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Top 10 Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake Motherboards
Introduction to Top 10 Intel 2700K 12 Generation Motherboards – In-depth Review
The motherboard is the heart of your computer, and it might be difficult to figure out what makes the greatest motherboard and why. However, we’ve done the legwork for you and selected the best Intel 12th generation motherboard to house your brand-new Alder Lake processor.
Intel officially introduced its 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs, but upgrading requires more than a chip. Besides a new motherboard chipset, the next generation introduces DDR5. Let us help you upgrade to Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake platform.
This generation’s new components may make it difficult to find everything you need. For example, motherboard manufacturers only have a few versions available, and DDR5 kits are expensive. We expect more possibilities in the weeks after debut.
Intel’s 12th generation of CPUs, dubbed ‘Alder Lake,’ has resurrected the company, giving it a viable opponent to AMD’s razor-sharp Ryzens. Alder Lake introduces new innovations and technology, such as “Little BIG,” a previously unknown architecture in desktop CPUs. It’s never been more crucial for enthusiasts to buy a nice, brand-new 12th-gen motherboard than now, with Alder Lake 12th gen CPUs and DDR5 arriving at the same time.
We’ve been putting the Intel i9-12900k to the test on motherboards. This is Intel’s new flagship processor. With eight performance cores clocked at 5.2GHz and eight efficiency cores clocked at 3.9GHz, it’s clear to see why this CPU requires a well-equipped motherboard, especially considering how fast it gets.
Intel 2700K 12 Generation
You have three alternatives for performance: the Core i9-12900K, Core i7-12700K, or Core i5-12600K. The top chip, which has 16 cores and costs roughly $600, and the bottom chip, which has 10 cores and costs around $300, scale down in performance and price. Overclocking is enabled on all three chips, allowing you to exceed the authorised clock speed.
The processors in the KF series are identical to those in the K series. They have the same amount of cores, boost clock, and power limit as each other. The KF-series processors differ solely in that they lack integrated graphics. Because all of these processors work best with a discrete graphics card, the KF-series model will save you some money.
If you’re primarily interested in gaming, the Core i5-12600K is the best option. It’s the best gaming CPU you can get right now, with a large core count and consistent clock speeds at an affordable price. Although the Core i9-12900K is overkill for gaming, the extra cores make it ideal for content creation, as we discussed in our Core i9-12900K review.
The Core i7-12700K falls somewhere in the middle. The two more performance cores will bring performance closer to the Core i9-12900K, but with only four efficient cores, multitasking will be limited. The Core i7-12700K is an excellent option if you only need a little extra power, but otherwise, go with the Core i5 or Core i9 variants.
Building a new 12th Gen Intel PC
Newer motherboards will not be able to handle Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop processors because they use a different LGA 1700 socket. There is now only one Z690 chipset available for these motherboards, and we’ve already put together a list of some of the best possibilities. If you’re looking for the best motherboards for Core i5-2600K, Core i7-12700K, and Core i9-12900K, check out the list below. DDR4 and DDR5 RAM are in a sort of transition time, hence the specifications of these Z690 motherboards should be explicitly stated on the product page. Because DDR4 and DDR5 RAM are keyed differently, this is the reason. There is no way to fit them into the same slot. Why use DDR5 instead than DDR4?
Faster and less power-consuming are the main advantages. What’s the point of DDR4 if it sounds so good? DDR5 RAM is substantially more expensive, and it’s now difficult to obtain stock. Your prior construction may have left you with DDR4 RAM that you can use to reduce the cost of building. Regardless, any of the above choices will be a perfect fit for your new computer.
Once GeIL’s Polaris RGB DDR5 RAM is back in stock, we recommend checking it out. If you’re looking for a high-performance, high-quality, and long-lasting computer, this is the one. Make sure your computer can handle DDR5. You can never go wrong with Corsair’s Vengeance Pro RGB DDR4 RAM when it comes to keeping costs down and availability high. Compared to DDR5 choices, it’s inexpensive, looks excellent in an RGB-infused build, and performs well.
