Introduction
Intel’s Core i7 13700K is an excellent CPU that looks to dismiss the threat from its AMD Ryzen 7000 counterparts. But with any new CPU launch comes a plethora of new motherboard options for consumers, that simply raise more questions than they answer. Just which motherboard is the best for the Intel Core i7 13700K? In this article, we’ll be looking at all of the available 13th Gen motherboard designs, and breaking down the best options for a CPU like this.
We’ll also be looking more generally at the most important motherboard features to take stock of, and the difference between the Z690 and Z790 chipsets to really get things cleared up!
Suggested Article: Intel Core i7 13700K Review – Intel’s Hidden Performance Gem
Our Top Choices
Keep reading for a more in-depth coverage of each motherboard in this roundup!
Motherboard Chipsets
Before we get into the juicy part of this article and look at the best motherboards to pick up for the 13700K – there are some factors to consider. First and foremost is chipsets. A chipset is technically part of a motherboard, but they are not one in the same. Effectively, your motherboard’s chipset determines the kind of features on offer from the get-go. This includes things like PCI-E lanes, rear IO, RAM compatibility and more.

Knowing which chipset you’re going to pickup is a good place to start when you’re looking for particular features or you’re constrained by a budget. For example, the Z690 and Z790 chipsets are relatively similar in their feature-sets, but prices will differ significantly. Z790 motherboards will be pricier in general than Z690 as the motherboards are newer, but Z790 boards are likely to have better or more features by contrast. This gives you somewhere to start if you’re building a PC for the first time or looking to potentially upgrade.
CPU Compatibility
One of the biggest concerns is of course compatibility. Intel have a habit of killing off a platform after a couple of generations making consumers face the inevitable reality of having to purchase yet another motherboard for the latest CPU generation. However, with Intel 13th-Gen, the previous 12th-Gen users don’t need to worry about this. Intel’s proverbial ship was righted and prevented from sinking with the release of 12th-Gen and they don’t seem to want to shy away from this success. What I’m getting at is, if you’re using an Intel 12th-Gen motherboard, you don’t need to buy a new board to support the latest generation of CPUs.

13th-Gen processors use the exact same socket (LGA1700) that 12th-Gen uses. This means you can install one of the brand new CPUs with a simple BIOS update. Although we’re not necessarily advocating using a lower-end board with a CPU like the Core i7 13700K, you can technically do this if you’re not looking to spend extra money on a new board.
Below we’ve created a table of motherboard compatibility with the Core i7 13700K, along with the chipsets we recommend for this particular CPU.
Chipsets | Compatibility | Do We Recommend? |
Z790 | ✅ | ✅ |
Z690 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ✅ |
B660 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ❌ |
H670 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ❌ |
H610 | ✅ (with a BIOS update) | ❌ |
Z590 | ❌ | N/A |
B560 | ❌ | N/A |
H570 | ❌ | N/A |
H510 | ❌ | N/A |
Why Not B660?
The reason why we’ve not picked out the B660 chipset for this particular list is based on the available features, overclocking and pricing. One would assume if you’re looking to pickup a Core i7 13700K CPU, you’re probably wanting to build a higher-end gaming PC build. This is where B660 boards don’t quite fit in.
Based on the fact that there’s no CPU overclocking capability, along with the much more restricted feature-set, and limited VRM power phases, we would recommend leaving out B660 boards for the more powerful processors. B660 boards are more than capable of handling the Core i5 and Core i3 ranges and will be better suited for more budget-oriented PC builds.
Z690 vs Z790
To provide some context on the differences between Z790 and Z690 motherboards we’ve put together a comparison table. This highlights the key features that come with each chipset with a small breakdown afterwards discussion options.

