Best Motherboard for i7 9700k

If you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC or workstation, the i7 9700K is a great choice for a CPU. With its 8 cores and 8 threads, it’s a powerful processor that can handle even the most demanding tasks.

However, in order to get the most out of your i7 9700K, you’ll need a compatible motherboard. There are a lot of motherboards on the market, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 15 best motherboards for i7 9700K.

Best Motherboard for i7 9700k

1. ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi)
2. MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
3. Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master
4. ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac
5. ASUS Prime Z390-A
6. MSI MEG Z390 ACE
7. Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO
8. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming
9. ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate
10. MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC

These motherboards are all great choices for the i7 9700K, but they each have their own unique features and specifications. It’s important to consider your own needs and budget when choosing a motherboard.

Whether you’re looking for a high-end gaming motherboard with all the bells and whistles, or a more budget-friendly option that still offers great performance, there’s sure to be a motherboard on this list that meets your needs.

ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi)

The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) is a high-end motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts. It’s compatible with the i7 9700K and offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Excellent build quality: The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) is built with high-quality components and features an all-metal heatsink design that looks great and provides excellent cooling.
• Great performance: This motherboard offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
• Plenty of features: The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) includes a wide range of features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multiple M.2 slots, and plenty of USB ports.
• Great audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
• Easy to use BIOS: The motherboard’s BIOS is user-friendly and offers a wide range of settings and options for overclocking and system tuning.

Cons:

• Expensive: The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) is a high-end motherboard and comes with a premium price tag.
• Limited RGB lighting: While the motherboard does feature some RGB lighting, it’s not as extensive as on some other high-end motherboards.
• Limited fan headers: The motherboard only includes a few fan headers, which may be a limitation for some users who want to install multiple fans.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) is a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want a high-end motherboard with excellent performance and plenty of features. While it’s expensive, it offers great value for its price.

MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC

The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC is a mid-range motherboard designed for gaming and performance. It’s compatible with the i7 9700K and offers a good balance of features and affordability. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Good value for money: The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
2. Great performance: This motherboard offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
3. Plenty of features: The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC includes a wide range of features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multiple M.2 slots, and plenty of USB ports.
4. Good audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing a good audio experience.
5. Good RGB lighting: The motherboard features extensive RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the look of their system.

Cons:

1. Limited overclocking: While the motherboard does offer some overclocking features, they’re not as advanced as on some higher-end motherboards.
2. Limited fan headers: The motherboard only includes a few fan headers, which may be a limitation for some users who want to install multiple fans.
3. Limited BIOS options: The motherboard’s BIOS is user-friendly, but it doesn’t offer as many options for advanced users as some other motherboards.

Overall, the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC is a great choice for gamers and performance enthusiasts who want a good balance of features and affordability. While it may not offer the most advanced overclocking features, it still provides excellent performance and plenty of features for most users.

Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master

The Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master is a high-end motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who want the best performance and features. It’s compatible with the i7 9700K and offers a wide range of capabilities. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Excellent build quality: The Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master is built with high-quality components and features an all-metal heatsink design that looks great and provides excellent cooling.
2. Great performance: This motherboard offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
3. Plenty of features: The Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master includes a wide range of features, including multiple M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 3 support, and plenty of USB ports.
4. Great audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
5. Extensive RGB lighting: The motherboard features extensive RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the look of their system.

Cons:

1. Expensive: The Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master is a high-end motherboard and comes with a premium price tag.
2. Limited fan headers: The motherboard only includes a few fan headers, which may be a limitation for some users who want to install multiple fans.
3. Complex BIOS: The motherboard’s BIOS offers a wide range of settings and options, but it may be overwhelming for some users.

Overall, the Gigabyte AORUS Z390 Master is a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want the best performance and features. While it’s expensive, it offers great value for its price and is a great choice for those who want a high-end motherboard.

ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac

The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is a mini-ITX motherboard designed for small form factor builds that still require high performance. It’s compatible with the i7 9700K and offers a range of features. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Compact size: The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is a small motherboard that is perfect for building compact systems.
2. Excellent performance: This motherboard offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
3. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as multiple USB ports and a Thunderbolt 3 port.
4. Good audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
5. Plenty of RGB lighting: The motherboard includes RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the look of their system.

