10 Best Motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K in 2021

Have you planned on designing a new PC? A new PC can only be a success when the components you instill in it are suitable. This is when you should choose the correct motherboard for your CPU.

Doing that enables you to enhance your CPU, giving it everything that it requires to ensure that the full potential is unlocked. On that note, in today’s review, we will take a look at some of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K.

The processor also has another name, Coffee Lake. It comes as no surprise that the processor has gained a massive fan following due to its reliability and functionality. The processor makes use of 6 cores, 12 threads and comes with a boost clock of 4.7GHz.

When you want to optimize the performance, you need a motherboard that can blend with the functions. However, you have a straightforward issue here. That is, you have a multitude of products to choose from the market.

We were overwhelmed with the number of options to choose from during our research on the Intel Core i7-8700K processors. The worse part was that each of them came with splendid features and powers.

We found it quite challenging to compile a list for you. However, we have done the hard work. All you need to do is read the post in detail to not miss out on anything. Mind you, these are exceptional motherboards, and each comes with its own pros & cons.

To give you a level playground, we have provided you with stunning motherboards that are priced less than $500. Few are below the $200 for those in search of budget options. Below is a buying guide that can help you make your choice easily.

This is useful for those who are new to designing a PC and purchasing a motherboard for the first time. You may want to consider these crucial features before you go through your buying.

Introduction to the Intel Core i7-8700K

A few words about the Intel Core i7-8700K processor: this is also known as Coffee Lake. We found that it is one of the most dependable processors in the market. It was released in the market a few years ago in 2018 and has never looked back then.

If you compare it with the i9, then the latter is much quicker and better. But the i7-8700K comes with its own set of boost clock of 4.7GHz. You will be quite impressed to know that TDP is way higher than the non-overclocked version, at 95W.

Though you can make use of the Z270 boards, you might want to choose the Z370 boards with the Coffee Lake. Doing that ensures your i7-8700K PC performs as you would like it to, and hence, choosing the motherboard, more relaxed, and DDR4 memory plays a vital role in that.

The best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K – Things to consider

The following has to be taken care of choosing the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K. Doing that ensures you are covered from all sides and that you are making the right choice for your motherboard in your new gaming PC.

1. See the form factor

The best way to do this is to measure your old board and then compare it with others. You do not want to be stuck with a new board that does not fit in the PC case. This is a common mistake that newcomers tend to make.

2. Look at processor socket

You can find different kinds of processor sockets. Today, 3 sockets are applicable in the market, and they are PGA, LGA, and BGA. The PGA is commonly used and sold in the market. So, you may want to choose that.

3. Verify the random access memory

A motherboard must come with at least 16GB of memory; you do not want to opt for anything lesser than that. In today’s gaming scenario, PCs need that kind of memory or power to get this done. You can choose higher memory if you want to and, more importantly, afford to do so.

4. Please verify with the PCI slots

The PCI slot is the port that is found on the motherboard. Depending on your needs, you will want to choose and use the PCI slots. When you are a heavy user, a gamer, a coder, or a designer, the PCI slot might need to be high.

5. The power of the built-in Wi-Fi

When you are in a dilemma about the motherboard you want to choose, you might want to go with the one having Wi-Fi. Please go with something that comes with a Wi-Fi of 802.11 ac/ b/ g/ n.

6. The SATA ports

The number of SATA ports is another crucial aspect of your motherboard. The SATA port enables you to decide on the optical drive and storage drive. Your board should come with SATA 3.0.

7. The price

The price of the motherboard is another critical aspect of selecting the motherboard. You do not want to choose motherboards that are priced above $500. Of course, you can if you can afford it, but reasonably quoted units at $400 can get the job done quite efficiently.

The best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K

The features on the Intel Core i7 are quite exciting and have not been seen so far. Choosing a good board ensures that it protects your CPU from any form of damage, power shortage, and other external damage.

We highly recommend you choose the Z370 board and the like as they let you set your PC as you prefer.

Without wasting any time, let us delve into the review.

1. Asus ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING

Asus ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING is the first product that we will talk about on our list. This belongs to the ROG series of motherboards. As you know, the ROG series have always made their presence felt in the market.

It could be in the laptop, smartphone, and now in the motherboard. Likewise, the ROG Strix Z370-E motherboard has made its presence felt in the market. The unit works sublimely on the 8th and 9th generation processors.

We were amazed to notice that the board enforces immense speed and powers on the processors enabling them to work full capability. That is a good sign of any chipset. It has dynamic control for the PC to ensure it comes with AI overclocking.

