If you have been up to date with the current launches, the latest Intel Core i7 9700k wouldn’t definitely have missed your eye, which has made its way to the list of high-end desktop processors soon after the public emergence. The latest entry has represented an improvement compared to the 2018 launch 8700k, featuring a refined 18nm processor, packing an addition of 2 cores, an increase from 4.7 GHz to 4.9 GHz in the CPU boost clock, and all while bringing back the last year’s 95W TDP in the latest 9700k processor as well.
While the Core i7 9700k may disappoint the users in some aspects, it is not overshadowed by its big brothers to a larger extent because of being a performance king and having the ability to tie the i9 with gaming standards. The i7 9700k can be the leading horse in the race if you are looking to upgrade from a 3 to 4-year-old CPU processor with the highest practicable FPS. To make the most out of your brand new processor, we suggest housing it with a 300-series new motherboard, because what is a processor without a robust motherboard?
Figured that you are here looking for the best compatible motherboard to pair with your new i7 9700k, we have assembled the most suitable picks according to different user needs and price point of view to make sure that your desktop setup is getting the deserved modernization.
1. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI Hero
Great performance
- Great in looks
- High performing
- Relatively expensive
- Absence of high power deliverance
Form Factor: ATX | Maximum Memory Speed: 4400 MHz | DIMM slots: 4 | Max Memory: 128 GB
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
Check PriceWidely acknowledged and renowned for manufacturing some of the most robust motherboards of all time, ASUS stood true to its reputation with the launch of ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO. One of the finest motherboards for housing Intel’s conventional processors in this day and time at the highest potential clock speed. While slightly higher in price, the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS stands apart from the performance point of view, proving as a perfect match for individuals who prioritize good performance over money.
Manufactured as an ATX motherboard, ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO features 4 DIMM slots, which can house up to 128 GG, and 5 PCI Express slots, which includes a PCI Express 3.0 X16 and three 3.0 X1 slots, 2 M.2 slots covered by huge heat sinks, and 6 SATA III ports, that makes it able to run at 64GB/s. Not only that, but this mastermind of motherboards also comes with supported Bluetooth and WiFi, however, what really steps up the quality criteria in this motherboard is the 7 fan header that incorporates the AIO and CPU pump headers.
While the quality and performance of this motherboard speak highly of itself, the power deliverance is where it gets a little controversial. ASUS uses a huge 4+2 phase power deliverance VRM, which is surely an upgrade from the previous 4+2 phase power deliverance VRM utilized in cheap motherboards of different sorts, which enables high-frequency overlock of Intel Core i7 9700k or i9 9900k.
When a high performing and robust motherboard like this is paired up with the best compatible Corsair Vengeance LPX, that is built with special consideration to overlocking, you have a robust CPU setup. The aluminum heat spreader of this RAM allows it to sit perfectly under certain CPU heatsinks compared to others of the same sort. A perfect baseline RAM with 16 GB at 3000 MHz and an abundance of overhead for overlocking, the Vengeance LPX is a great catch for its price. Not just that, with a CAS latency rate of 15, it is considered to be the lowest one on the list.
2. MSI MEG z390 GODLIKE
High performing VRM
- Powerful overclocking capability
- Fast speed in terms of memory
- Overly expensive for a conventional gamer
- Not ideally impressive gaming performance
Form Factor: E-ATX | Maximum Memory Speed: 4600 MHz | DIMM slots: 4 | Max Memory: 128 GB
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
MSI is considered to be as great of a manufacturing company as ASUS., which is further proven with the launch of MSI MEG z390 GODLIKE. While it is relatively higher in price compared to other z390 motherboards, it is considered to be worth it when it comes to the looks of this device.
Not just the packaging, the MSI MED GODLIKE justifies the price with its top-notch features. That includes 6 x system SATA cables, streaming card, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 Xpander-Z card, SLI HB bridge, ¼ inch to 3.5mm jack converter, case badge, 2 x external temperature probes, SPU poster, cable stickers, and manuals. If you wish to buy all these accessories separately, it would cost you quite a lot. However, it is better to look for another motherboard if these accessories are not something of your use.
Built on an E-ATX factor, this one is larger in size than the rest and features a 24-pin power connector, 2 8-pin power connectors, and another 6-pin power connector, that enables it to withstand heavy loads of power. In total, the device includes five PCI Express slots, four being 3.0 X16 and one being 3.0 X1, three M.2 slots, and six SATA III ports. Other than that, it comes with an abundance of fan headers, 10 of them in total, that support DC and PWM modes.
Amongst all the top-notch features, the best one has to be the availability of a high performing VRM. The MSI GODLIKE motherboard comes with a 14-phase power deliverance, that enables the best possible overlock. Pairing your Intel Core i7 9700k with the MSI MEG z390 GODLIKE motherboard, your processor would be able to hit up to 5.5 GHz in case you win a silicon lottery.
This mastermind of a motherboard is designed keeping in mind the needs of content creators that can take advantage of its large number of accessories that come along. Being a monster of a motherboard that it is, there is a chance that a regular gamer might not be able to capitalize on its full usage. Hence, if you are looking to utilize the entire package of accessories with the motherboard, the price should not be of concern.
