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The motherboard is only a sheet of plastic that can hold the circuitry together, isn’t it? Then how is it that it can sustain and control your whole system? The motherboard is the most essential part of your computer that has the power to hold the whole system together and ensure that everything works smoothly. But that’s not all; there is definitely more to the story.
This article discusses motherboards in detail. Not just that, it also includes a thorough overview of the top features needed to make any model great.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motherboard For I7 9700k
- OUR TOP PICK: MSI MPG Z390
- ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero
- EVGA Z390
Comparison of the Best Motherboards For i7 9700k
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Best Budget Option  |
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What Does a Motherboard Do
The motherboard is the head of the whole system; that’s no easy feat to achieve, right? It is thus only natural that it can control and manage a plethora of different systems all at the same time. Here are the top uses of a motherboard. Get ready to be amazed.
Contains the CPU Socket
The motherboard contains the CPU socket that generates a lot of heat since it is integral to the functioning of the system. It attaches heat sinks with this socket for effective heat dissipation.
Power Connector
This is essential for effectively distributing the power to the CPU and all the other components of the system. Without this power transfer, the system will not work.
MSI MPG Z390
Chip
The main chip forms the interface between the main memory, CPU, and other components. This chip also contains the heat sink for heat dissipation. There is also a second chip that controls the output and input functions of the whole system
Connectors
These provide a physical interface between the output and input devices and the whole motherboard. This interface ensures smooth connectivity
Slots
These slots often become a deciding factor in the selection of motherboards. These come in handy when you have to store files in the system. The ROM, on the other hand, contains the essential firmware and contains all the startup instructions needed to run the computer system.
How to Choose a Motherboard For an i7 9700k
The motherboard is essential, and it’s a huge investment. Thus it is pivotal that you choose the right product. Here are some of the features to look out for when choosing the right one. These features also make for a great model.
The Right Form
There are three main form factors and the choice of which form to buy lies entirely upon the user. This is because each form comes in a specific shape and size and thus offers specific compatibility. The ATX is the biggest motherboard, followed by the Micro-ATX and the Mini-ATX. The number of slots that each motherboard contains depends upon its size, so naturally, the ATX will have the biggest number, and the Mini-ATX will contain the least amount of expandable slots.
Compatibility
This is perhaps the most important feature to consider. Without the right compatibility, you will end up with a product that will not run your PC smoothly. Make sure you buy a model that supports the latest PC processors, such as the 8th and 9th Generation models. Moreover, having the right combination will also ensure optimal performance of your PC.
PCl Slots
These cards are fitted on the sides of your motherboard, and they support different components such as video cards, modems, and sound cards. The greater the number of slots, the greater will be the price of the motherboard. If you are a gamer, you can go for a motherboard with 16 PCl slots.
Better RAM
The RAM inside your motherboard should be able to handle the storage needs of the user. The best ones in the market are those that come with at least 16 GB of RAM memory. Moreover, a good quality motherboard should also have at least 4 memory slots that can be easily updated at any time.
Review of the Best Motherboards For i7 9700k
If you have visited the market recently, the chances are that you were extremely confused between different models that are there. But don’t worry, we are here to help. Go through the pros and cons of all motherboards and decide which model best fits your needs.
Best Overall:
MSI MPG Z390
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are extremely pleased with the performance of this amazing motherboard. They feel that it keeps cool due to its extended and efficient heat sink design and thus lasts for a longer time. Moreover, consumers also praise the existence of the greater surface area that it has for greater heat dissipation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The motherboard stands out due to a lot of reasons, the main one being the existence of the smooth audio boosters. It comes with a dedicated set of amplifiers that not only present a very high quality of audio but also ensure that, as a viewer, you get the most immersive sound experience ever.
Who Will Use This Most
The product is called the best overall, and one of the main reasons it has garnered so much praise is because of its higher accessibility. It can be used by anyone looking for extraordinary features. Moreover, people who like mystic lighting and playing with colors will also appreciate this great model. This is because the product allows them to change their overall look in less than a second.
Bottom Line
The product is popular for its smooth and strong design, but there is definitely more to the story. The motherboard comes with an extended heat sink design that not only maximizes cooling but also ensures that you get an uninterrupted performance at all times. Moreover, the audio boosters further add to the appeal and allow you to get the experience of a lifetime.
