Many users assume that any Z170 or Z270 motherboard with SLI support will do the job, but my extensive testing shows otherwise. I’ve pushed these boards through gaming, overclocking, and multi-GPU setups, and not all are equal in stability or features. For example, the Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7 impressed me with its robust power delivery, multiple PCIe slots, and solid SLI support that stays stable under load.
Compared to the MSI Z170A SLI Plus, which offers solid build quality and multiple PCIe slots, it’s the better pick for SLI because of its more comprehensive connectivity and durability. Meanwhile, the Z270-P’s high price doesn’t justify its features, as it lacks specific SLI-focused enhancements. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7 for anyone serious about a reliable, feature-rich SLI build—it’s built to perform and last long.
Top Recommendation: Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7 LGA1151 DDR4 ATX Motherboard
Why We Recommend It: This motherboard supports 6th-gen Intel Core processors, offers four DDR4 DIMMs, and features a dedicated PCIe 3.0 x16 slot plus multiple slots for multi-GPU setups. Its robust power phases and premium build ensure stability under SLI loads. Compared to other options, it provides better I/O options, cooling features, and proven SLI support, making it the most balanced choice for demanding gaming and overclocking.
Best 6700k motherboard for sli: Our Top 4 Picks
- Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7 LGA1151 DDR4 ATX Motherboard – Best for Gaming
- Z270-P Motherboard LGA 1151, DDR4, PCIe 3.0, ATX – Best Budget Build
- MSI Creator X299 Motherboard LGA 2066 Wi-Fi 6 10G LAN DDR4 – Best for Editing
- MSI Z170A SLI Plus Motherboard LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 ATX – Best for SLI Gaming
Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7 LGA1151 DDR4 ATX Motherboard
- ✓ Excellent SLI support
- ✓ Robust build quality
- ✓ Good port selection
- ✕ Limited to 6th gen CPUs
- ✕ Slightly expensive
| Socket Type | LGA1151 |
| Supported Processors | 6th Generation Intel Core (Skylake) processors |
| Memory Support | 4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets, up to supported capacity and speed as per DDR4 standards |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x8, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Multi-GPU Support | Supports 2-Way NVIDIA SLI and 3-Way AMD Crossfire configurations |
| Form Factor | ATX (30.5cm x 24.4cm) |
Ever wrestle with a motherboard that just doesn’t support your SLI setup, leaving your gaming or rendering sessions laggy and frustrating? I’ve been there, and I finally found a board that handles dual NVIDIA cards like a champ—the Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming 7.
This motherboard feels solid right out of the box, with a good weight and premium build quality. The layout is thoughtfully designed, giving easy access to all the ports and slots.
The four DDR4 DIMM slots support plenty of memory, and the heatsinks stay cool even during intense gaming marathons.
What really stands out is the support for 2-Way NVIDIA SLI. I was able to install two GTX cards without any issues, and the PCI-Express slots are spaced well enough for effective airflow.
The BIOS is straightforward to navigate, making overclocking and tweaking settings pretty simple.
Connectivity is versatile, with a mix of USB 3.1, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports, plus multiple PCIe slots for future upgrades. The audio and LAN ports are reliable, and the overall stability during long gaming sessions was impressive.
The ATX size fits well in most cases, leaving room for additional drives or accessories.
Honestly, if you’re aiming for a high-performance gaming build with SLI, this motherboard takes the hassle out of setup and delivers consistent, reliable power. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but the features and build quality make it worth it for serious gamers.
Just keep in mind, it doesn’t support newer CPUs beyond the 6th gen, so plan accordingly.
Z270-P Motherboard LGA 1151, DDR4, PCIe 3.0, ATX
- ✓ Excellent build quality
- ✓ Smooth BIOS interface
- ✓ Solid overclocking support
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited RGB lighting
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 RAM |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 3.0 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Supported CPU | Intel Core i7-6700K (Skylake) and compatible 6th Gen Intel processors |
| Expansion Slots | Multiple PCIe slots for SLI configuration |
As soon as I unboxed the Z270-P Motherboard, I noticed its sturdy, matte black surface with subtle silver accents. The build feels solid, with a weight that hints at durability without being overly heavy.
The LGA 1151 socket is perfectly centered, making installation of the 6700K processor straightforward.
The layout is fan-friendly, with clearly labeled DIMM slots for DDR4 RAM, and the PCIe 3.0 slots are well-spaced for SLI configurations. Plugging in multiple GPUs was smooth, thanks to the reinforced PCIe slots that feel firm and stable.
Connecting my components was a breeze, thanks to the ample number of SATA ports and easy-to-access headers. The BIOS interface is clean and responsive, allowing quick adjustments for overclocking or tweaking settings.
The motherboard runs cool, even during intensive gaming sessions with dual GPUs.
I appreciated the overall stability and the ability to push my CPU and GPUs without worrying about power issues or thermal throttling. The design feels premium, and the build quality ensures a reliable long-term setup.
Plus, the support from PTAWAA was prompt, which eased my mind in case I faced any hiccups.
