Choosing The Best Motherboard For i7-11700k
Reviewed by Hassam NasirDetermining the best motherboard for i7-11700k could be an arduous task. The market is full of options, and it’s very easy to lose direction sometimes. With companies improving their marketing strategies by multi-folds, one gets confused and ends up making a poor decision. If you do a bit of research, though, then you won’t be one of them. This article is your one-stop guide to buying the perfect motherboard for your 11700K. Before getting to the good stuff if you are one of those people who already bought the previous-gen i7-10700k and don’t want to skimp out on the motherboard head over to our motherboards for i7-10700K guide. Meanwhile, let’s shed a bit of light on the CPU at hand, the i7-11700k.
The launch of the 11th generation CPUs was Intel’s reply to AMD’s flagship 5000 series processors. They launched the Rocket Lake CPUs with an incentive to reclaim their crown of best gaming processors. The i7-11700K has played a major role in this redemption. This 8-core, 16-threaded beast has a bit higher value proposition than the 11900K. The addition of PCIe 4.0 support for 11th Gen is just a cherry on top. To put things into perspective, this processor is capable of reaching a boost clock of a whopping 5GHz. It does wonders when it comes to single-core performance, and even outperforms Ryzen along some lines. On the contrary, If the aforementioned specs don’t please you and you are interested in the flagship 11900k or even the budget side of the latest gen CPUs, then make sure to check our motherboards for i9-11900k and best motherboards for i5-11400 guide to pair it with the utmost ultimate motherboard you can get in this era.
7 Best Motherboards For i7-11700k
| # | Preview | Product Name | Award | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Xtreme | Best Overall Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Asus ROG XIII Maximus Apex | Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| 3 |  | MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi | Best Gaming Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| 4 |  | ASRock Z590 Taichi | Best Looking Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| 5 |  | MSI Z590-A Pro | Best Budget Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| 6 |  | Asus ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming | Best Z490 Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| 7 |  | Asus Prime Z590m-Plus | Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i7-11700k | Check Price |
| # | 1 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Xtreme |
| Award | Best Overall Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 2 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Asus ROG XIII Maximus Apex |
| Award | Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 3 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi |
| Award | Best Gaming Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 4 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASRock Z590 Taichi |
| Award | Best Looking Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 5 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI Z590-A Pro |
| Award | Best Budget Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 6 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Asus ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming |
| Award | Best Z490 Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 7 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Asus Prime Z590m-Plus |
| Award | Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i7-11700k |
| Details | Check Price |
Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 13:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With such a powerful processor at your disposal, it is extremely necessary to have a powerful motherboard to go with it as well. To better understand the mechanics of the motherboard-buying process, we have compiled a list of seven of the best motherboards for i7-11700k. We took several important factors into consideration, such as performance, budget, and personal preference. That being said, there’s plenty in store for everyone, and you’ll definitely find your dream motherboard on here.
1. Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Xtreme
Best Overall Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- Premium Aesthetics
- Superb VRMs
- Two Thunderbolt 4.0 Ports
- 10GbE LAN Port
Cons
- Extremely Pricey
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5400MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 8x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A)
Check PriceGigabyte never fails to impress us with its highly innovative motherboards especially the Aorus lineup, which can be seen in almost all of our roundups from the i7-6700k to the motherboard for i7-11700k. Their Z590 Aorus Xtreme is a truly premium motherboard that redefines the market and takes CPU capabilities to a whole new level.
More Motherboard Guides: Motherboards For i9 9900k
Upfront, the Z590 Aorus Xtreme features a minimalistic yet bold design in a matte black finish. The design language used on the Z590 Aorus Xtreme is mainly inspired from its predecessor, the Z490 Aorus Xtreme. The 20+1 power stages (spoiler alert), the heatsinks, and the Q-code displays are prominent features of the aesthetics. At this price point, RGB lighting is almost a must-have feature, and Gigabyte’s implementation of RGB is always tasteful. You get to see RGB lighting on the shroud, the chipset heatsink, and at the sides of the board which can be configured using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion software. That being said, it is true that the aesthetics of this board have got quite a premium feel to them.
