Intel Core i7-11700K (Amazon) is a powerful and reliable eight-core, 16-thread desktop processor. Although, AMD Ryzen 7 5800x outperforms in flat testings. But its reasonable price keeps it in the game. The Core i7-11700K illustrates that Intel isn’t yet out of the desktop CPU game with a bit more platform maturity and aggressive pricing.
A tremendous amount of time and effort is involved in making your PC without a solid guidebook. When creating a high-end setup using an i7-11700K, you’ll need a degree of expertise that only our experts can provide.
To enhance rather than limit each other’s effectiveness, the equipment you choose must be compatible. The motherboard is a crucial component that may make or ruin your system.
A motherboard connects all of your computer’s peripherals and components and ensures that they all operate together effortlessly.
You should give the motherboard as much care and effort as you would give to the CPU and the GPU when making a purchase. Processor, graphics card, cooling/ventilation, and storage requirements all play a role in motherboard selection.
AMD and Intel are the two leading CPU manufacturers. Choosing one of the two cuts your motherboard options in half since they are incompatible. Intel is making a concerted effort to reclaim the crown of the world’s greatest CPU with its newest 11th generation Rocket Lake processors.
So far, Intel’s 11th generation portfolio includes the 11900K and 11700K processors. With the notable exception of the i9, which incorporates Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB), both CPUs have eight cores and 16 threads.
The i7 includes Intel Turbo Boost 3.0, which results in a maximum frequency of 5.0GHz. The 8-core, 16-thread Intel i7-11700K is a powerful CPU. As opposed to the 14nm used in the previous generation, the 10nm process is used in this generation, resulting in more incredible single-core performance.
A high-end gaming CPU like the i7-11700K necessitates the best i7-11700k motherboard, entirely dependent on your needs and the breadth of your setup.
Quick Shopping Tips:
FORM FACTOR: Your rig’s function determines your motherboard’s a size/form factor. There must be more room for your GPU, cooling system, and other components if you are creating a high-performance gaming computer. Compact form factors are better suited to general-purpose or entertainment PCs since they take up less space and cost less money.
CHIPSET: Chipsets on the motherboard are responsible for the speed and precision with which the CPU, RAM, and several other peripherals communicate. More high-speed USB ports, RAM slots, and other devices are compatible with the motherboard because of the powerful chipset. AMD and Intel, the two largest CPU manufacturers, created the chipset, which was subsequently incorporated into motherboards.
CPU PLATFORM: Intel and AMD are the two main competitors in the CPU market. Because they are incompatible, your motherboard decision is tied to your CPU pick. Even though both Intel and AMD have high-performance CPUs, Intel focuses more on single-core performance, while AMD focuses more on multi-core performance (suitable for productivity). With PCIe4.0 capability, the 11th gen 11700K is the best high-end CPU.
RAM Slots: While the CPU is working, the data is stored in RAM. High-performance builds necessitate many RAM slots to accommodate additional RAM installation, which improves performance and increases the system’s flexibility. SLI/Crossfire configurations may be achieved by using several PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 ports, and high-speed M.2 slots can also be used to increase performance.
Best Motherboards for i7-11700K at a glance:
- ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO
- Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER
- MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi
- MSI Z590-A PRO
- ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero
- ASUS Prime Z490-A
- MSI MEG Z490 ACE
- GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra
The Best Motherboards for i7-11700K You Can Buy Today
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO
Best Motherboard for i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z590 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Dual 2.5G Intel’s Ethernet, WIFI 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2
✓ Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports with up to 40Gbps bandwidth
✓ 14+2 phase 90A Power Delivery for steady overclocking
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No CrossFireX compatible
✗ Ram slot is close to the CPU area
ASUS ROG consists of four Z590 mobos, namely Maximus, Strix, Prime, and TUF series. Maximus series is the highest performing series of all. ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero is specially made for enthusiasts and performance freaks. It consists of the latest PCIe 4.0 support and several significant performance improvements than the previous-gen Z490 lineup, making it a go-to choice for user craving performance and premium features in one package.
It delivered a significant performance boost in our benchmarks when coupled with the Intel Rocket lake 11700K processor compared to the previous-gen processor. Intel’s second faster processor with performance is just shy of its bigger brother 11900K but costs significantly less. Its 14+2 phase power delivery modules of 90A offer excellent overclocking capacity, and its thicker and larger heatsink doesn’t let it reach greater than 45C.