Features | Z690 | Z790 |
CPU Overclocking Support | Yes | Yes |
Memory Overclocking Support | Yes | Yes |
Socket Support | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
CPU PCI Express 5.0 Lanes | 1×16+4/2×8+4 | 1×16+4/2×8+4 |
Chipset PCI Express Revision | 4.0/3.0 | 4.0/3.0 |
Max Number of PCI Express Lanes | 28 | 28 |
Memory Support | DDR4 & DDR5 | DDR4 & DDR5 |
Max Number of SATA 6Gb/s Ports | 8 | 8 |
Max Number of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Ports (20Gb/s) | 4 | 5 |
Max Number of USB 3.2 Gen2 Ports (10Gb/s) | 10 | 10 |
Max Number of USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (5Gb/s) | 10 | 10 |
Max Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 14 | 14 |
Total Number of USB Ports | 14 | 14 |
Breakdown of Features
From a brief glance you’ll immediately notice that there aren’t a huge amount of differences between both of these chipsets. Ultimately this is down to the lack of major architectural changes between 12th-Gen and 13th-Gen CPUs. Intel has clearly spent much time refining the processing node, hence the significant improvements to the new 13th-Gen CPUs, even if this doesn’t quite reflect in the new motherboard designs.
Z790 motherboards have seen PCI-E 5.0 become more of a mainstay in comparison to Z690, and will support 13th Gen processors out of the box, with no need for a BIOS update. Some of the new motherboard designs also bring more widespread Thunderbolt 4 support and a wider array of M.2 SSD slots.


In terms of similarities, both Z690 and Z790 motherboards have access to CPU overclocking which means motherboard power phases will generally be stronger, making these boards the only choice for enthusiasts. 13th-Gen motherboards have also retained support for DDR4 memory, with DDR5 inclusions also available from various manufacturers. This was one of the big selling points of 12th-Gen options, and we’re glad to see Intel keeping up this compatibility into 13th Gen.
Why You Can Trust Us
Before heading into our recommended products, we wanted to mention why you can trust our recommendations. Our team of PC hardware experts work hard to ensure that all of the products that arrive in the office are thoroughly tested for gaming and general usage. For those interested in learning more about our team, head over to the About Us section, where you’ll also find our editorial promise.
How We Picked the Best Motherboards for Intel Core i7 13700K
We’re lucky enough to get hands-on with a lot of the latest motherboards in the GeekaWhat office. During this time, we put each product through a number of tests and procedures to forge a solid verdict on whether they are worth picking up for a PC build. We then use this information to provide our audience with a detailed explanation of what to expect from a particular product, along with some insight into our experiences when using said product.
For motherboards in particular, the main factors we take into consideration are connectivity, compatibility, and design choices. After evaluating these factors, we provide a general overview of how the features included or left out would impact your gaming setup.
For a closer look at our testing and evaluation methods, read our full reviews for a range of motherboards below:
Brand + Chipset | Review Link |
---|---|
Gigabyte Z690 | Z690 Gigabyte AORUS Master Review |
MSI MPG Z690 | MSI MPG Z690 Force WiFi Review |
ASUS ROG Z690 | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Review |
Gigabyte Z790 | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 Review |
MSI MEG Z790 | MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE Review |
Best Motherboards for the Core i7 13700K
1. MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi DDR4
👑 The best DDR4 motherboard.

Introduction
First off is the MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi from MSI. This DDR4 mid-range board offers consumers plenty of high speed rear IO with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gb/s) Type-C port providing excellent transfer speeds. Networking is great, giving you the option between high speed WiFi 6, or 2.5 Gigabit LAN providing a more stable connection. This board is also Gen5 ready allowing you to install the latest PCI-E 5.0 graphics cards when they release. This board is a great all-rounder if you’re looking for something a little bit cheaper using DDR4 memory.
Key Specs
Key Specs | MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 |
---|---|
Form Factor | ATX |
Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 5333MHz |
PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 |
PCI-E x4 Slots | 3x PCI-E 4.0, 1x PCI-E 3.0 |
Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1x USB 2.0 |
Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6 |
Things We Like
PCI-E 5.0 support: With mid-range motherboards with an older Z690 chipset, the inclusion of a PCI-E 5.0 slot is by no means a guarantee. However, this board manages to include it despite being a cheaper Z690 design, making it one of the cheapest ways to futureproof your gaming PC.
USB connectivity: Another benefit of the MAG Z690 Tomahawk is that the wide range of connectivity options. The rear IO features a number of high-speed USB 3.2 ports, including a Type-C connection, allowing gamers to connect plenty of peripherals and devices to their system at once.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of WiFi 6E: Whilst the connection options on this board are quite versatile, the networking performance is limited by the inclusion of a WiFi 6 module instead of the more powerful WiFi 6E. Most consumers won’t notice the difference, but online gamers would prefer the improved bandwidth and lower latency that WiFi 6E provides.
Design: Another important thing to note is that this board has a fairly simplistic design. Even though this won’t affect the performance of your system, a lot of consumers spending a lot of money on a component will want it to stand out and enhance the aesthetics of a build. This design will fit nicely into a setup, but it will also fade into the background pretty easily.
Summary
As a whole, the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 is the best choice for the Core i7 13700K users looking to keep costs down to a minimum without having to sacrifice too much in terms of performance and connectivity. The reduced pricing does come with some buffers, but this board still has enough features to house a system that provides a solid 4K gaming experience.
Pros
- A cheaper option on the Z690 chipset.
- Support for Gen5 graphics cards.
- Myriad of high speed USB ports.
Cons
- Doesn’t use WiFi 6E.
- Not much in the way of RGB.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WiFi DDR4 on:
2. ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-F Gaming WiFi
👑 The best motherboard for RGB lovers.