A high price point calls for a top-of-the-line VRM design from Gigabyte, and the Z590 Aorus Xtreme features just that. A monster 20+1 VRM configuration featuring 100A DrMOS power stages is installed on this motherboard. It is, therefore, no surprise that the Z590 Aorus Xtreme is one of the most powerful boards out there on the Z590 platform. The superb VRM is also bound with a commendable thermal design. The Aorus Xtreme boasts a Fins-Array II heatsink along with a NanoCarbon baseplate and an 8mm Direct-touch II Heatpipe. This is, in true essence, a flagship heatsink system that ensures optimal heat dissipation and minimal temperatures. With such top-grade components, you can overclock your 11700K to the fullest, and the Aorus Xtreme will have no problems whatsoever.
The Z590 Aorus Xtreme features four dual-channel DIMM slots that support 128GB of DDR4 RAM at 5400MHz overclock speeds. You get a triple M.2 setup that supports PCIe 4.0 x4/PCIe 3.0 x4/PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds and comes with dedicated heatsinks. The board is equipped with six SATA3 6GB/s ports, so there are ample storage options to play with. As for the expansion slots, there is one long PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, another PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (supports x8 speed), and one PCIe 3.0 x16 (supports x4 speed) slot. The full-length slots are steel armored to protect your cards from bending.
Gigabyte has made the I/O panel quite luxurious too. They have included 2 Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, 8 lightning-fast USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, one HDMI, and one Displayport. Two LAN ports are provided, one of which operates at a stunning 10GbE speed. As for the audio, you get five gold-plated audio jacks coupled with an optical SPDIF, all powered by the flagship ALC1220-VB codec from Realtek. The inclusion of a clear CMOS and Q-Flash+ button greatly eases the setup process.
To conclude, the Z590 Aorus Xtreme from Gigabyte surely is one serious motherboard. Its top-notch power delivery and impressive thermals make it the best overall motherboard for i7-11700K. The only drawback of this motherboard is the extremely high price tag it bears.
2. Asus ROG XIII Maximus Apex
Best Overclocking Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- Excellent Thermal Design
- Extremely Robust Power Delivery
- Four M.2 Slots
- 10G Super LAN Port
Cons
- Only 64GB RAM Support
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5600MHz | Storage: 4x M.2, 8x SATA | Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 6x USB 3.2 Gen1
If you want a motherboard that’s on the top of its overclocking game, then the Asus ROG Maximus XIII Apex might be the perfect option for you. It comes with a lower price point than the Aorus Xtreme, and there’s certainly not much to compromise for.
The Apex has the same all-black PCB as any motherboard on this list. Surrounding the CPU socket are three black heatsinks connected via a U-shaped heatpipe. The rear I/O cover has a shiny silver metallic finishing to it with ‘ROG’ text carved over it. There are grooves on the left heatsink that are synchronized with the grooves on the I/O cover. The grooves also have integrated RGB which gives the motherboard a delightful look. Overall, most of the motherboard is covered with heatsinks. In fact, it seems as if instead of installing heatsinks over the PCB, Asus has used heatsinks as the base with the PCB attached to it.
Moving on to the power circuitry, it is a 20-phase VRM with 90A MOSFETs configured in an 18+2 design. It provides enough power to push the 11700k beyond limits without any problem. Extremely robust power delivery is coupled with exceptional cooling to provide ultimate performance. The beefy heatsinks are also connected to the rear I/O cover which provides increased surface area for heat dissipation. Not only that, but the U-shaped heatpipe under the heatsinks also has thermal pads installed. Two of the four M.2 slots also have additional backplates apart from the heatsink, so you can install the M.2 SSDs without any fear of thermal throttling. In short, you should have no issues regarding power delivery and thermal performance, even at extreme overclocked settings.
This E-ATX motherboard features the regular four DIMM slot layout. However, this time around there is only a 64GB capacity at 5333MHz. It should be enough for most users but still, the 128GB number is expected from a motherboard of this league. Furthermore, we have another quadruple layout, this time for the M.2 slots. Two of the M.2 slots which are fed by the CPU, conform to PCIe 4.0 x4. Obviously, an 11th gen processor is required to be able to make use of PCIe 4.0 support. The storage department is also aided by eight SATAIII ports. Moving on to the expansion slots, it houses two full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slots.
Asus and the I/O panel have always been on good terms. This time as well, it is equipped with ten USB ports consisting of five USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, and four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. In terms of networking, it has both a LAN port and a Wi-Fi module. Moreover, a PS/2 port, an optical S/PDIF out port, a clear CMOS, and a BIOS flashback button are also embodied in the panel. The rich audio is all thanks to the latest flagship, ROG SupremeFX ALC4080 codec.
