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Best motherboard for Core i7-13700K – for budget, high-end, mITX

The Core i7-13700K certainly is no slouch, but you'll want an expert foundation to ensure the processor is working at its top-most performance
Last Updated on April 15, 2024
Best motherboard for core i7-13700k

The core i7-13700K stands as the most powerful mid-range offering in Intel’s 13th generation lineup, renowned for its adaptability in handling heavy-duty tasks and serving as the heart of mid-range, budget-friendly rigs. It stands tall against AMD Ryzen offerings due to its potential in heavier workloads, like video editing and content creation. With such versatility, the i7-13700K presents a myriad of motherboard pairing options. Our mission in this article is to refine those choices, ensuring you make an informed decision on the best motherboard for Core i7-13700K that fits your unique needs and budget.

Products at a Glance

How we picked the best motherboard for Core i7-13700K

Our approach to selecting the best motherboard for the i7-13700K involves a blend of technical analysis and practical testing. We begin by examining the technical specifications, ensuring the motherboard aligns with the capabilities and potential of the i7-13700k.

After an exhaustive technical assessment, we engage in real-world testing. This involves setting up different systems, from gaming rigs to professional workstations, and pushing them to their limits. Through this hands-on approach, we can gauge the motherboard’s reliability, stability, and overall performance when paired with the i7-13700K.

With newer Intel components potentially on the way in the form of Meteor Lake, you may be wondering if the 13th gen chip is even worth it, which we outline in a handy guide alongside our mid-range mele versus, wherein the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Core i7-13700K go toe to toe.

Our Recommended

Product Reviews

1
PROS
  • Excellent value for its feature set
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G Ethernet
  • Supports both 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors
CONS
  • External Wi-Fi antenna isn't the most visually appealing
  • No support for M2 PCI-E 5.0 slots

For the modern enthusiast who seeks performance, versatility, and a motherboard that won’t break the bank, the MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi is a clear standout. MSI hasn’t skimped on the crucial features that most users would demand in this era, notably Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G Ethernet for connectivity that keeps pace with current standards. It’s the best value motherboard around, no question.

However, it’s essential to note that while it’s laden with features, it doesn’t include support for M2 PCI-E 5.0 slots. This could be a drawback for some, especially those who demand the fastest storage speeds.

Additionally, while it has its charm, the Wi-Fi antenna’s design might not appeal to every builder’s aesthetic sensibility. At least you still get wireless connectivity even at the cost of looks. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MSI MPG Z790 Edge Wi-Fi presents a compelling proposition for anyone looking for a motherboard that strikes a balance between price and features.

2
PROS
  • Budget-friendly
  • DDR5 support
  • Handy features like EZ-Latch
CONS
  • Fewer USB ports
  • Not ideal overclocking capabilities
  • Limited next-gen connectivity options

The Gigabyte B760 Aorus Elite AX offers an outstanding platform for those not looking to empty their wallets on a motherboard. With DDR5 memory support, users can tap into the high-speed potential that such RAM brings. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ethernet 2.5G ensure that users are well-connected in the modern digital age.

However, for enthusiasts who value extensive USB connectivity or want to push their system beyond its limits through overclocking, the B760 AORUS might not be the right fit. Its limitations are evident when stacked against its pricier Z790 counterparts, like the $240 Z790 Aorus Elite or the $460 Z790 Aorus Master.

But it’s not all about cutting corners; Gigabyte’s inclusion of user-friendly features like the EZ-Latch hardware for PCIe and M.2 slots ensures a smoother experience, especially for those new to PC building. Overall, the B760 AORUS Elite AX remains the best budget motherboard on the list, making it an attractive choice for gamers and builders operating on a budget.

3
PROS
  • Cutting-edge 21-phase VRM design
  • High-end DDR5 memory support
  • Advanced cooling mechanism
CONS
  • Premium price tag
  • Not suitable for budget builds
  • Could be overkill for casual users

For tech enthusiasts, professionals, or any hardcore gamer aiming for the pinnacle of performance, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO stands out as the epitome of engineering excellence. It is intricately crafted to support the i7-13700K, especially when one plans to squeeze out every ounce of power the CPU offers.

