The Intel Core i7-12700K is a few generations old, but it's a capable processor (CPU) even in the face of the newer Core i7-13700K, Core i7-14700K, and Core Ultra 7 265K. And with prices regularly dropping below $200 with a discount, the CPU is prime for an affordable build or upgrade.
The great thing about the Z690/Z790 platform is that this chipset will allow you to upgrade to a 13th or 14th Gen CPU if you desire in the future. Below are a number of DDR4 and DDR5 motherboards that are still fantastic options in 2024.
Keep in mind that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are approaching quickly, and previous years have proven to be a great time to invest in PC upgrade parts. I expect to see the Core i7-12700K drop in price, and I also expect to see some significant discounts on supporting motherboards.
Recent updates
October 31, 2024: I've updated this guide to ensure you're still looking at the best Core i7-12700K motherboards that are actually still available to buy. Prices and optimal retailers have been refreshed, and I added some new information about Intel's desktop CPU lineup. — Cale Hunt
Best overall
After testing the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi for review, it's clear that it's still a top option for the Core i7-12700K. It comes with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, Wi-Fi 6E support, five M.2 slots, and 18+1+1 power delivery setup with ample cooling for overclocking. It's getting harder to find, but it's still available for less than $400 at Adorama.
Also great
Dropping the wireless tech ever so slightly from 6E down to Wi-Fi 6, the AORUS Pro is otherwise a great alternative for about $358 at Newegg. Still touting DDR5 RAM support and four M.2 sockets, it's another motherboard with strong VRM for overclocking. Thirteen USB ports in total means ample connectivity for devices.
Enthusiast upgrade
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is perfect for multiple generations of Intel CPUs, making it a solid investment at about $662. The VRM setup and power delivery design are exceptional, allowing you to safely overclock. There are plenty of M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 RAM support, and a gorgeous design.
Best DDR4
The ASRock Z690 Steel Legend offers support for DDR4 RAM, which may be handy for anyone moving from older platforms. It has a 13-phase power delivery design with 2.5Gb LAN, Wi-Fi, plenty of M.2 slots, as well as PCIe 5.0 support. Pick it up for about $130 at Newegg and spend the leftovers elsewhere in your PC.
Best ITX Z690
The Core i7 would be ideal for smaller and more compact PC cases since it doesn't require heavy-duty cooling. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming Wi-Fi supports PCIe 5.0, and DDR5 RAM, it has a 10+1 power delivery design with high-quality components, and can even handle a little overclocking. Find it at Walmart for about $180.
Budget Z790
The ASUS Prime Z790-A remains extremely popular thanks to a competitive $276 price, fetching black and white design with RGB, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 16+1+1 power design. It supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, and it's set up with ample cooling for overclocking. This is a stellar option for 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs.
My interest in building PCs kicked off with an Intel CPU a couple decades ago, and though I've swapped many times between Intel and AMD, I've kept up with both teams in terms of hardware and advancements. With the Core i7-12700K showing its age, finding supporting motherboards isn't always easy. The six options that I've chosen here remain easy to recommend based on our own reviews as well as user reviews, and there are various prices to help you shop within your budget.
Choosing the best motherboard for the Intel Core i7-12700K
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All of the motherboards I've handpicked here will have no problem running the Intel Core i7-12700K, and you can easily get away with using the cheaper options. However, if you are looking to upgrade to the 13th or 14th Gen CPUs, such as the Core i7-14700K, spending a little more on the motherboard and going for a Z790 option would be the better move.
My top pick is the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi. It was reviewed by Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino in late 2021, receiving a four-star score. Rubino remarked:
"It has pretty much everything you'll need without unnecessary bloat or inflated price. I'm talking dual PCIe 5.0 slots, DDR5 support, five M.2 slots, 2.5Gb LAN and Wi-Fi 6E networking, and an 18+1+1 power delivery design that can handle an overclocked Intel Core i9-12900K."
The current $380 price might not be feasible for your budget, and that's OK. Those looking to spend less should check out the ASRock Steel Legend Z690 at about $130, while the $180 ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi is a top option for a more compact build.
Should you use a Z690 board or a Z790 board?
Whether you choose a Z690 or Z790 board for your Core i7-12700K really comes down to personal preference. The 12th Gen Intel chip will run just fine on the older standard, but Z790 comes with some benefits.
You typically get more PCIe 4.0 lanes, higher memory speed support, and more modern I/O; if those are keys to your PC build, I recommend opting for a Z90 motherboard. They're compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel desktop CPUs. My list of favorite Z790 motherboards has more options.
Are Intel's latest Core Ultra CPUs compatible with Z690/Z790?
Intel's most recent desktop CPUs received a name change, and with it comes a new chipset and socket requirement. The Core Ultra desktop chips now run on the LGA 1851 socket instead of LGA 1700 (used in 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen chips), which means you'll have to buy a completely new Z890 motherboard for any upgrades to the latest CPUs.
👀Read our full Intel Core Ultra 9 285K review
👀Read our full Intel Core Ultra 5 245K review
