Best Motherboard for i7 8700K: The Intel Core i7-8700K has established itself as a top contender among high-performance CPUs, excelling in gaming and intensive computing tasks. With its six cores and twelve threads, this processor is adept at handling demanding applications and games, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. However, to truly unleash the potential of the i7-8700K, selecting the right motherboard is crucial. A motherboard not only supports the CPU but also influences overclocking capabilities, memory compatibility, and overall system stability.
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As we navigate through this guide, we will explore the best motherboards for the i7-8700K, each catering to different needs and budgets. The motherboard you choose can significantly impact your system’s performance, especially if you’re looking to overclock your CPU for enhanced performance. The Z370 and Z390 chipsets are specifically designed to support the 8th generation Intel processors, ensuring that they can handle the power and thermal demands of the i7-8700K.
In this blog post, we will explore into five of the best motherboards available on the market today, providing detailed reviews of their features, specifications, pros and cons, and why they stand out in their respective categories. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone who simply wants a powerful PC, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Moreover, we will discuss key factors to consider when purchasing a motherboard, along with frequently asked questions that can help clarify any doubts you might have. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge needed to choose the best motherboard for your i7-8700K, ensuring that you can achieve optimal performance for your build.
Best Motherboard for i7 8700K Builds – Our Recommendations
Asus ROG Strix Z390-E
Best Overall
- Excellent cooling capabilities.
- Rich feature set for gamers.
- Aesthetically pleasing with RGB lighting.
ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
Mid-range Pick
- Excellent power delivery for overclocking.
- Rich feature set with modern connectivity options.
- User-friendly BIOS for easier tweaking.
ASRock Z370 Taichi
Editor’s Choice
- RGB lighting may be limited compared to competitors.
- Some users may find the design too understated.
- Price may be slightly higher than budget options.
Top 5 Motherboards for i7 8700K
1. Asus ROG Strix Z390-E – Best Overall
The Asus ROG Strix Z390-E is widely recognized as one of the best overall motherboards for the i7-8700K. It combines robust performance, attractive aesthetics, and a plethora of features that cater to gamers and PC enthusiasts alike.
Asus has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality motherboards, and the ROG Strix Z390-E is no exception. This motherboard is designed with gamers in mind, offering a range of features that enhance gaming performance and system stability.
One of the standout features of the ROG Strix Z390-E is its comprehensive cooling solution. The motherboard comes equipped with multiple fan headers, customizable RGB lighting, and a heat sink that effectively dissipates heat during intense gaming sessions. This is particularly important for overclocking, as maintaining low temperatures is essential for achieving higher performance. With the right cooling setup, you can push your i7-8700K to its limits without worrying about thermal throttling.
In terms of connectivity, the ROG Strix Z390-E offers a wealth of options. It supports Intel Optane memory, has dual M.2 slots for SSDs, and features USB 3.1 Gen 2 for faster data transfer rates. Additionally, the motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing for plenty of memory for multitasking and heavy workloads. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working on resource-intensive applications, this motherboard can handle it all.
The aesthetics of the ROG Strix Z390-E are also noteworthy. With its sleek design, customizable RGB lighting, and high-quality components, this motherboard will not only perform well but also look great in any build. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a gaming rig that stands out visually.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Z390 |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage Options | Dual M.2, 6 SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.0 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cooling capabilities.
- Rich feature set for gamers.
- Aesthetically pleasing with RGB lighting.
Cons:
- Price may be higher than budget options.
- Some features may go unused for casual users.
- Complex BIOS for beginners.
2. ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero – Mid-range Pick
The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero is an excellent mid-range motherboard that balances performance and price, making it a strong contender for gaming and productivity.
The Maximus X Hero is part of the ROG family, which means it comes with a host of features that cater specifically to gamers and PC builders. One of its key highlights is its robust power delivery system, which is essential for overclocking the i7-8700K. The motherboard has an 8-phase VRM, ensuring stable power during demanding tasks, allowing users to push their CPUs further without worry.
In terms of connectivity, the Maximus X Hero does not disappoint. It features dual M.2 slots, six SATA ports, and plenty of USB options, including USB 3.1 Type-C. This makes it versatile enough to support various storage configurations and peripherals. Additionally, the motherboard offers Intel Gigabit Ethernet and a high-quality audio solution, ensuring that your gaming experience is smooth and immersive.
The design of the Maximus X Hero is both functional and attractive. The motherboard has customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to tailor the aesthetics to fit their build. Furthermore, it features reinforced PCIe slots to prevent GPU sag, a common issue in high-performance builds.
