GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX
This board strikes an excellent balance of features, performance, and price for the i7-13700 gaming build. It offers a strong VRM, ample connectivity, and modern features without the premium cost of flagship models.
Platform Match
The Intel Core i7-13700 is a 13th generation LGA1700 CPU, requiring a compatible Z790 or B760 chipset motherboard. These chipsets offer robust support for gaming and general productivity.
VRM Guidance
Despite its 65W base TDP, the i7-13700 can draw substantial power under load, especially during gaming. A motherboard with a strong VRM (e.g., 12+ phase design) and adequate heatsinks is recommended for stable performance and sustained boost clocks.
Upgrade Path
For future-proofing, prioritize boards with PCIe 5.0 for the primary GPU slot and multiple M.2 slots, ideally supporting PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 SSDs. DDR5 memory is standard for this platform, offering excellent performance.
Quick Compare Matrix
| Rank | Motherboard | Chipset | Size | Memory | Value | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Best Balanced |
Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7600MHz+ | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #2 | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Best Value |
Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7200MHz+ | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #3 | MSI PRO B760-P Wi-Fi Budget Pick |
B760 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 6800MHz+ | ★★★★★ | Buy Now |
| #4 | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO Premium/Creator |
Z790 LGA1700 | ATX | DDR5 up to 7800MHz+ | ★★★☆☆ | Buy Now |
| #5 | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi Compact Pick |
Z790 LGA1700 | Mini-ITX | DDR5 up to 7600MHz+ | ★★★☆☆ | Buy Now |
Recommended Motherboards
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX
ATX
DDR5 up to 7600MHz+
This board strikes an excellent balance of features, performance, and price for the i7-13700 gaming build. It offers a strong VRM, ample connectivity, and modern features without the premium cost of flagship models.
Key Features: 16+1+2 VRM, 4x M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, Q-Flash Plus
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi
ATX
DDR5 up to 7200MHz+
The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi provides a solid Z790 foundation for the i7-13700 at a competitive price. It features durable components, good power delivery, and essential gaming connectivity.
Key Features: 16+1 power stages, 4x M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, BIOS Flashback
MSI PRO B760-P Wi-Fi
ATX
DDR5 up to 6800MHz+
For budget-conscious builders, the MSI PRO B760-P Wi-Fi offers excellent value without compromising on core performance for the i7-13700. Its robust VRM and modern connectivity are impressive for a B760 board.
Key Features: 12+1+1 VRM, 2x M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, BIOS Flash Button
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
ATX
DDR5 up to 7800MHz+
The ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is a top-tier choice for enthusiasts and creators demanding the best. It boasts an extreme VRM, extensive connectivity including Thunderbolt 4, and premium features for uncompromising performance.
Key Features: 20+1 VRM, 5x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0), 2x Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E/7, 2.5GbE, AI Overclocking
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi
Mini-ITX
DDR5 up to 7600MHz+
For small form factor builds, the ROG Strix Z790-I offers uncompromised performance in a Mini-ITX package. It includes a powerful VRM, PCIe 5.0, and high-speed connectivity, perfect for a compact gaming powerhouse.
Key Features: 10+1+1 VRM, 2x M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE, ROG Strix Hive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Z790 motherboard necessary for the Intel Core i7-13700?
No, a B760 motherboard is sufficient for the i7-13700, especially since it's a non-K SKU and cannot be overclocked. Z790 offers more features and connectivity, but B760 provides excellent value.
Should I use DDR4 or DDR5 RAM with the i7-13700?
For a new gaming build, DDR5 is recommended for its higher speeds and future compatibility, offering better performance. While some B760 boards support DDR4, DDR5 is the better choice.
What VRM is adequate for the i7-13700?
A motherboard with at least a 12+1+1 phase VRM design and good heatsinks is adequate for the i7-13700. Higher-phase designs on Z790 boards offer more headroom and stability.