motherboards

Best Motherboards for i7-11700K

by Perfect Tech Reviewer

Intel has been looking for a breakthrough to defeat the AMDs dominance in gaming-associated performance. Intel’s 10th generation processors were best in single-core performance, but ( AMD Ryzen 5000 Series ) won over Intel in the single-core battle on all grounds. Intel’s 10th generation lacked PCIe 4.0, modern graphics cards required PCIe 4.0 for their potential performance. Intel came out with the 11th generation of processors in March 2023 to answer AMDs support for PCIe 4.0 and domination in single and multi-core performance. Many gamers have found their new favorite, and we believe in extracting the true potential of this processor. For this, you need the best motherboard for i7-11700k.

Here, we have reviewed every worthy contender in 2023.

At A Glance:

Best pick

Best Motherboard for i7 11700K

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO

Pre-mounted I/O shield

Four M.2 PCIe slots and two Thunderbolt 4 ports

AI Networking and Two-Way AI Noise-Cancelation

View on Amazon
Budget Pick

Best Budget Motherboard For Intel i7 11700K

MSI Z590-A PRO

MSI Z590-A PRO

Multi-GPU support

Low-latency & high-bandwidth network

Combining 8 + 4 pin power connectors

View on Amazon
Staff Pick

Best Overall Motherboard for i7 11700K

ASUS Prime Z490-A

ASUS Prime Z490-A

Dual Channel Memory Architecture

2-Way SLI & 3-Way CrossFireX Support

Fine overclocking with 12+2 VRM stages

View on Amazon

As we can see, the 11th generation of Intel CPUs now has support for 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0, and only the best motherboard for i7 11700k can utilize this ability. Z490 and Z590 chipsets allow PCIe 4.0 connectivity during the Intel 10th generation of CPU market as they expected Intel to launch a PCIe 4.0 compatible CPU soon.

It’s a delight to hear that Intels 11th generation of processors are LGA1200 socket which means users that large portion of market motherboards is still compatible with thsi processor and might need a BIOS upgrade at maximum. We will focus on Z490 and Z590 chipsets for the i7-11700k motherboard as they are the most relevant to modern-day gamers and creators. Let’s get into the basics before jumping into our motherboard reviews:

Quick Shopping Tips

Chipset: Selecting the right chipset is essential. Older chipsets can run the i7 11700K ( Amazon ), but it might limit the component’s capability to perform. The bottlenecking might cause some fast hardware to perform slower, like the M.2 drives and GPUs. The chipset is the motherboard’s intelligence to detect, understand and communicate signals between hardware components. An older chipset might not be ready for the latest hardware technology in simpler terms.

Overclocking: Overclocking feature is provided in the Core i7-11700k. It means you can improve the performance of your CPU by changing the frequency of the processor. The default base frequency is 3.6GHz for this processor, but with the correct motherboard, you can take the processing frequency beyond 5.0GHz. Motherboards offer VRM that reduces the voltage supplied by the PSU to CPU-rated voltages. The greater the number of VRM stages, the stable the performance.

PCIe Version: Intel has jumped into the PCIe 4.0 world with the release of this processor. Since this is the first generation of PCIe 4.0 processors for Intel, careful motherboard selection is vital as older motherboards will run the processor but not support PCIe 4.0. 11th generation Intel processors are meant to work with the latest generation of GPUs and M.2 drive. We made sure that the motherboards included in our list are all PCIe 4.0 versions so that buyers don’t need to worry about bottlenecking.

Form Factor: Form factor might not affect your processor’s base clock performance, but it has a severe impact on the ability to house expansion cards and even overclocking in some cases. We have included all form factors to give you a diverse choice of motherboards. Remember that the ATX form can house up to seven expansion cards. Micro ATX can house four expansion cards, and Mini ITX can only house one expansion card.

