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When it comes to computers, you want the absolute best thing, whether it is a processor, an audio booster, or a motherboard. So in regards to motherboards, it is important that you don’t rush into any decisions. Make sure to buy the absolute best model.
We understand that the market is bombarded with all sorts of models these days, thereby it is important to know all the factors involved before you invest in a good product. In this article, you will find all you need to know to make a wise choice.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motherboard For I7 7700k
- OUR TOP PICK: GIGABYTE GA-Z170MX
- RUNNER-UP: Asus ROG MAXIMUS VIII HERO
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: MSI Z270 Tomahawk OPT Boost
Comparison of the Best Motherboards For i7 7700k
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Are All Motherboards The Same?
Motherboards make an important component of your computer, and that obviously means that the choice of getting a new motherboard is crucial for you. Before we understand the different types of motherboards and their distinctive features, let’s first look at what the standard motherboard actually is.
The motherboard, as the name suggests, acts like a mother in any other family. It keeps all the different components of the computer together and ensures that they all work in complete harmony with one another. It also acts as a central hub to the computer that connects the components and peripherals of your computer. Not just that, the motherboard also helps in regulating the different systems and ensures that the hard drives, CPU, and the graphics all run in unison with each other.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Motherboard
There are many models that are available in the market; hence, it is often difficult for consumers to choose the best product. But like all models, motherboards too come with some make-or-break factors. Here are all the things to look for before you invest in a new one.
CPU and the Right Socket
Getting the right socket for your CPU is one of the most important things to consider before you buy a new motherboard. You need to make sure that the socket supports the CPU and has higher compatibility. For example, the latest AMD chips use the AM4 sockets, whereas the Intel 9th generation Core requires a different socket.
Cost
This factor is obviously one of the most important ones as the choice of getting a motherboard often comes down to its cost. You can often get a good unit for $100 or even less. But in case you want additional features like more slots and greater expanding options, it is advised that you invest in a more expensive motherboard.
Fewer or More Slots
This is entirely your choice as more sockets often mean bigger motherboards and hence, higher cost. There are basically 3 main types of motherboards for you to choose from. Each comes with a specific number of slots. You should only invest in a larger model if you intend to use the additional features.
Review of the Best Motherboards For i7 7700k
Motherboards have gained massive popularity in recent times. A lot of people are looking to get their motherboards replaced entirely, but they aren’t sure what new model to buy. Here is a thorough review of some of the top ones for your PC. We have compared them against their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision easily.
Best Overall:
GIGABYTE GA-Z170MX
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It’s very difficult to impress recent buyers, especially when it comes to complex structures like motherboards, but this one has done it with ease. It not only supports all the latest Intel Core processors but also comes with a dual-channel that gives a great video output as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most unique element of this model is its dual channels. This latest technology doubles the data throughput effectively from the RAM to a memory controller. Not just this, but the data channels also enable the memory controllers to utilize the two 64 bits of data channels. This hence results in an increased bandwidth of around 128 bits.
Who Will Use This Most
People who like fancy lighting and great visuals will fall in love with this model. It is certainly an impressive model that allows you to experience amazing lighting whenever you turn your music up. Not just this, you can also experience the pulses beat to the sound of the eclectic music. You can also control these lights by turning the volume of the music down.
Bottom Line
The model is undoubtedly the best overall due to its phenomenal features. It not only ensures greater comfort and accessibility for the users, but it also comes with a 3-way graphics system that gives you an experience like no other. So if you are looking to spend some extra bucks on for the perfect experience, then this is definitely the right product for you.
Runner-up:
Asus ROG MAXIMUS VIII HERO
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is almost just as good as the best one. This clearly means that when compared to other models, the ASUS comes with all possible features that you need. It comes with a 5-way optimization system that is unique to the model. Moreover, it ensures overclocking via a single click. Not just this, consumers also praise the lag-free gaming technology of the model.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The model stands out because of its specialized LED lighting and its special RGB headers (AURA Flex). They not only enhance the overall activity of the system but also give you a very personalized look. Moreover, the model comes with the SATA express that ensures you get uninterrupted and smooth speeds at all times. The user manual is also very easy to understand.
Who Will Use This Most
The model is a heaven for gamers and programmers alike. It is one of the fastest and certainly the most efficient models available in the market. It comes with the Intel Gb LAN that allows you to get the lag-free gaming feature at all times. Moreover, the dual SATA also gives you faster speeds that allow programmers to work with complex data without worrying about speeds.
Bottom Line
The model is amazing, mainly because it brings all the amazing features of a motherboard at a decent cost. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work nicely and don’t cause any additional problems for you during heavy tasks. Moreover, the model has a brilliant 5-way optimization system that is very rare with other models. This, coupled with the one-click overclocking system, makes the system unbeatable.