Summarising things, the Asus ROG Maximus XIII Apex is a feature-packed motherboard with overclocking as its main forte. Beefy VRMs and incredible thermal performance earn it the title of the best overclocking motherboard for i7-11700k.
3. MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi
Best Gaming Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- Reliable VRM
- 10 USB Ports
- 5333MHz Memory Speeds
- Onboard Wi-Fi
Cons
- Only Primary Slot Supports PCIe 4.0
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5333MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (Type-C), 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
Grabbing the third spot in our list of the i7-11700k motherboards is yet another motherboard based on the Z590 chipset, the MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi. It is a well-priced motherboard with an impressive feature set to say the least.
Talking about the looks of this motherboard, it boasts a 6-layer all-black PCB with server-grade material, as claimed by MSI. Moreover, it has a carbon-fiber theme going on which can be prominently seen on the chipset heatsink and the I/O cover. The two large-sized heatsinks are all black and feature a plated design. M.2 heatsinks also have grey accents on them with a sticker on the primary slot which says, “Enable M.2_1 with 11th Gen Intel Core Processors (i5 above)”. Since the primary slot is a gen4 slot, it is only enabled by installing an 11th gen processor but if are have an i7-11700k, then you are all set.
The Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi is accoutred with a 16+1+1 VRM design with power stages rated at 75A. Power phases require efficient cooling to maintain stability and longevity. This is why MSI has included two bulky heatsinks joined via a heat pipe to increase the heat dissipation. A plated VRM heatsink design also allows for increased airflow. Furthermore, MSI also claims that the extended chipset heatsink also improves thermal performance and provides better cooling. Concluding from that, it is safe to say that the Gaming Carbon Wifi can handle an overclocked i7-11700k with ease, however, overclocking is not the forte of this motherboard as the name ‘Gaming Carbon Wifi’ suggests. We recommend MPG Z590, as the best gaming motherboard for i7-11700k.
It features four DIMM slots with a dual memory architecture that offers 128GB of RAM. The maximum advertised RAM speed is 5333MHz which can be achieved via memory overclocking. As for the expansion slots, there are a total of three PCIe x16 slots and two PCIe x1 slots out of which only the primary slot supports PCIe 4.0. You also get one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x4 slots, which are used for M.2 SSDs. If you are looking forward to buying a Gen4 SSD, then make sure to check our best PCIe Gen4 SSDs guide. Apart from that, there are six SATA ports as well.
Moving on to the rear panel, it comes with a pre-installed I/O shield. It features six USB 3.2 ports including one Gen2x2 Type-C, three Gen2 Type-A, and two Gen1 ports. Additionally, four USB 2.0 ports are also available, taking the total USB ports count to ten, which is enough for most users. On the networking side, there is one Intel 2.5G LAN port along with the latest Wi-Fi solution. A BIOS Flashback button is also provided to make the installation process easier. Moreover, it is also equipped with five audio ports powered by the Realtek ALC4080 codec, which is the norm for the best Z590 motherboards.
All in all, MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wifi is a solid option for all those who want a balance between performance and price. In our books, it is the best gaming motherboard for i7-11700k. It can be said that it is a direct competitor to the Asus TUF Z590-Gaming Plus Wifi, which is also included in our roundup of the gaming motherboards.
4. ASRock Z590 Taichi
Best Looking Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Two Thunderbolt USB Ports
- Miniature Fan Included In The Box
- PCIe 4.0 Support
Cons
- Last-gen Audio Codec
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5000+MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 8x SATA | Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 4x USB 3.2 Gen1
Another notable entry on our list of best motherboard for i7-11700k coming all the way from the Taiwanese manufacturer ASRock is the Z590 Taichi. This spectacular-looking motherboard is targeted towards all the RGB enthusiasts and funky design lovers out there. It also has a well-rounded feature set (and heavy price tag) to go along with it.
The Taichi series of motherboards always feature the coolest design languages in the market. Being a flagship Tachi motherboard, the Z590 Tachi is obviously the best out of the lineup. It features carbon fiber-themed heatsinks situated on an all-black PCB. The most notable highlight of this motherboard is the rotating gears on the I/O cover, a very unique designing element. There’s plenty of RGB as well: it can be found on the chipset heatsink, near the I/O cover, and on the right side of the board. The lighting can be controlled using the Polychrome software; props to ASRock for an amazing presentation of RGB.