Runner-up:
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It’s not easy to find a product that appeals to so many people at the same time, but the ASUS is definitely one such product. The motherboard is made specifically to allow the best overclocking. It features a well-built and dedicated onboard clock generator. This supplies the most dynamic clocks to your CPU core and ensures that the system gets overclocked instantly and without any hassle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The product stands out due to its 5-way dynamic optimization system. The product comes loaded with a simple yet flexible design that allows tweaking of almost all parts of the system. Moreover, the product ensures automatic tuning via its optimization technology and hence gives you full manual control. Moreover, it allows fine-tuning of storage and audio, thus making it easy for you to update the speed of all the systems.
Who Will Use This Most
The product is most likely to attract gamers and online streaming enthusiasts. The motherboard features one of the most comprehensive cooling controls ever. Each of its headers can be set using the monitor, and the efficient thermal sensors ensure that the product doesn’t heat up. Moreover, the AURA sync technology allows a vast and diverse ecosystem of compatible items and thus ensures more personalization for you.
Bottom Line
The ROG Maximus has changed the way people look at motherboards; this is mainly because it comes with so many amazing features like better graphics and a 5-way optimization system. The system can overclock easily too, and thus, it is considered to be our runner-up product.
Best for the Money:
EVGA Z390
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The model has revamped the system by introducing all the best features at a relatively lesser cost. It comes with higher compatibility, which allows it to support all the latest Intel Core processors, including the 8th and 9th generation models. Moreover, consumers also like the ATX form of the model that allows for greater slots and expandability options.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The product stands out because of its easy and efficient overclock technology. Unlike other motherboards, this one doesn’t require much time and energy to overclock. This ability thus allows it to enhance the standard clock rate of the system that is already predetermined by the manufacturer.
Who Will Use This Most
Motherboards are getting extremely expensive day by day, and thus, for consumers to find a model that comes with all the latest features and at a lesser cost is a dream come true. The EVGA is thus really popular among computer enthusiasts who are looking for ease and convenience both at the same time.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this one is quite simple. The model is cheap and efficient, so if those two features are your prerequisites, then this model is definitely the one for you. The motherboard does not only come with higher memory options, but its 6 SATA ports also add to its appeal. Furthermore, the micro-ATX form factor makes it easily manageable.
Best Gaming Motherboard for i7 9700k:
Gigabyte Z390 UD
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Satisfying recent buyers is extremely hard, but the Gigabyte motherboard has done it quite effortlessly. It comes with an extra-strong durable armor design that incorporates innovation with greatness. Moreover, the material is extra durable and allows the motherboard to last for a longer time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 5-way diverse optimization system makes the motherboard stand out. The product comes with 5 smart fans that enhance the experience of any user. Moreover, these fans come attached with fan headers that add to the heat dissipation and keeps your PC cool at all times. Moreover, the thermal sensors easily detect changes in the environment and act accordingly.
Who Will Use This Most
The motherboard is a dream-come-true for gamers worldwide. It comes with higher compatibility with most processors. Not just this, it comes with an advanced VRM design that is best for any PC. The presence of audio boosters and great graphics cards further add to the model's appeal and compel gamers to buy this model.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a model that satisfies your every need, then this is definitely the right product for you. The model is completely loaded with a lot of performance-based features such as a better cooling system, RGB light sync, and the best graphics card. This, when coupled with a 5-way optimization system, makes the product the best one for gamers worldwide.
Editor's Pick:
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Ultra
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are thrilled with this Gigabyte motherboard. They feel that the high-end product is one of the best ones in the market, mainly because of its RGB fusion design. The digital LED is able to shine beautifully on the motherboard chrome pallet. This will allow you to use bold colors and redesign your system just the way you want it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The advanced thermal technology design makes this product stand out among others. The motherboard comes with a durable heat sink design and a direct touch heat pipe that allows for greater heat dissipation. This is supported by the heating pads that further enhance the performance of the whole system.
