LGA 1700 motherboards are the foundation for building powerful PCs with Intel’s latest processors. These boards support 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Intel Core CPUs, offering top-notch performance for gaming, content creation, and demanding tasks. The best LGA 1700 motherboards combine robust power delivery, fast connectivity, and future-proof features to maximize your system’s potential.
Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for a high-performance PC build. Top models like the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme and MSI MEG Z790 Godlike provide premium features for enthusiasts. For those seeking a balance of performance and value, options like the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master offer excellent capabilities without breaking the bank.
When selecting an LGA 1700 motherboard, consider factors such as chipset, VRM quality, PCIe 5.0 support, and connectivity options. These elements can impact your system’s stability, upgrade potential, and overall performance. Whether you’re building a gaming rig or a workstation, the right LGA 1700 motherboard will serve as a solid base for your PC.
Top 10 LGA 1700 Motherboards
| Rank | Name | Socket / CPU | Form Factor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI | LGA1700 | ATX | $159.99 |
| 2 | MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI | LGA1700 | ATX | $229.99 |
| 3 | ASRock B660M Pro RS | LGA1700 | Micro ATX | $94.99 |
| 4 | Asus ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI II | LGA1700 | ATX | $339.99 |
| 5 | MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 | LGA1700 | Micro ATX | $79.99 |
| 6 | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX | LGA1700 | ATX | $209.99 |
| 7 | MSI PRO Z790-P WIFI | LGA1700 | ATX | $189.99 |
| 8 | MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 | LGA1700 | ATX | $149.99 |
| 9 | Asus TUF GAMING Z790-PRO WIFI | LGA1700 | ATX | $239.99 |
| 10 | Asus ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO | LGA1700 | ATX | $599.99 |
Key Features to Consider
- Chipset: The chipset determines the features and capabilities of the motherboard. Z790 offers the most advanced features, while H610 is more budget-friendly with fewer features.
- Form Factor: ATX motherboards are larger and offer more expansion slots, while Micro ATX boards are smaller and more compact.
- Memory Support: Check the motherboard’s supported RAM speeds and capacity. DDR5 is faster than DDR4, but also more expensive.
- Storage Options: Look for the number and type of M.2 slots and SATA ports. Consider if you need PCIe 5.0 support for future storage upgrades.
- Connectivity: Check for features like Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5GbE LAN, and USB ports (including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).
- Overclocking Support: If you plan on overclocking your CPU, choose a motherboard with robust power delivery and cooling solutions.
- Price: Motherboards range in price from budget-friendly options to high-end enthusiast models. Set a budget and choose the best board that fits your needs.
Best LGA 1700 Motherboards for Intel 14th Gen
| Motherboard | Chipset | Form Factor | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero | Z790 | ATX | $629.99 | High-end, optimized BIOS for 14th gen, excellent overclocking |
| MSI MEG Z790 Ace | Z790 | ATX | $519.99 | Premium features, BIOS updates for 14th Gen support |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master | Z790 | ATX | $499.99 | Balanced performance, BIOS ready for 14th Gen CPUs |
| ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi | Z790 | ATX | $299.99 | Affordable, BIOS updates for 14th Gen compatibility |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi | Z790 | ATX | $249.99 | Budget-friendly, ensure BIOS is updated for 14th Gen |
Please note that while these Z790 motherboards are compatible with 14th Gen Intel processors, it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s website and ensure that the latest BIOS version is installed for optimal performance and compatibility.
Best LGA 1700 Motherboard for Overclocking
For overclocking enthusiasts, a Z790 motherboard with a robust power delivery system and ample cooling solutions is crucial.
| Motherboard | Chipset | Form Factor | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero | Z790 | ATX | $629.99 | Top-of-the-line, exceptional overclocking capabilities |
| MSI MEG Z790 Unify | Z790 | ATX | $599.99 | Focused on performance and overclocking, minimalist design |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Tachyon | Z790 | ATX | $549.99 | Designed for extreme overclocking, unique layout |
| ASRock Z790 Taichi | Z790 | ATX | $499.99 | Feature-rich, great for overclocking and content creation |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi | Z790 | ATX | $409.99 | Balanced performance and overclocking potential |
Best LGA 1700 Motherboards under $200
If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of excellent LGA 1700 motherboards available for under $200.
| Motherboard | Chipset | Form Factor | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI | Z790 | ATX | $189.17 | Great value, solid features for gaming and general use |
| MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI | B760 | ATX | $159.99 | Good balance of features and affordability |
| Gigabyte Z790 UD AX | Z790 | ATX | $179.99 | Affordable Z790 option with decent features |
| ASRock B760M Steel Legend | B760 | Micro ATX | $159.99 | Compact and feature-rich, good for smaller builds |
| MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 | B760 | Micro ATX | $99.99 | Budget-friendly, suitable for basic builds |
Other Categories
- Best LGA 1700 Motherboard Budget: MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 ($79.98) – Basic features, ideal for budget builds.
- Best LGA 1700 Motherboard for the Money: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ($189.17) – Offers excellent value with a good balance of features and performance.
- Best LGA 1700 Motherboard for Music Production: ASUS PRIME Z790-P WIFI ($219.99) – Stable performance, good connectivity options, and audio features suitable for music production.
