Motherboards for i7 8700k: Top 5 2023-24 Expert Picks (Best Pricing)

While building a PC, picking up the right motherboard for your PC is the most crucial decision you will have to make. Not only the right pick will allow you to provide your processor with the necessary power that it requires but also with the best overclocking capability. Overclocking capability of a motherboard allows you to unlock the full potential of your processor and make the most out of it. Today, in this article we will be telling you about the 5 Best Motherboard for i7 8700k and explain the important details related to them.

Best Motherboard for i7 8700k | At a Glance

S NO.	Title	Motherboard
1.	Editor’s Choice	Asus ROG Strix Z390
2.	Runner Up	Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra
3.	Honorable Mention	ASUS TUF Z390 Plus Gaming Motherboard
4.	Great Value	ASUS Prime Z390 P ATX Motherboard
5.	Great Beginner Option	MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel Motherboard

A Brief About the Intel Core i7-8700K

Known as one of the best performing Intel processors, the Intel Core i7-8700K is generally used as a part of Intel’s 8th generation of processors. The core processing units of Intel are very popular and there is no doubt about it.

Most gamers prefer using Intel processors in their setups as these processors are known for superb performance and remarkable reliability. Intel’s 8th generation of processors also known as Coffee Lake has a reputation for offering speed and versatility.

The Intel Core i7-8700K utilizes 6-core and 12-threads along with a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz. With the right motherboard, you can boost this clock speed to a humongous 4.7GHz, which this processor allows.

Now since you know how powerful this Intel processor is, you must consider matching it with the right and the best motherboard. The only thing that lies between you and a perfect gaming PC setup is the vast pool of motherboards to choose from for your powerful Intel CPU.

Well, it’s quite evident and you also know that every product out there is not apt for your purpose and also, most are not reliable. 

Looking at the above-mentioned facts, in this article, you will also be getting to know about the important factor that you must look for before buying a motherboard for your processor.

Best Motherboard for i7 8700k | In-depth analysis

As mentioned earlier it is important to understand Parts, ports, and slots along with the crucial functions that they perform, before buying a motherboard.

Having said that, it is self-explanatory that if you don’t understand how things work, you will not be able to, set your usage preference and pick the right motherboard for your gaming setup.

So, to get the best motherboard for i7 8700k you must read the below described in-depth explanation. The in-depth analysis will then help you decide which one of these fits best to your gaming PC needs and demands. 

1. ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E | Best Motherboard – i7 8700K

BRAND: ASUS | VERSION: ROG STRIX Z390-E | PRICE: 💰💰💰💰

Undoubtedly a Z3960 Chipset-based motherboard had to be the top pick for us. With the technology that this chipset offers, there is no match. On top of it when the production of a Z390 has been done by one of the most loved and reliable makers, it has to be the best.

Since ASUS is considered to be one of the best motherboards on the market, the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E is the ultimate pick for your Intel coffee lake processor.

This motherboard is specifically designed to handle the 8th generation processor from Intel. Moreover, the best part is that the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E is a master at its job.

We will tell you why it is not only the best motherboard for Intel’s high-end processor but also the best ASUS motherboard for i7 8700k.

Top Features

By the first look, you can easily tell that the board has an amazing precision and delivers powerful output in every aspect you expect.

The Asus ROG Strix Z390-E features a 5-way optimization and this optimization is an overclocking module to extract the most out of your Intel CPU.

One of the striking advancements that you will note in this motherboard when compared to its old counterparts is an upgraded back-end.  This enables it to utilize smart prediction and thermal telemetry while overclocking your intel i7 8700K processor.  

Now this implies that you don’t have to invest your brain in manual tuning. This gives you a hassle-free user experience. With this advanced backend now you can switch between gaming and heavy software usage at any point. It will automatically allocate the GPU vs CPU requirement. 

Now, we all are well aware when you are running such a heavy processor, heating is a persistent thing and if not countered with the proper equipment can cause a severe issue.

This ASUS motherboard to ensure optimal performance and reliable outputs come with multiple cooling options including top-industry features like a water pump header, DC fan headers, and even a MOS fan bracket. 

Now, this setup is something that allows you Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard to push the Intel i7 8700K to its absolute overclocking limits without overheating woes.

Additionally, the board features dual op-amps on the front panel. This feature allows you to have the next level of immersive gaming experience.

Coming to the looks and aesthetics, this Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard tops the charts here too. The board has drooling aesthetics and RGB that will certainly lure you.  This ASUS motherboard comes complete with an integrated lighting full RGB lighting control.

In addition to this, you will find LED strips running along the exterior of the mainboard. This setup gives the motherboard an appealing look.

2. Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra | Runner Up

BRAND: GIGABYTE | VERSION: Z390 Aorus Ultra | PRICE: 💰💰💰

So, many top levels of gamers want to do justice to their gaming rig without breaking the bank. Savings are always important and we respect all those savings for the future after hard work. But we also understand that for hardcore gamers, gaming is like worship and hence you need a good temple.

Since you are a gamer who wants to have a good powerful and technologically updated gaming setup, without having to invest much we have got the right motherboard that can give you all that is needed at just the right price point.

The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro Gaming Motherboard is exactly that which gives you the aforementioned values. Here, we have explained it all for you.

The Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra is the motherboard that we are talking about. Yes, it is the right pick if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable gaming motherboard.

This motherboard is designed to cater to both the 8th and 9th generation processors from Intel. This board from Gigabyte is highly recommended as it is highly flexible in terms of optimization.

Well! You might be surprised to know that as a user of this motherboard you get an option to upgrade your Intel i7-8700K processor to one of Intel’s 9th generation series if desired. Now, this versatility is something that makes this a very apt pick for the intel i7 8700k processor.

Top Features

The motherboard features a Z390 chipset so you don’t have to worry about the features. Also, since this mainboard is made by GIGABYTE, durability should not be an issue either. It is known to deliver a good quality product.

The experts suggest that this  Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra Gaming motherboard features a durable design. Also, this durable design of the mainboard allows it to withstand a few bumps and knocks alongside massive workloads.

Moreover, trust us the cooling of this board is so efficient that despite substantial usage you will hardly notice any overheating issues. This Z390 chipset-based motherboard consists of a stainless steel exterior.

Also, extra-strong PCIe connectors are quite able to effectively protect and support large or bulky graphics cards without any squeak and squeal.

Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra also has AORUS 360 Armor that comes with an integrated Input/Output (I/O) shield and memory armor.

Now, this is something that gives you peace of mind that you don’t have to handle the mainboard with delicacy at all the time while building your PC.

Additionally, it ensures protection from any external physical damage to the mainboard.

Now since we have already assured you that this board is highly capable of handling even the most demanding workload, here is a little more. The board has an M.2 thermal guard that helps you to prevent throttling from high speeds.

Moreover, the multi-cut heatsinks are highly efficient and work to effectively dissipate heat. All in all this motherboard is a great value for anyone looking to buy a motherboard for i7 8700K. You can get Best white motherboard.

3. ASUS TUF Z390-PLUS GAMING | Honourable Mention 

BRAND: ASUS | VERSION: TUF Z390-PLUS GAMING | PRICE: 💰💰💰

Next in our line-up of the best motherboard i7 8700K, we have another remarkable mainboard from ASUS. Not every motherboard gets to feature at the top, but at the same time, they deserve to be at the top.

The ASUS TUF Z390-PLUS GAMING Motherboard has the same story. This board is one of the most ideal motherboards to be used with an Intel i7 8700K processor.

The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming ensures an enhanced and speedy functioning of your intel 8700K. Let’s know a little more about its features and functionalities.

Developed using almost military-grade components, the ASUS Tuf Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard is certainly something that keeps your mainboard operating with a stable power supply.

This motherboard from ASUS has newly designed TUF capacitors and these capacitors offer a 20% increase in temperature tolerance. Additionally, these capacitors also increase the lifespan of the mainboard to as much as 5X times compared to the mainboard without them.

Top Features

The TUF LANguard technology helps protect the motherboard from a sudden power surge, static electricity, or lightning strike. It is able to do so by utilizing advanced signal-coupling technology.

Moreover, you will also notice that this Z390 motherboard of ASUS has SafeSlot protection. This SafeSlot protection keeps your Graphics Card safe and protected with the help of fortifying metal.  

If this was not all, the board additionally comes embedded with the Fan Xpert 4 software. This software allows you to control the speed of the motherboard Fans.

Now with a feature like a thing you can easily utilize multiple sensors to control the motherboard fans and ensure that the whole system remains cool.

This board is a complete value-to-money pick for your i7 8700k processor. Since it has been built under the TUF gaming alliance of ASUS and other PC manufacturers, you get a vast connectivity option.

So, if you go for the  ASUS TUF Z390-PLUS GAMING Motherboard compatibility certainly will not be an issue.

4. ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX | Great Value

BRAND: ASUS | VERSION: Prime Z390-P ATX | PRICE: 💰💰💰

This one from ASUS that we have picked as a fit for the best motherboard for the i7 8700k list. The ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX from what we believe is a great value pick for your intel i7 8700k.

The mainboard we are talking about here offers compatibility with both the 8th and 9th generation Intel processors.

The features that are noteworthy in this motherboard and include four PCI Express ports, up to 32Gbps of data-processing power, and multiple additional ports including a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A for optimum flexibility.