Our Recommendations i7-11700K Motherboards

Award Modal Design Retailer
Best Motherboard for i7 11700K ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO View on amazon
Best Z590 Motherboard for i7 11700K Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER View on amazon
Best Flagship Motherboard for i7 11700K MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi View on amazon
Best Budget Motherboard For Intel i7 11700K MSI Z590-A PRO MSI Z590-A PRO View on amazon
Best Z490 Motherboard for i7 11700K ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero View on amazon
Best Overall Motherboard for i7 11700K ASUS Prime Z490-A ASUS Prime Z490-A View on amazon
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i7 11700K MSI MEG Z490 ACE MSI MEG Z490 ACE View on amazon
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7 11700K GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra View on amazon

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO

Best pick ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 15

If you are a tech enthusiast who wants the absolute best for your PC, then Maximus is the top-tier series of motherboards offered by Asus as the i7-11700k motherboard. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO is an entry-level motherboard for the Maximus line-up. Housing the Z590 chipset gives it the ability to offer two PCIe x16 4.0 slots and two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots. The PCIe 4.0 will only be enabled if we install an 11th generation processor by Intel like the i7-11700k. It is the best motherboard for i7-11700K.

The chipset itself cannot run a PCIe 4.0 like the AMD chipsets, but it’s a good choice for the 11th generation of Intel processor owners. While using a 10th generation processor, you will only be able to utilize three M.2 slots at 32 Gb/s, and the fourth slots will be disabled. An 11th generation processor will let you access all four M.2 slots, but two slots will run at 64Gb/s, and two slots will run at 32Gb/s. The two PCIe 3.0 slots come with a single heatsink.

This motherboard is a treat for serious overclockers. It has 14 stages running at 90 amp, leaving 1260 amps of power for the CPU. The two stages heat pipe-based heat sink for VRM cooling is unprecedented in its class. The extraordinary memory overclocking to 5333 MHz for faster gaming performance in the dual-channel configuration. The heatsink on the primary M.2 drives are three stages with thermal padding on both drive and heat sink. The Z490 chipset itself does not have any PCIe 4.0 lane. Indirectly, it helps it stay at a lower temperature and does not require an active chipset cooler.

The Pros

Pre-mounted I/O shield

Four M.2 PCIe slots and two Thunderbolt 4 ports

AI Networking and Two-Way AI Noise-Cancelation

The Cons

No CrossFireX compatible

Pricier than similar products

Z490 chipset has no PCIe 4.0 lanes

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Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER

Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 18+1 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 19

Aorus is the premium set of motherboards offered by Gigabyte. It is reasonably priced amongst the top Z590 i7-11700k motherboard. The 19 power stages running at 90 A are meant for extreme overclocking. The motherboard is Master series that is targeted for high-end PC build but at a reasonable price. The Z590 chips allow this motherboard to connect to USB 3.2 Gen 2. It has PCIe 4.0 support for a single GPU setup. It comes with large heatsinks for VRM, M.2 drives, and a chipset with thermal pads on both the components and heatsinks.

It can take RAM speeds up to 5000MHz under dual-channel configuration. It is a bit lower than its competition, but considering the price/performance ratio, this motherboard is still a good deal. It has three M.2 slots; all of them do not support 64Gb/s PCIe 4.0 support. It lacks the dual LAN setup, which is used as a local area network router. However, it has a single 10Gb LAN that is fast enough for high-resolution streaming.

In terms of aesthetics, Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER does make a mark. The onboard RGB lightning with comprehensive connectivity for ARGB and static RGB. It includes double-sided heat sinks, which is a premium feature that few motherboards offer. The ability to house dual BIOS is helpful for overclockers, and VRM cooling is sufficient to maintain below 70oC even under stressed conditions. It is the best Z590 motherboard for i7-11700K.

The Pros

Front USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C

Accurate 18+1 Phases Digital Power Design

Solid Pin Power Connectors with Metal Shielding

The Cons

No PCIe x1 slots

No SATA Controllers

Dual LAN not featured

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MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi

MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16+1+1 | PCIe x16: 3 | USB Ports: 20

With a very reasonable price tag, MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi offers top-shelf features. Like the ability to overclock RAMs up to 5333MHz. The 6-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper for layering connection allows PCIe signals to travel with minimum interference. The post-codes display is also a good addition for serious test benches and reviewers. It comes with the latest Intel WiFi 6E and BT 5.2 owing to the Z590 chipset.

Currently, the performance of the SSD is subpar its probably because of the early release. The performance will improve with BIOS upgrades. However, it features PCIe 4.0 for only one M.2 slot, which is also dependent on the processor being used. The chipset itself does not support PCIe 4.0. There is no SLI capability for the worlds leading GPU by Nvidia like the RTX 3090. The ability to handle three-way CrossFireX is an excellent addition to a high-end gaming PC.