Top 10 Intel 2700K 12 Gen Motherboards In-depth Review
Top 10 Intel 2700K 12 Gen Motherboards In-depth Review
#1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi
Form Factor | ATX | Socket LGA 1700 | Chipset Z690 | DDR5 |
Features:
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero WiFi Review
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is one of the best Z690 options on the market currently. It is an incredible option despite what it may lack in power stages and ethernet bandwidth. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero’s design is fairly different from the previous generation of ‘Hero’ motherboards. Featuring incredible personalization with the Polymer Lighting I/O cover and accompanying fully customizable RGB lighting.
The Z690 Hero ships with 20+1 power staging and intelligent control, which is ASUS’ Ai overclocking feature proven to be pretty much unrivalled in the industry today. Cooling is handled by a very large fully aluminum heatsink and integrated aluminum I/O cover, of course with a very highly conductive thermal pad to increase contact surface area.
The M.2 SSD’s are kept nice and cool with three M.2 heatsinks and two backplates. With an additional ROG water cooling zone, for further customization. Additionally, there are a plethora of features that truly matter for everyone gamer or not. Full PCIe gen 5 support, ultra-fast DDR5 ram slots with support up to 6400Mhz. Dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C and a ROG Hyper M.2 PCIe gen 5 card. Giving you some pretty powerful connectivity where you need it the most.
#2. GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master
Form Factor | ATX | Socket | LGA 1700 | Chipset | Z690 |DDR5 |
Features:
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master Review
When it comes to appearance and functionality, Gigabyte’s Aorus motherboards are a show-stopper. Despite its high price, the Aorus Master is unquestionably one of the best options for die-hard PC gamers. This generation’s Aorus Master features a better I/O cover and heatsink design over the previous one. An astonishing 20+1+2 Direct Digital VRM design is used in the Aorus Master, resulting in cleaner and more efficient power delivery.
Power can be kept where it’s needed thanks to Tantalum polymer capacitors. With the help of nano-carbon fins and a nano-carbon backplate, thermal ‘reactive’ armour significantly enhances the thermal armor’s cooling capability. The Aorus Master is no exception to the rule, thanks to Z690’s support for DDR5 RAM. This motherboard supports up to 6600MHz, allowing for great speed, usefulness, and aesthetics.
#3. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi
Form Factor | ATX | Socket | LGA 700 | Chipset | Z690 | DDR5 |
Features:
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi Review
Fan favourites like the ASUS TUF Gaming motherboard, which offers an almost unrivalled price-to-performance ratio, remain popular. Refined and improved power solutions have been implemented in the TUF Gaming Z690. With 14+2 DrMOS power stages and Digi+ VRM, the durability and performance are astounding. Asus’ Fan Xpert 4 and a PCH fanless heatsink, as well as a VRM heatsink, an M.2 heatsink, and hybrid fan headers, ensure appropriate cooling.
One of the ways ASUS has managed to keep the price down on this motherboard is by using DDR4 RAM. Even while the motherboard doesn’t allow for DDR5 RAM, it does have increased DDR4 capabilities, allowing up to 5333MHz DDR4.
#4. ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
Form Factor | Mini-ITX | Socket LGA 1700 | Chipset Z690 |DDR5 |
Features:
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi Review
For this chipset, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I is one of the best Mini-ITX motherboards available. It’s really well-made, loaded with useful options, and incredibly dependable. DDR5 RAM and PCIe gen 5 are supported by the Strix Z690, but it also has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C connectors.
While it could be better, this is an ITX motherboard. That said, it’s still an extremely feature-packed motherboard. The heatsinks for the VRM have been beefed up with high-conductivity thermal pads and an integrated I/O cover. HDMI 2.1 is also supported on this motherboard, in addition to the best audio available. Despite its diminutive stature, this board packs quite a punch.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi is the motherboard of choice for hardcore gaming, video editing, and power efficiency. It has the latest LGA1700 CPU slot, allowing you to use Intel Core, Celeron, and Pentium Gold processors in the future. This Z690 motherboard supports dual-channel DDR5 RAM up to 6,400MHz for your 12th Gen Intel Core processor. So you can get up to 128GB RAM.
The greater performance, the more power. It has a 16+1 power socket with the best energy efficiency. This complex power delivery system can accommodate PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics cards and four M.2 SSD slots. Its cooling mechanism is likewise top-notch, as the motherboard must absorb all heat. It has M.2 slots, a chipset, and a voltage regulator module (VRM.) Many headers are included for external fans and cooling pumps.