It also has a dual onboard M.2 heatsink. That comes with a fan extension, MOS fan bracket, and water pump header. The unit has exceptional cooling options and power delivery. This enables the cores to support and provide quick memory and storage.

Using the onboard clock generation, memory and cooling options are immensely enhanced at a great rate. In fact, consumers were delighted with the cooling powers of the ROG boards. The design is also excellent and comes with necessary features like the RGB light, Wi-Fi, and good support for 3D prints.

The durability of the board was quite exciting to look at. It comes with safe slots, as they call it, coming with an injection molding process. This allows the metal frame to integrate for a robust design.

If you like to listen to music and audio games, then you won’t be left disappointed. That is because it comes with outstanding 8-channel HD audio. This can work exceptionally well using dual headphone amplifiers and SupremeFX S1220A CODEC.

It is priced less than $340. The unit is mid-range quoted and cannot be called expensive considering that it comes with superb specifications. Today looks like a good day to make a purchase of the ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING.

The Asus ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING comes combined with exceptional upgrades that are mostly not found on several motherboards. A few of them include new connectivity, futuristic styling, one-click optimization. It makes a definite cause for you to design a PC.

2. Asus PRIME Z370-A

Coming second on the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K is the Asus PRIME Z370-A. We are super excited about the motherboard. It comes with sublime specifications. We begin with the fan holder that enhances the airflow quickly on the board.

We noticed that the airflow on the VRM was quite exciting. It would help if you tightened the 40/50mm fan, then mount it on the heatsink, and you are done. You can also hook the heatsink to get the power of the cooling boost.

The M.2 heatsink enables you to have the SSD cool at all times. We were truly amazed at its powers. For any board, having the storage area calm and composed is the main criteria. Many motherboards come with this issue.

However, there was no problem here. You can also use the board that comes with the heatsink to decrease the temperature by close to 20 degrees Celsius. You know that the board will last you few years easily thanks to the safeslot.

This is produced using a new innovative metal inserting procedure. The slot is joined along with the metal ensuring that it remains powerful. It remains firm on the solder points. A notable feature of this unit is the ASUS Aura Sync.

This offers you with complete control over the RGB light. Besides, it also comes with several presets for ensuring that the RGB LEDs work on the onboard RGB headers. It works exceptionally well on the 8th generation Intel Core processors.

There is a 5-way optimization for overclocking. You can also design your PC, ensuring maximum performance. We are also delighted that it comes with the 8-channel HD audio, offering you stunning audio capability.

Coming to the looks, it may not seem very attractive. That should be alright, considering the fact that it comes with plentiful features. It does come with a few drawbacks, but it is manageable. The board is a high-performance unit that you should try.

It is priced less than $300. Users have spoken well about this product, and we understand why that is the case. We cannot call this model expensive, as it is priced at $300. If you are in search of a powerful yet reliable motherboard, then you know what to do.

Asus PRIME Z370-A does not have onboard Wi-Fi. Yes, it may hamper your functions a bit. But if you look at the whole picture with it, you are getting more than you bargained. This is a sublime product that you do not want to miss out on, period.

3. MSI Z370-A PRO (MS-7B48)

MSI Z370-A PRO (MS-7B48) is your ideal motherboard when you do not want to spend a lot of money. You do not have to sacrifice the performance of your motherboard. Instantly you will see that the ports can quickly charge the connected devices fast.

This is an excellent sign of any motherboard. Besides, it can provide you with exceptional power thanks to the memory infused with it. The model has the MSI steel armor embedded on it, ensuring that it comes with many solder points.

It sees to that the board is durable. There is no damage done to the board because of the graphics cards present on it. You can also find that the armor can protect the PCI express signals from electromagnetic issues offering exceptional signals.

The manufacturer was always known for its military class 6 components. This is tested using the latest methods, and we were quite satisfied with it. The model can work even under extreme circumstances.

The audio capacitors do an exceptional job. It comes with a high-fidelity audio performance along with acoustics. You have to use the Chemi-Con audio to capture the sound output on them.

The board can operate on the complete potential of the PC using the power delivery design along with load line calibration. You may not see some features like the USB, ThunderBolt 3, and M.2 connectivity.

However, this is a budget model that comes with outstanding features infused in it. Besides, this board offers you a durable and reliable ability allowing the temperature to work low. It is priced less than $200 and is incredibly cheap for being a motherboard.

The MSI Z370-A PRO (MS-7B48 is an opulent motherboard that you would delight in when operating. It comes with exceptional overclocking speeds, and the VRMs worked well, along with the durability of the unit. It is an all-around stable device to buy now.

