Why settle for a motherboard that limits the performance of your processor? Pairing the right board with your hardware ensures you have a stable foundation for heavy tasks and gaming.
Building a powerful desktop starts with choosing one of the best motherboards for intel i7-13700k systems. A smart decision here prevents bottlenecks later. Keep reading to see which models offer the power delivery and connectivity you actually need.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on the VRM power stages if you plan on overclocking your processor for higher clock speeds.
- Check that your choice supports DDR5 memory to ensure you are not using outdated hardware standards.
- Verify the number of M.2 slots available so you have enough room for your storage drives.
- Look for PCIe 5.0 support on the primary graphics slot to keep your build relevant for future GPU upgrades.
- Ensure the rear I/O panel includes enough USB ports and fast networking options for your specific workflow.
| Best Overall Value |  |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Bundle | Guaranteed component compatibility | Simplified build process | Highly durable construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily Driver | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard | Extensive connectivity options | Robust power stage design | Excellent thermal management | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Enthusiast Performance Choice | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX | Superior power delivery | Tool-free installation features | Fast wireless connectivity | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Balanced Midrange Option |  |
GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX Motherboard | Great value for Z790 | Convenient tool-free features | Modern wireless standard | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Budget Builder |  |
GIGABYTE B760M Gaming Plus WiFi | Compact form factor | Budget-friendly DDR4 support | Simple installation process | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Workstation Standard | MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II | Exceptional memory speed support | Highly stable power delivery | Professional, clean design | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Gaming Industry Favorite | MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi | Excellent thermal performance | Strong all-around compatibility | Fast network connectivity | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Practical Productivity Foundation |  |
MSI PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4 | Highly cost-effective | Stable performance for stock | Plenty of connectivity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Small Build |  |
GIGABYTE B760M DS3H AX DDR4 | Very affordable entry point | Compact size fits many cases | Modern WiFi connectivity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ultimate Premium Powerhouse |  |
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming | Massive power delivery capacity | Five total M.2 slots | Top-tier thermal design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Bundle
This bundle is the most convenient choice for anyone building a new system from scratch. By pairing the Z790 motherboard with the processor, you eliminate compatibility worries and ensure your components work in harmony right out of the box.
It provides a dependable platform for long gaming sessions or heavy creative workloads. While the included hardware is robust, keep in mind that buying as a set offers less flexibility if you were hoping to select a different specific chipset or processor pairing later on.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:4 M.2 slots
- Power Phases:16+1 DrMOS
- Additional Feature:Thunderbolt 4 header support
- Additional Feature:Front USB 3.2 Type-C
- Additional Feature:Aura RGB lighting sync
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ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard
If you already have your processor and just need a rock-solid motherboard, this is a fantastic candidate. It features a wide array of connectivity options, including WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, ensuring your network performance is never a bottleneck for your internet speeds.
The board is built with high-quality components designed to withstand years of use. It lacks some of the extreme overclocking features found on enthusiast-grade boards, but for the vast majority of users, it hits the perfect balance of performance and utility.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:4 M.2 slots
- Power Phases:16+1 DrMOS
- Additional Feature:Thunderbolt 4 support
- Additional Feature:Aura RGB lighting
- Additional Feature:Four SATA 6Gb ports
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GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
This board is tailored for those who want to push their i7-13700K to the limit. The 16+1+2 power phase design ensures that your CPU receives clean and consistent voltage even under heavy load, which is essential for maintaining high clock speeds during demanding tasks.
The inclusion of the EZ-Latch mechanism makes installing your M.2 drives and GPU a much smoother experience. Be aware that this board is physically quite large and requires a case with plenty of room to accommodate its heatsink array.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:4 M.2 slots
- Power Phases:16+1+2 phases
- Additional Feature:Q-Flash BIOS updates
- Additional Feature:EZ-Latch mounting system
- Additional Feature:RGB Fusion lighting
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GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX Motherboard
The Eagle AX is a sensible choice if you want the latest Z790 features without paying for unnecessary extras. It includes PCIe 5.0 support for future graphics cards and a respectable power design that handles the i7-13700K with ease during standard operation and gaming.
It keeps the build process clean with convenient features like the EZ-Latch. Just note that it has fewer M.2 storage slots than the higher-end AORUS models, which might be a limiting factor if you plan on installing multiple high-speed drives.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:3 M.2 slots
- Power Phases:12+1+1 phases
- Additional Feature:Q-Flash BIOS button
- Additional Feature:EZ-Latch technology
- Additional Feature:RGB Fusion support
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GIGABYTE B760M Gaming Plus WiFi
When space is at a premium, this Micro-ATX board fits the bill perfectly. It uses the B760 chipset, which is a cost-effective alternative for users who do not intend to perform aggressive CPU overclocking. You still get the convenience of WiFi and modern connectivity in a smaller footprint.