#5. ASUS Prime Z690-P
Form Factor | ATX | Socket LGA 1700 | Chipset Z690 | DDR5 |
Features:
ASUS Prime Z690-P Review
The ASUS Prime Z690-P is our selection for those on a tight budget. 6000Mhz is the maximum supported speed for a DDR5-compliant motherboard, therefore this is as low as we would propose. It’s also worth noting that the Z690-P is a considerably improved version of a board that has been around for a long time.
This motherboard features DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and Thunderbolt 4 support, so it won’t let anyone down. An excellent board with a few nice extras can be made out of these components. Fourteen-and-one-half power stages, Wi-Fi 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet are all included in this package. There is a lot to like about the ASUS Prime Z690-P, but it doesn’t have the high price tag that some of the others do.
#6. MSI Z690 Force WiFi
Features:
The MSI Z690 Force WiFi motherboard is designed for high-end gaming and professional design work. Its moving parts are protected by steel armors, solid heat sinks, and extra fan headers for cooling. The motherboard features thermal devices like MOSFET and choke thermal pads that keep the transistors and capacitors cool. Multiple expanded heatsinks around the primary chipset and M.2 ports help keep the system cool.
This Z690 motherboard is cheap because it has DDR5 slots. These memory slots allow you maximise the power of your 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs. Its SMT memory slot welding technology improves RAM performance and life. This motherboard also has MSI Mystic Light RGB illumination. Any desktop tower compatible now has vibrant colour.
#7. MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi
Features:
The MSI PRO Z690-A WiFi offers ideal stability and long service life for an affordable motherboard. It ensures that all of the electronic parts of your desktop motherboard function in a safe environment through a digital PWM. It also offers extra protection to your graphics card through steel armor. These armors ensure that the graphics card doesn’t bend and stays firmly on its slot. Also, steel armor shields your graphics card from electromagnetic interference (EMI.) The motherboard also packs premium power delivery and connectivity systems that you need to utilize your 12th Gen Intel Core CPU to its full capacity.
These improvements include two sets of eight-pin power connectors, the most advanced USB ports, and the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology. Therefore, whenever you need to run a professional graphics designing tool or a video game, you experience smooth operations. The thermal design of this Z690 motherboard includes an extra-large heatsink for the voltage regulator module (VRM,) M.2 Shield Frozr, and a header for pump cooling systems. The additional heat sinks for the VRM protect the entire system from overheating.
#8. GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X DDR4
Features:
The GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X DDR4 allows you to enjoy the power of 12th Generation Intel Core CPUs without having to spend money on RAM or built-in Wi-Fi. On this motherboard, you may confidently use your existing DDR4 RAM. You can even repurpose a Wi-Fi adapter from an old PC if you have one. MSI spent a lot of time and effort developing this motherboard in order to make it as durable and long-lasting as possible. Heatsinks can be found in the SSD, chipset, voltage regulator module (VRM), transistors, and RAM slots on the motherboard.
The M.2 slots, 2.5G LAN, and specialized audio processor for headphone signal processing bring outstanding performance to your regular gameplay. During multiplayer mode, the latest LAN technology helps you create a no-lag experience. Your video game will run smoothly thanks to the fast SSD internal storage. It also has a lot of expansion slots for those who want to upgrade their desktop computers themselves. You may also charge your phone or tablet via the USB Type C connector.
#9. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
Features:
The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is an excellent ATX motherboard for your new Intel Core processors from the 12th generation. This piece of hardware is desirable because of its high-quality design characteristics, such as a heat sink system, strengthened expansion slots, transistor thermal pads, and efficient power delivery. High-speed buses are required by the latest 12th Generation Intel Core CPUs for lag-free data transfer among many motherboard parts. As a result, the manufacturer included twice as much copper circuitry. Copper also improves the desktop computer’s overall thermal conductivity.
You get fifth-generation PCIe slots to boost your gaming performance. There are three of them. If one graphic card is unable to handle the workload, add another card to the mix. For this purpose, the motherboard supports AMD CrossFire technology. For blazing-fast networking, you also get the newest Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LAN. There are plenty of USB ports, power headers, and LED headers to aid in DIY upgrades.