4. Asus ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

The Asus ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING belongs to another ROG series motherboard. Why did we include this board on the list of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K? The moment you hear the name ROG Strix, you know that you are getting something powerful.

The series was designed for hardcore gaming purposes. We are stunned by the high-performance and immersive experience that it is able to provide you. The main factor with the board is that it is portable.

We were satisfied with the design, performance, and build quality of the board. You will be glad to know that it can support Crossfire and SLI, 2 M.2 slots, USB 3.1 ports, and comes with the SupremeFX S1220A audio.

There is also the heatsink on the power delivery to keep it cool. The design of the motherboard is quite good. It comes in a black color that is used along with sleek aluminum heatsinks for covering high-power delivery.

We liked the power consumption on the board as it was average and not more. This is an excellent feature to have on the board. We also noted that the overclocking on the board was powerful. Not to mention, BIOS is simple to use, and the AI Suite 3.

You will be happy to note that it offers you with many PCIe options. It comes with 3 full-length slots and 2 reinforced, and the 3 powered by the chipset offering a 3-way Crossfire setup. Apart from full-length slots, the board comes with four x1 size slots for additional PCIe expansion.

It is priced less than $500. Does the maker justify the pricing? When you search for a reliable, durable, and capable motherboard, none can match the abilities of the ROG Strix Z370-F Gaming.

Asus ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING is an expensive motherboard in the market. However, when you are looking solely for performance, you may want to ensure that you make use of the best unit in the market, which has to be this unit.

5. Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO (WI-FI AC)

Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO (WI-FI AC) is another ROG series motherboard on our list. Why the ROG products? Well, they are sensational in design and power. We found it very hard to leave them out from our list of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K.

The ROG Maximus XI Hero comes with impressive specifications in today’s market. You may become worried if you look at the price, but this board is the ultimate warrior. When you want your CPU to run like a powerhouse, then it has to be this unit.

The board is exclusively designed for the 9th generation processor. There is no problem if you want to operate with the i7 8700K. You can see a 5-way optimization for enabling your processor to enhance the power by close to 5%.

The cooling system lets your PC work without issues. We did not find the motherboard reduce performance due to heating problems. Besides, you also can use the reliable FanXpert 4 that ensures temperatures remain table throughout working.

Its RGB light strips are one of the best we have seen today. The manner in which it turns on is something to experience. We also preferred the audio quality offered on this unit because it was truly unique.

It comes with a barrage of ports like the I/O shield ports, 4 USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and 6 USB 2.0 ports. The board has a sublime design that is also infused with aluminum fins.

It is quoted under $380 that is quite expensive. However, if you look at the features and specifications embedded in it, you can bet that this is one of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K.

All in all, when you are in search of a workhorse, then the Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO (WI-FI AC) is your best option. It comes with exciting specifications, intense tools to work with, and a breathtaking cooling technology in it then has to be this unit.

6. Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Gaming 7

When you want to design a new PC using the 8th generation CPU, you might also make use of the budget new motherboard. Since the Coffee Lake processor does not support older chipsets, you may want to use the Z370 board.

The Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Gaming 7 is a decent choice coming with exceptional features like 3 M.2 slots and onboard Intel HD Graphics. We also loved the color tones present on it. The unit has white, gray, and black colors.

Gigabyte has been in this business for several years now, and they know what the users crave for. One look at the board’s features, and you can proudly say that it is designed for gaming professionals expecting only the best.

It comes with the steel bands that surround the PCI Express and memory slots. The model has an outstanding layout and a good style. Besides, our tester found it easy to operate on. The motherboard does not appear cluttered at all.

It makes use of the all-digital pulse-width modulation (PWM) controllers. The unit also has high-end chokes embedded in them. The power design infused on the board is stunning and valuable for gaming boards, which come with remarkable overclocking speeds.

The unit also has 300 LEDs, and users can control the onboard RGB. When you want to keep the machine working under cool temperature, then you can use the Smart Fan 5. Besides, the model has 9 temperature sensors, 8 fan/water pump connectors, and fan control.

A distinct feature on the board is the exceptional audio quality. You can now play all your games loudly. We were pleased with the audio powers. It is priced under $450. You can get it cheaper during sales and at a discount.

We were quite happy working with the Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Gaming 7. It comes with several features that can make you satisfied. When you want the motherboard to operate at 5 GHz, this is an excellent option to choose than expensive models.