More Intel Motherboard Guides: Motherboards For i7 8700k
Under the hood, the Taichi packs a solid 14-phase VRM design with 90A smart power stages. The 12-phase configuration for the CPU ensures robust power delivery and provides impressive overclocking headroom. The VRM heatsinks are connected using a heatpipe for efficient heat dissipation. Not only that, but you also get a miniature fan out-of-the-box that can be mounted onto the heatsink to keep your CPU cool.
The Z590 Taichi features a dual-memory architecture in the form of four DIMM slots offering a capacity of 128GB at 5000+ MHz. ASRock has gone all-in with the features on this board: we see three M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds while the others are locked at PCIe 3.0 x4, along with eight SATA3 6GB/s ports. You are also greeted with three long steel-armoured PCIe 4.0 x16 slots to put up with all your graphics requirements. A PCIe 3.0 x1 slot powered by the all-capable Z590 chipset is also available.
ASRock has carried on the abundant-feature trend onto the rear I/O panel as well. There are eight USB ports, and two of them are blazing fast Thunderbolt 4.0 Type-C ports. This leaves us with two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. However, the showstoppers here are the Killer 2.5GbE Ethernet and WiFi 6E networking. A clear CMOS and BIOS flashback button are provided, along with support for HDMI output. Also located on the middle of the rear I/O panel is the audio stack featuring five audio jacks and a SPDIF out port. However, instead of the recent ALC4080, the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec is installed which is a last-gen flagship.
In conclusion, a high-performing motherboard should have a beautiful aesthetic to complete the package. The Z590 Taichi does exactly that; it proudly claims the title of the best looking motherboard for i7-11700K, courtesy of its unique styling.
5. MSI Z590-A Pro
Best Budget Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- 15-Phase VRM Design
- Shielded Memory Routing
- 5333MHz Memory Overclocking Support
- Excellent Value For Money
Cons
- No Built-in Wi-Fi
- Subpar Audio Codec
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5333MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-C), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
Spent all your cash on the CPU and GPU and don’t have enough for a high-end motherboard? Well, fear not, for the MSI Z590-A Pro has got your back. This entry-level motherboard from MSI is one of the most affordable Z590 offerings, and it provides a taste of all the features found in a premium motherboard.
The MSI Z590-A Pro motherboard features an interesting black-and-white themed PCB. The board itself looks quite stripped down; that’s because the heatsinks aren’t all that large, and the rest of the components also occupy a small portion of the board. You get a matte black finish on the heatsinks along with some accents of silver. The PRO Series branding can also be seen on the chipset heatsink. There are no RGB elements whatsoever, and that is no surprise from a budget motherboard. If you are into RGB though, then you can always connect RGB and aRGB components to lighten up your build.
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The Z590-A Pro is powered by a 15-phase VRM in a 12+2+1 power configuration. The VRM is equipped with the MSI-exclusive Core Boost technology, which claims to provide accurate and uninterrupted power to the CPU. MSI has done a fairly good job at the thermal department, too. An extended PWM heatsink coupled with a 7W/mK thermal pad is used to keep everything cool. The M.2 slots come with Frozr heatsinks out-of-the-box, a common feature of almost all MSI motherboards. Considering the price point, the power delivery lives up to one’s expectations as long as you run your 11700K on ground-level settings. Once you go past a certain overclocking barrier, you might encounter a thermal trip error.
The Z590-A Pro offers a quad-DIMM housing capable of holding 128GB RAM at 5333 MHz (OC). In the graphics department, you get two long PCIe x16 slots, only one of which supports the latest Gen 4 technology. In addition, there are two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots that are fed by the Z590 chipset. The storage options are quite plentiful as well, with one PCIe 4.0 x4 and two PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots, along with six SATA 6GB/s ports. It goes without saying that with all these features, the Z590-A Pro provides an excellent value-to-money ratio.
The rear I/O panel is not too compromised as well, and that’s a positive point. There are two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (1 Type-C), two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. A Displayport and HDMI port are also provided for onboard graphics connectivity. You get ultra-fast 2.5G LAN, but no Wi-Fi module is provided. If you want Wi-Fi, you’ll have to spend a bit more and grab a PCIe WiFi Card. There’s no PS/2 combo port for your peripherals as well. The usual audio stack featuring five analog audio jacks and a subpar Realtek ALC897 audio codec is provided.
