If you have recently made up your mind for Core i7 9700K processer and thinking about some of the best motherboards for i7 9700K, then you landed the right spot. Today we are going to share with you the 8 best motherboards for i7 9700K to make things easier for you.
At a Glance:
If you were looking for motherboards compatible with i7 9700k, we have got you covered. The new generation of Intel desktop processors is now available, and one specific processor, the i7-9700 K, has gained a lot of attention lately. It delivers excellent efficiency while gaming, video production, or just internet browsing, by its 8 cores and a maximum frequency of 4.90 GHz. We won’t let you wait further so let’s start the list.
The 8 Best Motherboards for i7 9700K
Award | Design | Buying Guides | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall Motherboard for i7 9700k | Best Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Flagship Motherboard for i7 9700K | Staff Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Budget Motherboard for i7 9700K | Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Micro ATX Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best ITX Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Cheap Motherboard for i7 9700k | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Durable Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price |
ASUS Prime Z390-A Motherboard
Best PickChipset | Z390 |
CPU Socket | LGA 1151 |
USB | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A |
Display | 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 1 x HDMI |
Audio | 5 x 3.5 mm 1 x S/PDIF |
Ethernet / Controller | 1 x Intel I219V Gigabit |
PS/2 | 1 x Combo |
Memory Slots | 4 x 288-Pin |
Memory Support | DDR4 2133, 2400, 2666, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3300, 3333, 3400, 3466, 3600, 3733, 3866, 4000, 4133, 4266 MHz |
Maximum Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Channel Architecture | Dual Channel |
ECC Support | Non-ECC Unbuffered |
SATA | 6 x SATA III |
M.2 | 1 x M Key 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 1 x M Key 2242, 2260, 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4, SATA (Unspecified)) |
Optane Memory Support | Yes |
RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 |
Multi-GPU Support | 2-Way NVIDIA SLI 3-Way AMD CrossFireX |
Air Cooling | 1 x 4-Pin CPU 3 x 4-Pin System 1 x 4-Pin Assistant 1 x Thermal Sensor 1 x 4-Pin M.2 |
Audio Codec | Realtek ALC S1220A (8-Channel) |
Form Factor | ATX |
Skilled gamers who want a successful play system believe that performance is the most critical aspect of any system. And nothing more than the motherboard defines the efficiency of a computer system.
You can enjoy your favorite games if you have a good motherboard and a nice PC. The ASUS motherboard brand featured some of the best models on the market. It is one of the best motherboards for core i7 9700K.
This motherboard is designed especially for novice users to learn the complicated world of gaming. It offers some basic functionality, but also overclocking capabilities. It is also an exciting choice to choose from because the motherboard is cheap. Let’s add the motherboard characteristics and specifications to see if it’s right for you.
It has High enough storage space and consistent with various types of PCs and processors. Each slot has 4 RAM slots of 64 GB, and DDR4-4266 is supported. Good saving options, including M.2 slots supporting SATA drives and another 6 SATA ports running on RAID from 0 to 10 arrays, are also available.
While there are no comprehensive features for the Z390 motherboard, the fact that it supports AI overclocking is a major plus for professional gamers and other users.
If we talk about the design of ASUS Prime Z390-A, it comes with black silver and white design. There is also an inbuilt RGB and AURA Sync support for a white rear panel covering the heatsink. The PCB has a white pattern design that adds a bit of aesthetics and makes it look better than other Z390 choices.
You don’t have any problem when you play or multitask if you have a motherboard supporting up to 32Gps data transfer rate. With its reversible USB 3.1 Type-C and USB 3.1 type A reverse compatible drives, you can also experience an unparalleled connectivity rate.
Audio Codecs that work with Realtek are used in Prime Z390-A. It also has a spectacular signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB to boost performance. This improves the audio quality distinctly and resoundingly. There is also a circuit that interprets obstacles to audio performance independently. The software will adjust the gain for the optimum headphone sound. The functionality can easily be upgraded to universal audio.
