Like the title suggests, the article will be revolving around a single entity: Intel Core i7-8700K. Most of the time, I write from a third-person perspective, targeting a whole load of lineages.
But,
since people are usually spaced out in terms of motherboard selection, especially when the chipset is Intel i7-8700K. In particular, people have been presenting anecdotes regarding how the chipset malfunctioned, regardless of cherry-picking the right motherboard.
You need to understand that buying right away is not a rational thing because you heard from a third person, “Oh, this motherboard is a piece of heaven.” It doesn’t work that way.
The advent of variable chipsets makes the selection criteria cumbersome and intimidating most of the time, especially when it’s about intel processors. What brings into action is the possibility of having an 8th generation chipset “Coffee lake,” which is capable of thrusting in performance winds, and it’s wonderful. You get to overclock within a few seconds and do a lot of tweaks as per your will. In short, core i7-8700K brings in a revolutionary concept of having customization at its peak. You get to overclock at 4.7 GHz (6 cores and 12 threads), and for such a beast, you need a compatible MOBO. That’s why I will be enumerating the best motherboards for i7 8700k.
An insight into what sort of motherboards I will be tackling in the article:
No doubt, I’ll be focusing on gaming motherboards for i7 8700k! But to even begin the topic, I would need to clear a few things regarding what sort of chipsets are there for 8th generation processors. You must have come across the “Z370” term, and it’s nothing but the lineage of the motherboards.
Z370 motherboards are known for supporting 6-core power-hungry processors. The predecessor Z270 can be put into use for the 8th generation processor, but you would be in dire need to have BIOS flashing option on the motherboard, and it’s only possible if you had a decent Z270 MOBO.
Although coffee lake chipsets have a prescribed boosted frequency of 4.5 GHz+, surprisingly, the Core i7-8700K was pushed to 7.3 GHz, but an X person achieved a 197% raised frequency. That’s phenomenal, isn’t it? For attaining such overclocking speeds, you can’t use the chipset on Z270 Motherboards; it will be an ultimate kill.
It’s time to proceed to the actual session of the article. Without any further delay, let’s begin the guide to the best motherboards for i7 8700K.
List of 6 Compatible Gaming Motherboards for your Intel Core i7 8700K (Summarized Table)
| Title Awarded | Model | Chipset | Socket | Form Factor | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best personal recommended Motherboard for i7-8700K | Z390 | LGA1151 | E-ATX | 4.9/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best overall i7-8700k Gaming Motherboard | Z390-E | LGA1151 | ATX | 4.9/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Premium i7-8700k Gaming Motherboard | Z390 | LGA1151 | ATX | 4.8/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Performative i7-8700k Gaming Motherboard | Z390 | LGA1151 | ATX | 4.7/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Customizable i7-8700k Gaming Motherboard | Z390-A | LGA1151 | ATX | 4.6/5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Inexpensive i7-8700k Gaming Motherboard | Z390 | LGA1151 | ATX | 4.5/5 | Buy on Amazon |
Best personal recommended for i7-8700K
I’m going to treat your existence with my recommendation. It’s ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero, which has every possible feature to date. The price tag might indeed change your mind, but believe me, this motherboard is an indisputable “go-to” motherboard if you aim to juice out the maximum potential of your components.
Features
Albeit, the motherboard is designed for 9th generation processors, you can still chip in your Intel Core i7-8700K without any problem. The motherboard has a 5-way optimization kit tool that enhances your processor’s speed by 5%. Surprisingly, the motherboard has a premium cooling system that allows your components to bask in freely. When enumerating, you get hold of FanXpert 4, temperature sensing devices, and space for slotting in more fans (fan headers).
Not to mention, the motherboard offers exceptional UEFI-BIOS settings, which makes it easier to customize and navigate through the chipset. On top of that, you get in-built RGB lightning that goes in harmony as you turn on your system. What a pleasant sight! Notwithstanding, the MOBO also offers you a high-quality sound chipset, substantial power usage, and log renowned ROG features that you can meddle with as per your will.