7. Asus PRIME Z370-P

Asus PRIME Z370-P belongs to the Z370-P series. It is safe to say that the models are a success. The Z370-P comes with a different emphasis, with attention given to the value of the product. You will be delighted to know that this is the cheapest among the Z370 units produced by Asus.

You can call it an entry-level product that comes with decent features. Some of them include the full-sized ATX frame and 4 DIMM slots. However, it does not come with the I219-V Gigabit network controller.

You will find the Realtek controller that does a spectacular job. We found that the installation of the Realtek ALC887 audio codec made it cheaper. Besides, there is also no EMI shielding. Around the PCB, you can find the dedicated header for AIO CPU cooling.

It also has 3 4-pin PWM compatible fan headers. There is decent storage with 2 M.2 PCIe x4 slots. You can make use of the 2-way Crossfire coming with the latency added chipset. It also has 4 PCI x1 slots.

At the rear, you can find 4 USB 3.1 (5 Gbps) Type-A ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports. We found that this may not be an exciting model in the market, but it certainly comes with excellent performance for the rate quoted.

The heating system on the board was excellent. You will love how the BIOS software works on the unit. Asus has offered software that lets the board monitor the temperature. Users appreciated that it comes with screws on the package.

It is priced less than $299. However, you will be amazed to know that many consumers have purchased it for less than $130 when sold for discounts. That is right. So, if you are keen on using the Asus PRIME, please keep track of the pricing on online retailers.

Asus PRIME Z370-P is an exceptional motherboard that comes embedded with Intel I5 8600K. Using decent features like cooling technology, overclocking, and BIOS software, you can now effortlessly design your new PC.

8. Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO

Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO is another model from the ROG series. The ROG models have dominated our discussion, and rightly so. We want our readers to be exposed to the best models that there are in the market.

As we keep saying in most of our reviews, the ROG Strix series is designed for gamers. But you can perform other tasks using it. The ideal factor on the board is performance. We also liked the design and build quality of the board.

It was truly stunning and magnificent. Manufacturers can now enhance their motherboards using the defects found on the previous models. It is not surprising to see that several users globally eagerly wait for the new units.

The model comes with an integrated dual antenna 802.11 AC Wi-Fi. Another model does not come with it. But this feature should cost you around $50 or less. We do not see why you do not want to have the board come with the feature.

It is priced less than $400 making it quite expensive. Yes, Asus motherboards can be costly. But their specifications and features are second to none. Besides, they are reliable and durable, meaning that you do not often replace them like other brands.

Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO is one of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K. Gamers can easily install the motherboard as they have provided you with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is slightly expensive, but it is definitely worth the money.

9. MSI Z370 GAMING PLUS (MS-7B61)

MSI Z370 GAMING PLUS (MS-7B61) is the second MSI motherboard that we will be discussing about. You can quickly notice the difference between top-end models and mid-range motherboards with the layout and design.

Besides, the features have a big say on that. MSI has always provided its consumers with reliable products that are priced reasonably. This is a standard ATX unit that comes with an LGA1151 socket supporting Intel 8th generation processor.

It comes with 4 memory slots supporting 64GB of DDR4 RAM. You can notice that the rear of the motherboard comes with 1 port for peripheral input. There is also 1 DVI-D port, 1 VGA port, and 1 DisplayPort.

It provides you with RGB lighting and a single 24-pin ATX main power connector. We found that the installation of the PC was sublime. We must say that it was quite a pleasant affair. Usually, something or the other keeps turning up at the end, causing anxiety and worry to users.

This was not the case here. We were able to boot up in the first attempt itself using the BIOS/UEFI. You can easily adjust the setting of the CPU that you want to operate on. We were quite surprised with the stock speed as well.

The cooling found on the motherboard is also commendable. It worked like a charm without the CPU fan itself. However, there is the water pump fan and the 4 pin fan connectors too. You will like the choice of components that you want to add on.

This does not only have to be for somebody in search of a cheap option. It comes with very stunning features on it. Not often do you come across the Realtek ALC892 codec. Its design was minimalistic, which was quite fine by us.

MSI Z370 GAMING PLUS (MS-7B61) is a highly recommended motherboard, especially for planning on installing a mid-range budget unit. You can effortlessly design your new top-end PC and find the installation a breeze to work with.

10. MSI Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON (MS-7B45)

MSI Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON (MS-7B45) is another stunning product from the maker, MSI. It is also our final product on the list of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K. We will begin with the design and features on the board.

The design is one of the best we have seen in an MSI board in a long time. It is not very cluttered like you find on the Asus or Gigabyte motherboards. The color schemes are exceptionally done well.