When it comes to budget motherboards, it becomes very hard to ignore the MSI Z590-A Pro. Thanks to its superb value for the buck, this board can very easily be considered as the best budget motherboard for i7-11700k.
6. Asus ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming
Best Z490 Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- Mirrored Arrangement For Power Delivery
- Dual LAN Ports
- Well-Equipped Rear I/O Panel
- Onboard Wi-Fi
Cons
- Only 8 USB Ports
- Using M.2 Slots Disable Some SATA Ports
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z490 | Memory: 128GB @5000MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (Only For 11th Generation Intel Processors), 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (Type-C), 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0
The sixth spot on our list is proclaimed by a Z490 motherboard, the MSI MAG Z490 Ace. The MAG Z490 Ace proves to be a worthy contender in a ranking that’s mainly dominated by Z590 motherboards. This board has got what it takes to match the performance level of most midrange Z590 motherboards. So if you already bought a z490 motherboard following our motherboard for the i7-10700k guide, then you don’t need an upgrade to the z590 platform.
The MAG Z490 Ace appears to be quite bright and colorful once you take a first-hand glance at one of these. It features a matte black PCB, and the main styling elements revolve around the heatsinks. Starting with the M.2 heatsinks, you get a brushed aluminum material styled with gold accents that look quite appealing. There’s a lighting element on the chipset heatsink that reads out the Ace branding, which looks pretty slick. A backlit ‘A’ engraved in a rather unconventional font styling is also found on the VRM heatsink. Although RGB lighting is a completely subjective matter, we think that the MAG Z490 Ace would cause anyone’s eyes to sparkle.
Well not only in looks, but the Z490 Ace is also an excellent motherboard in terms of power delivery and thermals. It lives up to the MSI name. It packs a 16+1 power phase design with 90A smart power stage which feeds the power to the CPU via a dual 8-pin connector. It has a mirrored power arrangement which MSI claims to be better than a doubling arrangement. The VRM cooling responsibility is taken by the frozr heatsinks joined by a heatpipe. On the left VRM heatsinks, we see a mini fan that also intakes air for the VRMs, keeping them cool.
The quad DIMM arrangement allows for up to 128GB RAM at 5000MHz overclocked speeds. Although the M.2 and expansion slots are PCIe 3.0 as there was no PCIe 4.0 support for Intel’s last-gen, however with an 11th gen processor you also get PCIe Gen4 support for the Z490 as well. All three of the M.2 slots have dedicated heatsinks and the three full-length PCIe slots are also steel-armoured.
The rear I/O panel of the Ace comes with a pre-mounted shield and an adequate amount of connectivity options. Starting from USB ports, it consists of one 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, three 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, two 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, and two USB 2.0 ports. However, one would expect at least a total of ten USB ports instead of the eight on the MSI. Interestingly, MSI has included dual LAN support and also a Wi-Fi module, so the networking department is right there sorted for you. The audio is the last-gen flagship, Realtek ALC1220 codec.
That being said, the MAG Z490 Ace qualifies for the title of the best Z490 motherboard for i7-11700k. If for any reason you have decided to opt for the Z490 chipset or are already in possession of one, then this is the way to go.
7. Asus Prime Z590m-Plus
Best Micro-ATX Motherboard For i7-11700k
Pros
- Impressive Design
- Thunderbolt Type- C Port
- Large Heatsinks With Thermal Pads
Cons
- No RGB
- Below Par Ethernet Controller
Form Factor: micro-ATX | Chipset: Z590 | Memory: 128GB @5133MHz | Storage: 3x M.2, 5x SATA | Expansion Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | USB Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0
There’s a significant portion of the enthusiast community that prefers the smaller micro-ATX form factor. Well, we’ve got one in store for you, and it’s the Asus Prime Z590m-Plus motherboard. This board sits at the lower end of the market so it won’t cost you a fortune at all.
Starting off with the looks, the Asus Prime Z590m-Plus boasts an interesting look, to say the least. The PCB is black, with white stripes running along the board that pose a striking look. The prominent highlights, however, are the fairly large VRM heatsinks that are painted in attractive silver color. There are black patterns painted on the VRM heatsinks to enhance the aesthetics a bit. Perhaps the presence of integrated RGB would have taken the aesthetics to a whole other level, but sadly that is not the case. However, you can hook up some Addressable RGB Fans to enhance the look of your build.
