Best Motherboard for i7 8700K
This article reviews five of the best motherboards suitable for Intel’s i7 8700K.
Choosing the right motherboard for your CPU is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Not only will the right one be able to equip your processor with all the power it needs, but it will also allow you to overclock your processor and unlock its full potential.
The Intel Core i7-8700K is used on Intel’s 8th generation of processors, which also goes by the name of Coffee Lake. Gaining a reputation for speed and versatility, the i7-8700K utilizes 6 cores, 12 threads and has a base and boost clock of 3.7GHz and 4.7GHz.
To help optimize this powerful performance, you’ll need a motherboard to match. The only problem? There’s a vast sea of options out there on the market, and not all of it is good! This is why, here at WePC, we’ve done the hard work for you.
In order to ensure you get your hands on the right motherboard for you, we have selected five of the best motherboards for i7 8700K available right now. We’ve also included a helpful guide regarding important features to consider before going through with your purchase.
Regardless of your price point or preference, you’ll find the motherboard that you’re looking for here. Let’s jump right in!
Our Top Picks
In-depth Review
Asus ROG Strix Z390-E
Asus ROG Strix Z390-E
Considered to be of the best motherboards on the market, the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard has been specifically designed to handle your 8th generation processor.
Crafted to deliver power, the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard features 5-way optimization, which is an overclocking module. Unlike older processors, this motherboard features an upgraded back-end that is able to use smart prediction and thermal telemetry while overclocking a processor. This means that you don’t have to worry about any manual tuning.
Plus, to ensure optimal performance, this Asus Motherboard features multiple cooling options including a water pump header, DC fan headers, and even a MOS fan bracket. Thanks to this, the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard will allow you to push your processor to its full potential, without fear of any overheating.
As for your gaming experience, this motherboard utilizes the S1220A codec SupremeFX which is a premium audio-solution that has been integrated into the motherboard. Unlike other audio systems, this one will be able to deliver a flat frequency response, so that you will always hear a neutral sound signature. Plus, its front-panel features dual op-amps, which will be able to pull your focus to the virtual world and allow for an immersive gaming experience.
This Asus Motherboard has also been with convenience in mind, so it’s ideal for gamers of all levels and PC building experience. It comes complete with integrated full RGB lighting control, as well as an RGB LED strip running along the exterior of the motherboard.
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra
Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra
If you’re a gamer looking to take your PC to the next level without breaking the bank, we recommend taking a look at the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Pro Gaming Motherboard.
Specifically designed to cater to both 8th and 9th generation processors, this powerful motherboard offers plenty of flexibility and will allow you to upgrade your i7-8700k processor to one of Intel’s 9th generation series if so desired.
Built to last, this motherboard features a durable design that will be able to withstand a few knocks and bumps, not to mention grueling workloads without overheating. The Z390 consists of a stainless steel exterior, as well as extra-strong PCIe connectors that will be able to effectively protect and support large or heavy graphics cards.
The Z390 also features AORUS 360 Armor that consists of an integrated I/O shield and memory armor, in order to provide you with the peace of mind that you can build your PC without any issues.
Plus, ensuring that this motherboard can handle the most demanding of workloads, this durable motherboard features an M.2 Thermal Guard that will be able to help prevent throttling from high speeds, while multi-cut heatsinks will work to effectively dissipate heat. It’s a great motherboard for anyone looking for the best value.
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard
Next up, we have selected the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Motherboard, which is designed to enhance the speed of your Intel i7-8700K processor.
Made with TUF military-grade components, the ASUS Tuf 2390-Plus Gaming Motherboard will be able to keep your CPU operating with stable power. Its innovative TUF capacitors will be able to offer a 20% increase in temperature tolerance, as well as a longer lifespan of up to 5x that of motherboards without it.