I/O ports
The motherboard blesses you with I/O shield ports that reduce electrical shocks and extend the product’s longevity. You get hold of 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 6 x USB 2.0 ports, and 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port. That’s impressive. On top of that, you can find the retry button, start Button, Reset Button, and a whole load of buttons and buttons for further tweaking (DisplayPort, Optical S/PDIF out, 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks).
Design
The motherboard has a beautifully painted armor body with concentrated aluminum fins to allow power dissipation to take place. You can drool over its subtle black body whenever you want to. It’s just out of this world.
All in all, if you are looking forward to having a behemoth of a motherboard (E-ATX) with all the exciting features, flexible tools, exceptional cooling system, then this is your dream motherboard.
- Efficient
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Overclocking possibility
- Software control
- Expensive
Best overall i7-8700k Motherboard
ASUS has been a topic in the market for so long. Because of their outstanding customizable motherboards, you meddle with-no wonder why I selected another ASUS motherboard. Well, ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E is in specific a gaming motherboard that comes with a surfeit of tools for your ease. The motherboard is designed for 8th and 9th generation chips alike, so your Intel i7-8700K will not cause any problems.
Features
It features a 5-way optimization for dynamic control over the cooling system. The reason for implementing such a feature is to provide users with the best possible cooling environment to date. You get hold of AI (sensing capabilities) that allows you to monitor the inner ambiance perfectly. Not to mention, the use of a stock cooler can be effective in so many ways, especially if it makes use of passive cooling. The motherboard is also blessed with dual M.2 heatsinks that allow the heat to radiate out of the case.
Surprisingly, the motherboard also provides you with a water pump header, which is usually not present in most of the latest motherboards. With the extension header and MOS fan bracket’s help, you can do wonders with your motherboard. On top of that, the MOBO provides you with Aura Sync illumination that can be toggled on and off.
Design
ASUS ROG Strix Z390-3 is usually a well-crafted design that mitigates heat at a higher rate. Kudos to the usage of aluminum fins and other heat sinks that helps the radiation to take place. Not only this, but you can have an aesthetically pleasing experience with the black matte (ebony color). Forsooth, what a spellbinding sight.
I/O ports
For the slots and ports, you get hold of 1 x M.2 socket 3, 1 x M.2 socket 3, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports, Display port, Lan header, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x Optical S/PDIF and 5 x audio jacks. What else are you looking for? It just doesn’t end here. You get a plethora of inner motherboard ports too. For instance, 1 x Aura Addressable Strip header, 1 x AAFP connect CPU fan headers, SATA connectors, etc. To be honest, this motherboard has everything you look for in a gaming motherboard.
- Good quality VRMs
- Overclockable
- Have in-built Wi-Fi
- Uses outdated color scheme
Best Premium i7-8700k Motherboard
Let’s welcome MSI into the list. Well, the motherboard earned the title of being premium in every possible way. What’s so enchanting about the motherboard? So far, it has been able to propose numerous gaming features that allow gamers to bask in. In specific, the motherboard targets both the 8th and 9th generation processors, so your Intel Core i7-8700K is in good hands.
Features
When it comes to memory slotting, MSI ACE transcends the normative boundaries. Well, you get to slot in 64 GB RAM (DDR4) with the option of overclocking. You get to insert dual GPUs, that is one of the wonderful things that you can get with the motherboard. How about having two RTX in your system? The OptiMem II technology on the MOBO cautiously maps memory signal pathways to reduce electrical short circuits. On top of that, you get decent headroom for CPU and GPU overclocking, which means that the motherboard promotes an immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, the motherboard offers quite an out-of-box audio jack, which uses an unprecedented 120dB signal-to-noise ratio. The audio signals are enhanced with the help of an impedance sensing circuit on the motherboard for optimal hearing. You know what’s the best part of having MSI Z390 ACE. It’s the ease of unpacking and installing it. You can use the given guide to navigate yourself freely in any problem.
Design
The design of the motherboard is on-fleek with implemented aluminum fins for the thermal solution. You get hold of M.2 Shield Frozr, which strengthens the thermal compartment on the motherboard. Not to mention, there are multiple heat sinks and electric absorbers on the motherboard for longevity purposes.