This model offers full RGB lighting exposure, like other ASUS motherboard lines, with a wide range of operational presets. The RGB headers also have connected strips that give them an amazing look. Fortunately, the fun part is that the ASUS Prime Z390 hardware is well incorporated. That’s the beauty of having an easy motherboard with all the features to play your favorite games and make many things fast and effective.
While it might not look as comprehensive as some of the other premium motherboards, gamers and other users are given the great features they are looking for. Above all, overclocking capabilities outweigh all other functions. It is also affordable, surprisingly.
The ASUS Prime is the best z390 motherboard for i7 9700k and will be a great option if you’re looking for an inexpensive motherboard with a lot of connectivity and decent speed.
Pros
- Great aesthetics
- Cost-effective prime option
- Good Overclocking
- A great option for beginners with gaming
Cons
- Lacks updated BIOS
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
Staff PickChipset | Intel Z390 |
Form Factor | Micro ATX |
Socket | LGA 1151 |
Voltage Regulator | 11 Phases |
Video Ports | HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 |
USB Ports | 10Gbps: (1) Type-C, (1) Type A 5Gb/s: (4) Type A |
Network Jacks | (1) Gigabit Ethernet, (2) Wi-Fi Antenna |
Audio Jacks | (5) Analog, (1) Digital Out |
Legacy Ports/Jacks | (2) PS/2 |
PCIe x16 | (2) v3.0 (x16/x0, x8/x8) |
PCIe x1 | (2) v3.0 |
CrossFire/SLI | 2x / 2x |
DIMM slots | (4) DDR4 |
M.2 slots | (2) PCIe 3.0 x4 / SATA |
SATA Ports | (4) 6Gb/s |
USB Headers | (1) 10Gb/s Type-C, (2) v3.0, (2) v2.0 |
Fan Headers | (5) 4-Pin |
Legacy Interfaces | Serial Com Port, System (Beep-code) Speaker |
Other Interfaces | FP-Audio, TPM, (2)RGB-LED, (2) D-LED, Corsair RGB, Thunderbolt AIC |
SATA Controllers | Integrated (0/1/5/10) |
Ethernet Controllers | WGI219V PHY |
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Intel 9560 802.11ac 2×2 (1.73Gb/s) / BT 5 Combo |
HD Audio Codec | ALC1220 |
Now let’s move to our second best gaming motherboard for i7 9700k. It’s a full-size ATX board with Intel’s LGA1151 port, and any mainstream Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh Processor can fit into it. It’s not entirely without visual flair-the rear I / O panel is covered by an angled cover, and the right edge underside is equipped with controllable RGB lighting, but the inoffensive black, white and grey color scheme typically helps it blend in neutrally.
The motherboard itself, while offering a little glamour, is built to meet the needs of the masses at a decent price. Now let us take a closer look at the mid-range Z390 motherboard that MSI has to offer.
As the second x16-length slot steals eight lanes from the first when its card is mounted, via x16 / x0 to x8 / x8 automatic switching, the MPG Z390 M Gaming Edge AC completely supports both SLI and Crossfire. To fit two double-slot graphics coolers into a four-slot case, the card slots must be in the first and third places of a four-slot case, which means that it is not possible to use a pair of triple-slot cards simultaneously. Anyone actually hoping to add an oversized graphics card and an x8 storage adapter, on the other hand, can simply place the storage adapter in the long top slot.
Above the top slot is a Gen2 USB 3.1 front-panel header, so that it can’t get in the way of any expansion cards. To pass under the leading edge of long graphics cards, one of the two USB 3.0 front-panel headers faces forward, along with all four SATA ports.
Although the second USB 3.0 header relies on the graphics cooler to be small enough to slip under the front-panel cable, we imagine that most users would not try to mount a super-thick graphics card in the lower x16-length slot although attaching four USB 3.0 front-panel ports as well. But if you’re going to do anything like that, you may want to look elsewhere.