Introduction
The ROG STRIX Z690-F Gaming WiFi from ASUS is an excellent looking motherboard giving consumers the option to build a great looking PC. This DDR5 board features a 16+1 power phase design making it ideal for overclocking. The DDR5 memory also has a rated support of up to 6400MHz providing a nice boost with a low latency high performance kit. Rear IO also gives you plenty of great options for USB ports, with the vast majority being USB 3.2 ports providing high transfer speeds. Overall this is a great DDR5 board from ASUS coming in at quite a reasonable price with with plenty of features.
Key Specs
Key Specs | ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-F Gaming WiFi |
---|---|
Form Factor | ATX |
Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6400MHz |
PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 |
PCI-E x4 Slots | 4x PCI-E 4.0 |
Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 |
Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Awesome Design: Anyone that is familiar with ASUS ROG motherboards won’t be surprised to see such a striking design. This motherboard specifically relies on the contrast of darker heatsinks with RGB lighting to provide a look that is perfect for a gaming setup.
Affordable DDR5: One of the main reasons that a lot of gamers are not jumping to DDR5 memory is due to the increased cost of motherboards that support it. However, this DDR5 motherboard is available at a price that is fairly similar to more premium DDR4 designs, making it a solid choice for gamers wanting the latest components without breaking the bank.
Things We Don’t Like
Lacking next-gen storage support: When looking for a high-end motherboard, having room for upgrades and support for future releases is an essential factor to consider. Because of this, the lack of the of PCI-E 5.0 slot for SSDs is a weakness that limits the storage options of this motherboard to current-gen options. This won’t affect gamers looking for a system they can use right now, but will hinder performance capabilities in a few years time.
Summary
Fans of RGB that are looking to pick up a motherboard that supports the latest components can’t go wrong with the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi. However, the reduced futureproofing on the SSD slots may want to consider the options which feature later in this roundup.
Pros
- Darkened aesthetic is awesome.
- Huge amount of RGB.
- A cheaper DDR5 motherboard.
Cons
- No support for Gen5 SSDs.
- Aesthetic won’t be to everyone’s liking.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-F Gaming WiFi on:
3. MSI MEG Z690 ACE
👑 The best Z690 motherboard.

Introduction
MSI’s MEG Z690 ACE is one of the best boards that you can buy for the Z690 chipset. Equipped with as many USB ports as you can imagine (including Thunderbolt 4), along with Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, ideal for those looking to build a workstation PC. On the overclocking front this board has a 21 phase power design perfect for pushing the 13700K up to the 6GHz with some trial and error. With the XMP 3.0 profiles and some powerful RAM you’ll also be able to provide an all-important boost in a variety of applications and games.
Key Specs
Key Specs | MSI MEG Z690 ACE |
---|---|
Form Factor | E-ATX |
Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6666MHz |
PCI-E x16 Slots | 2x PCI-E 5.0 |
PCI-E x4 Slots | 4x PCI-E 4.0, 1x PCI-E 3.0 |
Rear IO | 2x Thunderbolt 4 Ports, 8x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 |
Networking | Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Focus on features: The amount of connectivity that is featured on this motherboard is pretty absurd for the Z690 chipset. Featuring two PCI-E 5.0 slots for GPUs, five PCI-E slots for M.2 storage, and a rear IO packed with high-speed USB ports, this motherboard has more than enough connection options to meet the demands of even the most enthusiastic of gamers.
Premium design: To match the number of additional features packed into it, this motherboard features a luxurious black and gold design that will fit nicely into a high-end PC build. On top of this, the design includes plenty of heatsinks for improved heat dissipation to keep the most powerful components nice and cool.
Things We Don’t Like
E-ATX form factor: In order to fit the range of features included in this Z690 motherboard, it adopts a larger E-ATX form factor. This limits the amount of cases that are compatible with the MEG Z690 ACE, so anyone looking to use a smaller case with this motherboard may have to reconsider.
Very expensive: Along with an increased size, this board comes with a fairly hefty price tag. As one of the most expensive Z690 motherboards on the market, it is priced similarly to premium Z790 boards, which makes harder to consider this a necessary purchase for your build.
Summary
As far as Z690 motherboards go, the MSI MEG Z690 ACE is one of the most feature-heavy options available. This board has everything you would need to enjoy the best gaming experience possible with a design which adds a luxurious feel to your gaming PC. But, this does come with the caveat of a larger form factor, as well as an equally large price tag.
Pros
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
- Comes with an insane amount of features.
- Black and gold design is awesome.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- No 10 Gigabit LAN capability.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MEG Z690 ACE on:
4. ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi
👑 The best value motherboard.