#10. ASUS Prime Z690-A
Features:
The ASUS Prime Z690-A offers value to your desktop upgrade investment. Because it’s the ideal blend of appearance, performance, stability, and customisation options. If you’re searching for a low-maintenance mainboard, this is the one to go for. If you have a transparent acrylic side panel-based chassis, this motherboard is an obvious choice for your desktop tech stack. It has the futuristic interior design and finish of a space shuttle. Asus has created a truly unique and intelligent design. The voltage regulator module (VRM) features a full cover of substantial heat sinks in terms of thermal design.
The VRM component of your motherboard must be able to stay cool. Additionally, the SSD, processor, and I/O panel all have plenty of cooling covering. It has AI-based programming in its motherboard OS or BIOS, which optimises the entire system during high-performance gaming or work. TPU, EPU, Digi+VRM Control, Turbo App, and AI overclocking are all part of the five-way optimization process. Essentially, these are advanced power, memory, and CPU utilisation control systems that provide long-term service.
#11. Asrock Z690 Extreme WiFi 6E
Features:
Asrock’s flagship board, the Z690 Taichi (seen below), looks great, as do all of the company’s premier Taichi boards. This time, however, it’s a lot more upscale: It’s a $500+ investment that necessitates DDR5 RAM. If you’re not ready to make such a big investment, the Z690 Extreme Wi-Fi 6E, which is more of a “midrange enthusiast” device, is the best Asrock board to order before the Alder Lake launch.
A 13-phase power system is used on the board, which is cooled by two heatsinks. A Realtek Dragon 2.5Gbps wired NIC, a second Intel gigabit network controller, and a Wi-Fi 6E wireless chip are also included. The Realtek ALC1220 codec provides audio on this board. The board is quite dark in appearance—basically all black—but RGB LEDs are placed in various locations to add colour when the system is powered on.
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#12. Asrock Z690 Taichi
Features:
Asrock’s flagship Z690 motherboard is also the latest addition to the company’s long-running Taichi series of mech-themed motherboards. This means a black aesthetic with bronze-colored gear highlights (this time over the rear I/O shroud and the chipset heatsink), as expected. This board has the potential to be an exceptional overclocking board, with 20 power phases cooled by two heatsinks and a heat pipe. The back I/O panel is a strange, jumbled mess. It includes two Thunderbolt Type-C ports, but unlike the Z590 Taichi, Asrock chose to put the audio jacks in the centre of the back I/O panel.
To our eyes, this contradicts logic, with the potential to inject more noise into the analogue audio connections than if Asrock placed the 3.5mm audio jacks at the panel’s end. Asrock appears to be neglecting a high-end audio experience with this endeavour, as the board only ships with a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is a below-market codec compared to many of its competitors. With a Killer E3100 2.5Gbps NIC and a dual Intel gigabit controller, networking support is above average. A Killer AX1675 Wi-Fi 6E controller for connecting to a Wi-Fi router is also on board. On the Z690 Taichi, DDR5 RAM with speeds up to 6,400MHz is supported.
FAQ – Top 10 Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake Motherboards
Q: Can I Use AMD GPU With Intel Motherboard?
Intel motherboards are only compatible with the CPUs that fit the motherboard’s CPU socket. For Intel Alder Lake CPUs, sockets have codes like LGA1700. If your motherboard includes a graphics card extension slot, you can utilise Nvidia or AMD Radeon graphics cards. Essentially, these are the most well-known graphics card chip makers. When purchasing a motherboard, look for one that includes a PCI-Express x16 slot.
Q: Which RAM Is Best for Gaming?
A DDR4 RAM speed of 2,666 MHz for a PC ensures improved performance while staying within budget. For excessive performance, at least 32GB RAM is recommended. You may have observed, however, that your graphics card is equipped with GDDR5 RAM. These GDDR5 RAMs are built inside graphics cards and will not work with your desktop motherboard. The good news is that DDR5 RAM is now available. DDR5 RAM slots will be available on motherboards based on the Intel Z690 chipset.
Q: Can You Run Radeon With Intel?
