Finding the Best Motherboard For i7-11700k could be a challenging undertaking. Because there are so many different choices available on the market, it may be very simple to get lost at times. As a result of the fact that businesses are multiplying the effectiveness of their marketing methods, consumers are more likely to become confused and make poor choices. However, if you put in the effort to do any study, you won’t find yourself in that group.
This post serves as a comprehensive guide that will assist you in locating and purchasing the ideal motherboard for your 11700K. Before we get to the good part, if you are one of those folks who previously purchased the previous-generation i7-10700k and don’t want to skip out on the motherboard head over to our guide for motherboards that are compatible with the i7-10700K. While we wait, let’s talk a little bit about the central processing unit (CPU) we’re using, which is an i7-11700k.
Intel’s response to AMD’s flagship 5000 series processors was the debut of its 11th generation of central processing units (CPUs). They introduced the Rocket Lake central processing units with the goal of regaining their status as the finest processors for gaming. This redemption would not have been possible without the help of the i7-11700K. The 11900K is outclassed by this beast, which has 8 cores and 16 threads and offers a somewhat better value proposition.
Support for PCIe 4.0 has been added to the 11th Generation, which is simply the icing on the cake. To put things into perspective, the boost frequency on this processor can reach an astounding 5 GHz. It even manages to surpass Ryzen in certain areas, which is quite a lot considering how well it works with a single core. On the other hand, if the aforementioned specifications do not appeal to you and you are interested in the flagship 11900k or even the budget side of the latest generation of CPUs, then make sure to check out our motherboards for i9-11900k and best motherboards for i5-11400 guide to pair it with the most ultimate motherboard you can get in this era.
When you have access to a processor of this kind, it is very essential to complement it with a powerful motherboard that can keep up with its capabilities. We have developed a list of seven of the finest motherboards for i7-11700k so that you may gain a better understanding of the mechanics involved in the process of purchasing a motherboard. When making our decision, we took a number of essential aspects into account, including performance, cost, and individual preferences. Having said that, there is plenty in store for everyone, and you will most certainly find the motherboard of your dreams on this page.
1. Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Xtreme – ( Best Motherboard For i7-11700k)
ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5400MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 8x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A)
Gigabyte never ceases to wow us with their very inventive motherboards, particularly the Aorus range, which can be seen in practically all of our roundups, beginning with the motherboard for the i7-6700k and continuing all the way up to the motherboard for the i7-11700k. Their Z590 Aorus Xtreme is a genuinely premium motherboard that not only redefines the market but also elevates the capabilities of the CPU to an entirely new level.
The front of the Z590 Aorus Xtreme offers a design that is simple yet striking, and it is finished in a matte black colour. The Z590 Aorus Xtreme borrows heavily from its ancestor, the Z490 Aorus Xtreme, in terms of the design language that has been implemented on it. The notable aspects of the aesthetics include the heatsinks, the Q-code displays, and the 20+1 power stages (spoiler alert). At this price point, RGB lighting is nearly a necessity, and Gigabyte’s application of RGB is always tasteful. Gigabyte is a leading manufacturer of computer hardware. You can configure the RGB lighting that is displayed on the shroud, the chipset heatsink, and the sides of the board by using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion programme. This lighting can be seen on the board. Having said that, it cannot be denied that this board’s aesthetics exude an air of high-end sophistication, which is quite a compliment.
The Z590 Aorus Xtreme has Gigabyte’s most advanced voltage regulation module design, which is necessary given the high price point of the motherboard. This motherboard has a monstrous 20+1 VRM layout that features 100A DrMOS power stages placed on it. Because of this, it should not come as a surprise that one of the most powerful boards currently available for the Z590 platform is the Z590 Aorus Xtreme. The excellent VRM is coupled with a thermal design that deserves praise as well. In addition to having a NanoCarbon baseplate and an 8mm Direct-touch II Heatpipe, the Aorus Xtreme features a heatsink that has Fins-Array II technology. This is a premier heatsink system that assures optimal heat dissipation and minimal temperatures, and it has been designed to accomplish these things. Because you have such high-quality components, you may push your 11700K’s clock speed to its absolute limit without the Aorus Xtreme showing any signs of instability.