HD-Audio, a legacy serial COM port, two (of five) PWM-style fan headers, one (of two) RGB headers and one (of two) addressable LED headers are additional headers at the bottom edge. Two dual-port USB 2.0 headers, a factory firmware programming header, an Intel-style front-panel button / LED party, a chassis intrusion button, and a legacy PC (beep code) speaker headers are also here.
Performance experiments showed yet again that your selection of motherboard won’t impact performance much, all other things being equal. Running our 4 K benchmarks even with Intel’s strong Core i9-9900K resulted in the MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC-based device scoring only one point lower than the ROG Maximus XI Hero WiFi: 329 to 330.
Best of all, one of the lower-priced ATX Z390 motherboards is the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC, even if that potentially says more about Z390 pricing in general than it does about this particular model. It is the best motherboard for intel i7 9700k and there is no second opinion.
If it’s I / O panel connectivity, a lack of Wi-Fi, or the use of older audio codecs, there are only a few more accessible ones, and they are invariably less well fitted. As such, it is easy to recommend the MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC.
Printed documents, a driver / app disc, two SATA cables, an RGB LED splitter cable, an Addressable LED cable, a legacy versatile single-link SLI Bridge, a snap-in I / O shield, an MSI VIP card, a case tag, and cable label stickers are included in the MPG Z390 M Gaming Edge AC.
Pros
- SLI, Crossfire, and additional x8 storage card are supported
- Great overclocking of two DIMMs
- Has Intel 1.73 GB/s Wi-Fi module
- Excellent Performance
Cons
- Six graphics cooling slots would not support four space slots
- Could use more USB connectors
MSI Z390-A PRO
Budget PickForm Factor | ATX |
SOCKET | LGA 1151 |
CPU (MAX SUPPORT) | i9 |
CHIPSET | Intel® Z390 Chipset |
DDR4 MEMORY | 4400(OC)/ 4300(OC)/ 4266(OC)/ 4200(OC)/ 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3300(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC) / 2800(OC)/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz |
MEMORY CHANNEL | Dual |
MAX MEMORY (GB) | 128 |
With a simple and elegant build, the MSI Z390-A PRO motherboard fits perfectly into a PC dedicated to working. For better cooling, the heatsink is wider and it incorporates Core Boost for excellent power supply.
Tons of intuitive features are built into MSI Z390 motherboards that will allow you to use your devices easily. In addition, you will have settings and problem-solving apps tools that expand the functionality of the device to achieve new performance standards and satisfy the most demanding users. It has never been easier to install your motherboard and computers.
To enjoy a good output, you need a good motherboard for i7 9700k. It is also vital to cool your PC. MSI motherboards, including a bigger radiator, add excellent features dedicated to their power supply. To keep your device at the correct temperature, multiple fan connectors are also available.
Its Total Fan Control feature allows you, via an intuitive interface, to take control of your fans and monitor basic device functions. For both the processor and motherboard, you can also set 4 temperature profiles. The speed of the fans will be regulated accordingly by these profiles.
To ensure optimum speed and noise reduction, fan connectors automatically detect whether fans are running in DC or PWM mode. The phenomenon of hysteresis also enables fluidity in terms of fan output and guarantees silent cooling, regardless of the status of the device.
The MSI Z390-A PRO is designed to support the most common solutions for water cooling. With a power supply of up to 2 amps, an all-in-one pump connector gives you complete control over the speed of the pump and therefore over the performance of water cooling. To simplify the installation of the pump, a ‘keep-out-zone’ is clearly specified.
The motherboards contain electrical components of premium quality and provide a keep-out zone on the chipset (depending on the model) and SATA and USB ports that are intelligently designed to support all your components. MSI can also provide you with outstanding overclocking resources with DDR4 Boost technology.
MSI Z390-A PRO has many features designed specifically for memory and to improve its speed, stability and overclocking capabilities. You will not have to worry about the risk of a DDR4 Boost crash.
This motherboard follows all the storage requirements of the new generation and enables you to use quick storage devices. During the game, your games begin faster and the levels also load faster, enabling you to still be ahead of your opponents.