Intel and AMD components are compatible at the GPU level. This is due to the GPUs’ own processor, RAM, and chipset, which are all housed on an integrated printed circuit board (PCB.) As a result, an Intel Core i7 processor for your Intel chipset-based motherboard would be a good choice. Then, for added affordability without sacrificing performance, you can add an AMD Radeon graphics card.
It’s advisable to stick to the same brand if you wish to use many graphic cards. Buy two graphics cards of the same brand and model, for example, to avoid compatibility concerns and refund hassles. We hope you enjoy the goods we discuss and recommend! Because MUO has affiliate and sponsored agreements, a portion of the money from some of your transactions goes to us. This has no bearing on the amount you pay, but it does assist us in making the best product recommendations.
Shopping Guide For Buying Top 10 Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake Motherboards
A 12th-gen Alder Lake processor
To upgrade, you need a 12th-gen Alder Lake processor, but not just any 12th-gen processor. The Alder Lake processors are offered in three variants, each with two variations. It’s vital to understand the distinctions.
What Chipset should I consider getting for Intel 12th gen?
Currently, the only released chipset is the Z690. The H670 and B660 boards should be ready soon. The Z690 is intended towards PC enthusiasts. The Z690 chipset has more functionality than other chipsets. On lower-end H670 or B660 boards, overclocking support, or even the speed of USB or Thunderbolt headers may be unusual, if not non-existent. Because the Z690 has additional features, it can handle any Core i9-12900K/KF, Core i7-12700K/KF, or Core i5-12600K/KF.
Z690 Vs Z590
The most visible difference between the Z590 and Z690 is the socket type, changing from LGA 1200 to the brand new LGA 1700. No one knows if this socket will last past Intel’s 12th generation processors. PCIe Gen 5 is available on Z690 motherboards. double PCIe bandwidth for 16X slots PCIe 4.0 supports up to 16GT/s whereas PCIe 5.05 supports 32GT/s. The Z690 chipset also supports DDR5 RAM, although the Z590 does not.
A major leap in RAM technology that outperforms even the world’s fastest DDR4 kits. Intel’s 12th generation CPUs include insane clock rates and a new socket, so you’ll need a new motherboard to handle all that power. The high-end Z690 boards are the only ones available now. The high-end boards are expensive, but the features you get for your money are definitely worth it.
Form Factor
Regardless of the motherboard you choose, its form size is critical, as you may lose out on vital functions or bells and whistles when downsizing. Motherboards exist in numerous forms and sizes, from E-ATX to Mini-ITX. Your case’s form factor usually matches your case’s form factor. An E-ATX motherboard won’t fit in an ITX case. The smaller the motherboard, the fewer features it will have, as you can only fit so much into a little piece of silicon. As a rule, we recommend ATX because it is the most common form factor and most cases support or are built around it. The ATX form factor also doesn’t make many compromises in terms of features. ATX is an industry standard since it was created by Intel in 1995.
Socket
A new generation of CPU, chipset, and socket is common. LGA 1700 This socket replaces the LGA 1200 socket. LGA 1700 is on Z690 motherboards with 500 more contact points. The socket size has grown from 37.5mm x 37.5mm (LGA 1200) to 45mm x 37.5mm (LGA 1700).
Your present cooler may not fit the socket of Z690 motherboards, thus you’ll need to buy extra LGA 1700 mounting gear. Some cooler manufacturers offer mounting gear as an upgrade, but this varies.) Sorry, no plug and play this time, unless you want to buy a new cooler.
RAM
Not only has Intel upgraded its hardware, but RAM has also made strides in the business, demonstrating its fresh new blisteringly fast DDR5 DIMMs. There are certain Z690 boards that still support the older and less expensive DDR4 memory.
Final Thoughts – Top 10 Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake Motherboards
The debut of Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs provides a slew of new features and technology to look forward to, and with the launch of DDR5 RAM coinciding with the launch of the 12th generation chips, we’re given the opportunity to consider some major improvements. That’s why we’re here: to help you pick the best Intel 12th gen motherboard for your next-gen setup.
Will the tremendous performance of the 12th generation Intel Alder Lake CPUs eventually tip the scales in Team Blue’s favour? Only time will tell if AMD’s move pays off.