The Z590 Aorus Xtreme has four dual-channel DIMM slots that allow for a maximum of 128GB of DDR4 RAM to be overclocked to a speed of 5400MHz. You will receive a triple M.2 setup that is equipped with specialised heatsinks and supports PCIe 4.0 x4, PCIe 3.0 x4, and PCIe 3.0 x4 transfer speeds. As a result of the motherboard having six SATA3 6GB/s connections, there is a large pool of storage alternatives from which to choose. In terms of the expansion slots, there is one long PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, another PCIe 4.0 x16 slot that supports x8 speed, and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot that supports x4 speed. All of these slots are supported by x8 speed. Your playing cards are safeguarded from damage caused by bending thanks to the full-length slots that are lined with steel.
Additionally, Gigabyte has added a high-end feel to the I/O panel. They have incorporated one HDMI and one Displayport in addition to two Thunderbolt 4.0 connections, eight super-fast USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and one lightning-fast USB port. There are two LAN ports available, one of which is capable of a staggering 10GbE transfer speed. Regarding the audio, Realtek’s flagship ALC1220-VB codec is responsible for powering the five gold-plated audio connectors and the optical SPDIF that are included in this product. The fact that there is a clear CMOS button as well as a Q-Flash+ button makes the process of setting everything up a lot simpler.
In conclusion, the Z590 Aorus Xtreme that was produced by Gigabyte is undeniably a very serious motherboard. Because of its excellent power supply and good thermals, this motherboard is the best option overall for the i7-11700K processor. The extraordinarily expensive price tag that is attached to this motherboard is the only detriment that it carries.
- Premium Aesthetics
- Superb VRMs
- Two Thunderbolt 4.0 Ports
- 10GbE LAN Port
- Extremely Pricey
2. Asus ROG XIII Maximus Apex – ( Best Motherboard For i7-11700k)
ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5600MHz | Storage: 4x M.2, 8x SATA | Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 6x USB 3.2 Gen1
If you are looking for a motherboard that is at the top of its game when it comes to overclocking, then the Asus ROG Maximus XIII Apex might be the best choice for you. It is available at a price point that is less than that of the Aorus Xtreme, and there is certainly not much of a trade-off for purchasing this product.
The PCB of the Apex, like the PCBs of all of the other motherboards on this list, is entirely black. There are three black heatsinks located all around the CPU socket, and they are connected to one another by a heatpipe in the shape of a U. A bright silver metallic finishing can be found on the rear I/O cover, and the letters ‘ROG’ are engraved into the surface. The grooves on the I/O cover and the grooves on the left heatsink are designed to work together in a coordinated fashion. The motherboard has a lovely appearance thanks to the grooves, which also include integrated RGB lighting. Overall, heatsinks cover the majority of the exposed surface area of the motherboard. In point of fact, it would appear that rather than mounting heatsinks on top of the PCB, Asus has used heatsinks as the basis and then attached the PCB to it.
Moving on to the power circuits, it is a 20-phase VRM with 90A MOSFETs organised in an 18+2 configuration. This design was chosen since it maximises efficiency. It provides enough power that the 11700k can be pushed to its limits without encountering any difficulties. The best possible performance can only be achieved when the power delivery is combined with excellent cooling of the component. The substantial heatsinks are connected, as well, to the rear I/O cover, which results in an increase in the total surface area available for the removal of heat. In addition to this, thermal pads have been attached to the U-shaped heatpipe that is located underneath the heatsinks. Because two of the four M.2 slots feature additional backplates in addition to the heatsink, it is safe to put M.2 solid-state drives in those slots without the risk of experiencing thermal throttling. Even with the most aggressive overclocking settings, you shouldn’t have any problems with the way power is delivered and how well the component handles thermals.
The standard configuration of four DIMM slots may be found on this E-ATX motherboard. On the other hand, there is just a 64GB capacity available at 5333MHz this time around. It ought to be sufficient for the vast majority of customers, but even so, a number of 128GB is anticipated from a motherboard in this league. Additionally, we have another quadruple configuration, this time for the M.2 slots, which are located on the motherboard. PCI Express 4.0 x4 is supported by two of the M.2 slots, which are fueled by the central processing unit. It should come as no surprise that a processor from the 11th generation is necessary in order to take advantage of PCIe 4.0 functionality. The storage division also benefits from the inclusion of eight SATAIII ports. Moving on to the expansion slots, there are two full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slots available on this motherboard.
The I/O panel and Asus have enjoyed working together since the beginning of time. This time around, too, it has ten USB ports, with five of them being USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one of them being USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, and the remaining four being USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. In terms of connectivity, it is equipped with both a LAN connector and a Wi-Fi module at the same time. In addition to that, the panel incorporates a clean CMOS, a BIOS flashback button, a PS/2 port, and an optical S/PDIF out port. The most recent flagship, the ROG SupremeFX ALC4080 codec, is entirely responsible for the incredibly detailed audio.
