Despite being an outgoing platform, Intel’s LGA 1700 remains strong and competitive against AMD. In fact, its top-of-the-line 13th-gen i9 CPU is more or less the best right now. You still can’t go wrong with an Intel PC build, and to ensure that, we’ll be recommending the best Intel motherboards in 2023.
It’s going to be somewhat confusing since the LGA 1700 platform is divided into DDR4 and DDR5 compatibility with the former being associated with the budget category. But if you’re really building a high-end or max mid-range PC, then it’s recommended to go with DDR5.
With that out of the way, here are our picks for the best Intel motherboards in 2023.
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Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi
PROS
- Reasonably priced
- DDR5
- Massive memory capacity
- Beefy VRMs
- WiFi ready
- Good RGB integration
CONS
- Not subtle on the branding and gamer aesthetics
Specs:
- LGA 1700 Z790 chipset
- DDR5
- 7200 MHz max OC for memory
- 192GB memory capacity
- ATX
Asus takes the top spot again with its TUF lineup for a good balance between durability, performance, and cost. It’s not as robust as the top AM5 boards when it comes to overclocking memory but let’s be realistic, you don’t need to go higher than 6000 MHz, usually.
The more important thing is that its VRMs are reliable and the board’s overall quality is a good representation of Asus’ reputation. Aesthetics is subjective but that gunmetal plastic on the VRM probably doesn’t look great on all builds.
Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi
Asus Prime Z790-A WiFi 6E
PROS
- DDR5
- Harmonious and futuristic white and black aesthetics
- Massive memory capacity
- Good RGB integration
- WiFi-ready
CONS
- Pricey
Specs:
- LGA 1700 Z790 chipset
- DDR5
- 7200 MHz max OC for memory
- 192GB memory capacity
- ATX
If aesthetics is the primary basis for our criteria, we would have picked NZXT’s lovely white-armored N7 motherboard but that’s a little too overpriced for how outdated it is (it’s DDR4). So here’s the next best thing, Asus Prime Z790-A.
It’s for that dream white PC build you’ve always wanted. Of course, white PC components are more expensive just because. That’s why this is a premium option. This one has something unique going for it, however. It’s powered by AI, quite the buzzword.
Asus Prime Z790-A WiFi 6E
MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi
PROS
- DDR5
- Massive memory capacity
- Somewhat subtle and neutral aesthetics
- Affordable price, especially for a Z690 board
- Lots of M.2 slots for the price
- WiFi-ready
CONS
- M.2 slots are bare
Specs:
- LGA 1700 Z690 chipset
- DDR5
- 6400 MHz max OC for memory
- 192GB memory capacity
- ATX
If you’re not after anything too fancy, then MSI’s PRO Series motherboards should suffice. By fancy, we mean strenuous and enthusiast-level overclocking, among other luxury features.
The PRO Z690-A actually puts more expensive ATX motherboards to shame if you’re not overclocking. Its price is also on par with B660 chipsets, making that chipset class somewhat obsolete since you can just go for this one instead and get more M.2 slots.
MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi
Gigabyte B660M AORUS Elite AX
PROS
- Decent VRMs
- Reasonable price
- Compact
- Fits well aesthetically in most builds
CONS
- DDR4
- Limited M.2 slots
Specs:
- LGA 1700 B660M chipset
- DDR4
- 5333 MHz max OC for memory
- 128GB memory capacity
- mATX
Sticking to DDR4 compatibility means budget is a concern when building out your PC, so you might as well stick to a B660 chipset. While the Gigabyte AORUS Elite AX is considered budget, it still rocks a few luxury features here and there.
The VRMs look capable and have their own gamer aesthetic and the RGB lighting integration is decent here. Since it’s a B660 chipset, you should have no problem running even an i7 as long as you have ample cooling.
Gigabyte B660M AORUS Elite AX
Gigabyte H610M S2H V2 DDR4
PROS
- Cheap price
- Can accommodate an i5 with no problem
- Compact
CONS
- Small and meek VRMs can get hot
- DDR4
- Severely limited M.2 and RAM slots
- Brownish tint on the wafer upon close inspection, not good for aesthetics
Specs:
- LGA 1700 H610M chipset
- DDR4
- 3200 MHz max OC for memory
- 64GB memory capacity
- mATX
We recommend not skimping too much on motherboards, but if you’re only going to be pairing it with an i5 or an i3, then there’s no issue going for an H610 chipset. They’re relatively cheap and they do the job well.
Just take note that you will feel severely limited when it comes to expanding storage, and RAM, and squeezing out extra performance. You get what you pay for, nothing more.
Gigabyte H610M S2H V2 DDR4
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are LGA 1700 Intel motherboards still good?
There's an upcoming new platform for Intel CPUs and motherboards right now, but the chances are, they're overpriced and expensive on release since its new. So there's no problem sticking with LGA 1700 if budget is a concern. -
Why are Intel motherboards cheaper?
Because they're an older platform than AM5.