The use of DDR4 memory is a great way to save money on your build, though it does mean you cannot take advantage of the faster speeds offered by DDR5. It is an excellent choice for a straightforward gaming PC.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel B760
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Network Connectivity:WiFi, GbE LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 4.0
- Storage Slots:2 M.2 slots
- Additional Feature:Q-Flash Plus updates
- Additional Feature:EZ-Latch system
- Additional Feature:Front USB-C header
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MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II
The MSI PRO series is known for its understated appearance and focus on stability. With an 80A power stage, this board is more than capable of handling the i7-13700K at full tilt, making it a great choice for productivity-focused setups where reliability is the top priority.
The board supports very high memory speeds, which can help squeeze extra performance out of your applications. Its aesthetic is professional rather than flashy, fitting into any workspace without drawing unnecessary attention.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:4 M.2 Gen4 slots
- Power Phases:80A SPS VRM
- Additional Feature:Memory Boost technology
- Additional Feature:Rapid BIOS flashing
- Additional Feature:Extended heatsink design
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MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi
The Tomahawk has earned a reputation for being a workhorse. It features a heavy-duty cooling solution that keeps the VRMs operating at safe temperatures during intense gaming sessions. It is a fantastic mid-to-high range board that offers almost everything a gamer needs.
You get wide support for the latest processors and high-speed memory modules. The only minor trade-off is the lack of some of the extreme enthusiast ports found on boards costing significantly more.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:M.2 slots included
- Additional Feature:Bluetooth 5.3 support
- Additional Feature:USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
- Additional Feature:Pre-installed I/O shield
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MSI PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4
If you are looking to maximize your budget for other components like the GPU or RAM, this board is a smart starting point. It provides all the essentials for the i7-13700K while sticking to DDR4 memory, which is currently very affordable. It is perfect for home office builds or secondary systems.
While it lacks the overclocking potential of the Z790 series, it is rock-solid for stock performance. You will find it has plenty of ports for your peripherals and internal storage needs.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel B760
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 4.0
- Storage Slots:M.2 slots included
- Additional Feature:Bluetooth 5.3
- Additional Feature:USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
- Additional Feature:ATX full-size layout
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GIGABYTE B760M DS3H AX DDR4
This board is the definition of functional simplicity. It is an ideal choice for a compact build where you want to keep costs down without sacrificing modern features like WiFi 6E or a USB-C header. It handles the i7-13700K efficiently for standard computing tasks.
It does have a lighter power phase design, so it is best suited for users who don't plan on heavy overclocking. The Micro-ATX size makes it very easy to fit into smaller, more desk-friendly computer cases.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel B760
- Memory Type:DDR4
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 4.0
- Storage Slots:2 M.2 slots
- Power Phases:6+2+1 phases
- Additional Feature:Q-Flash Plus
- Additional Feature:PCIe EZ-Latch
- Additional Feature:USB-C port
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ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming
If you want the best of the best, look no further than this board. With an 18+1 power stage configuration, it is built to handle extreme workloads and massive overclocks with ease. It is a true beast that offers exceptional thermal headroom for your processor.
The board is packed with five M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 slot, making it a dream for those who need massive and fast storage. It is certainly an investment, but the luxury features and performance are unmatched for high-end builds.
- Motherboard Chipset:Intel Z790
- Memory Type:DDR5
- Network Connectivity:WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
- PCIe Generation:PCIe 5.0
- Storage Slots:5 M.2 slots
- Power Phases:18+1 power stages
- Additional Feature:Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Additional Feature:PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Additional Feature:Front panel USB 3.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update the BIOS for a 13th gen chip?
If you purchase a Z790 motherboard, it will likely support the 13700K right out of the box. However, if you choose an older Z690 board, you will almost certainly need to update the BIOS before the processor will even boot. Check for a BIOS Flashback button on the back of the board, which lets you update without needing a CPU installed.
Is an expensive motherboard necessary for gaming?
You do not need to spend top dollar on a flagship motherboard to get excellent gaming performance. A mid-range Z790 board offers nearly identical gaming frame rates compared to the most expensive versions. Spend your extra cash on a better graphics card or more RAM instead of a fancy aesthetic board.
What is the benefit of DDR5 over DDR4 for this CPU?
DDR5 provides significantly higher memory speeds and better efficiency than older DDR4 sticks. While DDR4 is cheaper, DDR5 is a smarter long-term investment because it will be compatible with future Intel processor generations. It acts like a wider highway, allowing more data to flow to your 13700K processor at once.
Can I overclock my i7-13700K on any motherboard?
No, you must pair your K-series processor with a Z-series motherboard, such as the Z690 or Z790, to unlock overclocking features. B-series and H-series boards lock the CPU multiplier, meaning you cannot adjust the clock speed. If you have no interest in tweaking performance, those cheaper boards are perfectly fine alternatives.
How many M.2 slots should I look for?
Aim for at least two or three M.2 slots to handle your storage needs. Modern games and applications are quite large, so having extra room for high-speed NVMe drives is helpful. Always check if the slots share PCIe lanes with other connections, as this can sometimes limit your maximum drive speeds.