To summarise everything, the Asus ROG Maximus XIII Apex is a mother board that is loaded with features and excels mostly in the area of overclocking. It is the finest overclocking motherboard for the i7-11700k because of its robust voltage regulator modules (VRMs) and amazing thermal performance.
- Excellent Thermal Design
- Extremely Robust Power Delivery
- Four M.2 Slots
- 10G Super LAN Port
- Only 64GB RAM Support
3. MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi – ( Best Motherboard For i7-11700k)
ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5333MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (Type-C), 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
The MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi is yet another motherboard that is built on the Z590 chipset, and it has earned the third slot on our list of the i7-11700k motherboards. To say the least, this motherboard comes with an outstanding feature set despite its reasonable pricing.
According to MSI, this motherboard has a six-layer printed circuit board (PCB) that is entirely black and is made of server-grade material. In terms of its aesthetics, this motherboard is quite impressive. In addition to that, it has a carbon-fiber design going on, which can be observed particularly on the chipset heatsink and the I/O cover. Both of these components are visible from a distance. The two heatsinks of the largest size are completely black and have a design that is plated. M.2 heatsinks also have grey accents on them, and there is a label on the primary slot that reads “Enable M.2 1 with 11th Generation Intel Core Processors (i5 and higher)”. Considering that the primary slot is a gen4 slot, the only way to enable it is to instal a processor from the 11th generation, but if you already have an i7-11700k, then you are good to go.
The Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi features an advanced 16+1+1 VRM design that is equipped with power stages that are rated at 75A each. In order to keep their stability and extend their lifespan, power phases require effective cooling. Because of this, MSI has incorporated two large heatsinks that are connected by a heat pipe in order to improve the amount of heat that can be removed. Increasing the airflow is another benefit of having a plated VRM heatsink design. Additionally, MSI asserts that the enlarged chipset heatsink enhances thermal performance and offers superior cooling, both of which are supported by their claims. To draw a conclusion from this, it is reasonable to assert that the Gaming Carbon Wifi is more than capable of supporting an overclocked i7-11700k. Despite this, the moniker “Gaming Carbon Wifi” suggests that the overclocking capabilities of this motherboard are not its strong suit. As the best gaming motherboard for the i7-11700k, we recommend going with the MPG Z590.
It has four DIMM slots and a dual memory architecture, giving it the capacity to hold 128 GB of RAM in total. Memory overclocking allows for speeds up to 5333MHz, which is the maximum speed that manufacturers advertise for RAM. In terms of the extension slots, there is a total of three PCIe x16 slots and two PCIe x1 slots, but the only slot that supports PCIe 4.0 is the primary slot. Additionally, you have access to one PCI Express 4.0 x4 slot as well as two PCI Express 3.0 x4 slots, both of which are used for M.2 solid-state drives. Be sure to have a look at our guide to the top PCIe Gen4 solid-state drives if you have plans to purchase a Gen4 SSD in the near future. In addition to that, there are six SATA ports included in this device.
Moving on to the back panel, it has an I/O shield that has already been pre-installed in it. It has six USB 3.2 ports, one of which is a Gen2x2 Type-C port. Additionally, it has three Gen2 Type-A ports, two Gen1 ports, and two Gen1 ports. In addition, there are four USB 2.0 connections accessible, bringing the total number of USB ports available to 10. This should be sufficient for the majority of users. On the subject of networking, there is one Intel 2.5G LAN port available in addition to the most recent version of Wi-Fi technology. There is also a button for BIOS Flashback included, which will make the installation process much simpler. In addition to that, it has five audio ports that are driven by the Realtek ALC4080 codec, which is the standard for the highest-quality Z590 motherboards and comes equipped with this one.
Overall, the MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi is an excellent choice for gamers who are looking for a product that strikes a good balance between price and performance. In our opinion, the i7-11700k performs best with this particular gaming motherboard. It is possible to say that it is a direct competitor to the Asus TUF Z590-Gaming Plus Wifi, which is also included in our overview of the gaming motherboards. Asus is a well-known computer hardware manufacturer.
