The Intel i7 8700K is also known as Coffee Lake. The 8th generation of processor is highly versatile and capable. It is perfect for just about every high-end system. The i7 8700K exceeds everyone’s expectations. It is an improvement from its predecessors. Boasting a 3.75 GHz boost clock and a blistering base, the i7 8700K has a lot to offer. This 6-core power-hungry processor requires a powerful motherboard. Intel does not recommend the use of Z270 motherboards.
Many of the Z270 motherboards have been over-engineered to provide higher power delivery. It is best to choose a Z370 motherboard. If you want to build a system for the i7 8700K, you have to pair it with the right components to unleash the full power of the processor.
This post looks at the best motherboards for i7 8700k. Whether you are looking for the top i7 8700k motherboard or a budget option, you can expect to find the perfect motherboard here. Only after having conducted extensive research has this guide been written to help you get the best motherboard for your i7 8700K. Upgrade to Coffee Lake by picking a compatible motherboard from this guide. Every motherboard mentioned below is compatible with the core i7 8700K and is extremely popular among gamers.
Let’s take a closer look at the best motherboards for i7 8700K.
1-ASUS ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming
For those of you who are looking for the best motherboard for i7 8700K, you should consider getting the ASUS ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming motherboard. It is an ATX motherboard that truly stands out in the crowd. Its customizable LEDs and aggressively-shaped coolers make it a favorite choice. The motherboard offers full RGB lighting control with various functional presets, supports Aura Sync RGB LED lighting, and comes with strips that can be connected with the onboard RGB headers.
On top of its good looks, this premium motherboard has a lot more to offer. Its T-Topology layout provides time-aligned signaling as it balances trace lengths between the memory slots and offers memory speeds of DDR4-400. The motherboard has an onboard 802.11ac wifi with 2×2 dual-band antennas offering 2.4/5 GHz. It ensures that users benefit from transfer speeds of up to 867 Mbps. The ASUS ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming comes with dual PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots which allow you to enjoy data transfer speeds of about 32 GB/s by connecting with the two NVMe SSDs.
Moreover, when it comes to over-clocking with the motherboard, all you need to do is click the button. The ASUS 5-Way Optimization technology optimizes every aspect of the system to provide users with cooling and over-clocking profiles depending on their rig. It does not get better than this.
2-MSI Z370 Gaming M5
Designed to support the next generation of gamers, the MSI Z370 Gaming M5 features high over-clocking, audiophile-grade sound quality, and an advanced cooling system. It comes with the OC Engine 2 which optimizes each aspect of the motherboard. Thus, users benefit from maximum performance.
With the OC Engine 2, you never have to worry about enjoying your gaming rig and the settings. A great thing about the MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is the fact that its look can be customized using the MSI Mystic Light utility. This allows users to personalize their computer with 17 mesmerizing effects and 16.8 million colors. It is also possible create a unique modification of the 3D printable parts. Thus, you can make the motherboard yours by customizing it.
3-Gigabyte Designare Z390
The Gigabyte Designare Z390 is another amazing motherboard that you need to check out. It is perfect for most processors including the i7 8700K. Gigabyte has put in a lot of effort to create the Designare Z390. It allows you to establish the ideal gaming PC setup. Give your open-faced PC a sleek look by using this board.
The board works well with just about every 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processor. It provides support for heat dissipation. The advanced thermal design of the motherboard helps assist heat dissipation by keeping the board cool.
It is great for over-clocking. If you upgrade the gear to USB-C, this board offers good news as you would benefit from a few USB-C ports on the IO. The Gigabyte Designare Z390 is a superb board that does well in multiple aspects including visuals, video editing, gaming, and more.
4-Gigabyte Z390 UD
Gigabyte has done it again with the Gigabyte Z390 UD. It is an excellent motherboard for i7 8700K. Made for all types of PC builds, this motherboard offers top-tier performance that will help you take your gaming skills to the next level. It makes use of the LGA 1151 socket to work for the i7 8700K.