Best for the Money:
MSI Z270 Tomahawk OPT Boost
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This model is affordable for sure, but that’s not the only thing that impressed many recent buyers. The product comes with higher compatibility because it supports both the 6th and the 7th generation processors. Not just that, it also comes with the LGA 1151 socket, which is undoubtedly one of the best sockets in the market.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The best thing about this motherboard is its BIOS interface. It is not only easy to overclock, but it is also easy to navigate the system. The rebuilding of the PC is also easy and does not take much time, especially if you are looking to replace your old motherboard with a new model. The manual is simple to understand too.
Who Will Use This Most
Motherboards are expensive, and hence not many people can afford the most expensive models. This product is specifically for those people who want more features at a relatively lesser cost. It comes with game boosting features that allow you to enjoy all the high-end features of the best motherboards. Moreover, its setup is easy to understand, and hence anyone can use it easily.
Bottom Line
There are many motherboards in the market, and if you are someone who wants the absolute best of both worlds, you can opt for a more expensive model. However, if you are looking for decent features at a relatively reasonable price, then go no further, because this right here is the best product for you. It comes with higher compatibility and higher stability and ensures that you get good and consistent results throughout.
Best Gaming Motherboard for i7 7700k and Best Motherboard For Overclocking i7 7700k:
ASUS MAXIMUS IX
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The motherboard is designed for the 7th generation core processors, hence recent buyers, especially the ones who have compatible software like the model a lot. They also praise the maximized connectivity that comes with the product that not only ensures consistent and higher speeds but also allows them to do their work uninterrupted.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The best part about the model is its 5-way optimization system and its one-click overclocking. What this means is that consumers can increase the specified clock rate of their computers and hence make them exceed the rate set by the manufacturer. The common voltage can also be increased via overclocking, thus allowing you to get increased speeds.
Who Will Use This Most
The technology is specifically designed for the most passionate users. The advanced setup, coupled with the higher overclocking, allows gamers to enjoy nonstop gaming at all times. The higher optimization also keeps the system cooled and thus ensures that gamers don’t experience any setbacks while enjoying their games.
Bottom Line
This is certainly one of the most desired motherboards for gamers. It is designed with the best materials that allow for hardcore water cooling. It also takes the simple gaming experience to a whole new level. Moreover, it comes with additional sync lighting and I/0 shields that elevates the overall styling of your PC and gives you a much better look.
Best Z270 Motherboard for i7 7700k:
MSI Z270 GAMING PRO CARBON
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This motherboard is one of the most unique products because it comes with a plethora of different colors that allow you to create your own unique and splendid gaming experience. You can also easily choose between many LED effects and hence, make your system more lively. Moreover, you can access and use any cooler you want with your PC.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The best thing about this motherboard is its mystic light syncing. It is basically a unique element that is not very common with many models. It has a desktop software and a mobile app that gives the user the ability to not only change the LED effects but also manage the RGB LED lightings on their devices.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for reliability, then you will definitely find the right product for yourself in this model. There are more than necessary fan headers in this product that allow you to control your cooling completely in any way that you want. Moreover, these fan headers are 6 times as strong as normal fan headers that further enhance the cooling system of your motherboard.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this one is simple; buy it if you are looking for a reliable model that will be a good investment for you. It supports both the 6th and 7th generation models, thus making it a suitable model for all. Moreover, it comes with some additional sockets that further add to your ease. All this, coupled with mystic sync lightings, makes this model a great fit for you.
Best Asus Motherboard For i7 7700k:
ASUS Z170-PRO
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are convinced that this is one of the most secure and efficient motherboards that they can get their hands on. It contains both reversible and normal ports that add to its diversity. Moreover, consumers also like the one-click system of the model that allows them to save time and energy and end their complex tasks in lesser time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The product stands out to us due to its advanced base clock technology that provides it with relatively higher stability. Having this feature means that the motherboard will process things faster and will experience lesser delays. Not just this, it also means the processor will last for a longer time and hence will prove to be cost-effective in the long run.
Who Will Use This Most
ASUS is a company that has a dedicated fan base. Its simple yet efficient technology ensures that laymen and professional people can use their products without any issue. Moreover, the model comes with a 5-way optimization system that allows for a much better cooling system than normal models. Furthermore, extreme overclocking is also a great factor in regards to the product, making it a suitable product for those particularly looking for that.
Bottom Line
With higher durability and stability, it is very unlikely that a product does not flourish in the market. ASUS models are known for their efficiency and better productivity. They are easily manageable, too, due to their one-click technology that allows you to manage and optimize the whole system. Not just this, the water pump keeps everything cool and stable.
Best Micro ATX Motherboard For i7 7700k:
ASRock B250M-HDV LGA1151
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When it comes to recent buyers, there is nothing but praise for this splendid motherboard. Consumers say that unlike most other models, this one comes with amazing specs and also contains both black and white colors. Moreover, they have also liked the pretty inside of the case that further adds to its appeal.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Most motherboards, even the latest ones, don’t always come with built-in Wi-Fi. This is a huge problem for consumers who have to buy additional adapters in order to run their computer smoothly. But that’s certainly not the case with this motherboard as it contains built-in Wi-Fi, which is also something that recent buyers love about it.