- Reliable VRM
- 10 USB Ports
- 5333MHz Memory Speeds
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- Only Primary Slot Supports PCIe 4.0
4. ASRock Z590 Taichi – ( Best Motherboard For i7-11700k)
ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5000+MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 8x SATA | Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 4x USB 3.2 Gen1
The Z590 Taichi is another another noteworthy motherboard that made its it onto our list of the best motherboards for the i7-11700k and came all the way from the Taiwanese company ASRock. All of you RGB fans and lovers of quirky design are the intended users for this motherboard, which boasts a magnificent appearance. In addition to that, it comes with a comprehensive collection of features as well as a hefty price tag.
Motherboards from the Taichi series almost always have the industry’s most cutting-edge design languages integrated into their bodies. Due to the fact that it is a flagship Tachi motherboard, the Z590 Tachi is, without a doubt, the most capable of the bunch. On a PCB that is completely black, it has heatsinks designed in the style of carbon fibre. The revolving gears on the I/O cover are a highly distinctive design aspect, but they are undoubtedly the most eye-catching feature of this motherboard. In addition, there is a generous helping of RGB lighting; you can locate it on the chipset heatsink, close to the I/O cover, and on the right side of the board. The illumination can be adjusted according to your preferences with the use of the Polychrome software; kudos to ASRock for an impressive presentation of RGB.
The Taichi has a robust 14-phase voltage regulator module design with 90A smart power stages concealed beneath its hood. The use of a 12-phase design for the central processing unit (CPU) assures reliable power delivery and offers substantial headroom for overclocking. For effective removal of heat, the heatsinks for the VRM are connected to one another through a heatpipe. In addition to this, the manufacturer supplies you with a little fan that can be attached to the heatsink in order to keep your central processing unit (CPU) cool.
The Z590 Taichi has a dual-memory architecture that comes in the form of four DIMM slots and can run at speeds of over 5000 megahertz. Its capacity is 128 gigabytes. ASRock has gone all out with the features that are included on this motherboard. There are three M.2 slots, of which only one supports PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, while the other two are limited to PCIe 3.0 x4. Additionally, there are eight SATA3 6GB/s connections. In addition to this, you will find three lengthy PCI Express 4.0 x16 slots that are protected by steel armour to accommodate any and all of your graphics needs. In addition to that, there is a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot that is powered by the extremely competent Z590 chipset.
The plentiful features that have become a pattern on ASRock motherboards have also been carried over to the back I/O panel. There are a total of eight USB ports, two of which are lightning-fast Thunderbolt 4.0 Type-C connections. Following this, we now have two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports in addition to four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. Nevertheless, the Killer 2.5GbE Ethernet and WiFi 6E networking are the things that really steal the show here. In addition to having the ability to support HDMI output, the clear CMOS and BIOS flashback buttons are offered. The audio stack, which has a total of five audio jacks in addition to an SPDIF out connector, can also be found in the centre of the back I/O panel. However, the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is a flagship from the previous generation, has been installed rather than the more modern Realtek ALC4080.
In conclusion, a beautiful appearance is the finishing touch that should be added to a motherboard that has excellent performance. Because of its one-of-a-kind design, the Z590 Taichi successfully fulfils this function, and it confidently asserts its position as the most aesthetically pleasing motherboard available for the i7-11700K.
- Attractive Design
- Two Thunderbolt USB Ports
- Miniature Fan Included In The Box
- PCIe 4.0 Support
- Last-gen Audio Codec
5. MSI Z590-A Pro – ( Best Motherboard For i7-11700k)
ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5333MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-C), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
Have you used up all of your money on the central processing unit and the graphics processing unit, and now you don’t have enough for a high-end motherboard? You have nothing to worry about because the MSI Z590-A Pro has your back. MSI’s entry-level motherboard is one of the most reasonably priced options available for the Z590 chipset, and it offers a sampling of all of the capabilities that can be found on premium motherboards.
