Intel’s 11th Generation Core i7-11700K, based on the 14nm Cypress Cove architecture, brings several improvements over the previous generation. This includes PCIe 4.0 support and more powerful integrated Xe graphics.
If you are in the market for a Core i7-11700K, then choosing the correct motherboard is critical to getting the most out of the processor. To help you make your decision, we have carefully curated this list of the best motherboards for i7-11700K. We have also included various options that span multiple budgets and form factors.
We have made our recommendations based on the VRM power delivery system, the allocation of PCIe lanes, connectivity, and networking options, and the motherboard’s overall feature set that makes it a great choice for the i7 11700k CPU. All you need to do is pick the motherboard that suits your budget, and you’re all set.
Best ATX Motherboards for i7 11700k
ROG Strix Z590-E
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4)| Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 2 x Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6EKey Features
- Dual Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- Intel 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
- 14+2 VRM Phase Design
- Included Thunderbolt 4 header
- ASUS Aura Sync RGB with four RGB headers
Asus’s premium ROG Strix Z590-E is one of the most feature-packed motherboards out there, making it one of the best options for your Intel Core i7-11700K processor.
Equipped with 14+2 power stages, industry-leading Digi+ VRM, and premium components, you can be assured of the best performance in both standard and overclocked use cases. The VRM heatsink also features a strap-on cooling fan to keep temperatures low for improved stability and component longevity.
The ROG Strix also is one of the few Z490 motherboards that support multi-GPU SLI, which is necessary if you plan to use a dual-GPU setup for gaming. The motherboard comes with four M.2 slots so you can add high-speed NVMe SSDs too. Two of these slots support the latest PCIe 4.0 speeds.
The ROG Strix Z490 is also one of the best-looking motherboards out there, with a low-key all-black finish and several RGB lighting zones across the VRM, M.2, and Chipset areas. The motherboard’s connectivity is also excellent, with several USB 3.2 ports and dual Ethernet at the rear. You also have access to the latest WiFi 6E with an included antenna and Thunderbolt 4 via a motherboard header.
GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Elite AX
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5400 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4)| Video ports: DisplayPort 1.6 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: 1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel WiFi 6Key Features
- Intel WiFi 6
- Realtek 2.5GbE LAN
- Q-Flash for easy BIOS installation
- 12+1 Phase Power Design
- Thunderbolt header
- RGB Fusion 2.0
If you were looking for a capable Z590 motherboard for your Intel Core i7-11700K that offers a decent number of features without emptying your wallet, then the Aorus Elite AX is the motherboard for you.
Featuring a digital power delivery design with 12+1 power stages, each rated for 60A of output and a large extended MOSFET heatsink design for VRM cooling, the motherboard will be able to run processors like the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 without hassle.
The top 16x PCIe slot features a full 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes and will allow you to run the latest GPUs at their full bandwidth. However, multi-GPU on the board is not possible since the other x16 slot is only wired up with four PCIe 3.0 lanes. Storage options on the motherboard include three M.2 slots, one of which supports the latest PCIe 4.0 spec.
The motherboard’s connectivity is limited to a Realtek 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.2 ports, and WiFi 6. Q-Flash Plus is another helpful feature that allows you to update your BIOS without installing components like the processor and memory.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5133 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16) +1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2,2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6Key Features
- Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- Intel 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
- 14+2 VRM Phase Design
- Reinforced PCIe slots
- Included Thunderbolt Header
- ASUS Aura Sync RGB with four RGB headers
The TUF Gaming Z590-Plus from Asus is one of the best mid-range Z590 motherboards and is an excellent option to consider if you need something affordable for your Intel Core i7-11700K.
Equipped with 14+2 DrMOS power stages and the same Digi+ VRM found on high-end motherboards, you will find no significant performance differences, even at heavy workloads. The large VRM heatsink extends to cover the entire power delivery system on the motherboard and should be adequate for keeping components cool.
You get a single reinforced PCIe x16 slot that runs on 16 lanes and supports PCIe 4.0 to get the best performance out of the latest generation of graphics cards. Three M.2 slots are present for use with NVMe and SATA SSDs.
You also get Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6, and several USB 3.2 ports on the motherboard’s rear. A Thunderbolt 4 header is also available on the motherboard, and you can wire it up to achieve high-speed transfers between supported peripherals.
MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-5333 | Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 (x16, x8/x8) + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.6 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel WiFi 6EKey Features
- Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- Intel WiFi 6E
- 14+2+1 VRM power delivery system
- Extended VRM heatsink for improved cooling
- MSI Mystic Light RGB
MSI’s Tomahawk series has long provided the best value when it comes to motherboards by offering a ton of features at an affordable price. The Z590 Tomahawk is more suited towards the mid-range market and is a great option to consider with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7.
Featuring a 14+2+1 DrMOS power stage design rated at 60A per stage, the MAG Z590 Tomahawk is right up there with other mid-range motherboards. An extended heatsink also helps keep the temperatures low for a stable operation.
