Introduction
Intel’s 13th-Gen CPUs are some of the best processors available in the current market. Consumers have access to a wide range of options suiting a variety of use-cases. CPUs such as the Core i7 13700 are a tantalising choice for many. Due to the lack of overclocking support and iGPU, the 13700 is significantly cheaper than it’s slightly more capable counterparts.
However, with any new CPU, consumers will need to pick up a motherboard to pair with their shiny new processor. But with a market that offers a myriad of different component choices, it can become difficult to make a decision on which motherboard to pick up. In this motherboard buyers guide we’ll be alleviating that confusion by picking out the best boards to pair up with the Core i7 13700. We’ll also briefly delve into the different chipsets, and what’s on offer when it comes to features.
Suggested Article: Intel Core i7 13700K Review – Intel’s Hidden Performance Gem
Intel’s Core i7 13700 is an awesome mid-range CPU and will perform similarly to it’s ‘K’ and ‘KF’ variants, but without the support for overclocking. Due to this, we’ve primarily picked out mid-range and high-end B760 motherboards, as this chipset also doesn’t support overclocking. These recommendations will synergise well with the performance of the 13700 whilst sitting at a more than reasonable price point.
Best Motherboards for the Core i7 13700
1. ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4
👑 The best white motherboard for i7 13700.
Introduction
First off in our roundup is the ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 from ASUS. We’ve reviewed this motherboard in full, and overall we were impressed by the feature set and aesthetic on offer from this board.
The ROG STRIX line of products tends to offer a more gaming-oriented theme, hence the various logos on the heatsinks, along with a nice design on the integrated rear IO shield. ASUS have opted to provide a white and grey aesthetic, contrasting to the typical black design that we’re so used to seeing. This makes the B760-A a great motherboard for those building an all-white PC.
In terms of features, the ROG STRIX B760-A has a plethora of high speed USB ports, allowing users to plug in a range of peripherals and accessories. Networking is great, with ASUS providing a choice between WiFi 6E, or 2.5 Gigabit LAN for those that prefer a more stable connection. This board also features DDR5 DIMM slots which allows consumers to save on the total build cost with a cheaper RAM kit.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 5333MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 3.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 3x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2, 3x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
PCI-E 5.0 GPU slot: Currently, graphics cards can’t take full advantage of PCI-E 5.0 technology, but the next-generation of cards are expected to embrace it. As a result, the inclusion of a PCI-E 5.0 slot means this motherboard is designed with longevity and upgradeability in mind.
Versatile connectivity: The PCI-E 5.0 slot is definitely the highlight inclusion on this design, but this board offers quality support for a broad range of components and devices. The connections available should be more than enough to enjoy top-tier performance with an i7 13700.
Things We Don’t Like
Aesthetic limitations: It is clear that this design is meant to be placed into a white gaming PC, which limits the appeal of this design due to most systems having a darker aesthetic. However, the black PCB dampens the white look which can look a bit strange in all-white builds. We would prefer it if this design committed to the white aesthetic.
Use of PCI-E 3.0: The primary PCI-E 5.0 slot for the graphics card is a great addition to this design. However, the secondary slot lets the GPU support down, as it utilises PCI-E 3.0, which is outdated for a 13th-gen gaming PC and will result in limited performance when an additional GPU is connected.
Summary
Overall, the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a versatile design that is a suitable choice for a white-themed build. The ATX design offers plenty of connectivity options to meet the demands of most mid-range gamers, and the PCI-E 5.0 slot makes upgrading to next-gen graphics cards hassle-free. However, the uncommon aesthetic will deter a few suitors away from this design, as it will look out of place in most systems.
Pros
- Alternative aesthetic is ideal for all-white builds.
- Solid networking and rear IO options.
- Singular PCI-E 5.0 slot for GPUs.
Cons
- Black PCB does look odd.
- White design won’t be for everyone.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 on:
2. Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX D4
👑 The best value motherboard for i7 13700.
Introduction
Next up is the B760 AORUS Elite AX from Gigabyte. This motherboard features a more standard black and grey design, which can be seen across the various heatsinks. This board has far less exposed PCB, which looks great from an aesthetic point of view. The AORUS Elite doesn’t offer much in the way of RGB, but this won’t be a deal-breaker for the majority of consumers.
