If you do a quick search of the best motherboard for i7 9700K, you will get access to countless motherboards available in the market that you can buy. However, buying the right one is key here as you don’t want to pair your CPU with something lackluster. That is where this roundup comes into play as we aim to help you get over that ordeal.
Best Motherboard For Intel Core i7-9700K – Specs & Reviews!
Best Motherboard For i7 9700K
To be honest, thanks to the sheer amount of options available for you to choose from, finding the right motherboard is no longer an ordeal. You can just list down the things that you want, and you would be all sorted with the type of option that suits you the best.
#1- Asus Prime Z390-A Motherboard
Asus has always been at their top game when it comes to offering good parts for the PC builders. Does not matter what you are looking at, in one way or another, Asus has gotten you covered, and that is what I love about Asus. Not just that, however, the quality is also one of the best, so you are truly getting the best of both worlds.
Supports 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors. Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen2 connectivity. 5X Protection III offers hardware-level protection. Fortified PCI-e slots. 8-channel HD gaming audio uses Realtek ALC887.
Plenty of support for adding storage. Great memory bandwidth. Looks great with white and grey aesthetics. Integrated I/O panel. USB 3.1 Gen 2 support.
Overclocking it is not the easiest.
But for now, I am going to talk more about the Asus Prime Z390-A Motherboard as that is the star of the show for us. The Prime series by Asus has always been the semi-professional series that most people would normally want to go for, especially when they don’t want all the gaming colors going on. The reason why I like this motherboard is that it offers a lot of good things without costing a lot of money. You are getting support for ample storage with this motherboard, great bandwidth, an integrated I/O shield, and even USB 3.1 Gen2 if that is what you are looking to get your hands on. All these things at this price are hard to beat, considering you would have to pay top dollar to get some of these features. However, that does not mean that the Prime Z390 does not come with any of its faults. The motherboard does not offer a lot of great settings for those who want to overclock.
#2- MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge
At this point, we are all aware of just how good MSI has been with their parts that have been available for some time now. Over the past couple of years, I have seen MSI become one of the leading board partners, and for all the right reasons as they deliver exceptionally well-balanced parts. For the price you are paying, it is really hard to find the Asus Prime Z390 at fault. Granted, if Asus was charging upwards of around $200 or more for the same motherboard, I could have found some issues, but there are none, and that is what makes this a great buy.
Support for 8th and 9th generation Intel processors. Dual-Channel DDR4 support of up to 4,400 OC. Two M.2 slots for fast storage and USB 3.1 Gen2. MSI Mystic Lighting for RGB customization. Shielded PCI-E slots.
One of the best motherboards for the price. Built-in wireless connectivity. On-board USB 3.1 Gen2 support. Clean looks.
RGB is a hit and miss. No cooling on M.2 slots.
The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge is just one of the many offerings by MSI for the higher end gamers who want to get a great performance, and save some money while doing so, as well. With that said, the Z390 Gaming Edge comes at one of the finest prices, and you are getting built-in Wi-Fi as well. For those who are into super-fast transfer speeds, MSI has made sure to include not just the USB 3.1 Gen2 port, but also PCIe slots that have been reinforced to ensure that your heavy graphic cards don’t cause any damage. The overall look and feel of the motherboard are also great as it looks great without being overdone. There are some minor gripes here and there; for instance, the RGB lighting is not always as good as it can be, and both the M.2 slots have no passive cooling plate on top of them, which seems like a rushed move from MSI.
#3- GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA
When you are talking about something that delivers great performance and has a lot of options to choose from, the one company that we can always trust with our eyes closed happens to be Gigabyte. They have been giving us some of the finest options, and today, we have another. Overall, I would say that the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge is something that gets the job done for anyone who is looking for a good option. If you are in the market and you are in the mood to buy a motherboard that not only looks good but also performs like that, this is the best thing you can get.
Support for 8th and 9th generation CPUs. Dual-channel DDR4 support. 12+1 phase VRM solution. Advanced thermal design with direct touch heat pipes. ALC1220 audio.
The design is solid. You are getting 3 M.2 slots. 12+1 phase VRM design is great. The integrated I/O shield makes it easy to install. Overclocking potential right out of the box.
