The Intel Core i7 13700K quickly became (and remains) one of the most desirable all-around CPUs for both gaming and general productivity use cases when it launched in the fall of 2022. Given that it houses an impressive 16 cores in a big.LITTLE configuration (eight larger higher-clocked performance cores coupled with eight smaller, lower-clocked efficiency cores), the 13th generation CPU is a somewhat more affordable alternative to the i9 lineup of Intel processors that offers similar gaming performance with a discrete GPU.

Although the integrated graphics chip on the Intel 13700K can run some older games, the full power of this CPU isn't realized until it's paired with the best motherboard, memory, and graphics card. Choosing a motherboard that allows a CPU like the Intel Core i7-13700K to reach its full potential is an essential early decision when assembling a gaming build.

Several options meet these requirements to varying degrees, and the following guide suggests the best motherboards for the 13700K at various price points.

Updated on May 31st, 2024 by Rahim Amir: The guide below has been updated with multiple new motherboard options as prices continue to drop for Z790 chipset-based motherboards in 2024, allowing users to grab better bargains that can handle the Intel Core i7 13700K's needs and tweaking potential with ease.

  • ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
    ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
    Best Overall Motherboard for the 13700K
    $360 at Amazon
  • Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
    Best Alternate Overall Motherboard for the 13700K
    $260 at Amazon
  • ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Best Premium Motherboard for the 13700K
    $580 at Amazon
  • MSI PRO Z790-S WiFi
    MSI PRO Z790-S WIFI
    Best Budget Motherboard for the 13700K
    $170 at Amazon
  • ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula
    Best Looking Motherboard for the 13700K
    $750 at Amazon
  • Asrock Z790I Lightning Wifi
    Asrock Z790I Lightning Wifi
    Best Compact Motherboard for the 13700K
    $280 at Newegg
  • 13700k
    Intel Core i7-13700K
    Intel's Best Mid-Range CPU
    $330 at Amazon
  • Intel Core i7 14700K 20-Core, 28-Thread CPU
    Intel Core i7 14700K 20-Core, 28-Thread CPU
    The Intel Core i7 13700K's replacement
    $390 at Amazon
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The motherboard is a core part of any new PC build. Getting the right one is crucial for ensuring a good experience with a new PC.

The Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i7 13700K in 2024

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi offers some of the best power delivery in the business, adequately allowing enthusiasts to push their Intel Core i7 13700K CPU to higher overclocks. It does the same for RAM modules, with ASUS claiming stability with modules running at an overclock of up to 7800 MHz with ease. It houses an aggressive design as it merges the onboard RGB lighting, VRM heatsinks, and I/O shield into a neat package.

While networking is comprehensively handled thanks to a 2.5G Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, the Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi also delivers on the I/O aspect of things, offering 12 USB ports at the rear, including two USB-C options. Users can also access up to 11 front USB ports using headers on the motherboard, while the motherboard offers PCI-E 5.0 connectivity for both the GPU slot and the primary M2 slot.

This, however, does have limitations when it comes to SATA ports, with ASUS only offering a measly four on an enthusiast-grade motherboard, something that could irk users upgrading with a lot of legacy storage from a previous PC. The lack of USB-4 ports that some higher-end ASUS motherboards do have on offer and support for 14th-generation CPUs without a mandatory BIOS update are some of the drawbacks of what is otherwise an excellent (albeit slightly pricey) Z790 offering.

Users can also spend an extra $100 to get Wi-Fi 7 on the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi II revision of this motherboard that offers 14th-generation CPU compatibility, in addition to a slightly overhauled design if they want the latest motherboard from ASUS. For its part, the Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi is already trading at a small discount on both Amazon and Best Buy but at a price that slightly edges into premium territory even as many Z790 motherboards get significant discounts in 2024.

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX ICE offers excellent value for money as it throws in PCI-E 5.0 connectivity for newer GPUs into the mix. In addition, it features excellent DDR5 RAM support for gamers and enthusiasts looking to push performance to a higher tier with the 13700K by tweaking it. It does so as one of the most well-priced Z790 motherboards on the market, even as it refuses to compromise on networking and I/O versus some of its budget-centric alternatives.

With four M2 slots that are limited to PCI-E 4.0 speeds across the board and both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support built in, allowing users to leverage the 2.5G ethernet port for their networking needs, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX ICE comes well-endowed versus the competition. It also offers a mid-range power delivery mechanism and plenty of ports across the board. This makes it a capable, price-conscious choice for users in 2024.

Some users do, however, seem to have issues with getting set up using the integrated Wi-Fi on Windows 11, which might need drivers to be installed before it works correctly. Users looking for the same aesthetic, but a 14th-generation-ready motherboard out of the box can opt for the higher-end Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Pro X instead. That delivers Wi-Fi 7 support, faster ethernet, and slightly better power delivery, making it a viable upgrade for the $80 to $100 price bump.

