 feature and M.2 Shield Frozr, this motherboard offers transfer speeds of up to 32 GB/s, making it perfect for ultra-fast SSDs. Additionally, it includes pre-installed I/O shielding for added protection against electrostatic discharge.
Core Boost technology enhances performance by optimising power circuit layouts and providing double CPU power connectors. This ensures steady and precise current delivery to the CPU for better overall performance. Overall, it’s a great choice for gamers and content creators looking for reliable performance and speed.
Specifications:
- Memory Support: Supports DDR4 up to 128GB, 4800 MHz.
- PCIe Lanes: Multiple PCIe slots but specifics on PCIe 3.0 x16 are unclear.
- Audio And Networking: Does not list a specific high-quality audio codec, and lacks Wi-Fi but includes 2.5G LAN.
Pros:
- Choose MSI for compatibility with existing graphics card; installation was straightforward with clear instructions.
- Excellent power supply support for high-end graphics cards; capable of easy overclocking (3.5 GHz to 5 GHz).
- Lots of USB connections are available; run on Windows 11 smoothly after a clean install.
- Good build quality with fancy VRM covers and solid BIOS.
Cons:
- One user experienced issues with multiple returns; received a used motherboard instead of a new one, leading to frustration.
- Another customer received a damaged motherboard with bent pins and poor packaging.
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3. ASRock H370M-HDV Motherboard
If you’re looking for a dependable and budget-friendly option for your next PC build, the ASRock H370M-HDV Motherboard is worth considering. With support for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors, including the i7-9700k, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for any personal computer. It features an LGA 1151 socket and DDR4 RAM support and is designed to handle daily tasks easily.
The Intel H370 chipset gives you a stable performance, while the 4 Power Phase design supports CPUs up to 95W. Additionally, the ASRock Live Update & APP Shop simplifies software management. Whether you’re building a new system or upgrading an old one, this motherboard is a great choice among the best motherboards for i7-9700k. For those concerned about motherboard prices, this model offers great value without compromising quality.
Specifications:
- PCIe Lanes: Single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (Not compatible with multi-GPU)
- Audio And Networking: Basic integrated audio and LAN (Partially Compatible)
- BIOS And Software: Regular updates (Compatible)
Pros:
- Compact design that accommodates larger GPUs without obstruction.
- Reliable performance with no stability issues reported after a fresh BIOS update.
- Offers good value for mid-range gaming builds with a solid feature set.
- The ability to use UEFI for better compatibility with modern systems and larger storage drives.
Cons:
- Initial installation issues where the motherboard failed to POST, leading to confusion.
- Encountered problems with defective units, raising concerns about quality control.
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4. GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA
Designed for both 9th and 8th Intel Core processors, this GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA motherboard offers a great combination of performance and flexibility. It supports dual-channel, non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory with four DIMM slots, allowing for easy upgrades. The board is Intel Optane memory ready, enhancing system performance, and its 12+1 phases digital VRM solution provides stable power delivery for reliable performance.
This motherboard features advanced thermal design with a direct touch heat pipe to keep temperatures low during heavy use. Onboard Intel CNVi 802.11AC 2×2 wave 2 Wi-Fi ensures smooth wireless connectivity. With high-quality ALC1220 audio, you get excellent sound performance and a signal-to-noise ratio of 114dB in the rear. Plus, RGB Fusion lets you customize your setup with vibrant LED lighting for a personalized touch.
Specifications:
- Memory Support: Supports DDR4 up to 4400 MHz with 4 DIMMs.
- PCIe Lanes: Multiple PCIe slots, with specifics not fully listed but should meet dual PCIe 3.0 x16 needs.
- Audio And Networking: ALC1220 codec with high SNR, and onboard AC Wi-Fi with Gigabit LAN.
Pros:
- High-quality construction with solid weight; great aesthetic value.
- Smooth upgrade from AMD to Intel (i5-8400) with good performance in gaming (no lag in large battles).
- Supports ECC RAM (with limitations) and is easy to install; plans for future upgrades to 64 GB RAM.
- Includes lengthy SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, and multiple fan power connections; aesthetically pleasing layout.
Cons:
- SATA connections are challenging to access after installation; limited BIOS instructions.
- Yellow illumination may not match all colour schemes, and small text labels can be hard to read.
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5. ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi)
For gamers and PC enthusiasts, this motherboard is a solid choice as it has been designed to support 9th and 8th-generation Intel Core processors. It offers excellent connectivity options, including dual M.2 slots, Gigabit LAN, and USB 3.1 Gen2 ports for fast data transfer speeds. This means you can easily connect multiple devices without compromising performance.