- Best LGA 1700 Motherboard ITX: ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming WiFi ($189.99) – Compact size, powerful features, ideal for small form factor builds.
- Best LGA 1700 Z790 Motherboard: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ($189.17) – Top-performing Z790 board at an attractive price point.
- Best LGA 1700 DDR4 Motherboards: MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 ($149.99) – Supports DDR4 memory, good value for budget-conscious builders.
- Best LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ($189.17) – Offers the most features and expansion options.
- Best LGA 1700 Micro ATX Motherboard: ASRock B660M Pro RS ($94.99) – Compact size, good value, suitable for smaller builds.
Remember that the “best” motherboard ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider the features that matter most to you and choose a board that fits your requirements and offers good value for the price.
Key Takeaways
- LGA 1700 motherboards support Intel’s latest 12th, 13th, 14th gen processors
- High-end models offer premium features for enthusiasts and power users
- Consider chipset, VRM, and connectivity when choosing a motherboard
Examining Key Features of LGA 1700 Motherboards
LGA 1700 motherboards offer a range of features for Intel’s latest processors. These boards support high-speed memory, advanced connectivity, and powerful cooling solutions.
Form Factor and Design
LGA 1700 motherboards come in various sizes. ATX is the most common for full-sized towers. Micro ATX fits in smaller cases. Mini-ITX is for compact builds. E-ATX boards are larger and pack more features.
Board layouts differ between models. Some have extra M.2 slots for fast storage. Others focus on robust VRMs for better power delivery. Many boards include RGB headers for custom lighting.
CPU Socket Compatibility
The LGA 1700 socket works with Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs. This includes Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, and future releases. The socket has more pins than older designs.
Most boards need a BIOS update for newer CPUs. Many high-end models have BIOS flashback. This lets users update without an older CPU installed.
Expansion and Memory Capabilities
PCIe slots are key for expansion. Top boards offer PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards and SSDs. PCIe 4.0 is common on mid-range options. Some budget boards still use PCIe 3.0.
Memory support varies. Many boards work with both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. DDR5 offers higher speeds but costs more. DDR4 is cheaper and still performs well for most users.
M.2 slots are standard for NVMe SSDs. High-end boards often have heat shields for these slots.
Connectivity Options
USB ports are essential. Look for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for fast data transfer. Some boards offer Thunderbolt 4 or USB4.
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are common on mid to high-end boards. These provide fast, stable wireless connections.
HDMI and DisplayPort are useful for CPUs with integrated graphics. Not all boards include these ports.
Power Delivery and Thermal Management
VRM quality affects CPU performance and overclocking. Better VRMs have more phases and higher-quality components.
Heatsinks on VRMs, chipsets, and M.2 slots improve cooling. Some boards have active cooling with small fans.
AI-powered tools can help with overclocking and cooling. These adjust settings automatically for optimal performance.
Chipset Variations and Performance
Z790 is the top chipset for LGA 1700. It offers the most features and best overclocking support. Z690 is similar but slightly older.
B660 is a mid-range option. It has fewer features but costs less. It’s good for users who don’t need extreme overclocking.
Chipset choice affects PCIe lane count, USB port types, and RAID support. Higher-end chipsets generally offer more of everything.
FAQs
Is LGA 1700 outdated?
No, LGA 1700 is not outdated. While it’s true that newer chipsets like Z890 are on the horizon for future Intel generations, LGA 1700 remains a relevant and widely used socket. It currently supports both 12th Gen (Alder Lake) and 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) Intel Core processors, and is even expected to support the upcoming 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh) CPUs. So, investing in an LGA 1700 motherboard is still a viable option, especially with the availability of budget-friendly B760 chipset boards.
What is the best DDR4 motherboard for LGA 1700?
Among the motherboards listed, the MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 stands out as a strong contender for the best DDR4 LGA 1700 motherboard. It offers a balance of features, performance, and affordability, making it suitable for various builds that utilize DDR4 memory.
What motherboards are compatible with the LGA 1700?
Motherboards with the following chipsets are compatible with LGA 1700:
- Intel Z790: High-end chipset with the most features and overclocking capabilities.
- Intel B760: Mid-range chipset offering a good balance of features and affordability.
- Intel H610: Budget-friendly chipset with essential features for basic builds.
- Upcoming Intel Z890: Designed for future Intel 15th Gen processors, but not yet released.
Which LGA 1700 motherboard can overclock?
Motherboards with the Z790 chipset are typically the best for overclocking, as they offer robust power delivery and advanced features tailored to pushing your CPU’s limits. In the list provided, options like the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI or the ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II are excellent choices for overclocking enthusiasts.
Will LGA 1700 support 13th gen?
Yes, LGA 1700 fully supports 13th Gen Intel Core processors (Raptor Lake). Make sure your motherboard has the latest BIOS/UEFI update installed for optimal compatibility and performance with 13th Gen CPUs.
What CPU cooler for LGA 1700?
The ideal CPU cooler for LGA 1700 depends on your specific CPU, desired performance, and budget. Generally, for 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors, consider these options:
- Air Coolers: Noctua NH-D15, be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. B
- AIO Liquid Coolers: NZXT Kraken X63, Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix, Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280
- Budget-friendly options: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition, Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 V2
Ensure the cooler is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket and can handle the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of your CPU.