There is a slight premium over the standard options.
For those who don’t know, the Aorus series by Gigabyte is one of their higher-end offerings and for all the right reasons as it delivers great performance for those who are buying these. However, the GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA is on the affordable end and still manages to perform well. You are getting a motherboard that delivers solid overall design language, you have 3 M.2 slots with their heatsinks, the 12+1 power phase design is great, and you even have an integrated I/O shield that will help with the performance. The motherboard also offers great overclocking and excellent VRM cooling. Honestly, the only issue that I could point out is that there is a slight premium largely because of the Aorus branding, but there is nothing to sulk about.
#4- Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming
Asus has been delivering some of the best motherboards for as long as I can remember. Their Strix lineup is great because it combines some of the exclusive ROG features but for a lower price. If performance is what you desire, Asus has you covered. For anyone who is looking for a good motherboard, going with this is the right decision for a lot of reasons. Gigabyte has truly delivered an option that delivers great support for everything that you are doing to put this motherboard through. Whether you just want to plug your CPU in, and start gaming or you are looking for something else, the GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA is the motherboard that is going to cover those aspects for you, and you will not have any issues that might come in the way.
Supports 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors. Dual M.2 slots and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C. 5-way optimization for better user experience. ESD guard for over-current protection. Integrated I/O shield.
You are getting plenty of fan headers. Lots of USB connections available. LED headers for added RGB fun. Plenty of storage options.
There is only one RGB lighting zone.
The next in line is the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming, a Strix series motherboard that comes at a great price, but also has a lot of great features to boot. To a point that you will not be having any issues with the motherboard itself. You are getting a good number of fan headers as well as SUB ports. The LED expansion headers are just added benefits for those who want to add lighting. The on-board Wi-Fi is also something that I love about this motherboard. Not only that, but you are also getting access to dual M.2 slots, and both are cooled. Asus has done a great job at making sure that the audio implementation remains as good as possible, and you are also getting access to VRM fan accessories out of the box if you wish to cool the VRM actively. There is one thing that I did not like about this motherboard, and that is that there is a lack of RGB lighting zones, but aside from that, everything else is on point.
#5- ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Hero
If you are in the market looking for a motherboard that can manage to turn heads and, at the same time, deliver fantastic performance to you, Asus has gotten you covered. With their ROG lineup, the company is known for delivering top-notch motherboards for great prices. Overall, if you are looking for a motherboard that can deliver great performance, looking at the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming is something that you should be doing thanks to how good of a motherboard it is. For anyone who wants to get good performance out of a motherboard, you should be going with as it is not going to let you down at all this way.
Supports 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors. On-board Wi-Fi. Dual M.2 slots with passive cooling. Asus Aura Sync compatible with on-board LED headers. Integrated I/O shield for easy installation.
The design is beautiful and neutral for added flexibility. Great out of the box performance. RGB lighting implementation looks great. Asus leads the BIOS game once again. The on-board audio remains great.
None.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Z390 Gaming is the one I have here, and it is a splendid option for a lot of different reasons. Whether you are looking for performance, looks, or both, this motherboard is the one that you should be going with. The beautifully neutral design is great, and it does not come in the way of your colors coordinated build, either. Another great thing here is that you are getting a great out of the box performance without making too many changes. The RGB LED implementation is also wonderfully done, and the bios itself is excellent, as always. Asus has also done a great job with the on-board audio, which is something I have experienced in the past. Asus has a history of delivering great performance in terms of audio, and this motherboard just proves that. Honestly, there is nothing about this motherboard that would make you think twice as far as the performance is concerned. If you want something that delivers exceptional performance. I cannot find a single fault in the motherboard that can break this deal for you.
#6- MSI Arsenal Z370M MORTAR (Micro-ATX)
The great thing with the Intel Core i7 9700K is that it is backwards compatible with an older generation of motherboards as well, which means that if you are looking for a new motherboard but don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can just get the older generation motherboard and it will work just fine. If you are in search for a good motherboard that delivers exceptional performance without costing a lot of money, then the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero is the choice that you should be making as it is a great offering for the price you are paying.