Following the looks is the performance of this motherboard. It hosts 8+1 DrMOS power stages which provide precise power control and efficient power delivery. Two chunky heatsinks surrounding the power circuitry perform quite well at carrying away the heat. Thermal pads are also embedded in the VRM heatsinks to further improve thermal performance. However, the chipset tends to run hot due to the small size of the heatsink.
In terms of memory, there are four DIMM slots that can hold up to 128GB of memory at 5133MHz speeds, which is quite good by micro-ATX standards. The slots are accompanied by three M.2 slots and five SATA 6GB/s ports for those high-speed storage functionalities. The M.2 slots come without M.2 shields, so there are a few points off for the Z590m-Plus. Moving on, you get two PCIe x16 slots with full-fledged support for PCIe Gen 4. These slots are steel armored to offer better retention and support to your graphics cards. Lastly, two PCIe x1 expansion slots capped at Gen 3 are also provided.
The I/O panel features an adequate amount of connectivity options for all your peripherals and devices. There are eight USB ports in total, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen2, and two USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. A rather substandard 1GbE Ethernet controller is used on the Prime Z590m-Plus, as we have seen 2.4GbE and even 2.5 GbE in this price bracket. You also get three audio jacks (instead of five) along with an optical SPDIF out port. HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D connectivity is provided, so no surprises there (thankfully).
In short, the Prime Z590m-Plus from Asus is an excellent choice if you are eyeing that micro-ATX form factor. Its high price-to-performance ratio makes it quite possibly the best micro-ATX motherboard for i7-11700K.
I7-11700k Motherboard Buying Tips
This list was not formed on mere performance figures or random shortlisting. There were several factors that we carefully studied before choosing our top seven picks. Similarly, you should also form your decision upon these factors. As we mentioned before, a bit of research and knowledge about motherboards is almost a prerequisite; there’s no hit-and-miss.
Chipset Compatibility
The most important aspect of a motherboard is its chipset. Both Intel and AMD have their own line of motherboard chipsets and sockets which are not cross-compatible. With the i7 11700K, remember that we are strictly looking for an LGA1200 socket. All Z590, Z490, and B560 chipsets possess the LGA1200 and are fully compatible with the 11700K. The flagship Z590 is our best recommendation, as it offers full-fledged PCIe 4.0 support and a boatload of other features. The only case where a Z490 would seem like the better choice is when you are already in possession of one as it is also compatible with the 10th-gen. The B560 is something we would not recommend, mainly due to its apparent inability to handle power-hungry CPUs like the 11700K.
Form Factor
Deciding which form factor to opt for is an integral part of the buying procedure. Desktop motherboards come in four main form factors. ATX is the largest and by far the most common form factor, followed by micro-ATX and mini-ITX. You should also keep in mind that a smaller form factor means a smaller range of features. The choice entirely depends upon the type of casing you have as well as your personal preference. We suggest checking out some of the airflow cases as the 95W TDP chip, 11700k needs optimized airflow.
Budget
Perhaps the most controlling factor in any form of commercial trade is the budget. During the shortlisting, you should only take into consideration the best motherboards that comply with your budget. In our books, the best board is determined not by performance, but more by its value. A lot of us allocate a lower budget to a motherboard, and that’s totally understandable. The goal is to get your hands on the absolute best bang for the buck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, our whole guide is pretty much the answer to this question. However, if you want a summarised answer then here you go. You should get a motherboard that complies with your budget, fulfills all your requirements be it I/O port, aesthetics, or even form-factor. We have made a list of motherboards from all possible segments ranging all the way from a premium one to a cheap one. So you should find the perfect fit for you.
Intel is primarily known for superior single-core performance over the AMD Ryzen series, which is the deciding factor for gaming performance. However, with the release of the AMD Ryzen 5000 series, the game has changed with AMD taking the lead over Intel. Nevertheless, the 11700k is still an excellent option for gaming and some fans still prefer Intel processors due to the reported thermal issues with the Ryzen, which is a myth.
Yes, the Z490 officially supports 11th gen processors and the icing on the cake comes in the form of PCIe gen4 support. Yes, you heard it right, installing 11th gen processors on the Z490 platform enables PCIe 4.0 on the primary slot. So, if you already have a 10th gen build with a Z490 motherboard, you can just swap out the CPU for an 11th gen without losing PCIe 4.0 support.
Reviewed by Hassam Nasir