This motherboard is built with tough TUF components, including TUF LANGuard, chokes, capacitors, and MOSFETs, making it very durable. The Gamer’s Guardian feature adds extra protection with Safe Slot and FanXpert 4 for better cooling and hardware safety. It also has 8-channel HD gaming audio, powered by the Realtek S1200A codec and high-quality Japanese capacitors, giving you rich and immersive sound for your games.
Specifications:
- Memory Support: Supports DDR4, specifics are not entirely clear but fit within the general DDR4 support.
- PCIe Lanes: Likely has multiple PCIe 3.0 slots but specifics on number not listed.
- Audio And Networking: Includes Realtek S1200A codec and Gigabit LAN, with onboard Wi-Fi.
Pros:
- Excellent craftsmanship; easy setup and overclocking capabilities for i7-9700K (up to 5.1 GHz).
- BIOS shipped with a recent version, eliminating the need for updates.
- Well-organized BIOS with detailed options; easy fan curve adjustments and XMP profile activation for RAM.
- Quick driver installation via the Q-installer; seamless boot with external USB for Windows.
- Good build quality, reliable performance, and satisfaction with ASUS products.
Cons:
- Long boot times due to BIOS menu delay, requiring up to 5 minutes before loading Windows.
- Frequent Windows 10 reinstallations lead to extended BIOS screen wait times.
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Expert Advice On Finding The Best Motherboard For i7-9700K
When looking for the best motherboard for i7-9700K, several key factors will help you make an informed decision. Here’s what to consider:
1. Chipset Compatibility
The i7-9700K supports specific chipsets, namely Z370, Z390, and H370. If you plan to overclock your CPU, opt for a Z370 or Z390 motherboard with robust VRMs and excellent cooling solutions. For a budget-friendly build, consider a H370 motherboard.
2. Overclocking Support
For those interested in overclocking, choose motherboards with Z370 or Z390 chipsets. These boards typically come with more advanced VRMs and enhanced cooling features to handle the increased power demands during overclocking.
3. Memory Support
Ensure your chosen motherboard supports DDR4 memory. Check the maximum memory speed and capacity to future-proof your build. Ideally, look for motherboards that offer 2-4 memory slots with speeds ranging from 2666MHz to 4400MHz.
4. PCIe Lanes
Make sure your motherboard has sufficient PCIe lanes for your needs. Look for at least two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots to accommodate multiple graphics cards or storage devices, especially if you plan to set up a multi-GPU configuration.
5. Audio And Networking
The quality of integrated audio and networking is crucial. Look for motherboards featuring high-quality audio codecs like Realtek ALC1220 or similar and Gigabit or 2.5G+ Ethernet for faster network speeds.
6. Additional Features
Consider additional features that enhance usability, such as built-in Wi-Fi, USB-C ports, RGB lighting, and SLI/CrossFire support for future upgrades.
7. BIOS And Software
An intuitive BIOS with regular updates is essential for maximizing your motherboard’s potential. Look for motherboards that offer user-friendly interfaces and useful bundled software.
8. Price
Set a budget and prioritize features based on your needs. Remember that higher prices don’t always guarantee better performance. Compare motherboard prices and read reviews to find the best value for your investment.
By considering these factors, you can select the best motherboards for i7-9700K that meet your performance requirements and budget constraints.
FAQs:
The best motherboard for i7-9700K would typically be a Z370 or Z390 motherboard with good overclocking capabilities and features that suit your needs.
Yes, you can use an H370 motherboard for i7-9700K, but it won’t support overclocking like the Z370 or Z390 options.
Look for the best gaming motherboard for i7 9700k that includes robust VRMs, ample PCIe lanes, and good cooling solutions.
Yes, all motherboards for i7-9700K support DDR4 memory but check the specific speed and capacity to meet your requirements.
Ideally, an i7 9700k motherboard should have at least two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for optimal performance in multi-GPU setups.
Motherboard standoffs are small metal or plastic spacers that elevate the motherboard off the case, preventing shorts and ensuring proper airflow.
Motherboard prices for i7-9700K models can range from budget-friendly options to high-end choices, depending on features and performance.
VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules) are crucial for delivering stable power to the i7-9700K, especially during overclocking, ensuring optimal performance.
A suitable motherboard for overclocking the i7-9700K will typically feature robust VRMs, enhanced cooling solutions, and a Z370 or Z390 chipset.
Yes, many motherboards for i7-9700K are designed with future upgrades in mind, offering additional PCIe slots and memory capacity for expansion.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, selecting the right motherboard is important for getting the best performance from your i7-9700K processor. I’ve reviewed the best motherboards for i7-9700K and shared my top picks based on performance and value. Whether you want a strong gaming motherboard for the i7-9700K or a good board for everyday tasks, you have plenty of choices. By considering your needs and budget, you can find a suitable motherboard for i7-9700K that will help you build a powerful and efficient computer.