The SSD(s) are detected and performance is automatically optimized to increase the data transfer speed when you activate the Storage Boost feature. This will grant you access to your games and move much faster with your data.
There is a solution if you want to boost your PC performance by using multiple SSDs: setup a RAID system that allows you to spread your data through multiple storage discs. But because of the various steps to be taken, this can also be difficult. With M.2 Genie, an intuitive user interface simplifies configuring a RAID 0 device and you can use both M.2 and U.2 SSDs.
Faster than ever before, copy your files. MSI provides a broad range of choices for connecting your devices and enjoying ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 10 GB / s.
With two Intel ® Gibagit LAN controllers capable of providing high link efficiency and meeting the needs of players competing in major online eSport competitions, you can enjoy a smoother gaming experience. While ensuring impressive performance for UDP and TCP protocols, they reduce processor load. A higher fps level, perfect for players, results in this.
Pros
- Multiple features for beginners and experts
- Having Back-side USB C 3.1 port plus headers
- Mystic RGB headers
- Perfectly designed for OC and enthusiastic gaming
Cons
- Loud pop/click sound when the motherboard powers on
- Connections on the Motherboard are not marked properly
GIGABYTE Z390 M Gaming
CPU Socket | LGA 1151 |
Form Factor | mATX |
Chipset | Intel Z390 |
Memory | DDR4 2133, 2400, 2666, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3300, 3333, 3400, 3466, 3600, 3666, 3733, 3800, 3866, 4000, 4133, 4266 MHz |
Audio | Realtek® ALC892 codecHigh Definition Audio2/4/5.1/7.1-channelSupport for S/PDIF Out |
LAN | Intel® GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) |
Multi-Graphics Technology | Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™ and 2-Way AMD CrossFire™ technologies |
The Gigabyte Z390 M Gaming Motherboard is an m-ATX motherboard for Intel’s 9th Gen processors. It shares a very similar look and design to the Z390 Gaming X and Gaming SLI, featuring a classy black and grey theme with red highlights for power delivery on its heat sink.
The Z390 M Gaming Motherboard, like the other motherboards listed, has a dual CPU 12-Volt ATX power input, specifically 8 and 4-pins, and, like the ATX-sized gaming boards, appears to have a 12-phase structure.
The Z390 M Gaming Motherboard contains two full-length PCIe 3.0 slots that operate at 16-x and 4-x respectively when it comes to the PCIe slots. This motherboard also includes 2 PCIe 3.0 x1, and up to 2-way Cross-Fire, multiple graphics card combinations are supported by the motherboard itself. It’s practically the same as the much bigger Z390 Gaming X ATX-sized.
Six SATA ports with two optional right-angled ports and four straight-angled connectors come with the Z390 M Gaming Motherboard. These can be found below the motherboard’s 24-pin 12 Volt power supply. The motherboard provides you with a total of two M.2 slots that support both the SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 drives.
The Z390 M Gaming Motherboard also has two USB 3.1 Gen2 (both Type A and Type A) and four USB 3.0 Type A ports when we look at the rear panel. Two video outputs, consisting of the HDMI and DVI-D port, a PS/2 combination, plus a mouse port, are added to the products. Gigabyte has included one LAN port powered by the INtel I-219V Gigabit controller, as well as six 3.5 millimeter audio jacks taking direction from Realtek’s ALC-892 HD audio codec.
We can only say, with all the time we had with the Z390 M Gaming Motherboard, that Gigabyte did a very nice job with it. It is packed with a number of great features, provides excellent connectivity, outstanding cooling, and it has also worked very well, making it a motherboard that we would highly recommend to you and any other gamer out there. It’s ideal for those who want to build with quality and productivity while keeping within the budget.