Support for 8th and 9th generation Core processors. No of Ports: One HDMI/One DisplayPort with Crossfire. M.2 Slots: two. Max Memory: 64 GB DDR4. Dual-Channel Memory Support.
Plenty of connectivity options. A decent VRM quality. Great overclocking once properly cooled. 7.1 audio channels with Gigabit ethernet support M.2 slots like in modern mobos.
No built-in WIFI.
With that said, the MSI Gaming Mortar mobo is what I am showing you right now, and while I understand that it is an older motherboard, all you need is a BIOS update, and you would be good to go. For starters, you have a great motherboard that has a lot of connectivity options. A tremendous red LED lighting is making this mobo really stunning like a devil of night. With the multiple GPU support and steel armor PCI express slots, you can get a thousand times more performance with stability. With the overall technical specifications, the mobo really looks sick at a decent category budget. As far as everything else is concerned, the only downside I could think of is that the mobo does not have any built-in WIFI. With that said, it doesn’t mean you cannot use WIFI with this because any PCI express or USB-based adapter is all you need for WiFi compatibility.
#7- GIGABYTE Z390 M Gaming (Micro ATX)
So far, all of us are aware of how good Gigabyte has been with their offerings, and this does not change any time soon either, thanks to the consistent delivery of great products that just add more to the list. Whether you are on a budget or in the mood to splurge, they have you covered. Overall, it is one of the more promising motherboards available thanks to a solid performance across the board and an affordable price tag, as well. You will not be disappointed by how good it works in almost all the cases, and that too, without a problem. Just be sure that it is adequately cooled, and you would do just fine.
Support for 8th and 9th generation of Intel processors. Dual-channel memory support. 10+2 phase VRM design. M.2 slot with PCI-E Gen3 x4 and SATA interface. USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C support.
Offers stable performance at a reasonable price. Good overclocking capabilities. VRM remains cool and stable.
Looks might be polarizing for some.
The GIGABYTE Z390 M Gaming tells the same story, and it is made for people who are looking to get a motherboard that is smaller thanks to its form factor, but that does not mean that it delivers average performance. If you want performance, it certainly is a good motherboard. Right off the bat, one of the key selling points of this motherboard happens to be the price, as it is one of the more affordable Z390 motherboards available. While it does have some aggressive looks with red, white, grey, and black colors schemes, it will look good in almost any build that you could think of. Gigabyte has also done good as far as the overclocking thanks to the 10+2 phase power design, you are getting good performance out of the motherboard. You are getting a good selection of on-board ports as well, so that aspect is also covered. There is not much to dislike here, but I would say that the looks of this motherboard can be polarizing for some, but aside from that, everything else is perfect.
#8- ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I Gaming (Mini-ITX)
The last motherboard on my list is from Asus again, but this time, I am shifting my focus to something more accessible, a mini-ITX motherboard. These motherboards, although pretty common, are on the more expensive end because of how small and powerful they are. The Gigabyte Z390 M Gaming is a phenomenal micro-ATX motherboard for the price you are paying. If it is the performance you are after, you are certainly going to get access to that. You just have to be sure that you are okay with how this motherboard looks, as the looks can be a bit polarizing for some.
Supports 8th and 9th generation Intel processors. Dual M.2 slots with USB 3.1 Gen2 header as well. 5-Way optimization. Asus Aura Sync for unmatched customization. Safe slot feature for added security to your PCI-E slot.
Great overclocking. Dual M.2 slots are great to have. Front-panel USB 3.1 Gen2 connector is a blessing. You are getting plenty of USB ports. Really clean aesthetics.
There are some voltage surge issues under heavy load or extreme OC.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z370-I Gaming is the attraction here as it is not only one of the better-looking motherboards available, but it awed me when I look at it due to how small and powerful it is, at the same time. There’s plenty good about this motherboard and let’s find out what I am talking about. For starters, you are getting a motherboard that is going to offer you great overclocking, and not just that, you are also getting dual M.2 slots on such a tiny board, which is an impressive feat on its own. You are also getting a front panel USB 3.1 Gen2 header, which is a rarity, and the rear has enough USB ports in general for you to be at peace. Sadly, there is just one issue that might make you want to buy something else, but in my testing, I have realized that unless you are an extreme overclocker, it should not become a problem. There seems to be a voltage surge under heavy loads, which can cause power throttling.