When looking at the features, the B760 AORUS Elite offers a similar set to the aforementioned ROG STRIX B760-A. Consumers have access to a great set of rear IO, with plenty of high speed USB ports including a 10Gb/s option. The B760 AORUS Elite unfortunately doesn’t have any PCI-E 5.0 slots, but Gen5 components are yet to release on the market, so this is only an issue if you’re concerned about upgradeability. The B760 Elite also offers plenty of usability features, such as the quick release M.2 connectors which provides some ease during the building process.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX D4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR4 5333MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 4.0, 2x PCI-E 3.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 3x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Great storage options: Backlogs and large libraries can often be a burden for gamers, as it requires a lot of management to ensure the games you are playing run at their best. Luckily, the multiple M.2 slots on this motherboard relieves this burden by increasing the capacity of Gen4 SSDs, removing the need to moves games around for optimal performance.
Solid rear IO connectivity: When it comes to networking and connecting external devices, this motherboard offers plenty of options for gamers to utilise. Because of this, i7 13700 users shouldn’t have many issues or performance setbacks when plugging in their gaming peripherals using this motherboard.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of PCI-E 5.0: Whilst this motherboard provides a lot of great connectivity options, the absence of a PCI-E 5.0 slot for graphics cards and storage limits the performance capabilities to support current-gen options, resulting in decreased longevity and upgradeability. Plus, the lifespan is limited further by the presence of the outdated PCI-E 3.0 slots for GPU expansions.
Simple look: Subtle designs are a great choice for gamers wanting a stealthier and more sophisticated look for their PC, but the simplicity often leads to some missing features that would make the design more enticing for a wider audience. For example, this motherboard is not the best choice for RGB lovers, as the lighting effects are pretty limited.
Summary
The Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX D4 offers a stealthy appearance that will help make a PC build look more sophisticated. Equipped with enough connectivity to support a mid-range gaming PC, this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers wanting a design that offers a good value proposition. Whilst the simplistic design and lack of upgradeability does weaken the overall value of this board, it is still worth considering for an i7 13700 build.
Pros
- Plenty of M.2 storage slots.
- Solid networking options.
- Can reflash the BIOS easily.
Cons
- Not much in terms of RGB.
- No Gen5 compatibility.
Where to Buy
Buy the Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 on:
3. ASUS ROG STRIX B760-I Gaming WiFi
👑 The best compact motherboard for i7 13700.
Introduction
For our next recommendation we’ve picked out the ROG STRIX B760-I Gaming WiFi from ASUS. Despite sporting a smaller Mini-ITX form factor, this compact board comes crammed with features making it a worthwhile choice for those looking to build a more portable style of PC. The B760-I is a DDR5 motherboard which does mean consumers will need to spend a little bit more when it comes to RAM DIMMs. However, this will also benefit users in the long run when DDR5 becomes a cheaper and more saturated option in the market.
Looking at the rest of the board, the ROG STRIX B760-I features a Gen5 PCI-E slot, also ready to house the next generation of graphics cards when they release. In terms of IO, the B760-I has quite a few high speed ports, providing excellent transfer speeds. The design of the B760-I is also awesome, with a gaming-oriented theme which can be seen on the rear IO and the heatsinks across the board. Consumers won’t need to worry about losing out on RGB, because the ROG STRIX B760-I is loaded up with customisable lighting.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS ROG STRIX B760-I Gaming WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | mini-ITX |
| Supported Memory | 64GB DDR5 7600MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 3x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Cheap DDR5 design: As the first DDR5 option featured in this roundup, this motherboard supports faster memory kits, leading to a improved processing speeds and load times. Whilst DDR4 kits will be enough to produce a substantial gaming experience, those gamers wanting the best performance possible should consider DDR5 compatible designs like this one.
Great for compact builds: One of the biggest complaints with more powerful systems is the amount of space they take up within a gaming setup. However, this mini-ITX form factor makes it easier to build a portable and compact system, as it will be able to fit into smaller mini-ITX PC cases.