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The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is one of the best motherboards in the business as it ships ready out of the box for Intel's 13th and 14th generation CPUs as part of an end-of-year refresh cycle. It packs a robust 20+1+2 phase power delivery mechanism, dual PCI-E 5.0 slots (sharing 16 lanes) for next-generation GPUs, and Wi-Fi 7, all of which allow users plenty of upgrade paths while retaining the 13700K or upgrading to a newer 14th generation CPU.

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero offers more than the basics that most of its peers do for its somewhat high asking price. It delivers better RAM and CPU overclocking than the overwhelming majority of them, throwing in one of the best aesthetic looks users can ask for from a black-themed PC build and offers PCI-E 5.0 support for NVMe storage as well as support for as many as five M2 SSDs, all of which make it a viable choice for both, gaming and productivity.

Users might not be thrilled about the single 2.5G ethernet port. Although the white-themed Maximus Formula trim of the same chipset offers a 5-Gigabit option, the competition regularly offers up to 10 Gigabit connectivity. While this can be remedied by purchasing an additional adapter, it is a questionable choice for a motherboard that targets enthusiasts and gamers spending well beyond the basics when it comes to a Z790-based motherboard in 2024.

All in all, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is a solid motherboard for gaming and productivity alike. While it does have a few quirks and may not appeal to value-centric buyers at this stage, it does appeal to ROG loyalists and users looking for solid software and hardware backed by an aesthetic that cuts it a notch above the competition with ease.

Users looking for an upgrade or a new motherboard with a Z790 chipset on a stricter budget might find the MSI PRO Z790-S WIFI surprisingly well-endowed versus the competition, despite commanding a price that is more akin to mid-range B660 or B760 motherboards. It has a respectable 12+1+1 power delivery mechanism, onboard Wi-Fi 6E, and BT 5.3 support, a feature that most of its competition lacks at this price point.

However, it does cut down in some areas noticeably. The MSI PRO Z790-S WIFI has no RGB lighting on offer and the single RGB header on offer may not be adequate for users who would nearly always need to invest in an ARGB controller if they intend to plug in newer controllable hardware in terms of external lighting. Users might feel limited by the fact that only two of the M2 slots are available for NVMe SSD drives, which are also limited to PCI-E 4.0 speeds.

Most users looking for a cost-effective motherboard that sports a Z790 chipset and a design that can feel in place in both workbenches and minimalistic gaming PCs alike will find that the MSI PRO Z790-S WIFI ticks most, if not all, of the important boxes for a motherboard that runs well under $200 in 2024.

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The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is one of the most impressive-looking Z790-based motherboards out there with a price tag to match in 2024. It also happens to ship with an excellent set of VRMs that allow it to push Intel's 13th and 14th-generation CPUs higher, making it a premium motherboard to overclock the Intel Core i7 13700K without the overhead of looking like something from a test bench.

At the same time, it offers liquid cooling for its VRMs to ensure DIY liquid-cooled PC builders are adequately represented, while also doing a decent job passively. Its LiveDash OLED display can be used for aesthetic reasons or to provide information relevant to the internal component's current status. At the same time, it beefs up the communications end versus older Maximus Z690 and 13th-gen Z790 motherboards, offering Wi-Fi 7 support in addition to a 5-Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing users the ability to have access to faster, lower latency internet.

It supports a high degree of memory overclocking, as well as support for Intel's 14th generation CPUs (if users wish to switch down the line) out of the box without requiring a BIOS update to do so, making it a complete, but expensive alternative to many mid-range Z790 motherboards that trade in the sub $200-300 price range currently.

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula sees its price unchanged for the most part as it continues to lead ASUS's 14th-generation-centric Z790-based offerings with its own unique, premium take on what a high-end gaming-capable motherboard should be in 2024.

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For SFF enthusiasts or PC builders aiming for a smaller motherboard and case due to space or aesthetic restrictions, there are plenty of ITX and mATX motherboards out there that can handle the 13700K or the 13700KF. The Asrock Z790I Lightning Wi-Fi comes at a cut above, offering a robust 14+1+1 phase power delivery, excellent RAM overclocking, and wireless connectivity in the form of both Wi-Fi 6E and BT5.3, even as it trades in a reasonable price range under $300.

That is not to say that the Asrock Z790I Lightning Wi-Fi doesn't suffer from the limitations of being a Mini-ITX motherboard. It is limited to only two DIMM slots for RAM and another two for NVMe SSDs. It has no support for PCI-E 5.0 SSD drives, which often come with a heatsink that would need to be accounted for and has limited USB ports on offer, all of which make a more standard ATX motherboard feel like a more versatile choice in general.

For those who do need a Mini-ITX motherboard, the excellent power delivery, connectivity, and a future-proof PCI-E 5.0 slot for the GPU all contribute to making the Asrock Z790I Lightning Wi-Fi an excellent choice for most users that are also concerned with getting better value for money as part of the deal.