In the features arena, there’s no slump either. It packs premium features like dual 2.5G Ethernet and WIFI 6E. It also packs two PCIe 4.0 ports for Multi GPU support and quad M.2 drive slots. Overall It delivers top-of-the-line performance and a higher FPS when coupled with the proper hardware and is the best motherboard for i7-11700k.
Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER
Best Z590 Motherboard for i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z590 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 18+1 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 19 | Warranty: 3 Year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Three M.2 (PCIe 4.0) drive slots
✓ PCIe 4.0 support for CPU and GPU
✓ Blazing Fast (20Gbps) USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No Thunderbolt port
✗ No SATA Controllers
Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER belongs to a high-end category of motherboards with near-flagship performance without paying a premium. It packs a considerable number of 18+1 stage power modules which are only found in the flagship motherboards, often costing twice as much. These massive 90A modules offer the ultimate overclocking experience only a few motherboards can offer and easily overclock 11700K to its peak 5.0GHz without getting significantly hotter.
Its gaming performance is extraordinary and top-notch. When coupled with the 11th gen Intel i7 11700K processor, it attained 146 FPS in Overwatch and 136 FPS in Fortnite, just a few FPS short of the flagship 11900K. This makes it the best motherboard for i7 11700k with top-end performance and features only found in really expensive motherboards and makes it suitable for high-performance gaming rigs.
ASUS opted for thicker and larger heat sinks covering the VRMs and the three M.2 Slots to increase this motherboard’s thermal performance and efficiency. It has top-of-the-line Aquantia 10Gbps ethernet (most boards have up to 2.5Gbps Ethernet) and WIFI 6E for faster and reliable connectivity. This motherboard has a well-rounded set of performance and premium features only a few can provide at this bargain price.
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi
Best Flagship Motherboard for i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z590 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16 | PCIe x16: 3 | USB Ports: 17 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Pre-installed I/O Shield
✓ Heavy plated MOS heatsink
✓ PCIe slots are made durable and robust by steel armor
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No Legacy Interfaces
✗ No Thunderbolt support
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi adopts the latest PCIe 4.0 and blazing fast WIFi 6E. It belongs to high-end Intel chipset motherboards that support the latest 11th Intel Processors and delivers increased performance than the previous generation. MSI MPG lands just below the flagship MEG series that delivers near-flagship performance without paying a premium or breaking your bank.
It rear packs an astonishing number of ports, including but not limited to Single USB gen 2x2, three USB 3.2 Gen 2, two Gen 1, and four USB 2.0 ports, so you can connect a wide variety and numerous peripherals to the board. It also contains both the Display Port and HDMI port for broader compatibility. Dual 2.5G Ethernet is also present, a standard for the high-end board and the newer and faster WIFI 6E to meet all your connectivity needs.
Its gaming performance is anything but average. It delivers up to 165+ FPS in Civilization 6 and 125+ FPS in Exodus for comparison, ensuring 120+ FPS in most AAA titles when coupled with the 11th gen 11700K. Its plethora of features and high-speed performance make it an ideal choice for hardcore gamers and the most suitable i7-11700k motherboard in the flagship category.
MSI Z590-A PRO
Best Budget Motherboard For Intel i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z590 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12 + 2 + 1 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 18 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
✓ Robust Steel armored slots
✓ Full control on fans and bios
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No DDL support
✗ Only one PCIe 4.0 slot
MSI Z590-A PRO belongs to the budget but performance-oriented section of the MSI Z590 motherboards. It is currently the cheapest Z590 motherboard by MSI and still packs a solid punch, delivers above-average performance, and packs most of the latest features. It boasts a 16 stage VRM that supports the heavy loading required for most mid to high-end tasks.
It contains two PCIe ports (one v4.0 and the other v3.0) used in multi-GPU configuration in Crossfire mode. It has two variants; one includes the latest WIFI 6E, while both have 2.5G Intel Ethernet for reliable connectivity. It also has 6 SATA ports, so you never have to worry about storage connectivity. You can install the RAM up to 128GB with speed up to DDR4 5333MHz.