The motherboard will also be protected from static electricity and lightning strikes thanks to an integrated TUF LANguard which utilizes advanced signal-coupling technology. Not just that, but the Z390-Plus also comes with SafeSlot protection, which will be able to keep your graphics card safe and protected thanks to fortifying metal.
In addition to increased temperature tolerance, this motherboard also features Fan Xpert 4 software which will be able to control the motherboard’s fans thanks to multiple sensors to ensure the hardware stays cool. Plus, offering plenty of room for overclocking, OptiMem II Support will be able to carefully reduce crosstalk, while T-Topology will [rpvide time-aligned signaling.
Plus, offering plenty of value for your money, this motherboard has been built under the TUF Gaming Alliance, which is an agreement between ASUS and other PC manufacturers to ensure compatibility between their hardware and parts, including power supplies, coolers, and memory upgrade kits.
ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Motherboard
ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Motherboard
The next motherboard that we have selected is the ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Motherboard.
Suitable for both 8th and 9th generation processors, the Z390-P ATX Motherboard features four PCI Express ports, supports up to 32Gbps of data-processing power, and features multiple additional ports including a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A for optimum flexibility.
To ensure an immersive and focused gaming experience, the ASUS Prime Z390-P ATX Motherboard has been designed to elevate your audio experience, while its Fan Xpert 4 hardware design ensures that this motherboard will stay cool, no matter how grueling the workload.
Featuring built-in OptiMem II Technology, this motherboard will be able to carefully organize memory signal pathways across multiple PCB layers in order to increase shielding zones and reduce the amount of crosstalk. This feature also makes the motherboard better suited to overclocking, as the addition of T-Topology allows for time-aligned signaling in order to allow more headroom for power-hungry overclocking.
Speaking of overclocking, the Prime Z390 has been specifically designed to simplify overclocking software, meaning that tuning will be easier than ever before. ASUS has also included an all-new memory trace layout that will be able to provide consistent stability to DIMMS and RGB-infused memory, so you have total flexibility over what kind of DRAM kits you want to use.
MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel Motherboard
MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel Motherboard
If you’re on the hunt for a motherboard that will offer the most user convenience, we recommend taking a look at the MSI B360 Gaming Plus Intel Motherboard.
Suitable for both 8th and 9th generation processors (making it great for those wanting to upgrade to a 9th-gen later down the road) the B360 is simple and easy to use and comes with the promise of an upgraded gaming experience to boot. It also comes complete with DDR4 memory and supports up to 2666MHz.
Made with integrated Mystic Light, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize your PC according to your preferences. Once set up, you’ll be able to choose between over 16.8 million colors, as well as 10 different effects which you can control via the Mystic Light App you can access via your mobile phone.
Plus, for a fast gaming experience, this motherboard comes with Turbo M.2 and integrated Intel Optane Memory that will ensure the B360 will be able to effectively multi-task and process instructions with efficiency and speed. Not only that, but thanks to built-in NAHIMIC, you’ll be able to enjoy an upgraded audio experience for the most immersive gaming experience possible.
Final Word
So, there you have it! We hope that this article has helped you to discover which motherboard is right for you and that our ‘Thing to Consider’ guide has helped you to make the most informed decision as to which motherboard is best suited to your Intel i7-8700K processor and your gaming needs.
All of the motherboards we’ve talked about today have been specifically designed to support your processor, and have been hand-selected by our expert WePC team on their quality, power, and durability. However, if you’d like a little extra help making your decision, keep reading to discover which one comes out on top, and which one is the best budget-buy:
If you want the best:
If you’re looking to make an investment, then we without a doubt recommend going for the Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard. Not only does it come with full lighting control and the promise of easy installation, but it also harnesses plenty of power and comes with fast memory capabilities.
If you want the most value:
In contrast, if you’re looking for a motherboard that will save you the most money without compromising on power, you’d make a great choice to go for the Gigabyte AORUS PRO Motherboard. Though it’s not the best for overclocking, it still offers a powerful performance that will help to enhance your gaming experience and support your 8th generation processor.
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