Who Will Use This Most
People who love aesthetics and great form will absolutely adore this motherboard. It nails all the previous models and comes with some essential features that make it a good fit for gamers and professional technicians. You can also get around 10 different kinds of ports on this board, thus making it a suitable fit for people who handle more data via their computer or laptop.
Bottom Line
This model contains dim LED lights, but that’s probably the only major drawback to buying it. Other than this, the product has everything that a consumer will appreciate, like dual channels that add diversity and higher compatibility. Moreover, you get a higher amount of ports. But the best thing is that you get this and much more at a relatively lesser price.
Best Motherboard For i7 7700k and GTX 1080:
MSI Z270 SLI PLUS
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are extremely happy with the model as it comes with all the necessary features needed for optimum performance. The model comes with a unique premium solution network from Intel that is of extremely high quality and reliability. Moreover, the high-quality LAN is also something that sits really well with all consumers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The motherboard stands out to us because of its amazing displays and audio quality. It comes with all the latest connectors for display; these include the OLED and the HDR. Moreover, the legacy connectors that are available for the beamers also make any professional work much easier. Not just this, it is also extremely efficient that further adds to its appeal.
Who Will Use This Most
People who have to work with complex data require motherboards that can carry heavy processing. The MSI 2720 is an amazing model that comes with a lot of fan headers that allow you to cool your system in any way that you want effectively. Moreover, the fan headers are 6 times as strong as normal headers and thus further improve performance.
Bottom Line
This motherboard has been a true game-changer in the industry. It has brought significant changes to storage and memory devices and thus won the hearts of all its users. The model comes with a very well-built cooling system. This, coupled with good legacy connectors and good audio boosters, make the model one of the best ones in the market.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying
While reading through this review, you will come across a lot of features that you might not understand at a glance, but that doesn’t mean that they are not important. A thorough understanding of these features is important in order to make a well-informed decision. Here is all you need to know before buying a good motherboard.
Type
There are three main types of motherboards, ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini ATX. As the name suggests, each of these 3 types differs in sizes and comes with some unique features. If you want more slots and plugs and are willing to pay an additional cost for it, then you should definitely invest in the ATX model.
Processor Socket
Unlike in the past, there are only 3 types of processor sockets that are used and applicable now. These include the LGA, BGA and PGA sockets. The BGA sockets are the least popular because they come attached to the motherboard and hence cannot be upgraded or removed. The kind of processor you buy will depend on what socket is available on your motherboard.
RAM
RAM is also known as random access memory. The kind of RAM that you get will solely depend on the kind of motherboard you have. Motherboards come with a range of RAMs; however, it is advised that you invest in a model that can cater to at least 16GB of RAM.
Number of PCI Slots
You might have come across this word multiple times while going through this review. A PCI slot is basically a connection or a port that is located on the motherboard. They not only work in many situations like gaming and accessibility but also allow you to connect the expansion slots to your motherboard.
Conclusion
If there is one thing that is absolutely proved after going through this article, it is that the motherboards are really essential to the effortless working of your computer. If you are looking to get a new one for your computer or PC and are unsure of which model to buy, make sure to thoroughly review all products again and decide which model fits your criteria best.
People Also Ask
When it comes to motherboards, we want to ensure that our customers have no questions that remain unanswered. Here are some of the most searched questions regarding motherboards on the internet. We have added brief answers to each of them so that you are absolutely convinced of which model to buy for your PC.
Can I Use 7700k on z370?
The answer to this might be disappointing for some people. The Z370 is not at all compatible with the 7700k. If you want to use the Z370, you will have to get an 8000 series processor. Only then will your chipset work. Otherwise it will only create a lot of issues with the 7700k series.
What Chipset is the i7 7700k?
This is also a very commonly asked question. The Core i7 7700k is compatible both backward and forward. This basically means you can use 6th Generation Cores with the Z270 chipset. Moreover, when it comes to the 7th Generation chip, you can use the Z170.
What Socket is the i7 7700k?
LGA 1151 is the socket i7 7700k. It is one of the two proposed Kaby Lake chips that exist in the desktop market. The new product doesn’t come with many changes from the previous model, and from a specific architecture point of view, you can say that the socket is similar to the one used by skylake.
Does the i7 7700kH Have Hyper Threading?
When it comes to the desktop processors, the i7 7700k branding certainly denotes the chips with the hyper threading that is enabled. It also runs two threads on each of the cores. This also enhances the core count and increases it significantly in the 8th generation.
How Many PCIe Lanes Does i7 7700k Have?
The i7 7700 contains 16 PC lanes. The z270 chipset, on the other hand, provides around 28 PCle 3.0 lanes. Although this is good news for many people, the motherboard still does not have any x4 slots that can be used for the PCl-e drive, though.
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