This motherboard takes the Intel Core i7-11700K above the 5.1GHz mark with ease, and the VRMs remain stable at 72oC above the temperatures of other motherboards with the Z590 chipsets. However, the temperature is still far from causing any damage. All three M.2 drives are properly heatsinked with M.2 SHIELD FROZR to ensure no throttling, maximum performance, and higher SSD speeds. It features the lightning USB port with 20 Gbps transfer speeds. It can easily be called the best flagship motherboard for i7-11700K.

The Pros

Three M.2 drive slots with heat sinks

6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper

Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5333(OC) MHz

The Cons

No Legacy Interfaces

No SLI support for Nvidia

Slightly higher VRM temperatures

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MSI Z590-A PRO

Budget Pick MSI Z590-A PRO View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z590 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2+1 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB Ports: 18

Gaming on a budget is problematic, but if you own an Intel Core i7-11700K, you might be interested in owning the latest Z590 chipset. MSI Z590-A PRO is a budget motherboard that will get you going with 12+2+1 at a price that most gamers can afford. It features the PCIe 4.0 PCIe x16 slot, which is more than enough for most gamers as they use a dual GPU setup primarily for high-end gaming PC. The single card is a more affordable and feasible solution. All of it makes this motherboard the best budget motherboard for Intel i7-11700K.

The motherboard looks basic with no RGB lighting. The chipset Z590 is still lacking the PCIe 4.0 lanes by itself. The absence of a PCIe 4.0 lane for the chipset has also decreased the load and improved thermal performance, thus requiring lower heat removal. It has a heat sink for only one PCIe 4.0 M.2 drive, while the other M.2 slots will require a third-party heat sink to avoid throttling issues. Some SATA ports will not be usable if the PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots are filled.

It is the best motherboard for i7 11700k as it can connect up to three M.2 storage drives, out of which one is capable of connecting at 64Gb/s speed with PCIe 4.0 protocol. It has a lightning USB 20G, which is a USB 3.2 Gen2 port for high-speed connectivity and a Type-C connection for the front panel. You can take your RAM speeds up to 5333MHz using this processor and chipset at such a low price. The support for two-way AMD CrossFire is also an excellent edition for future-proof investment that makes it the best motherboard for i7-11700k.

The Pros

Multi-GPU support

Low-latency & high-bandwidth network

Combining 8 + 4 pin power connectors

The Cons

No DDL connection

No integrated I/O Panel

Wireless connectivity not featured

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ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero

ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 14+2 | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 17

ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero offers enthusiast-driven features at a price tag that reaches the majority of people. We have dialed back to the Z490 chipset to find the best motherboard for i7-11700k. Maximus is the most sold motherboard series for Intel. The motherboard comes with 16 stages offering 60 A per stage, which rounds up to 840 A supplied to the CPU for overclocking. It can easily overclock a ten-core processor, and running an i7-11700K would be a piece of cake for this board. The massive C-shape Heatpipe based heatsink for VRM with 6-layer PCB ensure the heat of VRM is adequately dissipated.

This best motherboard for i7 11700k is made with high-quality material, but accessing the M.2 drives, you will need to remove the plastic cover over the chipset each time. The UEFI, as reported by many users, seems to be challenging to use. It may require some upgradation to improve the user-friendly interface. The 10GbE LAN could have been an excellent addition to the motherboard for this price point, but overall this motherboard performs well and balanced and can be regarded as the best Z490 motherboard for i7 11700K.

It is ranked as the perfect i7-11700k motherboard as it can take RAM speeds to 4.8GHz under dual-channel configuration. Installing an 11th generation processor will allow you to run two of the three M.2 slots at PCIe 4.0 speeds. The M.2 heat is removed using the large thermal padded heat sinks for all three M.2 drives. There are two PCIe x16 slots. You can use the dual GPU configuration, i.e., SLI or CrossFire. Therefore, the reinforcement has been made on the PCI slots. This best motherboard for i7-11700k offers upgradation of BIOS without the processor using the button at the back of the motherboard, which you will require to ensure that your 11th Gen processor works.