On the downside, the HERO isn’t for the faint of heart—or the light of the wallet. Its premium price is certainly a factor to consider, potentially making it a stretch for those on a tighter budget or those not looking to maximize every performance metric. At least it has a 6-layer PCB to make up for it.

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is more than just a motherboard—it’s a statement. It promises unparalleled performance, and for those who can afford it, it undeniably delivers. If overclocking, future-proofing, and premium aesthetics are on your checklist, and budget isn’t a constraint, then this motherboard is hard to beat.

4
PROS
  • PCIe 5.0 support
  • High RAM overclocking potential
  • Versatile display output options
CONS
  • Limited memory slots
  • Premium price tag

In the mini-ITX motherboard realm, ASRock’s Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 stands out as a titan. This compact powerhouse supports both 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors, ensuring its compatibility with a wide range of high-performance CPUs, including the Intel Core i7-13700K. Its 10+1+1 phase power design, backed by SPS for Vcore, guarantees a stable power delivery, crucial for such compact builds.

Diving a bit deeper, the Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 doesn’t skimp on memory options. With 2 DDR5 DIMM slots, users can push their system memory speeds to 6800+ MHz when overclocking, a notable feat for a board this size.

But what truly dazzles in this model is its PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds, making it an excellent choice for gamers and creators alike. The diverse graphics output options, including 2 USB4 Type-C ports alongside HDMI and DisplayPort, ensure flexibility in display setups and next-gen peripheral connectivity.

Features and considerations for the best motherboard for Core i7-13700K

When looking at motherboards compatible with the i7-13700K, the first aspects to consider are socket type and chipset. The socket type, with the i7-13700K sporting the LGA 1700, dictates usability for the board, while the chipset will dictate a lot of the features and future upgradeability.

With the evolution of components and technology, features like PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 memory slots, and enhanced connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6E become ever-more paramount. AI overclocking is also a major factor to consider in line with easy BIOS update settings, expert cooling, and RGB lighting for gaming PC enthusiasts.

Another pivotal factor revolves around the build’s purpose. For gaming enthusiasts, features like high refresh rate support, multi-GPU configurations, and high-definition audio could be essential. Meanwhile, professionals might prioritize reliable LAN connections, video outputs, multiple storage options, including support for SATA and SSDs, and an array of USB ports, including a USB type-c option for diverse peripherals.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll also need to consider the motherboard type. For the most part, the ATX form factor is the way to go, but in certain cases, you may want to get a smaller or larger mobo if graphics cards are to be expertly placed within the chassis.

FAQ

What motherboard is compatible with Intel i7 13th generation?

Any motherboard based on Intel 600 Series or 700 Series Desktop Chipsets is compatible with the 12th or 13th series of Intel CPUs. Just make sure to look for the LGA1700 socket before purchasing your motherboard.

Does i7 13700K support DDR5?

Memory bandwidth on the Core i7-13700K is plentiful, thanks to the use of DDR5 memory clocked at 5,600MHz. The AMD chips here support DDR5 speeds up to 5,200MHz, but it’s notable that the 12th Generation Intel processors limit DDR5 to 4,800MHz and still have more memory bandwidth than AMD.

Our Verdict

Choosing the best motherboard for the Core i7-13700K requires a balance between your specific needs, the features the board offers, and your budget. Our list covers a diverse range of options: from premium offerings like the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO with its unrivaled overclocking potential to more budget-friendly contenders like the Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX. Whether you’re a casual user or a performance enthusiast, there’s a board out there tailored to your requirements.

The versatility of the Core i7-13700K ensures that whatever motherboard you pick, you can rest assured that you’ll have a powerful mid-range system, ready for tasks ranging from gaming to professional work.