Pros
- A GREAT motherboard in its price range
- Excellent at overclocking
- Impressive connectivity and lots of ports
- Excellent cooling features
Cons
- Rear Audio Jack has loud static noise
ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac
Form Factor | Mini ITX |
Voltage Regulator | 7 Phases |
Socket | LGA 1151 |
Chipset | Intel Z390 |
Video Ports | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 3 |
USB Ports | 10 Gbps: (4) Type A, (1) Type-C (via Thunderbolt 3) 5 Gb/s: (2) Type A |
Network Jacks | (1) Gigabit Ethernet, (2) Wi-Fi Antenna |
Audio Jacks | (5) Analog, (1) Digital Out |
Legacy Ports/Jacks | (1) PS/2 |
Other Ports/Jack | Thunderbolt 3 at 20Gb/s max, CLR_CMOS Button |
PCIe x16 | (1) v3.0 (full bandwidth) |
DIMM slots | (2) DDR4 |
M.2 slots | (2) PCIe 3.0 x4 / SATA* (*Consumes SATA Port 1) |
SATA Ports | (4) 6Gb/s (Port 0 shared w/M.2) |
USB Headers | (1) v3.0, (1) v2.0 |
Fan Headers | (3) 4-Pin |
Other Interfaces | FP-Audio, RGB-LED, D-LED, PC (beep code) Speaker, Chassis Intr. |
SATA Controllers | Integrated (0/1/5/10) |
Ethernet Controllers | WGI219V PHY |
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Intel 9560 802.11ac 2×2 (1.73Gb/s) / BT 5 Combo |
USB Controllers | JHL6240 Thunderbolt 3 PCIe 3.0 x2 |
HD Audio Codec | ALC1220 |
Another addition to the list of best motherboards for i7 9700K is the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac. This motherboard reflecting its new gaming brand is a mini-ITX motherboard. On the Z390 chipset, the Phantom Gaming series launched and directly substitutes the previous Fatal1ty brand. ASRock has recently launched the Phantom Gaming range with a range of new AMD-based graphics cards and even DDR4 memory. This allows users the ability to kit out a complete device with matching pieces.
With its Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac, ASRock is the first company to properly power and cool Intel’s Core i7-9700 K in this compact range. It’s also surprisingly cheap, advanced features for such a small board.
The company’s best performing Z390 mini-ITX motherboards are the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac. A single ASRock Steel Slot full-length PCIe 3.0 x16 slot is on the front of the board, with the board also holding two PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots. A pre-attached M.2 heatsink is given in the front slot. A Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec handles the audio, while an Intel I219-V GbE NIC and Intel 9560 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi adapter handles the networking features, which also enables users to use Bluetooth 5.0 devices.
With an all-black PCB and black metallic heatsinks, the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac uses a rather simple black theme. There are two main components for the heatsink that are connected to a plated copper heat pipe that cools not only the power delivery CPU VCore portion, but also the Z390 chipset. What makes it more interesting is that an M.2 heatsink has been inserted into the chipset portion by ASRock, which is a good use of space.
The branding of Phantom Gaming is embossed with silver lettering on the chipset portion of the heatsink, which has a classic appealing contrast. The three LEDs that are incorporated at the bottom of the board at the rear can be customized by users searching for RGB. The Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac has two RGB headers with one addressable header and one regular header assisted by Polychrome RGB software from ASRock.
Memory compatibility is one of the substantial improvements with the launch of the Z390 chipset over the Z370 and the Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac profits from this. The board includes support for DDR4-4500 memory with a maximum of 32 GB of support for two slots. There is a trio of 4-pin headers on the cooling front with them split into a CPU fan header, a pump / AIO header and a single fan header device.
The power distribution on the Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac ASRock Z390 is one of the best and most stable I’ve seen for a mini-ITX motherboard. An Intersil ISL69138 7-channel PWM controller, which functions in a 5 + 2 configuration, runs as the central hub. The VCore portion of the CPU consists of five high-quality Intersil Smart Power ISL99227 direct metal contact power stages rated at 60 A. The other two are with two more ISL99227 power stages for the iGPU; the power distribution portion of the SoC / iGPU does not have a heatsink. There are seven 60 A inductors and an array of 12 K capacitors accompanying the power delivery. Feeding power from the power supply into the CPU is a single input of 8-pin 12 V ATX power.
The Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac is much cheaper than MSI’s MGP Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon’s non-Wi-Fi version, but that will not matter to anyone who wants the ATX form factor for the extra DIMM and PCIe slots. But the Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX / ac is easily the first choice for those in the market want a Mini ITX board to support Intel’s Core i7-9700K.
Pros
- Great performance and efficiency
- Good at overclocking
- Vastly-improved Core i7-9700K efficiency
- A very reasonable price for having Thunderbolt 3 & 1.73 GB/s Wi-Fi
Cons
- DIMM Overvoltage Firmware H / W Control Misreports
- Lesser onboard RGB lighting
ASRock Z370 Extreme4
Another best motherboard for i7 9700K on our list is ASRock Z370 Extreme4. The Extreme 4 promises to be a powerhouse for the new Intel CPUs, with a durable construction that incorporates a 12 Power Phase Digital PWM design, efficient motherboard cooling, and more. Allowing for high overclocks on your memory, PCIe computers, and CPU and improved stability. Better still, it appears likely to do so without breaking the bank.
“The improved power phase design offers smooth power delivery to the more powerful 8th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors, providing unmatched overclocking capabilities, lower temperature for advanced gamers, and reinforced system stability for taking on all sorts of arduous computing tasks.” – ASRock
Specifications
- Supports 8th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors (Socket 1151)
- Digital PWM, 12 Power Phase
- Supports DDR4 4333+(OC)
- 3 PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 (Key E)
- NVIDIA® Quad SLI™, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™
- Graphics Output Options : HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub
- 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec)
- Supports Purity Sound™ 4 & DTS Connect
- 8 SATA3, 2 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3)
- 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 10Gb/s (1 Type-A + 1 Type-C)
- 9 USB 3.1 Gen1 (1 Front Type-C, 4 Front Type-A, 4 Rear)
- Intel® Gigabit LAN
- ASRock RGB LED
- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
Typically, buyers of such boards would get an additional local storage controller, an external power interface with high bandwidth, and a large voltage regulator that would not be likely to burn out if the CPU was overclocked. High end “has since come to mean something entirely different to enthusiasts in more recent times, however.” Welcome to the enthusiast mainstream, ASRock’s Z370 Extreme4.
Most of the PCI Express storage has dated add-on storage controllers, and pure inflation of dollars and cents has bumped rates upwards. Yet, the Z370 Extreme4 still provides modern external devices with a high-bandwidth add-on controller … but at old-school rates. Considering the price, what other surprises did we see on this board? Let’s take a good look.
You also get RGB, both onboard and via a single lighting-cable header, for what it’s worth. But we’re essentially looking at Z370 PCH functions outside those things. We also get an overclocking oversized voltage regulator, and ASRock is careful enough to include the new ALC1220 high-mainstream audio codec. The Z370 Extreme4 is also able to simultaneously support two M.2 and one slot-mounted NVMe drive without dipping into the 16 PCIe lanes of the CPU: it’s always good to see a company making full use of the limited resources of the chipset.
The high-bandwidth interface is USB 3.1 Gen2, courtesy of ASMedia’s PCIe 3.0 two-lane controller that powers a Type-C and a Type-A port. ASRock was not so generous as to provide a pair of USB 2.0 ports for a keyboard and mouse, which, considering the Z370’s HSIO limitations, would have made sense, but for your vintage keyboard or mouse, there is a PS/2 port. For customers old enough to have Y2 K flashbacks, there’s even a VGA port.
The only annoyance about the absence of additional USB ports is that some of us want to keep the 10Gb / s ports open for portable devices, even though they have to be USB 2.0. Doing so leaves only four USB 3.0 ports. Consumers also get DVI-D and HDMI, six analogue audio jacks, and a feature-enhanced digital optical audio output with a DTS Link license.
The Extreme4 is a superior solution for a day to day work and gaming device. It is not the quickest and definitely not the slowest one, but this will be reflected in the price. It’s also better value for money than Fatal1ty’s big brother based gaming, but it still offers output that can compete with it. Personally, I would buy this one, even for a gaming system, over a gaming one.