The Pros

Dual LAN and BIOS

Premium Aesthetics with RGB

AI overclocking and AI cooling

The Cons

No USB Controllers

No SATA Controllers

Hybrid fan pin header not featured

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ASUS Prime Z490-A

Staff Pick ASUS Prime Z490-A View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 15

In search of finding the best motherboard for i7 11700k, we came across the very economical ASUS Prime Z490-A. It is the most sold motherboard with the Z490 chipset on Amazon. It is a 6-layered motherboard for signal separation of PCIe slots. The motherboard can supply 540A to the CPU using its 12 VRM, which is high enough to support any ten-core Intel processor. The heatsinks on the VRM, chipset, and the M.2 drives are large enough for efficient heat transfer. The daisy chain architecture allows the 128GB of RAM to reach 4600MHz of clock speeds.

The primary M.2 drive is not perfect as the PCIe 4.0 enabled M.2 drive will produce a lot of heat. The dissipating heat will reach the GPU sitting right above the M.2 drive. The chipset heat sink is also covered by the GPU if installed. The back panel has a lower number of USB ports than the number of USB ports that a Z490 chipset can handle. There is also no flashing of BIOS without a processor, so that might be a problem with your new 11th gen processor.

There are two M.2 slots on the motherboard, running at 64Gbps using the PCIe 4.0 protocol. As an i7-11700k motherboard, the 11th generation will ensure PCIe 4.0 compatibility. ASUS has offered a 2.5G LAN with sufficient USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for its price range. The audio chipset on this motherboard is superior due to the high PCB layers for noise reduction. We have awarded this product as the best overall motherboard for i7-11700K.

The Pros

Dual Channel Memory Architecture

2-Way SLI & 3-Way CrossFireX Support

Fine overclocking with 12+2 VRM stages

The Cons

Only two M.2 slots

No PCIe 4.0 capable

No BIOS flash button on IO shield

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MSI MEG Z490 ACE

MSI MEG Z490 ACE View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 16+1 | PCIe x16: Two PCIe 4.0 | USB Ports: 15

MEG series are performance-oriented flagship products offered by MSI. If you are looking to overclock the Intel Core i7-11700K using MSI MEG Z490 ACE, your processor will be supplied by two 8-pin connectors. The power-hungry 11th generation processor can also fully utilize the 16 phase VRM with 90A each dedicated for the CPU. The mystic light, pump, and fan headers are nicely tucked away behind the VRM heatsink to reduce visibility and ease cable management. The onboard RGB looks gorgeous, and the overall golden and black aesthetics look slick. It is the best enthusiast motherboard for i7-11700K.

The motherboard has comprehensive connectivity and a wide range of features for test benches, but it only features one USB 3.0 connector, limiting the connection to only two USB-A ports. Some of the SATA ports are disabled when plugging in M.2 drives. SATA1, SATA5, SATA6, and PCIe 5 will be disabled when all M.2 slots are filled. You cannot take advantage of the Intel quick sync feature while using Adobe Premier Pro since this motherboard cannot use the iGPU that comes with the processor.

Some of the well-known facts that label it as the best motherboard for i7-11700k are the onboard diagnostic LEDs, postcodes, power, and reset button are featured on this MSI motherboard. These things make it an excellent choice for a test bench and new build testing before installation. Heat pipe design is used to carry heat from motherboard components efficiently. It features 2.5LAN and the latest WiFi-6, which are essential in this age of the computer. It can overclock the RAM up to 5000MHz, which is high enough to boost any performance-oriented task.

The Pros

Dual LAN with WiFi-6

Extensive BIOS features for overclocking

Enlarged heatsink with 7W/mK thermal pad

The Cons

No Video Ports

No display output

Staged heatsinks not used

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GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra

GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra View on amazon

Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 10+1 | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 15

If you are looking for incredible power in the smallest possible package, there is no better choice than GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra. They have managed to house 10+1 phase VRM setup and allow high clock speeds for 11th generation Intel processors. The heat pipe-based heat transfer fins allow the VRM temperatures to stay at a reasonably safe temperature. The integrated I/O panel at the back and the ability to flash your BIOS without any processor requirement is also an excellent addition.

Due to the small size of the motherboard, they have only included one 8-pin connector to power the CPU, which might not be enough for extreme overclocking. However, moderate consumer-level overclocking is possible. The motherboard has only one M.2 slot available if you use a 10th generation processor. With the 11th generation processor, you can use both the M.2 slots in PCIe 4.0/3.0 configuration.