How To Select The Best Motherboard For i7 9700K – Quick Tips To Consider!
If you are finally convinced about buying the 9700K, you are going to need some help choosing the right motherboard, and that is where I am going to help you with this buying guide. So, let’s not waste time and get started with it. There is no reality in which the Asus ROG Strix Z370 motherboard is not a great option. For anyone who is looking for something that is good and has great performance overall, this motherboard is going to get the job done for you, and you will not have any regrets that might follow. Further Reading:
Best budget z690 motherboard Best z490 motherboard Best motherboard for Intel i9 9900k Best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
Choose Your Form Factor
The first thing that you should be looking at is to check the form factor. Are you going for ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini ITX? The choice is, of course, yours, but with each size, you are going to get smaller, and smaller, and lesser ports, as well. Additionally, you will have to ensure that you are getting the proper care, and the cooler, as well. So everything can fit in nicely, and without any hassles.
How Many PCI-E Slots Are There
This is something that varies user by user. Being a PC enthusiast, the one thing that I have noticed is that the more PCI-E slots you have, the better it is. However, the same cannot be said for everyone as there are cases in which you might be good with a few slots. Just be sure that the motherboard you are looking at has enough slots for your requirements, and you wouldn’t have any other issues as far as the buying process is concerned, and you can buy the motherboard you want.
Compatibility
Whenever you are getting a new motherboard, the one thing that you are going to go through a lot is compatibility, as that is one thing that gets mentioned time and again. You just have to be sure that whatever motherboard you are getting is compatible. Thankfully, both Z370 and Z390, along with their H variants, are fully compatible with the 9700K. So, you do not have to worry about anything else. Granted, the Z370 could require a BIOS update, but for that, do check the BIOS version you are on.
Can You Add Extra RAM
Normally this is not something that you will have to worry about since all available motherboards do ship with at least 2 RAM slots, so you can always add extra RAM slots. In the time I have spent in the world-building PCs, I don’t remember seeing a single motherboard that does not allow RAM expansion. Therefore, it should not be a problem if you wish to expand the memory of your motherboard.
BIOS And Aesthetics
Normally the first part does not cater to a lot of people, but if you are in the market looking for a good motherboard, you have to be sure that it is using a BIOS that is not only good but easy to understand. I know about a lot of motherboards that had less than flattering BIOS, and it only caused more issues for everyone who used them. As for the aesthetics, they are completely dependent on what your preference is. So, this part is entirely on you.
Power Consumption
Normally, this should not be a concern for most of us because a motherboard is not going to consume more power in any case, but you have to understand that it is still an important thing to know. The higher-end motherboards that are available are going to require more power. Sometimes, they go as high as needing more than one 8-pin EPS connector. Therefore, it is better that you are caring about this situation as it is an important one, and you should not overlook this at all. However, with this roundup, I have tried to make the process easy for everyone, so you do not have to worry about buying a motherboard that simply is not good enough. All the motherboards that I have listed here are excellent in their regard and will deliver great performance through and through. Anyone who is looking for a Core i7 9700K can pick the motherboard they wish to and roll with it without having to worry about any performance issues that could otherwise become an issue.
Question 1: What is the best motherboard for i7 9700K?
The best motherboard for the i7 9700K from my list is the Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero. For the simplest reason that it is one of the most feature-packed motherboards that will deliver exceptional performance in every single case.
Question 2: What motherboard do I need for i7 9700K?
If you are planning on buying the Core i7 9700K and you are looking for a good motherboard to pair it with, the safest choice would be going for a Z390 motherboard, but if you already have an existing Z370 motherboard, you can just update the BIOS on that, and you would be good to go.
Question 3: Is i7 9700K compatible with Z370?
Yes, the Core i7 9700K is fully compatible with the Z370 chipset. However, when you do buy the Z370 motherboard, make sure that you update the BIOS to the latest one, so you do not have any problems coming in the way.
