The Intel Core i7-12700K is a few generations outdated, but it surely’s nonetheless a succesful CPU with out being as power-hungry as its replacements within the Core i7-13700K and the not too long ago reviewed Core i7-14700K. The wonderful thing about the Z690 platform is that this chipset will mean you can improve to a thirteenth or 14th Gen CPU when you need sooner or later. These motherboards include a mixture of DDR4 and DDR5 assist.
As well as, we have added some Z790 motherboards because of the backward compatibility with Intel’s twelfth Gen while additionally offering additional {hardware} advantages akin to additional I/O ports. A Z790 will provide extra PCI-E lanes relying on the mannequin and the potential of greater reminiscence clocks.
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA
Finest all-rounder Z690
Dropping the wi-fi tech ever so barely from 6E all the way down to Wi-Fi 6, the AORUS Professional is in any other case our alternative for the perfect general. Nonetheless touting DDR5 RAM assist and 4 M.2 sockets, it is one other motherboard with robust VRM for overclocking. 13 USB ports complete means ample connectivity for units.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero
Finest efficiency Z690
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is full overkill for the Core i7 processor, however when you really feel as if you’ll improve the chip down the road and wish to hold to this technology, it is a worthwhile funding. The VRM setup and energy supply design are distinctive, permitting you to soundly overclock even a Core i9 with out energy points. There are many M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 assist, DDR5 RAM assist, and a beautiful design.
Runner-up Z690
In case you’re not a fan of ASUS motherboards or need one thing somewhat completely different, we advocate testing the MSI MPG Z690 CARBON WIFI. You have acquired an analogous energy setup with full assist for DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0. The two.5Gb LAN port and different spotlight options like high-quality parts are worthy additions to an already wonderful bundle.
Finest DDR4 Z690
The ASRock Z690 Metal Legend is not essentially the most reasonably priced motherboard for twelfth Gen processors, but it surely does provide assist for DDR4 RAM, which can be helpful for anybody transferring from older platforms. It has a 13 part energy supply design with 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi, sufficient M.2 slots to your OS, software program, and video games, in addition to PCIe 5.0 assist.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
Finest ITX Z690
The Core i7 can be superb for smaller and extra compact PC circumstances because it does not require heavy-duty cooling. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming Wi-Fi helps PCIe 5.0, DDR5 RAM, has a ten+1 energy supply design with high-quality parts, and might even deal with somewhat overclocking. The two.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi are wonderful for a smaller PC that may double up as a media middle, and you have got two M.2 slots for fast storage.
Funds Z790 DDR4
ASUS Prime motherboards are available in at a cheaper price level while nonetheless providing some nice options and ample heatsinks for greater core CPUs. The Z790-P DDR4 has 14+1 part energy answer with AI Cooling II software program to manage these thermals. Loads of I/O is on provide right here alongside it is three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, which have heatsinks devoted to every of them. It additionally has a Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) header. Excellent for anybody on extra of a funds.
Selecting the perfect motherboard for the Intel Core i7-12700K
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All of those motherboards could have no downside operating the Intel Core i7-12700K, and you may simply get away with utilizing the cheaper choices. Nonetheless, if you’re trying to improve to the thirteenth or 14th Gen CPUs sooner or later for some additional efficiency, then spending somewhat extra on the motherboard and even going for the Z790 choices right here can be the higher transfer.
If you have already got DDR4 modules to make use of, that can assist to maintain the prices down, however it could nonetheless be price investing in DDR5 for if you improve once more sooner or later. Past 14th Gen, we would expect Intel to be all-in on DDR5.
It is also price noting that Intel’s fifteenth Era won’t be supported by these motherboards. It is going to be transferring to a wholly new chipset, so hold that in thoughts when you’re on the lookout for one thing extra future-proofed.
