Since your Intel Core i7-10700 doesn’t support overclocking, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive Z-series chipset motherboard. Here are two good options to consider, depending on your budget and needs:
Good Value Option:
- B460 Chipset Motherboard: This chipset is a good balance between price and features for a locked processor like the i7-10700. It offers good performance and supports fast memory speeds (important for gaming). Popular choices include:
- MSI B460M Mortar Wifi (micro ATX form factor)
- ASUS TUF Gaming B460M-PLUS (micro ATX form factor)
- Gigabyte B460M DS3H (micro ATX form factor)
Enthusiast Option:
- Z490 Chipset Motherboard: While your i7-10700 can’t overclock, a Z490 motherboard offers more features and future upgrade potential if you decide to upgrade your CPU later. Some popular Z490 choices include:
- MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon Wifi (ATX form factor)
- ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming (ATX form factor)
- Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Ultra G2 Edition (ATX form factor)
Additional Factors to Consider:
- Form Factor (ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX): Choose a form factor that fits your case size and the number of expansion slots you need. ATX is the most common size, while Micro ATX and Mini ITX are smaller options for more compact builds.
- Number of PCIe Slots: If you plan on using multiple graphics cards or other PCIe devices (like capture cards), you’ll need a motherboard with enough PCIe slots.
- Storage Options: Make sure the motherboard has enough SATA ports for your storage needs and consider if you want M.2 NVMe slots for super-fast storage.
- Wi-Fi: If you don’t have ethernet available, look for a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi.
- RGB Lighting: If you want RGB lighting in your case, some motherboards have built-in RGB lighting or support for RGB light strips.