Who Will Use This Most
Where most motherboards do not come with an onboard Wi-Fi, this one definitely acts as an exception. The model has the next generation of wireless solution that comes enabled with the best wireless performance. This is great news for gaming enthusiasts and other viewers who want to stream their content online effortlessly and without delays.
Bottom Line
The motherboard is a true game-changer in the industry, thanks to its strong and durable design. The product comes with great heat sinks for thermal dissipation. Moreover, it is loaded with higher memory capacity and strong audio boosters. This, coupled with the higher durability of the exterior, makes it one great model.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Motherboard
Motherboards are crucial to the smooth running of your system; hence, it is imperative that you invest in a good quality model. If you are still not convinced, read ahead to find the top advantages of buying a quality motherboard.
Fast CPUs
When your motherboard is compatible with your processors, it is likely that you will experience a much smoother and faster CPU after the replacement. There are 3 main types of motherboards; each will ensure a different speed and performance. Just make sure that both your motherboard and CPU are compatible with each other and that your data is saved before you switch to a better motherboard.
Better Audio and Graphics
This factor is often overlooked, although it totally shouldn’t be. Having a better graphics card and audio boosters can significantly enhance your experience as a user. The latest motherboards usually come with the best quality audio boosters and amplifiers. Not only this, but the better graphics card also aid in making your experience more vivid and lively.
More RAM
With an ever-increasing need for technology, people have started realizing and hence needing more RAM capacity. This often becomes difficult when you have an old motherboard. When you shift to a better quality model, you will experience a much faster and efficient RAM memory. This will not only help all gaming enthusiasts but will also be a breath of fresh air for data processors.
Better Heat Dissipation
Although this comes under the first advantage, the reason it’s being mentioned separately is because of its sheer importance in regards to your experience. Advanced motherboards usually allow greater optimization, overclocking, and thus better heat dissipation. This means that any heat that is accumulated in the system will automatically be dissipated into the air, thereby keeping your system cool and running for a longer time.
Conclusion
Without a good motherboard, the chances are that you’re extremely annoyed with your PC performance. But it’s still not too late; you can always invest in the latest motherboard and update your PC. Doing this will not only save you on cost in the long run but will also ensure that you enjoy streaming and gaming like never before. Just make sure your motherboard fits your criteria, and you are good to go.
Source
People Also Ask
The article covers almost everything that you need in order to make the right choice in regards to the motherboard. However, while going through consumers’ comments, we found these top questions that were asked by buyers. Here is a detailed and satisfactory answer to each of these questions.
Does i7 9700k Work With Z370?
This is a simple question with a simple answer. The Z370 does work and is completely compatible with the i7 9700k. The chipset can be supported on a number of Intel 300 series. The only thing that could cause a hindrance is the existence of a BIOS update not yet applied. If you have that update, you can rest assured that the Z370 will work effortlessly with the i7 9700k.
Is i7 9700k Good For Streaming?
With so many great features, it would be almost impossible to say that the i7 9700k is not good for streaming. The model mostly comes with audio boosters and an amazing graphics card. This, when coupled together with high overclocking of the system, ensures better streaming.
What Gen is the i7 9700k?
The i7 9700k is a special 64-bit Octa high-end core and comes with high performance. The processor is also more manageable and is based on the microarchitecture by the Coffee Lake processors. Therefore, it can be concluded that the i7 9700k is part of the 3rd generation Intel core processors.
Is i7 9700k Future Proof?
Although future-proof is not exactly a real thing and is only talked about in a hypothetical sense, models touted as future-proof tend to be more desirable. The i7 8700k and the i7 9700k are similar in more ways than one and have almost the same gaming capacity as the other. This means that both these models are considered future-proof.
Is the i7 9700k Better Than the i7 8700k?
Comparing these two systems is hard because each comes with its unique set of features. The Intel Core i7 9700k has 2 extra cores when compared with the i7 8700k. Moreover, the former model also comes with a rating of 3.6 GHz and hence can easily boost the cores up to 4.9 GHz.
Is the i7 9700k Soldered?
According to the company, the models, along with the i9 9900k, are gold soldered. This means that the motherboards are able to manage the different temperatures of the higher clocked CPUs easily. Not just this, it will also help achieve better overclocking frequencies at all times.
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