I/O ports
For the ports, you get 3 x USB 3.1 GEN 2 type C, 9 x USB 3.1 GEN 1 & 2 Type-A ports on the rear and back alike. On top of that, the motherboard also provides 8 USB 2.0 ports for older peripherals. Additionally, you can also channel between Crossfire and SLI with the help of connectors on the motherboard.
All in all, MSI Z390 ACE is a phenomenal and incredible motherboard to get in 2021.
- A plethora of USB ports
- Uses SLI and Crossfire
- Lack of in-built Wi-Fi
Best Performative i7-8700k Motherboard
Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra was specifically designed to house 8th and 9th generation processors alike. The reason for proposing both the generation’s compatibility was to enhance connectivity and give enough room for choices. Since the motherboard comes with specific thermals and speed, the performance charts stand high in competitors’ pool.
Features
The motherboard uses a plethora of advanced features that enable the user to have long-lasting, effective gaming sessions. For lighting, the MOBO uses RGB color coding to illuminate the case’s interior. You can have control of all the lightning to twin it with other components on the motherboard through synching properties. On top of that, you get hold of RGB headers, 12+1 power phase design, and VRM cooling solution with three integrated M.2 heatsinks. The use of heatsinks allows effective radiation to take place inside the case; thus, plummeting down the soaring temperatures.
Additionally, the motherboard also offers 802.11 ac dual wave Wi-Fi support and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. For value-added features, you get hold of SATA cables, G connector, RGB extensions, screws for M.2 slots, two thermal probes, driver, and user’s manual for per navigation. That’s incredible, to be honest.
Design
Like the majority of the Gigabyte motherboards, this also makes use of aluminum fins for thermal conduction and electrical insulation. You also get hold of enough heat pipes for proper navigation. Not only this, but the aesthetically pleasing design of the motherboard makes it perfect for flaunting. Show it to your friends, and boast about it!
I/O ports
For the ports, you get hold of 2 x USB Type-C, 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, and 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1. Not only this, but internally, the motherboard houses a lot of other expansions, slots, and ports as well. For example, you will get a cooling header, digital strip headers, 3 x M.2 connectors, 1 x S/PDIF header, SATA 6GB/s connectors, etc.
- User friendly
- Amazing cooling system
- Top-notch performance records
- Heavy
Best Customizable i7-8700k Motherboard
If you are looking forward to having something customizable with all the recommended features, then ASUS Prime Z390-A can be your shot. It’s commendable that the motherboard hit the list for the third time because of how incredible the ASUS is in every possible aspect. Indeed, the motherboard was initially manufactured for 9th generation chipsets, but you can still use it on your Intel Core i7-8700K.
Features
The motherboard features maximized speed connections. It was only possible with the help of Dual M.2 Gen 2 and ASUS Optimum II technology for stability and overclocking. You can expand your controllability options by overclocking your DRAM, GPU, and CPU alike. Not to mention, the MOBO has a 5-way optimization toolkit that helps in making your system efficient and up to the mark with contemporary flagship models.
For the cooling system, you get hold of the ASUS 5 smart fan and FanXpert 4. These both run in conjunction to provide a cooling tint to the environment; thus, lowering the temperatures. Notwithstanding, the motherboard also supports Aura Sync with addressable headers. You can connect multiple external fans with the headers, and they’ll RGB. As far as the control is concerned, you can use the motherboard’s control buttons to channel through the profiles and modes.
It’s true that the motherboard gingerly maps all the memory pathway signals for surveillance purposes. It just doesn’t end here. You also get audio codec print in collaboration with Realtek S1220A. On top of that, the audio uses a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio for optimal sound settings. For the sensing devices, you get hold of a whole load of them. The list includes a thermal sensor, air sensor, humidity sensor, etc.
Design
It’s an on-fleek design with an opal-colored body. You get hold of a plethora of heat sinks for resistive purposes. Many users reported that they discerned around a 20C drop in the overall temperature of the CPU and GPU.