The printed circuit board (PCB) of the MSI Z590-A Pro motherboard has an eye-catching black-and-white theme. Because the heatsinks aren’t all that large and the rest of the components only occupy a small area of the board, the board itself has a very minimalistic appearance. This is due to the fact that the heatsinks aren’t all that massive. The heat sinks have a matte black surface with some silver accents, and you can purchase both of these finishes. Additionally, the branding for the PRO Series can be seen on the heatsink for the chipset. It should not come as a surprise that there are no RGB components whatsoever as this is a budget motherboard. If, on the other hand, RGB is your thing, you can always attach RGB and aRGB components to your construction in order to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
The Z590-A Pro is driven by a 15-phase VRM that is configured to deliver power in a 12+2+1 fashion. The voltage regulator module (VRM) has MSI’s exclusive Core Boost technology, which is designed to deliver consistent and unbroken power to the central processing unit (CPU). MSI has also done an excellent job in the thermal department of their products. Everything is kept at a comfortable temperature by utilising a 7W/mK thermal pad in conjunction with an extended PWM heatsink. The M.2 slots already have Frozr heatsinks installed on them, which is a feature that can be found on virtually all MSI motherboards. As long as you keep the settings on your 11700K at their default level, the power supply meets one’s expectations despite the price point. As soon as you break through a particular overclocking threshold, you run the risk of triggering a thermal trip fault.
The Z590-A Pro features a quad-DIMM housing that has the capacity to carry 128 gigabytes of RAM operating at 5333 megahertz (OC). You are provided with two lengthy PCI Express x16 slots for your graphics card, but only one of these slots supports the most recent generation of technology. In addition, the Z590 chipset supplies power to the two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots that are included on the motherboard. In addition, there is a very large selection of storage solutions available, including one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, two PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots, and six SATA 6GB/s connections. It goes without saying that considering all of these capabilities, the Z590-A Pro offers an exceptional value in comparison to its price.
Another favourable aspect is that the rear I/O panel has not been affected to a significant degree. There are four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen1 connectors, and one Type-C port. Additionally, there is one USB 3.2 Gen2 port. In addition, an HDMI connector and a Displayport are included for use with the onboard graphics connectivity. You get an extremely quick 2.5G LAN, but there is no Wi-Fi module included in the package. You will need to shell out a little bit extra money and acquire a PCIe WiFi Card in order to make use of Wi-Fi. There is no PS/2 combo port available for your devices and other peripherals. The typical audio stack is included, which consists of five analogue audio connections and a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is not very good.
It is very difficult to exclude the MSI Z590-A Pro as a potential option for a motherboard when working within a limited budget. This board is very easily in contention for the title of best low-cost motherboard for an i7-11700k due to the exceptional value that it provides for the money.
- 15-Phase VRM Design
- Shielded Memory Routing
- 5333MHz Memory Overclocking Support
- Excellent Value For Money
- No Built-in Wi-Fi
- Subpar Audio Codec
Purchasing Advice for an I7-11700k Motherboard
This list was not compiled based only on performance statistics or by selecting people at random. Before deciding on our top seven choices, we conducted in-depth research and analysis on a number of different aspects. In a similar manner, you ought to base your choice on these considerations as well. There is no element of chance involved, therefore it is important to do some background reading and become familiar with different types of motherboards, as we have discussed previously. Compatibility of Different Chipsets
The chipset on a motherboard is the component that is considered to be of the utmost significance. Both Intel and AMD provide their own lines of chipsets and sockets for motherboards, and these products are not compatible with one another. It is important to keep in mind that we are searching just for an LGA1200 socket when it comes to the i7 11700K. The LGA1200 is present on all Z590, Z490, and B560 chipsets, and they are fully compatible with the 11700K processor. Because it supports full-fledged PCI Express 4.0 and is packed with a tonne of other capabilities, the flagship Z590 comes highly recommended by us. The only circumstance in which a Z490 would appear to be the superior option is if you currently own one and want to upgrade to a 10th-generation system because it is compatible with both generations. Because of the B560’s apparent inability to deal with processors like the 11700K that require a lot of power, we do not advocate purchasing this product.
Factor for buying – Best Motherboard For i7-11700k
During the buying process, one of the most important decisions to make is which form factor to go with. There are four primary form factors available for desktop motherboards. The ATX form factor is the largest and by far the most prevalent, followed by the micro-ATX and the mini-ITX form factors. You should also keep in mind that a more compact form factor will result in a more limited selection of functions. The option that you choose with is wholly determined by both the kind of casing you already have and your own personal preference. Since the 11700k chip has a 95W thermal design power, it is recommended that you look into some of the cases with improved airflow.
Budget – Best Motherboard For i7-11700k
The budget is one of the factors that may be considered the most dominating in any type of commercial transaction. During the process of narrowing down your options, you should focus exclusively on mother boards that are at or near the top of their price range. In our opinion, the value of a board is a far better indicator of its overall quality than its performance. It is very reasonable for the majority of us to allot a smaller portion of our budget to the motherboard. The objective is to purchase something that offers the most value for the least amount of money spent.