Since the motherboard comes with the LGA 1151 socket, you get to take advantage of the best of Intel’s creations. It supports 8th and 9th Generation processors. What makes it unique is that it uses the PCIe Durable Armor. Thus, its PCIe slots are a lot more durable. It also allows users to put in larger and heavier video cards without having to worry about breaking the slots.
If you are looking for the best over-clocking motherboard, it is the perfect fit for you. Gigabyte knows how to produce hardcore motherboards. This motherboard features ATX 12 V 4pin + 8pin power connectors as well as ATX 24pin connectors. When you use this board, you get to provide your CPU with a reliable and consistent flow of energy.
This is crucial for over-clocking. In addition to this, the Smart Fan 5 technology enables your PC to maintain peak performance while remaining cool due to the thermal sensors around it.
5-MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk
An amazing contender that had to be included in the post is the MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk motherboard. It works with most 9th and 8th Generation processors including the i7 8700K. With this motherboard, you get to unleash the full potential of the processor like never before. It is extremely popular due to its capability to use the chip in the most effective way possible. Use the over-clocking capabilities to make the most of the processor.
This motherboard supports over-clocking through the Intel Turbo Boost. However, users would be limited to the capabilities of the CPU. But, some adjustments can be made for free reign over the overclocking potential. The reason why the MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk is such a big hit is that it is built for long-lasting performance. Keep in mind that this i7 8700K motherboard does not come with many proprietary technologies to keep you safe from overheating. Thus, you need to watch out for just how far it can take you.
The MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk supports the latest generation of memory that is DDR4 RAM. It offers support for about 32 GB memory for its four slots. One of the slots comes with an IO shield pre-installed and two Turbo M.2 slots. The motherboard is made for gaming. It is the mid-range board you need.
6-AS Rock Z370 Extreme 4
The AS Rock Z370 Extreme 4 is a gaming motherboard that offers exceptional performance for a low price. It is designed to provide you with immersive gaming and VR experience. The motherboard features a variety of cutting-edge technologies so that you can enjoy the best performance.
When you use the AS Rock Z370 Extreme 4, its AS Rock Hyper DDR4 technology automatically optimizes the DDR4 memory module to offer a considerable performance boost when browsing the internet, playing games, or performing any other task. It combines cutting-edge software and audiophile-grade hardware components to provide amazing audio performance. Besides, it also provides a 120 DB signal-to-noise ratio which is quite impressive.
Since the AS Rock Z370 Extreme 4 comes with two PCI-E slots that are steel-reinforced, users can easily install a graphics card along with a heavy custom cooler without having to worry about the slot breaking due to the weight of the card. The motherboard has been made with great attention to detail. Gamers can rejoice when they use this board.
7-MSI Z390-A Pro
The MSI Z390-A Pro is a powerful motherboard that is widely used across the globe. It has an LGA 1151 socket which makes it a great choice for the i7 8700K. The board supports 9th-generation and 8th-generation core processors. MSI has done a terrific done with this motherboard.
It is also known as Core Boost as it utilizes proprietary technology, digital power design, and premium circuit layout to offer the ideal current to the processor. The reason why everyone loves this motherboard is because of its Audio Boost technology. The technology relies on a chip for boosting the performance of the audio.
The PCI Steel Armor slots are just perfect. They provide a similar performance as the Ultra Double Armor by Gigabyte. Thus, the motherboard boasts a stronger hold and supports heavier and larger video cards.
8-ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero has similar capabilities as the ASUS ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming. However, it offers powerful capabilities such as faster memory processing and an improved audio chipset. The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero reaches memory speeds of about DDR4-4122, whereas, the ASUS ROG Z370-E Gaming allows memory speeds of close to DDR4-400.
With Supreme FX audio technology, this motherboard is an audiophile’s dream come true. Delivering a 113 DB signal-to-noise ratio, it uses high-end Japanese components for producing natural, warmer sounds that offer exceptional clarity. Although sound quality might not be the top priority of every gamer out there, when you play for a few hours using this motherboard, you will quickly realize why it is the number one choice. Furthermore, the motherboard is DIY-friendly.