With all these basic features and a great VRM, this board is an optimal pick for your Intel i7 8700k processor.  

Additionally, other than these basic Z390 attributes, the board also features audio components that have been designed to elevate your audio experience while gaming.

To be true, from the look, feel and design, one can say that this motherboard has been specifically developed with a focus on gaming.

Coming to the cooling capacity and technology of this motherboard, it won’t surprise you if we tell you that it is highly efficient at preventing overheating. Produced by ASUS, this board uses Fan Xpert 4 hardware design, factors that are enough to earn your trust.

However, you can be assured that this motherboard will remain cool no matter how much workload it has to handle even at the highest clock speed it can afford. 

Top Features

This motherboard also utilizes built-in OptiMem II Technology. A tech that enables the motherboard to transfer the information across the various layers smoothly.

However, when we talk about overclocking, you should understand that the whole design of Intel’s Z390 chipset is focused on overclocking.

Additionally, this chipset design also allows the motherboard manufacturers like ASUS to simplify the overclocking software which makes the tuning for overclocking much easier. 

This technology also enhances and makes the motherboard much more suitable for overclocking. We say this because the addition of T-Topology allows time-aligned signaling that provides more headroom for the power-hungry overclocking of the CPU.

Now, why we preferred ASUS over other boards for this position in our list is the capability of the barn to provide tech that is out of the box. With this ASUS motherboard, you get an all-new memory trace layout.

This enables your motherboard to have consistent stability for DIMMS and RGB-infused memory allowing you great flexibility over the kind of DRAM you want to use.

We Believe you are a Gaming Enthusiast, You Might like Best Budget Gaming Headsets

5. MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel | Great Beginner Option

BRAND: MSI | VERSION: B360 GAMING PLUS INTEL | PRICE: 💰💰💰

If you are a beginner at building and are looking to buy something that doesn’t require much attention for installation and management, then this one’s for you.

The MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel is the best motherboard for i7 8700k for novice gaming PC builders. This is because it offers the most user convenience. This is what we dug after all our research. 

Top Features

This motherboard from MSI is suitable for 8th and 9th generation processors of intel, which in turn makes it a great versatile pick for beginners.

The B360 chipset is among one of the simplest chipsets by Intel and it’s very easy to install and use.  Additionally, this chipset comes with a promise of an upgraded gaming experience to boot.

Additionally, this MSI B360 motherboard uses DDR4 memory and can support up to 2666 MHz.

The Mystic Light will allow you to choose between over 16.8 million colors. Also, you can control 10 different effects through the Mystic Light App. You can also access it through your mobile phone.

Other than all this, the MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel comes with Turbo M.2 ensuring a fast gaming experience.

Moreover, the integrated Intel Optane Memory ensures that the B360 is effectively multi-task and processes instructions with efficiency and speed without any issue. 

Things that are Important to Consider for Buying Best Motherboard for i7 8700k

When you are building a PC for gaming, you encounter a lot of issues and many questions pop up in your mind.

One such question is very crucial and important, “ What are the important things to look for before buying a motherboard?” Well! Who other than our tech experts will tell you better. The things that you must look for in a motherboard before buying are:

1. Budget Allocation Vs Overall Budget

Though this is a self-explanatory thing, still it is our duty to put out this point here so that you don’t end up mismanaging your budget allocation. It is important to understand the value of a good motherboard when you are building a gaming PC.

The motherboard of a PC is like a house maker. It has a part in every function that is taking place on your computer. So, you need to have a good motherboard for your gaming PC’s smooth and worry-free functioning.

Also, it is suggested that you can invest an extra 50-70 bucks on the motherboard and cut costs on the peripherals. 

Ensure that your motherboard is the one that is making the most out of all the components that are embedded or attached to it. So, a big chunk of your overall Gaming PC budget should go to the motherboard after you have bought the Intel i7 8700k processor.

2. Form Factor

Before buying a motherboard you must always consider the size of the motherboard an important factor. The motherboard has to be of the right size according to the cabinet that you picked.

And this is where you go on to check the form factor of the motherboard. It is the form factor that decides the whole connection, compatibility, and aesthetics of your gaming PC setup.  If you picked the wrong form factor things will be more messed up for you.

Basically, there are three different types of motherboards. 

Advanced Extended Technology (ATX) is the most commonly used form factor. It is considered standard size and preferred in most builds.

The other two that are the Micro-ATX and the Mini-ITX are smaller versions of motherboards and are used in a compact build.

They are preferred by those who want a compact and small CPU. In the smaller ones, you will find that some slots and ports are less, but you will be able to leverage most of the latest technology.  

3. PCI Slots and Chipset

The chipset works like a gateway between the different components of your CPU. Moreover, it can be considered as the medium that allows interaction between the components that are connected to the motherboard.