The PCB comes in gray and black tones, which are visible on the board. It is quite nicely designed. The chipset heatsinks and the I/O ports are quite large and look trendy. You can find plenty of room for the coolers.

You will be glad to know that the memory slots can support 64GB up to DDR-4000 DIMMs. The board comes with plenty of lights to accentuate the carbon fiber strips. The board also comes with several ports providing you with ample connectivity options.

It comes with 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2, 4 USB 3.0 ports, and 2 USB 2.0 ports. It does come with several accessories in the form of 10 MSI-branded cable management stickers. Unlike the guide or manual found on Asus and Gigabyte, the MSI one was quite readable and understandable.

It comes with the 802.11ac card, 3 PCI Express x1 slots, and 2 antennas that connect on the rear of the card. Finally, the overclocking on the board was stunning. We did notice close to 2 SATA ports that are suitable for designing PC.

We felt that the front panel connectors should not have been placed on the low right side. Apart from that, this is a substantial motherboard that comes with the right components for ensuring that you consider the board to be a worthy contender for your next game PC.

It is priced less than $230 making it quite reasonable. If you look at the rates of the above motherboards on our list, this one is priced relatively low. That does not mean it does not have the capacity as them; it is good enough to design your new PC successfully.

MSI Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON (MS-7B45) is suitable for designers who plan on making their new PC. This is a sleek motherboard that comes with most of the components that one would require, like the 2 M.2 slots, USB 3.1, and mystic light LEDs.

FAQs About Motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K

1. Can the Z370 motherboards be compatible backward?

Sadly, they are not compatible backward. However, they come with the same socket as the earlier generations. When you want to change your CPU, you will want to ensure that it is the same as the Z370 motherboard.

2. Which motherboard is good to use with the i7-8700K?

In conclusion, we have mentioned few notable ones. However, we can assure you that most of the motherboards in the post are stupendous choices. We cannot pinpoint the exact one because of the intense competition out there in the market.

Thanks to the fact that the great demand for motherboards, manufacturers like Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI are neck to neck with each other. In a way, that is good because you can expect aggressive pricing from all of them on outstanding products.

3. Which chipset is better than the other, the i7 8700k or i7-9700K?

The i7 8700K and i7 9700K are exceptional processors. However, the i7 8700K comes with a higher base frequency. This gives it a significant advantage over the 9th generation processor. However, when you are particular about using the i7 9700K, you may want to use it.

Please make sure that you use the right kind of specifications to ensure that it operates well. We did not test the i7 9700K, so we cannot say about it right now. Based on what we have read online, we can claim that it comes with its benefits.

4. Does the Z370 board overclock?

We see no reason why the Z370 board cannot overclock. It can do it stupendously if you are making use of the right components on the CPU. As we keep saying in most of our reviews, the right kind motherboards embedded with the sublime components give outstanding results.

It is not necessary to use a $400 or expensive motherboard to get those results. Any ordinary board would do. It takes time and some patience to find the right kind of combination for designing a high-performance PC that can be used for gaming, coding, and video editing.

5. Why is Asus leading the pack in most motherboards?

Asus is leading the pack in most motherboards for manufacturing some of the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K. Their ROG boards come with a massive heatsink coupled with overclocking, several ports for flexibility, and other features.

Besides, the audio performance is sublime, along with the specifications are exceptional. They work well on almost all the processors. We were literally surprised by the remarkable results that were produced in most of the boards that we have tested.

CONCLUSION

We have come to the end of our review on the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-8700K. Hope you were able to make up your mind of the best board. If you have not been able to, then we suggest that you read through again carefully.

We can assure you that there is something in there for all. These motherboards work sublimely for gaming and coding as well. The units are specifically designed to support your processor. We also verified the durability and power of the boards, and we can say that we are satisfied.

At the end of the day, it is going to be your call. Gamers tend to neglect plenty of features when they are making the purchase. We hope that you were able to understand what to look at before buying it.

We highly recommend the Asus ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING and the Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO (WI-FI AC) as they come with sublime features for designing your new PC. The overclocking speed and the durability of the ROG series boards can’t be questioned.

However, you may opt for MSI Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON (MS-7B45) when you are on a budget. The MSI unit is quite decent and comes with all the necessary components to make your PC functional for hardcore gaming and coding purpose.

Did you find this review interesting? Did you like the products that we compiled for you? Perhaps, you wanted to see something else. If that is so, then please share your thoughts and feelings about the i7 8700K.