Furthermore, this motherboard is fitted with dual M.2 storage mounts, Optane support, and a boatload of USB connections, and you have everything you need to make a power workstation or RAID-focused device. Of course, you can throw in a few high-end graphics cards with SLI / CrossFire support and build the 4 K gaming PC you’ve always wanted, without the need to spend a lot more cash and go for X299, or even Threadripper.
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Stylish design
- Robust overclocking features
- Easy to use BIOS
- RGB lighting
- 8th Gen CPU support
Cons
- Second-place overclocking
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS ULTRA
Form Factor | ATX |
CPU Support | 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core Processors |
CPU Power Phase | 12+1 Phase Digital VRM |
Memory Type | Dual-Channel DDR4 |
Memory DIMMs | 4*DIMMs |
Graphics Interface | 1*PCIe 3.0 x16 + 1*PCIe 3.0 x8 |
Expansion Slots | 1*PCIe 3.0 x4 + 3*PCIe 3.0 x1 |
M.2 | 2( M.2 Heatsink *2) |
Display Interface | HDMI |
WIFI | Intel CNVi 2×2 802.11ac wireless |
While the Z370 Aorus Gaming 5 that was part of GIGABYTE’s Intel range was replaced by the Z390 Aorus Ultra, the GIGABYTE has stepped away from its numbering structure and has opted to use more popular gaming strategies. The aesthetic update did not change much as both models had RGB LED lightings incorporated at many points all over the board, including power supply and heatsinks chipset.
The Z390 has complete RGB headers (insert), which further expands the board’s RGB capabilities. Like Gaming 5, 802.11ac Wi-Fi is built into a single LAN port in the Z390 Aorus Ultra, enabling users to make the best of both worlds by connecting to a network. GIGABYTE also reveals a thirteen step VRM (12 + 1), so users looking to overclock the latest Intel processors should be given plenty of headroom.
GIGABYTE even jumps into the public eye with all the competitive climate to warm up. GIGABYTE seemed to fall behind in the race for the finest motherboards for the last few generations of chipsets, mostly due to their simple BIOS, which was bodied by other manufacturing companies. This time around, with their increasingly assertive 12 plus step VRM concept through the AORUS Z390 series, they took up arms to turn the tables around. From this list, we selected the GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Ultra, the middle-of-the-road, and most balanced board.
The Z390 Aorus Ultra share the same features as the Z370 Gaming 5, including three full length, x16, x8, and x4, each from top to top. With the Z390 Aorus Ultra now getting the protection for metal slots in all PCIe 3.0 slots, GIGABYTE has updated the previous board. Three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots are also part of the board.
Although both the Aorus Gaming Z370 and the new Aorus Ultra Z390 have three PCIe 3.0 x4/2 M.2, all three slots now have a dedicated M.2 heatsink for the newer Z390 model to support the heat dissipation. Six SATA slots of RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays are also used. With its emphasis on memory and up to 64 GB space over four RAM Slots, the Z390 Aorus Ultra has DDR4-4133 RAM compatibility.
There will be 3 USB 3.1 Gen2-Type-A, one USB 3.1 Gen2-Type-C, and 4 USB 2.0 ports on the rear panel. Like Aorus Master Z390, the GIGAByte DAC-UP audio boost technology also features two USB 3.0 Type-A ports. The Z390 Aorus Ultra offers support for the wireless communication of Wave 2 802.11ac and an Intel I219V Gigabit network controller controls the single LAN port. For users who are looking to use the integrated graphics of the Intel enabled 8th and 9th generation processors, an HD audio codec with a Realtek ALC 1220-VB HD is featured as a single HDMI video output.
It has an innovative thermal solution with multi-cut heat sink engineering linked to the direct contact heat line. MOSFET cooling output is also applied to the heat sink by the thermal pads. This element, which is only available in this series, is wanted by many pro gamers and enthusiasts. The WI-FI onboard antenna module offers speeds of up to 1.73 Gbps, enabling you to enjoy smooth video streaming and a high-quality gaming experience.