3. ASUS ROG STRIX z370-G Gaming
Compact size
- High compatibility
- Slightly cheap
- Low speed in terms of memory
- Very high power draw
Form Factor: Micro ATX | Maximum Memory Speed: 4000 MHz | DIMM slots: 4 | Max Memory: 128 GB
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
With a z370 chipset, the ASUS ROG STRIX z370-G Gaming motherboard differs from the z390 chipset in terms of built-in USB ports and Wi-Fi chipset. Other than that minor difference, the z370 motherboard is sufficient enough to run the 9th generation Intel processor. Being a micro-ATX motherboard, the size is more compact compared to other mini-ITX motherboards. Due to being micro-ATX, the prices vary by a small margin compared to its ATX counterparts.
The ASUS z370 motherboard features a 24 and 8-pin power connector and four DIMM slots, that enable a maximum total of 128 GB memory. However, the biggest difference in the z390 and z370 motherboard lies in the number of PCI-E slots, where the z370 comes with 2 PCI-E 3.0 X16 slots in addition to the 2 PCI-E 3.0 X1 slots. Other than that, this micro-ATX model incorporates 2 M.2 slots. As well as, like any other ATX motherboard, the ASUS z370 comes with six SATA III ports.
Although, when it comes to the I/O, z370 is found to be inferior to z390 motherboards. In total, the ASUS z370-G Gaming motherboard highlights 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, six audio ports, 1 LAN port, 1 HDMI port, 1 DP port, and PS/2 port. The most satisfying element of the motherboard is the 5 fan headers that encompass a CPU fan and an AIO pump.
The ASUS z370 does the perfect job because of its 8-phase power delivery and makes it easy for the users to overlock the 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core i7 and i9 processors. If you are planning to overlock past 5 GHz, it is recommended to press direct airflow onto the VRM. While the ASUS z370 can’t compete with the robust z390 chipset motherboard in some aspects, the thermal performance and strong power delivery make it no less than the high-end z390 chipset motherboard.
4. ASUS ROG STRIX z390-I Gaming
Excellent Gaming Design
- Fastest memory speed
- The best VRM
- Just 1 PCI Express slot
- Less onboard LEDs for some gamers
Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Maximum Memory Speed: 4200 MHz | DIMM slots: 2 | Max Memory: 64 GB
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
The ASUS ROG STRIX z390-I Gaming motherboard is built on a z390 chipset and features a mini-ITX form factor which makes it unique from other motherboards of the same sort. While the size of the motherboard is compact in looks, this particular product stands out from the spectacular performance point of view.
Amongst its most high-esteemed features, the prominent one has to be its compatibility with any casing being a mini-ITX motherboard. The ASUS ROG STRIX can be used with almost any case without an issue. Featured with only 2 DIMM slots, this ASUS motherboard has a higher operating frequency compared to general motherboards with 4 slots.
With the ability to go as high as 4800 MHz, this motherboard makes it to the top of the list in regards to the memory. This limits the memory of the computer to 64 GB, which is sufficient enough for gaming or other high-quality applications.
The single PCI Express slot limits the use of any PCI-E device other than the graphics card, with an addition of two M.2 slots. On top of that, combined with the SATA III posts, this ASUS model is a spectacle in terms of storage. Not only that, but the excellent VRM also enables a 6-phase power deliverance. Although the number of phases is lower than most motherboards, the improved quality makes up for a transient response due to the elimination of doublers.
The ASUS ROG STRIX z390-I Gaming motherboard is a perfect fit for individuals who are looking to design a small-form-factor computer. While in terms of price, there is not a comparable difference with the others, the quality in regards to the gaming-oriented looks, VRM, and the memory speed is its unique selling point from other models. The performance factor in different aspect makes this ASUS model a perfect match for all the gaming fanatics.
5. ASROCK z370 Extreme4
High Memory
- Powerful VRM
- Cheaper than others
- Fewer features compared to the same cost as other motherboard
- Poor design and aesthetics
Form Factor: ATX | Maximum Memory Speed: 4333 MHz | DIMM slots: 4 | Max Memory: 128 GB
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
Moreover, our last choice to end the list, but certainly not the least, ASROCK z370 Extreme4. Based on a z370 chipset, it is not entirely winning with the looks.
However, when it comes to DIMM slots, it features 4 of them, 3 PCI Express slots of 3.0 X16 and three 3.0 X1 PCI Express slots, two M.2 slots, and eight SATA III ports which makes up for the highest number amongst all the listed yet. Other than that, the motherboard comes with 5 fan headers where 1 is for the CPU and 2 are for the AIO pump.
While the motherboard does not exceed in a lot of aspects, the VRM definitely makes up for the price, which is its strongest part. The featured VRM provides 12 phase power deliverance, that enables it to handle any processor from the 9th generation from Intel.
On one hand, this certain device comes with high power delivery and cooling performance, while on the other hand, it lacks in aesthetics. If you own a case with a small glass window, this motherboard would be a good match for you.
Other than that, despite how it looks, the well-improved design of the power phase of the ASROCK z370 Extreme4 allows easy and streamlined power delivery to some of the most powerful and robust Intel Core processors of the 8th generation. As a part of that, this certain motherboard allows one of the best overclocking capabilities, is a perfect fit for advanced gamers because of its low temperature abilities, and highly strengthened stability of the system for various types of onerous tasks of computing.
Not just high-end overclocking, the ASROCK z370 Extreme4 comes with a full stack of a number of graphics cards, tremendous built-in audio abilities with the help of DTS Connect and Realtalk, a RGB light, and a Gigabit LAN. In addition to that, this particular motherboard device comes with a enormous options of storage that include M.2 and Optane.