Introduction
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi DDR5 is a great board that we’ve taken a look at in a full review for the release of 13th-Gen CPUs. This board features plenty of great features including high speed DDR5 memory overclocking up to 7200MHz. The Prime Z790-A also has onboard WiFi 6E, along with 2.5 Gigabit LAN perfect for file transfers over network, or some good ol’ fashioned lag-less gaming. Rear IO provides plenty of options with zero USB 2.0 in sight giving you only high speed ports for blazing fast transfer speeds.
Key Specs
Key Specs | ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi |
---|---|
Form Factor | ATX |
Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 7200MHz |
PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
PCI-E x4 Slots | 4x PCI-E 4.0 |
Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
Networking | Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Out of this world design: Sci-fi fans are going to love the intergalactic theme on the heatsinks on this motherboard. Plus, the silver look will fit perfectly into a white-themed gaming PC, and the darker decals means this design won’t look completely out of place in other builds either.
Cheap DDR5 option: Despite being a fairly cheap Z790 design, this motherboard comes with a lot of features which provide optimal gaming performance. The most notable enhancement is the inclusion of DDR5 memory, which supports incredibly high speeds for improved loading times in even the most demanding titles.
Things We Don’t Like
No PCI-E 5.0 x4 slot: Just like the Z690 options in this roundup, the Prime Z790-A lacks the futureproofing capabilities of other designs due to the lack of a PCI-E 5.0 slot for M.2 storage. Whilst Gen5 SSDs are yet to release, this will restrict the storage options for your system as soon as they arrive.
Limited design compatibility: This motherboard suffers from a similar fate to other designs with a lighter aesthetic, as it struggles to fit in with a lot of pre-existing builds. Although white PC builds are catching up to the traditional black designs, a darker alternative to this motherboard would make it a more valid option for lots of gamers.
Summary
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi is a distinct spaceship design that offers good value for money. As one of the cheapest Z790 boards with DDR5 support, this board provides all the necessary tools for a high-end gaming PC. However, the aesthetics won’t be to everyone’s taste, and may struggle to fit in with the rest of the build.
Pros
- Very unique space-themed design.
- A cheaper DDR5 option.
- Plethora of high speed USB ports.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a darker alternative.
- No Gen5 SSD support.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi on:
5. Gigabyte Z790 AERO G
👑 The best Z790 motherboard for creators.

Introduction
Gigabyte‘s AERO G motherboard is designed to offer options for those wanting to build a multifaceted PC. If you’re looking to game at 4K while having the opportunity to deal with more intensive workloads such as 3D rendering or video editing when you’re not gaming – the AERO G has you covered. This board is designed to hold multiple graphics cards for those that need some extra power behind their system, whilst offering plenty of power phases to sustain a high overclock needed for a performance boost.
Key Specs
Key Specs | Gigabyte Z790 AERO G |
---|---|
Form Factor | ATX |
Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 7600MHz |
PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 4x PCI-E 4.0 |
Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 |
Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Productivity benefits: As a motherboard designed for creators, the Z790 AERO G provides a number of performance benefits for both productivity and gaming. With DDR5 support and PCI-E 5.0 slots for graphics cards and storage, this board is well equipped to balance a range of games and productivity tasks without any performance issues.
Extremely versatile: On top of the impressive performance specs, this motherboard features a wide range of connectivity options, making it a very versatile offering. With plenty of USB ports and a choice between 2.5 Gigabit and WiFi 6E networking, you should have no problem connecting gaming peripherals and accessories.
Things We Don’t Like
Simplistic design: There’s no doubt that this motherboard is an extremely functional choice for any PC gamer. However, due to the focus on content creation, the motherboard doesn’t have the typical gaming aesthetic that enthusiasts would be used to, and may look strange in a gaming-oriented build.
Summary
Overall, the Gigabyte Z790 AERO G is one of the best Z790 motherboards in terms of features, making it great for a combination of productivity and gaming. With everything you need to run all the latest components, this motherboard is a great choice to pair with a high processor like the i7 13700K, as long as you don’t mind the lack of a typical gaming aesthetic.
Pros
- Perfect for streamers or content creators.
- Supports Gen5 GPUs and SSDs.
- ATX form factor won’t limit case choices.
Cons
- No support for 10 Gigabit LAN.
- The board looks quite bare in parts.
Where to Buy
Buy the Gigabyte Z790 AERO G on:
6. ASRock Z790 LiveMixer
👑 The best motherboard design.

