MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi
This board offers a strong balance of features for gaming with robust power delivery, PCIe 4.0 support for the primary GPU and M.2, and excellent connectivity. It's a solid choice for the i7-11700 without unnecessary premium features.
Platform Match
The Intel Core i7-11700 utilizes the LGA1200 socket and is compatible with Intel 500-series chipsets like Z590, B560, H570, and H510. This platform exclusively supports DDR4 memory.
VRM Guidance
With a 65W TDP, the i7-11700 is not power-hungry, so even mid-range B560 or H570 boards with decent VRM designs will provide stable power. Z590 boards offer robust VRMs, but the i7-11700 is a locked CPU.
Upgrade Path
The LGA1200 platform supports PCIe 4.0 for the primary GPU and M.2 slot when paired with an 11th Gen CPU. Prioritize boards with multiple M.2 slots and sufficient DDR4 RAM capacity for future expansion.
Quick Compare Matrix
| Rank | Motherboard | Chipset | Size | Memory | Value | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi Best Balanced |
B560 LGA1200 | ATX | DDR4 up to 5066MHz (OC) | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #2 | ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi Premium/Creator |
Z590 LGA1200 | ATX | DDR4 up to 5333MHz (OC) | ★★★☆☆ | Buy Now |
| #3 | Gigabyte B560 AORUS Pro AX Best Value |
B560 LGA1200 | ATX | DDR4 up to 4800MHz (OC) | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #4 | ASUS Prime H510M-A Budget Pick |
H510 LGA1200 | Micro-ATX | DDR4 up to 3200MHz (OC) | ★★★★☆ | Buy Now |
| #5 | ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WiFi Compact Pick |
Z590 LGA1200 | Mini-ITX | DDR4 up to 5333MHz (OC) | ★★★☆☆ | Buy Now |
Recommended Motherboards
MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi
ATX
DDR4 up to 5066MHz (OC)
This board offers a strong balance of features for gaming with robust power delivery, PCIe 4.0 support for the primary GPU and M.2, and excellent connectivity. It's a solid choice for the i7-11700 without unnecessary premium features.
Key Features: PCIe 4.0, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E, M.2 Shield Frozr, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi
ATX
DDR4 up to 5333MHz (OC)
This board provides top-tier features, robust power delivery, and extensive connectivity, making it suitable for high-performance gaming and content creation, even if the i7-11700 doesn't fully utilize all Z590 capabilities.
Key Features: 14+2 power stages, PCIe 4.0, Dual 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, AI Overclocking/Cooling/Networking
Gigabyte B560 AORUS Pro AX
ATX
DDR4 up to 4800MHz (OC)
Offers a compelling feature set for its price, including a strong VRM, good networking, and ample storage options, making it an excellent value proposition for a gaming PC with the i7-11700.
Key Features: Direct 12+1 VRM, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5GbE, Triple M.2, USB 3.2 Gen2x2
ASUS Prime H510M-A
Micro-ATX
DDR4 up to 3200MHz (OC)
A cost-effective solution for a gaming build on a strict budget, providing essential features and PCIe 4.0 support for the GPU. It covers the basics without extra frills.
Key Features: PCIe 4.0, M.2 slot, GigE LAN, HDMI/DP/VGA outputs
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WiFi
Mini-ITX
DDR4 up to 5333MHz (OC)
This Mini-ITX board offers premium features and robust power delivery in a small form factor, ideal for compact gaming PCs. It includes Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.
Key Features: Mini-ITX, PCIe 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, Dual M.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DDR5 RAM with the Intel Core i7-11700?
No, the Intel Core i7-11700 (11th Gen) only supports DDR4 memory. You must use a motherboard with DDR4 slots.
Is CPU overclocking possible with the Intel Core i7-11700?
No, the Intel Core i7-11700 is a locked processor and cannot be overclocked. Only K-series CPUs (e.g., 11700K) can be overclocked on Z-series chipsets.
Do I need a Z590 motherboard for the i7-11700, or is B560 sufficient?
A B560 motherboard is generally sufficient for the i7-11700, offering PCIe 4.0 and memory overclocking. Z590 boards provide more robust VRMs and additional features, but the i7-11700 cannot utilize Z590's CPU overclocking.