One of the standout features of the Maximus X Hero is its intuitive BIOS. ASUS has streamlined the BIOS experience, making it easier for users to tweak settings and monitor system performance. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to overclock their i7-8700K while maintaining stability.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Z370 |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage Options | Dual M.2, 6 SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.0 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent power delivery for overclocking.
- Rich feature set with modern connectivity options.
- User-friendly BIOS for easier tweaking.
Cons:
- Price may be on the higher side for mid-range options.
- RGB lighting may not appeal to all users.
- Limited to Z370 chipset, which may restrict future upgrades.
3. ASRock Z370 Taichi – Editor’s Choice
The ASRock Z370 Taichi stands out as an editor’s choice due to its exceptional build quality, performance, and features that cater to both gamers and creators.
The ASRock Z370 Taichi is designed for users who demand high performance without breaking the bank. It features a sleek design with a matte black finish and customizable RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for any build. The motherboard is equipped with a powerful VRM setup, allowing for stable power delivery during overclocking sessions, which is particularly beneficial for the i7-8700K.
One of the standout features of the Z370 Taichi is its extensive connectivity options. It includes dual M.2 slots, supporting NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage, along with six SATA ports for additional storage needs. The motherboard also supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, allowing users to maximize their system’s memory capacity for demanding tasks.
In terms of audio quality, the ASRock Z370 Taichi features a premium audio codec that delivers high-definition sound, making it ideal for gamers and content creators alike. The motherboard also includes high-quality capacitors and a dedicated audio PCB, reducing interference and improving sound quality.
The BIOS on the Z370 Taichi is user-friendly, offering a range of overclocking options and system monitoring tools. This makes it easy for users to tweak their system settings to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, the motherboard’s build quality is top-notch, with reinforced PCIe slots and high-quality components that ensure durability.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Z370 |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage Options | Dual M.2, 6 SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.0 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality with premium components.
- Rich feature set for both gaming and productivity.
- User-friendly BIOS for easy overclocking.
Cons:
- RGB lighting may be limited compared to competitors.
- Some users may find the design too understated.
- Price may be slightly higher than budget options.
4. MSI Z390-A PRO
The MSI Z390-A PRO is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers and builders.
For those looking for a budget-friendly motherboard without sacrificing quality, the MSI Z390-A PRO is an excellent choice. This motherboard is designed specifically for gamers and PC enthusiasts, offering a solid foundation for building a high-performance system.
With a focus on stability and performance, the Z390-A PRO features a robust power delivery system that ensures consistent power to the i7-8700K. This is crucial for maintaining stability during heavy workloads and overclocking scenarios. The motherboard also supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory and features dual M.2 slots, allowing users to take advantage of NVMe SSDs for fast storage solutions.
The MSI Z390-A PRO is equipped with a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 ports, as well as HDMI and DVI-D outputs for versatile display options. This makes it suitable for users who require multiple display capabilities for gaming or productivity tasks. Additionally, the motherboard includes high-definition audio components, ensuring an immersive sound experience during gaming sessions.
One of the unique aspects of the MSI Z390-A PRO is its user-friendly BIOS interface. MSI’s BIOS offers a straightforward layout that allows users to easily adjust settings and monitor system performance. This is particularly beneficial for those who are new to overclocking and want to experiment with their system settings.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Z390 |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage Options | Dual M.2, 6 SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.0 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio.
- Solid power delivery for overclocking.
- User-friendly BIOS for easy navigation.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-end models.
- Basic design may not appeal to all users.
- May lack some connectivity options found in premium boards.
5. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro
The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro is another standout motherboard that combines high performance with a wealth of features designed for gamers and enthusiasts.
The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro is built for those who demand top-tier performance and aesthetics in their gaming setups. This motherboard boasts a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for any gaming rig. The AORUS Pro features a robust power delivery system, allowing for stable overclocking of the i7-8700K, ensuring that you can maximize performance without compromising stability.
With dual M.2 slots and support for NVMe SSDs, the Z390 AORUS Pro offers lightning-fast storage options, enabling quick load times and seamless multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, providing ample memory for gaming, streaming, and content creation tasks.
The Z390 AORUS Pro is equipped with high-quality audio components, ensuring an immersive sound experience during gaming sessions. It also features Intel’s Gigabit Ethernet for fast and reliable internet connectivity, which is crucial for online gaming.