Cons:

1. Limited expansion: The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is a small motherboard and only includes one PCIe slot, limiting the ability to add expansion cards.
2. Fewer features: Due to its compact size, the motherboard includes fewer features compared to larger motherboards, such as fewer fan headers and fewer M.2 slots.
3. Expensive: The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is more expensive compared to other mini-ITX motherboards, making it a less cost-effective choice for some users.

Overall, the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is a great choice for users who want to build a compact system without sacrificing performance. While it’s more expensive compared to other mini-ITX motherboards, it offers great value for its price and is a great choice for those who want a high-end mini-ITX motherboard.

ASUS Prime Z390-A

The ASUS Prime Z390-A is a mid-range ATX motherboard designed for use with the i7 9700K processor. It’s a popular choice among gamers and power users due to its strong performance and extensive feature set. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Excellent performance: The ASUS Prime Z390-A offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
2. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and Ethernet connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
3. Good audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
4. Plenty of fan headers: The motherboard includes six fan headers, providing users with the ability to build a powerful and efficient cooling system.
5. Affordable: The ASUS Prime Z390-A is priced competitively compared to other mid-range motherboards, making it a great value for its price.

Cons:

1. Limited expansion: The ASUS Prime Z390-A only includes two PCIe slots, which can limit the ability to add expansion cards.
2. Limited RGB lighting: The motherboard includes only basic RGB lighting, which may be a drawback for users who want to customize the look of their system.
3. Limited M.2 slots: The motherboard includes only two M.2 slots, which may be a limitation for users who want to add multiple M.2 drives.

Overall, the ASUS Prime Z390-A is a great choice for users who want strong performance and a range of features without breaking the bank. While it includes some limitations in terms of expansion and RGB lighting, it offers great value for its price and is a popular choice among gamers and power users.

MSI MEG Z390 ACE

The MSI MEG Z390 ACE is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for use with the i7 9700K processor. It’s a top-of-the-line choice for gamers and power users who demand the best performance and features. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Excellent performance: The MSI MEG Z390 ACE offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
2. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and Ethernet connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
3. Great audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing an exceptional audio experience.
4. Plenty of fan headers: The motherboard includes eight fan headers, providing users with the ability to build a powerful and efficient cooling system.
5. Lots of RGB lighting: The motherboard includes extensive RGB lighting, with multiple zones that can be customized using MSI’s Mystic Light software.

Cons:

1. Expensive: The MSI MEG Z390 ACE is one of the more expensive motherboards available for the i7 9700K, which may be a drawback for users on a budget.
2. Limited M.2 slots: The motherboard includes only two M.2 slots, which may be a limitation for users who want to add multiple M.2 drives.
3. Bulky design: The motherboard’s large heatsinks and shrouds may make it difficult to fit into smaller cases.

Overall, the MSI MEG Z390 ACE is a great choice for users who demand the best performance and features and are willing to pay a premium price for it. While it includes some limitations in terms of M.2 slots and size, it offers exceptional performance and a range of features that make it a top-of-the-line choice for gamers and power users.

Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO

The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO is a mid-range ATX motherboard designed for use with the i7 9700K processor. It offers a balance of performance and features at a more affordable price point. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Good performance: The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO offers good performance with the i7 9700K, thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
2. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and Ethernet connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
3. Good audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports the latest audio technologies, providing a good audio experience.
4. Affordable price: The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO is priced competitively compared to other mid-range motherboards.
5. Good design: The motherboard has a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting, making it a good choice for users who want a visually appealing build.

Cons:

1. Limited fan headers: The motherboard includes only five fan headers, which may be a limitation for users who want to build a powerful cooling system.
2. Limited M.2 slots: The motherboard includes only two M.2 slots, which may be a limitation for users who want to add multiple M.2 drives.
3. Limited overclocking features: While the motherboard does offer some overclocking features, they may not be as advanced as those found on higher-end motherboards.

Overall, the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO is a good choice for users who want a balance of performance and features at an affordable price point. While it includes some limitations in terms of fan headers and M.2 slots, it offers good performance, connectivity, and audio, as well as a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting.

ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming

The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for use with the i7 9700K processor. It offers advanced features for enthusiasts and gamers who want to build a powerful and visually appealing system. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Excellent performance: The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming offers excellent performance with the i7 9700K, thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
2. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and Ethernet connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
3. Advanced audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports advanced audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
4. Good design: The motherboard has a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting, making it a good choice for users who want a visually appealing build.
5. Advanced features: The motherboard includes advanced features such as Aura Sync RGB lighting, SupremeFX audio, and support for 2-way SLI and 3-way CrossFireX.

Cons:

1. Expensive: The ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming is priced at a premium compared to other high-end motherboards.
2. Limited M.2 slots: The motherboard includes only two M.2 slots, which may be a limitation for users who want to add multiple M.2 drives.
3. Limited fan headers: The motherboard includes only five fan headers, which may be a limitation for users who want to build a powerful cooling system.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming is a good choice for enthusiasts and gamers who want a high-end motherboard with advanced features and excellent performance. While it is expensive and includes some limitations in terms of M.2 slots and fan headers, it offers advanced audio, a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting, and support for 2-way SLI and 3-way CrossFireX.

ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate

The ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate is a high-end motherboard designed for use with the i7 9700K processor. It offers advanced features for enthusiasts and professionals who want to build a powerful and reliable system. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Good performance: The ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate offers good performance with the i7 9700K, thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
2. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Ethernet connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
3. Advanced audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports advanced audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
4. Good design: The motherboard has a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting, making it a good choice for users who want a visually appealing build.
5. Advanced features: The motherboard includes advanced features such as dual M.2 slots with heatsinks, 10 Gigabit LAN, and support for 3-way CrossFireX and 2-way SLI.

Cons:

1. Expensive: The ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate is priced at a premium compared to other high-end motherboards.
2. Limited fan headers: The motherboard includes only five fan headers, which may be a limitation for users who want to build a powerful cooling system.
3. Limited RGB lighting control: The motherboard’s RGB lighting control software may be limited in terms of customization and functionality.

Overall, the ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate is a good choice for enthusiasts and professionals who want a high-end motherboard with advanced features and good performance. While it is expensive and includes some limitations in terms of fan headers and RGB lighting control, it offers advanced audio, a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting, and support for 3-way CrossFireX and 2-way SLI.

MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC

The MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is a mini-ITX motherboard designed for use with the i7 9700K processor. It offers a compact form factor and advanced features for users who want to build a powerful small form factor (SFF) system. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Compact form factor: The mini-ITX form factor of the motherboard makes it ideal for building a compact and portable system.
2. Good performance: The motherboard offers good performance with the i7 9700K, thanks to its advanced power delivery and overclocking features.
3. Good connectivity: The motherboard includes multiple USB ports, Ethernet connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Advanced audio: The motherboard features high-quality audio components and supports advanced audio technologies, providing an excellent audio experience.
5. Advanced features: The motherboard includes advanced features such as M.2 slots with heatsinks, PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and support for dual-channel DDR4 memory.

Cons:

1. Limited expansion: The mini-ITX form factor of the motherboard limits the number of expansion slots and ports available, which may be a limitation for users who want to build a more powerful system.
2. Limited fan headers: The motherboard includes only two fan headers, which may be a limitation for users who want to build a powerful cooling system.
3. Limited RGB lighting control: The motherboard’s RGB lighting control software may be limited in terms of customization and functionality.

Overall, the MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is a good choice for users who want to build a powerful SFF system with advanced features and good performance. While it includes some limitations in terms of expansion, fan headers, and RGB lighting control, it offers a compact form factor, advanced audio, and support for M.2 slots with heatsinks and dual-channel DDR4 memory.

Conclusion

Choosing the right motherboard for your i7 9700K processor is essential for building a high-performance system. The 15 motherboards we have discussed in this article offer advanced features, good performance, and excellent value for money. Each of these motherboards has its own strengths and limitations, and it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements before making a final decision.

If you are building a compact and portable system, the MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC or the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac may be a good choice for you. If you are looking for advanced overclocking features and excellent audio quality, the ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) or the MSI MEG Z390 ACE may be the right choice for you. And if you want a good balance of performance, features, and value for money, the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO or the ASUS Prime Z390-A may be a good choice for you.

Overall, no matter which motherboard you choose, make sure to do your research and choose a motherboard that fits your specific needs and requirements.

FAQs