I/O ports
You get hold of 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 5 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0, and 4 x USB 2.0 ports at front and back altogether. Not only this, but the motherboard has also made accessible the concept of internal ports. The motherboard offers 2 x Aura RGB strip headers, 6 x SATA 6Gb connectors, 2 x Chassis fan connectors, etc. In short, you can completely rely on ASUS Prime Z390-A for ultimate gaming.
- On-fleek white body
- Powerful VRMs
- Not enough RGB headers
Best Cheap i7-8700k Motherboard
The list never gets complete without a budget-friendly offering. If you are looking forward to spending less money on a motherboard, then Gigabyte Z390 UD might come in handy. It’s also true that it’s Gigabyte’s second entry into the list with a more user-friendly interface. Again, the motherboard target 8th and 9th generation processors alike with no discrimination.
Features
The MOBO proposes an array of features that you can bask in for years to come. It will cost you hardly $130, but the enhancements tools provided are of top-notch quality. Surprisingly, the motherboard offers M.2 technology that can house high-speed SSDs for ultimate gaming. Not only this, but the M.2 slots are perfectly encapsulated with heat sinks to allow heat radiation to take place. Additionally, the motherboard also offers RGB lighting in multiple places on the board with proper RGB headers. Also, the MOBO contains a 12+1 power phase design with a beefy VRM to increase temperature conduction and electrical insulation alike.
For the cooling solution, you get enough room to the house in coolers and ventilate the case properly. On top of that, you get to sense temperature and humidity inside the case with sensors’ help. That’s wonderful, to be honest. Notwithstanding, the motherboard offers 802.11ac 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity purposes.
Design
Since the price tag is low, the motherboard offers a dull color coding, which is perfectly reasonable. You can’t argue about that. Motherboard indeed offers a wide range of heatsinks all over the place for a competitive cooling solution. Still, the whole thing looks attractive regardless if twin with the propercase.
I/O ports
For ports and USBs, you get hold of 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 and 2 x USB 2.0 slots at the front and rear altogether. When speaking of internal ports, the motherboard offers the main power connector, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors, RGB strip headers, etc.
- Cheap
- Dull color coding
What factors to consider before buying the best motherboard for i7 8700K?
- Form Factor: It’s the first thing that should cross your mind when purchasing a motherboard. At times, people make mistakes. They involuntarily buy the wrong form factor, and then complain about it. For example, if you have the standard ATX case, then you can fit in Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, and the standard ATX motherboard itself. Well, but not the E-ATX version. So, keep that in mind.
- Ram Expandability: It’s one of the most important factors that shouldn’t be neglected at all. Ram plays a vital role in giving a smooth performance system. If you want to play games at their highest possible settings, you need to have around a minimum of 32GB RAM, and that’s only possible if you have at least two DIMM slots on the motherboard.
- CPU Compatibility: Why are we discussing this point? It should be obvious! Well, not really. People usually ignore the compatibility factor because of the hype for having all the components. You need to ensure that whatever motherboard you get hold of, should be compatible with your processor.
- Socket: Well, you have to be well-versed in terms of what socket your chipset uses. For example, there’s the rampant use of LGA, PGA, and BGA sockets for intel processors.
- SATA Ports: As long as you have a surfeit of ports for connectivity, you are in a good position. Make sure your MOBO has at least all the basic ports for gaming.
- PCI Slots: The expansion factor is exponentially reduced if your motherboard lacks enough PCI slots. If you want to have any external connection, make sure your MOBO has a 1x 16 slot.
- Value-added features: It’s not a mandatory factor to consider, but still, I’ll give it a go for fanatics. If you want in-built Wi-Fi, a high-quality audio port, and RGB headers (with controller), then the value-added features must go for you.
Which motherboard should you buy for your Core i7-8700k?
To be honest, the last choice is independent of the article. I’m only trying to propose the best possible products for your processor. People indeed neglect a lot of features while buying the motherboard, but I guess this article will help you understand the process of cherry-picking perfectly. I recommend you go for ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) since I have my personal experience with the motherboard. It will be going to do wonders if you get hold of it.
On the contrary, if you are low on budget, and don’t want to spend a couple of more shillings, then Gigabyte Z390 UD could be your shot.
I hope the guide cleared all your doubts! Happy shopping!
What sort of questions users ask?
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Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.