One of the standout features of the AORUS Pro is its user-friendly BIOS, which offers an intuitive layout for easy navigation and system monitoring. Users can quickly access overclocking settings and system performance metrics, making it a suitable choice for both beginners and experienced builders.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Z390 |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage Options | Dual M.2, 6 SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.0 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish design with customizable RGB lighting.
- Excellent power delivery for stable overclocking.
- User-friendly BIOS for easy tweaking.
Cons:
- Price may be higher than some budget options.
- RGB features may not appeal to all users.
- Some connectivity options may be limited compared to premium boards.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard for i7 8700K
When selecting a motherboard for the i7 8700K, several factors should be considered to ensure that it meets your needs and maximizes the performance of your build.
1. Chipset Compatibility
The first thing to consider is the chipset compatibility. The i7 8700K is compatible with the Z370 and Z390 chipsets, which are specifically designed for 8th generation Intel processors. These chipsets provide the necessary features for overclocking and performance tuning, making them ideal for enthusiasts.
2. Power Delivery System
Overclocking is a significant aspect of maximizing the performance of the i7 8700K. Therefore, the power delivery system of the motherboard is crucial. Look for motherboards with robust VRM designs and multiple phases for power delivery. This will ensure stable performance during heavy workloads and overclocking scenarios.
3. Memory Support
The amount and type of memory supported by the motherboard are also important factors. The i7 8700K can benefit from higher RAM speeds, so choosing a motherboard that supports DDR4 RAM with high frequencies can enhance performance. Additionally, consider the maximum capacity of RAM supported by the motherboard to ensure it meets your future upgrade plans.
4. Cooling Solutions
A good cooling solution is essential, especially if you plan to overclock your i7 8700K. Look for motherboards with multiple fan headers, heatsinks, and support for liquid cooling solutions. Effective cooling will help maintain stable performance and prolong the lifespan of your components.
5. Connectivity Options
Connectivity options are vital for a modern PC build. Ensure that the motherboard has adequate USB ports (including USB 3.1 and Type-C), M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and plenty of SATA ports for additional storage devices. This ensures that you can connect all your peripherals and storage without issues.
6. Aesthetics and Build Quality
While performance is the primary concern, aesthetics and build quality should not be overlooked. A well-built motherboard with a pleasing design can enhance the overall appearance of your system. Additionally, quality components contribute to the durability and longevity of the motherboard.
Best Motherboard for i7 8700k – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best motherboard for i7 8700K?
The best motherboard for the i7 8700K depends on your specific needs and budget. The Asus ROG Strix Z390-E is often considered the best overall due to its performance and features. However, options like the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero and ASRock Z370 Taichi also provide excellent performance for their respective price points.
2. Can I use a Z270 motherboard with i7 8700K?
While the i7 8700K is primarily compatible with Z370 and Z390 motherboards, some Z270 motherboards may support it after a BIOS update. However, this is not guaranteed, and performance may be limited compared to dedicated 300-series motherboards.
3. Is overclocking safe with the i7 8700K?
Yes, overclocking the i7 8700K is safe as long as you have adequate cooling and a motherboard with a robust power delivery system. Monitoring temperatures and ensuring stable voltages will help maintain the CPU’s longevity during overclocking.
4. How much RAM do I need for i7 8700K?
The i7 8700K supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. For gaming and general multitasking, 16GB is typically sufficient. However, for content creation or intensive workloads, consider upgrading to 32GB or more.
5. What features should I look for in a motherboard for gaming?
Key features to look for include robust power delivery for overclocking, sufficient RAM slots, multiple M.2 slots for fast storage, good audio quality, and modern connectivity options like USB 3.1 and Type-C. Additionally, a user-friendly BIOS is helpful for tweaking settings.
6. What is the price range for a good motherboard for i7 8700K?
Motherboards for the i7 8700K can range from around $100 to over $300, depending on the features and brand. Mid-range options typically offer the best balance of performance and price.
Final Word
Choosing the best motherboard for your i7 8700K is crucial for maximizing performance and stability. With a variety of options available, it’s important to consider your specific needs, such as overclocking potential, memory capacity, and connectivity options. The motherboards listed in this guide, including the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E and ASRock Z370 Taichi, represent some of the best choices on the market, each offering unique features that cater to different users.
As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest developments in motherboard technology will ensure that you can make the best choices for your future builds. In conclusion, investing in a quality motherboard that complements your i7 8700K will pave the way for an exceptional computing experience, whether you’re gaming, creating content, or simply enjoying a high-performance PC.