Since without this medium you will be unable to link different components that constitute together to make a working PC, it is considered the most important part of a CPU.

About PCIe Slots, it is the technology that allows your core processing unit/processor to interact with the motherboard. Also, it assists in the smooth exchange of the required information.

So the Chipset allows from the motherboard to the core processing unit while the PCIe slots are the tech that helps in connecting various components to the motherboard to exchange information. And this includes the processor as well. 

When you start looking at the PCIe interface-related information then you get to know that the latest version is the PCIe 4.0. Additionally, you will also get to know that the PCIe 3.0 is widely used in medium budget builds.

However, since version 4.0 is the latest version of the PCIe interfaces, it is more foolproof than the previous 3.0 of this interface.

4. Socket for your Processor

Since we are talking about the motherboard that is the best fit for the intel i7-8700K, we need to be sure that this board has the right port for this processor. It is recommended to check the Socket that the motherboard supports for your processor.

Different manufacturers use different socket types for their processors. So, if you are buying an Intel CPU, then you will have to make sure that your motherboard has a socket compatible with your processor.

So make sure that your board is the one with a form of LGA socket. This type of socket is generally utilized by Intel processors.

There are different types of sockets for different processors. It is important to remember that the processor you are using is compatible with the Socket that is specifically designed for their type.

(Do not buy a motherboard with an AM4 socket)   

5. Sufficient Memory / RAM Slots

The higher the number of RAM slots in your board the better and more smooth you can make your system function. In general, the latest gaming PC builds require a high amount of ram for smooth functioning.

Thus the motherboards ensure that they give enough slots to support the highest quantity of RAM. RAM is attached to the motherboard using a specific type of slot called a DIMM. 

To ensure smooth functioning, you need a motherboard that supports at least DDR3 memory. However, if your motherboard supports DDR4 RAM then it is the best choice for your gaming PC setup.

A minimum of 16 GB RAM should be installed on your Gaming PC. A mid-range PC should have 32 GB.

6. Top SATA and NVMe Ports for a Fast Storage Data Transfer

External drives can be connected to the PC Build using these ports. So, If you intend to attach SSDs to your gaming PC build, you will need these ports.

These ports are of two types and are essential for almost all motherboards. These are the SATA and NVMe. It’s worth noting that NVMe ports are also known as m.2 sockets.

7. Features

We hope that after reading the above-mentioned features, you must have understood that the above-mentioned factors are crucial and important.

Additionally, there are also many other feature-based factors to take into consideration before choosing a motherboard for your Intel i7 8700k processor.

The features that are related to your overall experience from the PC build also have equal importance. Additionally, these features are things that can help you save money in the long run.

However, when we are building a PC around a motherboard designed for the Intel Coffee Lake series, you must not expect much longevity out of it.

This is because the technology is growing at a pace that you never know what’s next in the market and how it would change your user experience.

Nonetheless, top-end PCs often use heavy-duty tech, which may be able to withstand such innovations for a considerable period of time.

Conclusion

Getting a motherboard for i7 8700K needs you to come prepared with proper research. Also be aware of what are the top and best computer hardware technology available in the market. We hope that through this article we were able to provide you with relevant and useful information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. Is the i7 8700k Good for Gaming?

Intel’s recent mainstream flagship Core i7 PC is fantastic in every way. It’s ideal for gamers looking for the most powerful solution. There’s nothing more unique than the i7 8700k. If we compare it to the R7 1700, the 8700k is the best choice if we look at its cost. However, both of them overclock up to maximum. Intel Core i7 8700k processor is compatible with many motherboards from top brands and provides high-performance performance.

Q2. What Chipset is the i7 8700k?

It’s the product of the famous brand Intel which literally has no comparisons with other brands. The desktop processor i7 core 8700k has a 3.7Ghz processor speed. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. 

The highest turbo frequency of this processor can reach 4.7GHz and it boasts an impressive 12 MB cache. This chip is mostly suitable for the 300 series and comes completely unlocked. The products listed here are the best motherboards for the i7 8700k processor.

Q3. Which is the Best Motherboard for the i7 8700K Processor?

All the above-mentioned motherboards are the best and most compatible with i7 8700K. All belong to well-known manufacturers that have huge reputations in the market. 

Each motherboard comes with different specifications and features to meet the demands of the buyer. It is up to the buyers which motherboard they’ll pick based on their preferences.

Q4. Is i7 8700k Compatible with Z390?

Yes, the i7 8700k is completely compatible with Z390 motherboards and you’ll have no issues using an 8700k. All the motherboards mentioned in our review work flawlessly with the 8700k i7 processor. They all are equipped with the latest techniques to serve their customers and enthusiastic gamers.