Best Motherboards for Intel Core i7-12700K

What motherboard is good for i7-12700K

The much-anticipated Intel 12th-generation Core processors will go on sale on November 4th. The first batch will bring six CPU models with K unlocked frequency. The models include three built-in UHD 770 core graphics cards i9-12900K, i7 -12700K and i5-12600K, as well as i9-12900KF, i7-12700KF and i5-12600KF non-core display versions, adopt a new LGA1700 slot, based on 10nmESF process technology and a new hybrid architecture, and support the new PCIe5.0 and new DDR5 memory, while introducing the latest XMP3.0 technology. So what motherboard is good for i7-12700K? Let’s share the knowledge of Intel Core i7-12700K/KF and motherboard matching.

Intel has launched a 12th-generation Core CPU based on 10nm ESF process technology, the core code is Alder Lake-S, it uses a new LGA1700 socket, and for the first time adopts a new high-performance hybrid architecture, also known as the “big and small core” design. The performance core that dominates performance, called the P core, adopts the Golden Cove architecture, mainly focusing on heavy-duty large-scale applications of games and productivity tools. Compared with the 11th generation Core Rocet Lake, the performance has increased by 16%, while compared with The performance of the 10th generation Core Comet Lake has increased by 28%. The small core is mainly aimed at the energy efficiency core of energy efficiency performance, called the E core, which adopts the Gracemot architecture design, which mainly increases the carrying capacity of multi-thread throughput and background management. Supports new PCIe5.0 and new DDR5 memory, the basic frequency of DDR5 memory is 4800MHz, and introduces the latest XMP3.0 technology.

As for which motherboard is best for the i7 12700K or i7-12700KF, you need to know the interface type of this CPU first. After all, the interface type of the CPU must be consistent with the CPU slot of the motherboard to be compatible. A new generation of motherboards will also be listed. Regarding the Intel Core i7-12700K specifications, take a look at the following table!

Intel Core i7 12700K Spec Sheet

In terms of specifications, the Intel Core i7-12700K core is code-named Alder Lake-S. It is not frequency-locked and adopts a new high-performance hybrid architecture. It consists of 8 performance cores + 4 energy-efficient cores. The final specification is 12 cores and 20 threads. Among them, the performance core (P core) adopts the Golden Cove architecture, the full core frequency is 4.9GHz, and the highest turbo frequency can reach 5.0GHz, while the energy efficiency core (E core) adopts the Gracemot architecture design, the full core frequency is 2.7GHz, The highest turbo frequency is 3.8GHz, equipped with L2 level cache of 12MB and L3 level smart cache of 25MB, and TDP power consumption of 125W.

Core codeAlder Lake-S
Interface TypeLGA1700
Process technologyintel 7 (10nm ESF)
number of cores12 cores (8 performance cores + 4 energy efficiency cores)
number of threads20 threads
Performance Core Base Frequency3.6GHz
Performance Core Base Frequency2.7GHz
Maximum turbo frequency5.0GHz
L3 cache25MB
Basic power consumption125W
memory supportDDR5-4800
DDR4-3200
Core Graphicsintel UHD770
Number of PCIe channels directly connected to the CPU 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
16 PCIe 5.0 lanes
motherboard matchCompatible with intel 600 series, best for Z690 motherboard

What is the difference between i7-12700K and i7-12700KF?

The i7-12700K has a built-in UHD770 core display, while the i7-12700KF has no built-in core display, so the price is more affordable and cost-effective, but other parameters remain the same, so the performance of the two is the same, and the matching motherboard is also the same. Since the i7-12700KF does not have a built-in core display, it must be equipped with an independent graphics card to light up.

It should be noted that the i7-12700K and KF adopt a new LGA 1700 interface , so they no longer support the previous generation 500 series motherboards, but need to be matched with the 600 series motherboards listed with the 12th generation CPU. In addition, third-party CPUs can be purchased When installing the radiator, be sure to pay attention to whether the radiator is equipped with an LGA1700 buckle.

Related Article: Best Motherboards for Ryzen 7 5800X

Which motherboard is good for intel Core i7 12700K/KF?

Intel 12th generation processors are equipped with motherboards of the 600 series and launched simultaneously. In the Intel 600 series, there are Z690, H670, B660 and the entry-level H610 chipset (only the Z690 motherboard was launched at the beginning of the listing). Equipped with an LGA 1700 socket, it means that it can support compatible i7-12700K and i7-12700KF processors, so which motherboard is the best match for this CPU? Let us analyze it for you.

Among them, the H610 is positioned as an entry-level motherboard, which can basically be ruled out. The B660 motherboard is positioned as a mainstream mid-range motherboard. If nothing else, the B660, like the previous generation B560, still only supports overclocking memory and does not support overclocking the CPU. H670 is an intermediate positioning comparison. The embarrassing motherboard is basically a product ignored by the market, and it does not support CPU overclocking. After all, i7-12700K/KF is positioned as a high-end model and does not have a frequency-locking design, while Z690 supports CPU overclocking and memory overclocking. The CPU overclocking feature also needs to consider the Z690 motherboard, so the best choice for i7-12700K is undoubtedly the Z690 motherboard .

Example motherboard model for Intel Core i7-12700K

ASUS player country ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI motherboard DDR5 version

ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI Motherboard

MSI (MSI) MPG Z690 CARBON WIFI DDR5 dark computer motherboard

Gigabyte Xiaodiao PRO Z690 AORUS PRO DDR4 Motherboard

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 Motherboard

ASUS ROG STRIX Fubuki Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4 Fuyuki

ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI motherboard (DDR4 version)

GIGABYTE Magic Eagle Z690 GAMING X DDR4 Motherboard

MSI MAG Z690 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4

Related Article: Best Motherboards For Ryzen 5 5600X

When choosing a motherboard, you must pay attention to it. Since the i7-12700K can support DDR4 and DDR5 memory, when we buy a Z690 motherboard, the Z690 motherboard is divided into DDR4 version and DDR5 version. If we are sure to use DDR5 memory, then we must choose The DDR5 version of the Z690 motherboard, but the Z690 motherboard and DDR5 memory that support DDR5 are much more expensive.

The above is the Intel Core i7 12700K/KF and motherboard matching knowledge shared. The motherboard that best matches the two CPUs of i7 12700K and i7 12700KF is Z690. It is recommended to choose the three major brands of ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. You can choose according to your needs. Buy DDR4 and DDR5 versions of Z690, because i7-12700KF has no built-in core display, so the price is cheaper, especially for users with independent display installed. Of course, the performance of the two is exactly the same. I hope this article can help everyone.


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Huzaif Enan
By Huzaif Enan

I discuss about technological problem solutions, the most reviewed product details, gadget buying and using tips, and solutions to various common software and hardware issues. I am very passionate about technology and willing to help you with all the knowledge I have acquired.

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