Even if you do not know how to put a PC together from scratch, you will find it to be very easy to use. The graphics card and memory modules can be easily removed using one hand as the front-panel cables and one-sided clips are handled by a single connector.
9-ASUS WS Z390 Pro
The ASUS WS Z390 Pro is a motherboard that is worth looking at. It comes with the LGA 1151 socket meaning that it operates with 8th and 9th Generation processors. You might be wondering what its benefit could be. It offers great versatility when it comes to upgrading the processor. Since the motherboard has the LGA 1151, users get to benefit from built-in technology that helps boosts the performance of your i7 8700K.
ASUS has done a great job by creating this board. It offers 5-Way Optimization. Thus, you get to overclock the processor. The tune’s fan speeds provide the perfect balance between acoustics and cooling such as higher fan speeds and minimal noise. As the board was designed to provide awesome cooling, the board boasts cooler temperatures. This means that the board would last a lot longer than many of its counterparts.
10-ASUS TUF-Z390 Pro
The ASUS TUF-Z390 Pro is a bit tougher than other motherboards in the market. It is highly ranked for gaming purposes. The board is designed with durability in mind. It will last you a long time. The board offers military-grade protection. It uses the LGA 1151 socket which makes it a great choice for 9th-generation and 8th-generation processors. Moreover, if you are looking for a strong IO, it is just for you.
The Best Motherboard for i7 7700K
If you are looking for the best motherboard for i7 7700K, you have to the right place. We have also included the best i7 7700K motherboard to help you out. Intel’s 7th-generation processors offer a huge improvement from its predecessors.
Kaby Lake processors are a lot more powerful than Sky Lake processors as they offer HD graphics of 630 and not 530. Besides, it boasts an improved clock speed of 4.2 GHz. The thermals support 4K display. The processor is compatible with the fastest SSDs named Optane series offered by Intel. Thus, you get to push your system to new heights. Let’s take a look at the ultimate motherboard for i7 7700K.
1-ASUS Maximus IX Formula
The ASUS Maximus IX Formula has a ton of positive reviews online. Chances are that you might have come across the reviews. The motherboard uses the 1151 LPG socket, Intel Z270 chipset, HDMI/DP graphics output, Supreme FX 8-Channel High Audio, 802.11 wirelesses, and has a heavy metallic build. It also comes with an I/O plate pre-installed and boasts all-inclusive inputs.
Users will find the OC setup to be user-friendly. ASUS continues to be at the with its ASUS Maximus IX Formula motherboard for i7 7700K. This purpose-built motherboard is just what you need for highly optimized over-clocking. Its sturdy all-metal back plate and armor make it the ideal choice when looking for maximum durability and protection.
The reinforced PCI-e safe slots satisfy all your needs. On top of this, the board also has a 10-phase VRM backed by a water block which allows it to harness extra cooling even at over-clocked speeds. It supports DDR4 RAM. The board runs for up to 4133 MHZ. When it comes to discrete graphics, it provides support for up to 2-way SLI, and 3-way CrossFire/ Quad CrossFire. Moreover, it even offers dual-channel wifi which guarantees amazing wireless connectivity.
One of the reasons why the ASUS Maximus IX Formula is extremely popular is because of its stunning audio system that will encourage you to play your best. The software provides maximum clarity with audio. Users can also apply customized audio settings for various applications. This means that everything you do will be perfectly tuned just the way you would like to listen to games, the browser, movies, and everything else.
A great thing about ASUS is that it claims about 35 degrees Celsius lower VRM temperature as it utilizes the EK Cross Chill II Water Block. The aesthetics of the motherboard use an endless spectrum of colors to provide a great look. Over-clocking is super easy with the board. Apply to over-clock to your heart’s content without having to tweak or mess with the voltage. It shows just how useful the ASUS Maximus IX Formula is.
Conclusion
The motherboard is one of the main components on your PC because it helps to assemble all the components and to run the whole system. So, if you are going to build a PC for heavy uses like gaming, video editing, and the more tough task then you can choose the motherboard from the provided lists.