This great i7-11700k motherboard has a 10-layer PCB, highest in our list of the motherboard, ensures no signal interference, and provides rigidity to the overall setup. The aesthetics of the motherboard are top-notch. On such a small scale, they have managed to add details to the heatsinks. The onboard RGB underneath the motherboard on the right side looks impressive and easily syncs with the software. It has headers for connecting ARGB and RGB that the RGB Fusion software handles with ease. It is without a doubt the best Mini-ITX motherboard for i7-11700K.

The Pros

Ten layers PCB architecture

Two M.2 Slots PCIe Gen4/Gen3

LAN 2.5GbE, WiFi-6, and BT 5.1

The Cons

L3 cache varies with CPU

No SLI or CrossFire support

No support for HDMI connection by adapter

View on Amazon

Summary i7-11700K Motherboards

Award Modal Design Retailer
Best Motherboard for i7 11700K ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO View on amazon
Best Z590 Motherboard for i7 11700K Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER View on amazon
Best Flagship Motherboard for i7 11700K MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi View on amazon
Best Budget Motherboard For Intel i7 11700K MSI Z590-A PRO MSI Z590-A PRO View on amazon
Best Z490 Motherboard for i7 11700K ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero View on amazon
Best Overall Motherboard for i7 11700K ASUS Prime Z490-A ASUS Prime Z490-A View on amazon
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i7 11700K MSI MEG Z490 ACE MSI MEG Z490 ACE View on amazon
Best Mini-ITX Motherboard For i7 11700K GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra View on amazon

Conclusion

We have listed almost every product capable of being the best motherboard for i7-11700k. The introduction of Intel’s 11th Generation of processors has lead to a mixed reaction. The team blue seems unhappy with Intel not changing the lithography from 14nm to 10nm.

The processor still releases a lot of heat. However, they have managed to make them perform well in comparison to Ryzen 5000 series. The i7-11700K is one of the powerful processors in the 11th Gen lineup. It supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes that motherboards can utilize. Looking at our list, you have seen two chipsets, mainly Z490 and the latest Z590. Both of them show similar abilities, and neither support PCIe 4.0 lanes themselves.

The Z590 features the latest Intel WiFi-6E technology that offers lower interference and faster transfer rates. Besides this, there is not much difference in terms of performance. Z490, in our view, has better value for money overall. The amount of M.2 PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 4.0 is almost similar on both chipsets and Z490 with a BIOS upgrade can perform fast enough. We hope you find the best motherboard for i7 11700k for yourself as it’s entirely the users’ decision, and we respect everyone’s view.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motherboard should I get for i7-11700K?

If you are a fan of a small-sized motherboard and chassis with a small footprint, we recommend going for the GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra. It has excellent overclocking ability, outstanding two M.2 slots, and well-heatsinked components. The aesthetics and RGB will make your rig stand out. The 10-layer PCB is the most rigid and durable available board in the market.

Which is the best motherboard for the i7 processor?

The Maximus series is the best motherboard for the i7 processor, and ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO is the latest in the lineup. It can overclock your RAM up to 5333Mhz, which is incredibly fast compared to other motherboards. The two 8-pin connectors can supply up to an incredible 1260A to the VRM phase for the CPU.

Is the i7-11700K good for gaming?

If you combine i7-11700K with a motherboard like the Gigabyte Z590 AORUS MASTER, you can extract the true potential of this processor. It has 20 lanes available for utilization and support PCIe 4.0, essential for the latest generation of GPUs like the RTX3080. This processor also comes with an iGPU that can help boost some applications using Intel Quick Sync.

Is i7-11700K better than i7-10700K?

In terms of performance, they are roughly similar. The i7-11700k with a motherboard like MSI Z590-A PRO can adequately utilize its ability to support PCIe 4.0 compared to the PCIe 3.0 supported by i7-10700k. Remember, the PCIe 3.0 has a 32Gbps transfer rate, while PCIe 4.0 has a 64Gbps transfer rate that is double in quantity.

Perfect Tech Reviewer

I write about PC gaming hardware and tech gadgets for gamers and professionals. My mission is to help you build individualized and unique high-performance PCs for your special needs and budget.

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