Things We Don’t Like
Low memory capacity: Supporting DDR5 memory allows gamers to use more powerful RAM kits in their system. However, the compact nature of this board nullifies the effectiveness, as the memory support is limited to 64GB instead of 128GB.
Compatibility issues: A compact PC offers more convenience for a lot of gamers, but the smaller layout leads to restrictions as to what components that can be paired alongside it. On top of the limited PC case choice, this motherboard will reduce the number of GPUs and CPU coolers that will fit into this system.
Summary
Gamers looking to put their i7 13700 PC inside of the smallest build possible can’t go wrong with the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-I Gaming WiFi. As a mini-ITX motherboard, gamers will have no issues fitting this design into a compact gaming PC. Despite the smaller layout, this motherboard includes some impressive features, including DDR5 memory and PCI-E 5.0 support for GPUs. Unfortunately, the reduced size does limit the amount of PCI-E and DIMM slots available while decreasing the pool of components that can be used alongside it.
Pros
- A cheaper DDR5 options.
- Motherboard and RGB lighting looks excellent.
- Offers a Gen5 GPU slot.
Cons
- Mini-ITX form factor may restrict case choices.
- Lower RAM capacity.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-I Gaming WiFi on:
4. ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi
👑 The best DDR5 motherboard for i7 13700.
Introduction
Next up in our buyers guide is the ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi. First off, this motherboard looks awesome. ASRock have always offered this camo design with their Steel Legend range, and it looks excellent. Although the PCB is a little bit more exposed with this board, I think the camo aesthetic looks awesome and will blend in with a multitude of builds. The Steel Legend also comes with some RGB, with can be customised using the ASRock Polychrome software.
Moving onto the features, the B760M Steel Legend has plenty of slots on offer despite being a smaller board. Consumers have access to a singular Gen5 x16 slot for the next generation of graphics cards, alongside three Gen4 slots which support blazing-fast speeds. Rear IO is relatively strong, with the Steel Legend offering eight ports in total, six of which are high speed options. Overall, if you’re looking for a more compact board with an awesome aesthetic and plenty of features, the B760M Steel Legend is a great choice.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | micro-ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 7600MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 3x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Eye-catching design: We’re big fans of the approach that ASRock takes to their motherboards, as they are not afraid to think outside the box. The B760M Steel Legend is a great example, as the contrasting colours and digital camo pattern on the heatsinks makes this motherboard a solid addition to the aesthetics of most builds.
DDR5 support: This board isn’t all about the looks however, as there are plenty of top-tier performance features packed into the design. For example, this motherboard supports 128GB of DDR5 memory, which provides gamers with the best rendering speeds and loading times available today.
Things We Don’t Like
Form factor limitations: Whilst micro-ATX motherboards are usually able to provide a similar features to ATX designs, the smaller form factor does put some restrictions on the amount of features that can be included. Also, the micro-ATX designs that compete with ATX alternatives often come at a steeper price.
Limited GPU support: Whilst the singular GPU slot on this design will be able to support future upgrades thanks to the PCI-E 5.0 integration. However, the lack of an additional PCI-E x16 slot means gamers won’t be able to connect a secondary graphics card for an enhanced gaming experience.
Summary
Offering an enticing combination of high-end gaming performance and stunning design choices, the ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi is one of the best motherboards on the market for mid-range gamers. Available at an affordable price point, inclusions such as DDR5 memory and PCI-E 5.0 slot means this board supports all the latest components while leaving plenty of room for future upgrades. However, not all gamers will be a fan of the abstract look, and the lack of an additional slot does affect the upgradeability of this design.
Pros
- Design and aesthetic is awesome.
- Rear IO is very strong.
- Offers some customisable RGB lighting.
Cons
- No DDR4 option.
- Micro-ATX form factor does limit features to some extent.
Where to Buy
Buy the ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi on:
5. MSI MAG B760M Mortar MAX WiFi
👑 The best mid-range motherboard for i7 13700.
Introduction
For our final recommendation we’ve picked out MSI’s MAG B760M Mortar MAX WiFi. The B660M Mortar from the previous generation was one of our favourites on the B660 chipset, and the B760 Mortar has made it on this roundup for many similar reasons. The Mortar offers an alternative aesthetic with the brushed-steel design on the heatsinks, which would look great in a lighter, or white PC build. This design won’t necessary be for everyone, so MSI offers the TOMAHAWK variant of this board which has a similar set of features.