MSI reinforced the primary PCIe slot and wired it with 16 PCIe 4.0/3.0 lanes. Like other motherboards in this price range, you will only be able to utilize the top slot for a graphics card. Three M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 transfer speeds, are present on the motherboard and are aptly numbered to make it easier to locate them.
The Z590 Tomahawk employs Intel’s 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and the latest WiFi 6E for fast internet connectivity. Several high-speed USB 3.2 ports are also available at the rear. MSI decided to go with a military-inspired black and grey look for the motherboard, which one should expect given it belongs to the company’s Arsenal gaming series.
ASROCK Z590 Steel Legend
Specifications
Form Factor: ATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16(max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Dragon 2.5Gb EthernetKey Features
- Dragon 2.5GbE LAN
- 14 phase VRM power delivery system
- ASRock Polychrome Sync RGB
- Integrated Graphics
- Cardholder for additional support
ASRock’s Z590 offering, the Z590 Steel Legend, is a more affordable midrange offering that differentiates itself from the rest of the competition by opting for an urban camo design that can add a unique perspective to your build.
Featuring a 14-phase DrMOS power stage design, the Steel Legend will work perfectly fine with your Intel Core i7-11700K. The motherboard cooling solution is also substantial and should ensure the stability and longevity of components in the long run.
The top PCIe slot on the board is reinforced for better durability when used with a graphics card and can support a full 16 lanes of PCIe 4.0 for maximum bandwidth. You also get a graphics card holder that you can use to hold your GPU and prevent sagging. Only one M.2 slot of the three available supports PCIe 4.0, which offers double the previous generations’ bandwidth for even faster SSDs.
You can configure the Steel Legend with optional Intel WiFi 6E and Dragon 2.5Gb Ethernet for high-speed networking. Several USB 3.2 ports and headers are also available on the back and the motherboard for up to 20Gbps transfers between external devices.
Best mATX Motherboard for i7 11700k
ASROCK Z590M PRO4
Specifications
Form Factor: mATX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 4x DIMM, up to 128GB, DDR4-4800 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 + 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16(max. x4) | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel 1Gb EthernetKey Features
- Intel 1GbE LAN
- 12+1 phase VRM power delivery system
- ASRock Polychrome Sync RGB
- Reinforced PCIe slot
With only a handful of manufacturers producing motherboards of the mATX form factor, the ASRock Z590M Pro 4 seems to be the best one out there for a powerful processor like the Intel Core i7-11700K.
Featuring the same 12-phase DrMOS power stage setup as its ATX counterpart, the Z590M Pro 4 will be capable of running the processor at stock clocks. While not as substantial as ATX boards, the motherboard’s cooling solution should still be effective enough to run a stable system.
Of the two PCIe x16 slots, only one can run graphics cards since it supports a full sixteen lanes of PCIe 4.0. Similarly, one of the two M.2 slots supports PCIe 4.0 and is the only one with a heatsink.
Connectivity on the Pro 4 consists of Intel Gigabit Ethernet and several USB 3.2 ports. You also get an M.2 Key-E slot if you plan on adding WiFi to the motherboard in the future.
Best ITX Motherboard for i7 11700k
GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS ULTRA
Specifications
Form Factor: ITX | Socket: LGA 1200 | Memory support: 2x DIMM, up to 64GB, DDR4-4600 | Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 | Video ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | Rear USB: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s | Network: Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel WiFi 6Key Features
- Intel 2.5 GbE LAN
- Intel WiFi 6E
- 10+1 Phase Power Design
- VRM and M.2 cooling solution with integrated heat pipe
- RGB Fusion 2.0 support
While ITX motherboards can get quite expensive due to the high costs associated with condensing all the components down into such a small form factor, the Gigabyte Z590I provides a good entry point for buyers planning to go the small form factor route.
With a 10+1 phase power stage DrMOS power design with each stage rated at 90A, you can be sure of the motherboard’s ability to handle the Intel Core i7-11700K even at extreme overclocks. Furthermore, the multi-layered PCH and M.2 heatsinks, and thermal baseplate are capable enough to dissipate the thermal output of the VRMs and SSDs at heavy workloads.
The single x16 PCIe slot is well reinforced and can support running the latest graphics cards at the maximum PCIe 4.0 bandwidth. The M.2 slot on the top of the board supports the latest PCIe Gen 4 speeds, while the one at the back will run at the older Gen 3 speeds.
There are several USB 3.2 ports for data transfer, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, and WiFi 6 for fast network connectivity at the motherboard’s rear. A Q-Flash button is also available if you plan on upgrading the BIOS without the need for a processor or memory to be connected.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a suitable motherboard for your Intel i7-11700K is critical to ensuring you do not overspend on unwanted features or lose out on performance due to lower-quality components. Apart from the motherboard, choosing the right RAM and graphics card also ensures the best performance.