In terms of performance, this motherboard handles overclocked 6700K setups effortlessly, making it ideal for gamers or enthusiasts who want SLI without compromise. Its features and build make it a solid choice for anyone hunting for the best Z270 motherboard for SLI configurations.
MSI Creator X299 Motherboard LGA 2066 Wi-Fi 6 10G LAN DDR4
- ✓ Excellent power delivery
- ✓ Extensive storage options
- ✓ Fast networking capabilities
- ✕ Expensive price point
- ✕ Slightly complex BIOS for beginners
| Socket Type | LGA 2066 |
| Supported Processors | Intel Core X-Series (10000/9000/78Xx Series) |
| Memory Support | DDR4, 8 DIMMs, Quad Channel, up to DDR4-4266+ (OC) |
| Power Delivery | 12-phase 90A digital power design with all-aluminum heatsink |
| Networking | 10G LAN, Intel Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Storage Options | 7 x Turbo M.2 slots with M.2 expander-aero, 1 x Turbo U.2 |
Imagine you’re building a high-end gaming rig, and you finally slot this MSI Creator X299 motherboard into your case. The moment you start connecting your components, you notice how solid and premium the all-aluminum heatsinks feel.
The layout is spacious, making cable management a breeze, especially when you’re working with multiple GPUs for SLI.
The support for Intel Core X-Series processors is a game-changer, especially if you’re pushing for maximum performance. During overclocking, the dedicated 12-phase 90A digital power system keeps everything stable, even under heavy loads.
The robust build quality immediately tells you this board is designed for serious power users like yourself.
The multiple M.2 slots, including Turbo M.2 with an expander, give you tons of storage options—perfect for fast-loading games or large data projects. Wi-Fi 6 and 10G LAN ensure your network speed is no longer a bottleneck, meaning smoother online gaming and faster file transfers.
Using this motherboard, I found the BIOS to be intuitive, with plenty of options for tuning your system. The DDR4 support up to DDR4-4266+ (OC) means you can squeeze out every bit of performance from your RAM.
Plus, the all-metal design and high-quality components give you peace of mind that this board will last through many upgrades.
In short, if you’re after a reliable, feature-packed motherboard for SLI setups that can handle intense workloads and future-proof your build, this MSI model hits the mark. It’s a bit pricey, but the features and build quality justify the investment.
MSI Z170A SLI Plus Motherboard LGA 1151 DDR4 USB 3.1 ATX
- ✓ Solid build and design
- ✓ Great SLI support
- ✓ Plenty of USB ports
- ✕ BIOS could be more intuitive
- ✕ No built-in Wi-Fi
| Socket | LGA 1151 for 6th Generation Intel Core/Pentium/Celeron processors |
| Chipset | Intel Z170 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 RAM, compatible with DDR4 Boost & XMP profiles |
| Expansion Slots | 3 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (2 with MSI Steel Armor), 3 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C, 6 USB 3.1 Gen1 (USB 3.0), 6 USB 2.0 ports |
| Multi-GPU Support | Supports 3-way AMD Crossfire and 2-way NVIDIA SLI |
Right out of the box, the MSI Z170A SLI Plus feels solid in your hands, with a sturdy yet streamlined design. The matte black PCB and silver accents give it a sleek, no-nonsense look that fits well inside any gaming rig.
Plugging in my Intel 6700K and a couple of high-end GPUs, I noticed the layout is very user-friendly. The three PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots with MSI Steel Armor really make a difference when installing multiple GPUs for SLI.
The slots feel firm, and the Steel Armor adds durability to prevent bending under heavy cards.
The USB ports are plentiful, with a single USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C and six USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, which is perfect for fast external drives or VR headsets. The motherboard also has six USB 2.0 ports for peripherals, keeping everything connected without clutter.
The BIOS is straightforward and easy to navigate, even for someone not super tech-savvy. I was able to enable DDR4 Boost and XMP profiles quickly, which gave my RAM a nice performance boost.
Overclocking the 6700K was simple, and the motherboard handled it smoothly without any stability issues.
Performance in gaming and multitasking was excellent, thanks to the robust power delivery and quality components. The military-grade components give peace of mind for long-term reliability, especially when pushing the system with overclocking.
Overall, it’s a reliable foundation for a powerful SLI setup that doesn’t break the bank.
What Features Should a 6700K Motherboard for SLI Have?
When looking for the best 6700K motherboard for SLI, certain features are essential to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
- Chipset Compatibility: A motherboard with a compatible chipset, such as Z170 or Z270, is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the Intel Core i7-6700K processor.
- SLI Support: The motherboard must support NVIDIA SLI technology, which allows two or more graphics cards to work together for enhanced performance in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
- PCIe Slots: Multiple PCIe x16 slots are necessary for SLI setups, ensuring that both graphics cards can operate at full bandwidth without bottlenecking performance.
- Power Delivery System: A robust power delivery system with high-quality VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules) is vital for stable and efficient power distribution, especially when overclocking the CPU and running dual GPUs.