Introduction
The LiveMixer Z790 board from ASRock is the final board of today geared towards productivity at the forefront, with high-end gaming as a secondary option. This board features a huge amount of USB ports on the rear (14 in total) designed to house various streaming, or creative peripherals such as microphones, cameras or a Stream Deck. For your PCI-E slots you’ve got access to two Gen5 slots for a next-gen graphics card and SSD allowing you to further push the performance boundary. Networking should also provide unhindered streaming with a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, and WiFi 6E if you’re not in the mood for cable management!
Key Specs
Key Specs | ASRock Z790 LiveMixer |
---|---|
Form Factor | ATX |
Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 6800MHz |
PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
PCI-E x4 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 4x PCI-E 4.0 |
Rear IO | 4x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 6x USB 2.0 |
Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Unique Look: Unlike the previous entry on our list, this motherboard contains a look that is perfect for a lot of gamers, particularly streamers and content creators that want their PC to stand out. With a paint-splattered design on the heatsinks, this board will appeal to those with an artistic mind.
Futureproofed design: But this board is not only about the looks, as it includes a plethora of connectivity options for great performance on a high-end gaming and content creation system. Packed with PCI-E 5.0 support for GPUs and SSDs, along with a whopping 14 USB ports, this motherboard will be able to house plenty of components and peripherals for content creators.
Things We Don’t Like
Lots of USB 2.0: Though the sheer amount of USB ports featured on the rear IO is pretty impressive, it is filled with a number of USB 2.0 ports. Whilst there are plenty of high-speed connections too, it does mean gamers will have to prioritise certain peripherals over others.
Look not for everyone: Though we are big fans of the Z790 LiveMixer’s design, the unique colourway and paint effect won’t be to the liking of a lot of gamers. Whilst having a unique aesthetic makes this board stand out, having a greater variety of colours to choose from would give this design the wider appreciation it deserves.
Summary
As one of the most unique designs on the market, the ASRock Z790 LiveMixer is a great options for content creators that want to use their gaming PC as a showcase piece. On top of its colourful appearance, this motherboard has the performance and connectivity to support a high-end gaming system.
Pros
- Perfect for audio content creation.
- Aesthetic is very unique.
- Gen5 compliant for GPUs and SSDs.
Cons
- Ports are bulked out with USB 2.0.
- No support for Dual LAN, or 10 Gigabit.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASRock Z790 LiveMixer on:
Conclusion
Our number one pick for a motherboard to pair up with the Intel Core i7 13700K processor is the Gigabyte Z790 AERO G. Despite being a motherboard designed for high-end workstations with a heavy focus on productivity, the Z790 AERO G supports a range of high-end components for an optimal gaming experience, all while being available at a reasonable price.
But for those that want a motherboard with a more distinct appearance, the ASRock Z790 LiveMixer is a great alternative with a similar price to performance ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the i7 13700K worth it?
The Intel Core i7 13700K is an impressive CPU that acts as an entry-level choice into 4K gaming. As a result, the i7 13700K is one of the best values processors you can get right now.

Is the i7 13700K good for gaming?
This CPU is able to manage a variety of intense workloads, including the ability to run a number of games smoothly in both 1440p and 4K.

What motherboard chipset is best for the i7 13700K?
With the ability to reach the higher-end in terms of performance levels, gamers will want to pick up either a Z690 or Z790 motherboard in order to unlock the full potential of the i7 13700K.

How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i7 13700K?
As the i7 13700K is targeted towards gamers building a mid-range and high-end system, we would suggest that a budget of $250-450 will be enough to provide the features required for a PC at this price point.