Overall, Z590-A Pro is a well-balanced motherboard with above-average overclocking performance. It delivers a smooth gaming experience with the 11th Gen Intel i7 11700K processor and ensures an efficient thermal profile. With all the features that it packs at such a meager price tag, this is beyond doubt the best motherboard for i7-11700k for budget consumers.
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero
Best Z490 Motherboard for i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z490 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 17 | Warranty: 3 year
REASONS TO BUY
✓ SLI and CrossFire X support
✓ SupremeFX onboard audio
✓ Multiple 4-pin PWM fan headers
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No SATA controllers
✗ No PCIe 4.0 support
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero belongs to the top performance motherboard of the ASUS ROG lineup. Maximus XII is last year’s flagship and has the X490 chipset, which supports the 10th Gen processors, but with a simple BIOS update, it will support the 11th gen Rocket Lake processors. Its performance is still top-notch with the 11th gen Processors and is the best motherboard for i7 11700k.
It packs a solid 14+2 stage power delivery module delivering 60A to each stage for the CPU and delivers a robust overclocking experience. Three suitably large heat sinks cover the VRM to cool them efficiently, and the three M.2 slots are covered in heat sinks for excellent thermal performance. The VRM heatsink also has a Power Cool II connector for an additional fan.
It is designed with all the ASUS premium features like AI cooling, AI overclocking, and Aura Sync for optimized cooling, excellent overclocking, and RGB customization. It boasts a 10-bit DAC that delivers output to a separate 2.0 stereo channel, 7.1 channel audio, and several audio streams for the front panel.
ASUS Prime Z490-A
Best Overall Motherboard for i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z490 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ AI overclocking plus AI cooling
✓ Quick and easy 5-way optimization
✓ Premium 12+2 DrMoss VRMs for robust overclocking
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No dual-band ethernet
✗ Below than average life span
ASUS Prime is an entry-level ASUS motherboard series, and ASUS Prime Z490-A is its best performing motherboard. It offers stable performance and all the essential features that we actually need and then some. Though it doesn’t have all the premium features, and it’s not as durable as ASUS top-of-the-line ROG or TUF motherboards, it’s pretty easy on the pocket and is an ideal budget i7-11700k motherboard for gaming.
Some of the premium features that make it to this board are AI overclocking and AI cooling. AI overclocking allows it to run the CPU at its optimum performance, while the AI cooling feature automatically cools various motherboard components efficiently and optimally via fan control. Its decisive 12+2 stage VRM is cooled by polished aluminum heatsinks for efficient cooling while overclocking.
This board is pretty self-sufficient in the storage department with two high-speed M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports. It also packs Realtek audio chip (ALC S1220A), which produces excellent 7.1 channel surround audio. It also has both USB 3.2 Gen2 and Gen1 ports for faster data transfer and multiple peripheral attachments. Overall, Z490-A is a solid mid-range performer providing the best value for money.
MSI MEG Z490 ACE
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z490 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16+1 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Multi GPU support
✓ 7W/mK heat pad and larger VRM heatsink
✓ supports high-bandwidth & low latency network
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No video ports
✗ Too simple design
MSI MEG Z490 ACE being part of the MSI MEG ACE series, is a top-of-the-line variant of MSI MEG motherboards. It delivers near to flagship performance and packs most of the premium features but at a reasonable price. This board is more suitable for high-end gaming builds and delivers an excellent gaming experience. With the addition of the latest 11th gen processors, it presents a notable performance gain than the predecessors and is the best motherboard for i7-11700k.
It boasts FROZR active cooling Heatsink coupled with Zero FROZR technology, which ensures excellent cooling even during intense loads or extreme overclocking. Data transfer is fast and reliable with the addition of a super-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and numerous USB Gen 2, Gen2, and 2.0 ports. Ultra-fast and reliable connectivity is made possible with dual 2.5G ethernet and WIFI 6 that delivers up to blazing-fast 2.4Gbps speeds.
The Z490 motherboard is as durable as it gets. It is made possible by a six-layer PCB design, Steel armored PCIe and RAM slots, and reinforced backplate on the motherboard. Its 16+1 stage VRM delivers consistent power to the CPU to deliver stable overclocking even during extreme overclocking sessions. Overall speaking, this motherboard has made it to the top of the pack due to its consistent high performance with top-end CPUs and is the best motherboard for i7 11700k.
GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7-11700K
SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: Intel Z590 | Socket: LGA 1200 | Form Factor: Mini ITX | Voltage Regulator: 10+1 | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 15 | Warranty: 3 Years
REASONS TO BUY
✓ 10-layers PCB design
✓ Support the latest PCIe 4.0
✓ Suitable for workstations and casual gaming
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No dual ethernet
✗ No multi GPU support
GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra belongs to the budget section of the AORUS family. It packs essential features and is more focused on average gamers and mainstream professionals. Since it’s a mini-ITX motherboard, its compact design allows it to be conveniently placed in smaller workspaces. Though small in size, it boasts an impressive 10+1 stage 90A VRM that delivers a steady supply to the CPU even under massive loads.
Its smaller form factor packs just two DDR4 slots, but each can utilize up to a 32GB module each, resulting in a total of 64Gb support. It supports the PCIe 4.0 Intel 11th gen processors and boasts a single PCIe 4.0 port. Both PCIe 4.0 and the RAM ports are armored for outstanding durability and strength.
Optimal Thermal performance of the motherboard is ensured by Advanced design heat sinks, heat pipes, and thermal guards. It ensures optimum CPU performance under heavy loads during intense gaming or professional work. The board guarantees top-of-the-line connectivity with 2.5G Ethernet and WIFI 6 and contains the latest USB gen 3.2 Type C ports for faster data transfers. Overall this board is suitable for avid gamers and professionals with the support for the latest 11 gen processors and is the most suitable i7-11700k motherboard.
Conclusion
Our journey for finding the best motherboard for i7-11700k ended here. If you still haven’t decided, we will oversimplify it for you into enthusiasts, professional/ high-end, and budget categories. The board with the ultimate performance and the best feature set is undoubtedly ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO. When integrated with the right GPU and the latest 11th gen CPUs, it delivers the most fantastic gaming experience and delivers the highest possible FPS for the fast-paced gaming sessions. It is the best motherboard for i7 11700k that money can buy.
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero wins the professional/hi-end category. It is the last year’s performance leader of ASUS. It still delivers impressive performance and packs all the premium features of the last year. What makes it so lucrative is its reduced price after the launch of the Maximus XIII, making it a bargain. It delivers impressive performance with Rocket Lake CPUs and is the perfect choice for the i7-11700k motherboard. The budget king is none other than GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra, compact but not in performance and features. It has all the essentials that one would need and the latest PCIe 4.0 support making it the best choice for casual gamers and workspaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboard should I get for i7-11700K?
You should pick a high-end motherboard with PCIe 4.0 support and robust VRM for optimum performance with the 11th gen CPUs. The most reliable and high-end i7-11700k motherboard would be Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER due to its superior overclocking performance and best overall feature set.
Which is the best motherboard for i7 processor?
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO is the best motherboard for i7 11700k due to its flagship-like performance, excellent overclocking experience with powerful VRMs, reliable connectivity with dual ethernet and WIFI 6, and fast data transfers with USB 3.4 Gen 2x2 port. Moreover, it promises a significant performance boost over the previous generation and produces optimum cooling performance.
Is the i7-11700K good for gaming?
i7 11700K is excellent for gaming. Its benchmarks reveal that the second-best processor Intel has produced, with performance just shy of the 11900K. It provides better value for money than its bigger brother. It delivers an optimum gaming experience when coupled with an equally powerful motherboard like Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER, a flagship in its class and the most fitting i7-11700k motherboard.
Is i7-11700K better than i7-10700K?
Although the 11700K has a slightly lower base and top speed than 10700K, i7 11700K is notably better than 10700K due to its higher IPC, resulting in better overall performance. During a game, it translates to higher FPS and a smoother experience. MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi best motherboard for i7 11700k for a better gaming experience and overall better performance.
Is i7 11700k compatible with Z590?
The MPG Z590 is also a decent gaming motherboard for the i7-11700k.. With its dual memory architecture and four DIMM slots, it can accommodate up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory overclocking is the only way to get the promised 5333MHz RAM speed.
Is Z490 compatible with 11700K?
Yes, the Intel Z490 chipset utilizes an LGA1200 Socket, which is the same as the one used by the Core i7 11700k.