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Completing the Build

Picking the Right CPU Cooler

To keep CPU and system temps under control, it's also a good idea to invest in an effective CPU cooler, especially since the Intel 13700K does not ship with one. If you decide to overclock the CPU with the help of a motherboard that's perfect for this exercise – like the ASRock Z790 TAICHI CARRARA – an easy-to-install AIO is a great option, such as the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler.

The best Z690 and Z790 motherboards and an Intel 13700K CPU supplemented with these additional parts will soon have you gaming at 4K resolution without frame rate drops. The 16-core CPU is equally great for productivity use cases, offering as many as 24 threads across its 8P+8E configuration. If putting together a gaming rig becomes too problematic, users can always purchase a great prebuilt PC instead. Whichever route buyers take, users are sure to enjoy their new gaming rig for years to come.

The Intel Core i7 13700K: Is It Relevant Today?

The Intel 13700K CPU and an appropriate motherboard are a fantastic start to any new gaming build. Besides choosing between motherboard-supported DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules, remember to keep the power-hungry CPU well-supplied with juice and cool enough for optimum performance. This involves making sure users pair it with a motherboard that can handle the stable power delivery that Intel's 13700K demands to perform as intended. One should also make sure to purchase a power supply sufficient for both these critical components and a potentially even more demanding graphics card.

The 13700K's 14th-Gen Replacement

While it has been replaced by the Intel Core i7 14700K as Intel's recommended high-end CPU as part of its Raptor Lake Refresh in 2023, it still holds its own versus its newer sibling with ease. The faster Core i7 14700K offers better clocks, more efficient cores, and compatibility with the Intel Core i7 13700K's CPU socket. This means that users do not need a different motherboard to get the job done.

It does, however, trade at a higher price currently due to a discount on the 13700K while increasing both the power and thermal needs of a PC thanks to its higher clocks. This makes it a refresh with a caveat even as the 13700K continues to feature heavily in multiple prebuilt systems and buyer's guides.

What to Look for When Picking a Motherboard to Pair With the Intel Core i7 13700K

Considering the number of motherboards compatible with the Intel 13700K, selecting this vital component is often more difficult than deciding on a CPU. The price range between competing options is vast, with varying compatibility with DDR4 or DDR5 memory to accompany Raptor Lake CPUs. The Z790 series of motherboards is the most popular candidate to pair with this CPU, with support built-in for overclocking the unlocked CPU, even as some models offer Thunderbolt-4 ports and PCIe 5.0 for future GPU models.

Some of the key considerations when picking a motherboard for the Intel Core i7 13700K are:

Memory Support: Intel's current LGA 1700 motherboards come in DDR4 and DDR5 memory trims. The latter offers some performance gains that are not in play for older, lower-bandwidth DDR4 memory modules. Likewise, users unwilling to move from high-capacity DDR4 memory might want to look for a more stable, cheaper DDR4-supporting SKU.

Future-Proofing: Not all Intel-based motherboards offer the same level of future-proofing in terms of specs. An ideal motherboard for upgrades down the line would have support for DDR5 memory, PCI-E 5.0 graphic cards, and SSDs (NVMe or M2) in addition to support for the latest connectivity (Wi-Fi 7, 10-gigabit ethernet) as well as I/O (USB-C 4).

Overclocking Support: The Intel Core i7 13700K is an unlocked Intel CPU. It offers fine-grained control for overclockers and performance enthusiasts to push it beyond its rated boost speeds. Some motherboards do this better than others thanks to expanded tweaking options and better power delivery mechanisms to ensure that the 13700K pushes higher clocks without having any motherboard-induced limitations.

Pricing: Thanks to a plethora of new 14th-gen Intel CPUs and their corresponding B760 and Z790-based motherboards making their way to consumers, many 13th-generation motherboards offer significantly better value, matching or beating their 14th-gen alternatives in that department. This allows users to pick up high-end last-generation motherboards for less regularly without paying the premiums associated with said newer models.

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FAQ

Q: What chipsets work with the Intel Core i7 13700K?

The Intel Core i7 13700K is supported by the following chipsets out of the box: B760, H770, and Z790. The following Intel Chipsets from the 12th generation are also supported but require a BIOS update to detect the 13700K as a processor: H610, B660, H670, and Z690.

The Q670 and W680 also support Intel's 13th generation CPUs after a BIOS update but cater to business and workstation uses. Unless users have a specific reason to opt for these, it is probably better to stick to the H, B, or Z series chipset-based motherboards for a new Core i7 13700K processor.

To get the latest BIOS Update For your 12th Generation motherboard, Intel has compiled a list of its most popular manufacturers and their BIOS update repositories:

Q: Is the B660 motherboard good for the Intel 13700K?

The B660 motherboard is an excellent choice that works with the Intel Core i7 13700K processor. It must be noted that it does require a mandatory BIOS update since it ships with an older version that will not recognize the 13700K as a valid processor until you perform a BIOS update.

Users can opt for the B760 motherboard instead which offers support out of the box for the Intel Core i7 13700K