Speaking of which, the MAG Mortar offers a DIY friendly design, which should aid users during the building process, with features such as the EZ M.2 clip. This allows users to easily install M.2 SSDs in either of the two available slots without any extra tools. The MAG Mortar also offers a full audio suit featuring five high quality audio jacks, alongside a S/PDIF connection, ideal for those that have a speaker setup at home.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MAG B760M Mortar MAX WiFi |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | micro-ATX |
| Supported Memory | 128GB DDR5 7000MHz |
| PCI-E x16 Slots | 1x PCI-E 5.0, 1x PCI-E 4.0 |
| PCI-E x4 Slots | 2x PCI-E 4.0 |
| Rear IO | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6E |
Things We Like
Widespread connectivity: This motherboard is packed with a solid variety of connectivity options, allowing gamers connect a variety of high-end components and accessories to their gaming PCs.
Upgrade potential: As part of the versatile connectivity, this motherboard also provides multiple futureproofing connections. Both the DDR5 memory and PCI-E 5.0 slots makes ensures this design will be ready to support the latest games for years to come.
Things We Don’t Like
Rear IO connectivity: Even though the rear IO is fairly versatile with choices for each product within a gaming setup, the reduced size results in less connectivity options overall. The USB ports are the best example of this, as the 6 ports included will be less than ideal for gamers looking to connect multiple peripherals at once.
Pricing: Though you would expect a compact motherboard packed with premium connectivity to come with a bump in price, it doesn’t make it any less disappointing. Most gamers with a i7 13700 CPU should still be able to afford this motherboard, but those on a tight budget may want to look at an alternative.
Summary
MSI’s MAG B760M Mortar MAX WiFi is a B760 offering that provides optimal performance and widespread connectivity for i7 13700 users. The inclusion of DDR5 memory and PCI-E 5.0 x 16 makes this a great option for those looking to make a long-term investment, especially if it is being slotted into a compact white-themed build. However, these features come with a slight bump in price and the rear IO is less extensive than the alternatives in this roundup.
Pros
- Features a full audio suite.
- Alternative aesthetic looks great.
- DDR5 provides upgrade options.
Cons
- DDR5 DIMMs are somewhat more expensive.
- Rear IO is weaker compared to other options.
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MAG B760M Mortar MAX WiFi on:
Differences Between Chipsets
Before jumping into the recommendations, it is worth touching upon chipsets. Consumers often use a chipset as a good starting point when choosing a motherboard, as your chosen chipset will determine the kind of features available to you.
This does also mean consumers may have to sacrifice features dependent on their chipset, but the majority of motherboards are well balanced in terms of what’s on offer.
Chipsets also have a big impact on pricing, which is why it is important to nail down which options are cheaper if you’re on a budget.
Although this roundup predominantly covers B760 motherboards (due to the Core i7 13700 not having any overclocking capability), chipsets such as Z790 and H770 are still perfectly viable options if they prevent feature or value upsides that take your fancy. As a general rule of thumb, ‘Z’-series motherboards are the primary flagship option that Intel will release alongside their initial CPU ranges. These motherboards offer no compromises when it comes to features and will have the maximum amount of PCI-E lanes, USB ports, and can offer CPU overclocking capability too, for good measure.
This does make Z790 boards the more appealing option at times, but there is a price hike that comes with the larger feature-set. By contrast, B760 boards are essentially the budget Z790 option. B760 motherboards offer a vast set of features, at a significantly reduced cost in comparison to what you would pay for a Z790 option. This does mean that there will be less in terms of ports, and PCI-E lanes to keep costs down, but the average consumer won’t need to worry about this.
If you’re building a top-end system with multiple graphics cards, drives, peripherals and accessories, then B760 motherboards likely won’t suit your requirements. However, if you’re looking to build a mid-range or budget system, B760 boards have a plethora of options on offer at a reduced price making them a definitive purchase for consumers that just want to play some PC games, possibly with some productivity on the side.