The presence of 5 Smart Fan technology involves various temperature sensors that provide reliable output to maintain the temperature of the motherboard. The Smart Fan 5 also allows customers to mirror the thermal sensors at various locations by interchanging the headers of the fans and monitoring the temperature every second.
This motherboard contains no booster for USB charging. The USB front is the header of the C 3.1 GEN. For the security of those ports, they are layered with ultra-durable security. The only problem with this motherboard is the use of the old BIOS. Gigabyte UEFI BIOS UI is supported with a controller but is not expected with such an advanced motherboard.
The Aorus Gaming Master Z390 from Gigabyte has the functionality and overclocking processor to justify being on a high-end buyer’s Core i7-companion shortlist. But we will need to look at more competing products before we can make important decisions.Pros
Pros
- Efficient Overclocking Processor
- Excellent cooling and feature set of the voltage regulator
- Comprehensive Software suite
Cons
- Lesser overclocking power
- The price is relatively high
GIGABYTE Z390 UD
For a cleaner and simple looking board, the GIGABYTE Z390 UD or Z390 Ultra Durable motherboard is ATX in size and eliminates all the gaming branding and fluff associated with that. The black PCB has a straight sweeping grey side pattern across the majority and blends it with the heatsink of the chipset.
The board has a total of three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots with the x16 covered top slot supporting metal slot protection and the other two full-length bare slots operating at x4; the board also has three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. As well as the Z390 Gaming SLI, Z390 Gaming X, and Z390 M Gaming versions, the board also has the same 8 and 4-pin 12V ATX power inputs.
Specifications
- Supports 9th and 8th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
- Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- New 10+2 Phases Digital PWM Design
- NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 22110 M.2 Connector
- Multi-Way Graphics Support with PCIe Armor and Ultra Durable™ Design
- GIGABYTE Exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN with Bandwidth Management
- Support RGB Light Strip in Full Colors
- CEC 2019 Ready, Save Power With a Simple Click
- Smart Fan 5 features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
- Lightning-Fast Intel® Thunderbolt™ 3 AIC Support
- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
The Z390 UD has a total of six SATA ports consisting of two right-angled connectors, with another bank of four sitting just below, featuring straight-angle connectors. A single M.2 slot that supports both PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA drives is located above the PCIe slots. Up to 64 GB can be mounted over the four available RAM slots for the memory, with official XMP profiling still unannounced.
A total of six USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a pair of PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, and an HDMI video output are on the rear panel of the Z390 UD. This board decreases some cost-effective USB 3.1 Gen2 networking and is not first the only GIGABYTE board to do so, but it also uses a cheaper Realtek ALC887 audio codec and Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit network controller to power three 3.5 mm audio jacks and a single LAN port.
Without much feature set built for gaming, the Z390 UD (Ultra Durable) is more geared towards budget systems and more skilled users who do not want to spend extra budget on features considered unnecessary that could remain unused for all intents and purposes. The Z390 UD is GIGABYTE’s cheapest Z390 offering as it reflects one of the more modest entry-level Z390 offerings at launch from any of the motherboard vendors.Pros
Pros
- Price is much affordable
- Great working performance
- Reasonable overclocking
Cons
- Not ideal for gaming
Summary for Best Motherboard for i7 9700K
Award | Design | Buying Guides | Retailer |
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Best Overall Motherboard for i7 9700k | Best Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Flagship Motherboard for i7 9700K | Staff Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Budget Motherboard for i7 9700K | Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Micro ATX Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best ITX Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Cheap Motherboard for i7 9700k | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Enthusiast Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price | |
Best Durable Motherboard for i7 9700K | ![]() | Check Price |
Conclusion
We have listed some of the best motherboards for i7 9700K, and even if you upgrade to Intel Core i9-9900K, these motherboards should be perfect. There are certainly other great motherboards out there, but all of your needs should be fulfilled by the ones listed here.