Motherboard Compatibility
Compatibility is a big concern when it comes to motherboards and CPUs. Intel tends to change the socket of their CPU every two generations, which means that older CPUs won’t be supported on the newer motherboards. Chipsets also offer varying support dependent on the motherboard that you’ve chosen. In order to alleviate some of this confusion we’ve put together a table which highlights the supported chipsets for both Intel 12th and 13th-Gen CPUs.
In the table where it specifies a BIOS update is needed. Consumers will need to navigate to their motherboard’s manufacturer page to ensure the board is both supported and so you can download the revision that allows you to install your CPU.
| Motherboard Chipsets | Intel 12th-Gen CPUs | Intel 13th-Gen CPUs |
| Z790 | ✅ | ✅ |
| B760 | ✅ | ✅ |
| H770 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Z690 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| B660 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| H670 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| H610 | ✅ | ✅ (with a BIOS update) |
| Z590 | ❌ | ❌ |
| B560 | ❌ | ❌ |
| H570 | ❌ | ❌ |
| H510 | ❌ | ❌ |
Why You Can Trust Us
Before we jump into our recommendations, we want to explain why you can trust our thoughts and opinions. The GeekaWhat team consists of PC hardware and gaming experts, who take the time to test the products that come through our doors in a variety of gaming and everyday scenarios. Constantly testing the latest products has given us a fairly broad scope on current components and peripherals, along with an expansive list of products to recommend. If you would like to know more about the GeekaWhat team, as well as further details on our editorial promise, head over to the About Us section.
How We Picked the Best Motherboards for Intel Core i7 13700
For instances where we are looking at motherboards for a particular processor, benchmarking and analysis of features and design choices are the main testing methods that we use. After getting a board into the office, our first instinct is to throw it into a PC build, as this provides us with important gaming benchmarks, along with an indication as to how easy the installation process is for both components and the motherboard itself.
Over time, the same motherboard will be placed into multiple builds that include different components, which leads to a general understanding of performance and practicality under different conditions. Once we’re happy that our testing is complete, we form a final verdict and relay this information our audience through YouTube Videos and buyers guides like this one. Whilst reviewing a product, we make sure to include a general overview of our experiences and offer suggestions as to which gamers will benefit most from including it in their setup.
When analysing the features of a motherboard, there are several key variables that we look for are form factor, component support, rear IO connectivity, networking options, design choices, and the budget. Plus, we’ll make note of any additional features, providing an explanation as to how it will impact gamers interested in picking up that particular motherboard.
For more details on our analysis and testing procedures, check out our reviews on B760 motherboards below:
| Brand + Chipset | Review Link |
|---|---|
| ASUS ROG B760-A | ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Review |
| MSI MAG B760 | MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WiFi DDR4 Review |
| ASUS ROG B760-G | ASUS ROG STRIX B760-G Gaming WiFi D4 Review |
| ASUS TUF B760 | ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi D4 Review |
Our Top Motherboard Picks
Conclusion
If we had to choose one of the motherboards featured in this buyers guide to place into a PC build with an i7 13700 processor, our pick would be the ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi. Like many other ASRock designs, this motherboards has an outlandish look that will act as a statement piece within a gaming PC. To match this unique aesthetic, the offers a great range of connectivity features that will be able to support high-end components for years to come.
However, for those gamers wanting a more discrete design that possesses a larger form factor, then the Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX D4 is a solid alternative that offers great value to consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i7 13700 worth it?
As a processor that sits on the higher-end of the 13th-Gen line-up, the i7 13700 is a solid choice for 1440p and 4K gaming whilst also being able to manage demanding productivity-based tasks. Because of this, the i7 13700 is a great option for streamers and content creators.
Can you overclock the Core i7 13700?
It is not possible to overclock the i7 13700, as only Intel CPUs with a ‘K’ at the end of their name can support overclocking.
What motherboard chipset is best for the i7 13700?
We would suggest pairing this CPU with a B760 motherboard to get the best value for money deal. However, a H770 or Z790 chipset would be beneficial to gamers wanting extra connectivity and performance.
How much money should I spend on a motherboard for the i7 13700?
To get the best out of an i7 processor without having to break the bank, we suggest looking at motherboards aroun the $150-350 price range.