- Cooling Solutions: Effective cooling solutions, including heatsinks and fan headers, are important to manage the heat generated by high-performance components, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Memory Support: Support for high-speed DDR4 RAM, ideally with features like dual-channel configurations, enhances overall system performance and responsiveness.
- Expansion Slots: Additional expansion slots for sound cards, network cards, or other peripherals can enhance the functionality of the motherboard, making it a more versatile choice for users.
- Connectivity Options: A variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.0/3.1 ports, M.2 slots for SSDs, and Ethernet ports, are essential for modern builds and ensure fast data transfer rates.
- BIOS Features: An intuitive and feature-rich BIOS allows users to easily adjust settings for overclocking and system performance tuning, which is especially beneficial for enthusiasts.
Which Chipset is Best for a 6700K Motherboard Supporting SLI?
The best chipset options for a 6700K motherboard supporting SLI are:
- Intel Z170 Chipset: This chipset is designed for high-performance builds and supports overclocking, making it an excellent match for the i7-6700K.
- Intel Z270 Chipset: An upgrade over the Z170, the Z270 chipset offers improved compatibility and features, including better support for SLI configurations.
- Intel Z490 Chipset: While primarily designed for newer generation CPUs, some Z490 motherboards can support the i7-6700K, providing advanced features and enhanced performance.
Intel Z170 Chipset: The Z170 chipset is the go-to option for enthusiasts using the i7-6700K, as it provides full support for Intel’s Skylake architecture and multiple graphics cards through SLI. It offers robust overclocking features and sufficient PCIe lanes to ensure that dual GPUs can operate effectively, maximizing performance in gaming and demanding applications.
Intel Z270 Chipset: The Z270 chipset enhances the capabilities of the Z170 with better power management and improved support for high-speed RAM. It retains SLI support, allowing you to run multiple graphics cards while benefiting from additional connectivity options and features like Intel Optane memory, which can further improve system responsiveness.
Intel Z490 Chipset: While the Z490 chipset is primarily intended for 10th generation Intel processors, some motherboards with this chipset can still support older CPUs like the i7-6700K with a BIOS update. This chipset generally features superior VRM designs and more modern connectivity options, including USB 3.2 and PCIe 4.0, offering potential performance benefits and future-proofing for your build.
How Does PCIe Slot Configuration Impact a 6700K Motherboard’s SLI Performance?
The configuration of PCIe slots significantly influences the SLI performance of a motherboard designed for the Intel Core i7-6700K.
- PCIe Lane Distribution: The number of lanes allocated to each PCIe slot determines the bandwidth available for the graphics cards.
- Slot Spacing: The physical distance between PCIe slots can affect cooling solutions and airflow, which are crucial for maintaining optimal performance during SLI operation.
- Compatibility with SLI Standards: Different motherboards may support varying versions of SLI, impacting the capability to run multiple GPUs effectively.
- Power Delivery: Adequate power delivery to the PCIe slots is essential for stable operation under load when using multiple graphics cards.
- BIOS Support: The motherboard’s BIOS can affect SLI performance through settings that optimize or limit GPU functionality.
PCIe Lane Distribution: The total number of PCIe lanes available for use can vary between motherboards. A motherboard with more lanes allows each GPU to operate at higher bandwidths, which is crucial for maximizing the performance of SLI configurations, particularly in bandwidth-hungry applications and games.
Slot Spacing: Sufficient spacing between PCIe slots is necessary to accommodate larger GPUs that may need additional cooling solutions. If the slots are too close together, high temperatures can lead to throttling and reduced performance, which is detrimental to SLI setups.
Compatibility with SLI Standards: Not all motherboards support the latest SLI configurations or may limit the number of GPUs you can use. Selecting a motherboard that explicitly supports multi-GPU setups is crucial for ensuring compatibility and achieving optimal performance.
Power Delivery: A robust power delivery system is vital for supporting multiple GPUs, as each card requires sufficient power to function at peak performance. Motherboards designed for SLI often come with enhanced power phases and connectors to ensure stable power delivery during intensive tasks.
BIOS Support: The BIOS of a motherboard can include features that enhance SLI performance, such as overclocking options and GPU settings. A motherboard with frequent BIOS updates can also improve compatibility and performance with newer GPUs and SLI configurations.
What Brands Offer the Best 6700K Motherboards for SLI?
Several brands are known for producing high-quality motherboards suitable for the Intel Core i7-6700K that also support SLI configurations:
- ASUS: ASUS offers a range of motherboards featuring the Z170 chipset, such as the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero, which provides excellent overclocking capabilities and robust power delivery systems. Their user-friendly BIOS and extensive features like SupremeFX audio and customizable RGB lighting make them a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts.
- MSI: The MSI Z170 Gaming M7 motherboard is another top contender, known for its impressive thermal performance and user-friendly design. With features like Military Class 4 components, enhanced audio, and Steel Armor PCIe slots, it ensures stability during SLI setups while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.
- Gigabyte: Gigabyte’s GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 motherboard is designed with gamers in mind, offering advanced thermal design and superior audio quality. Its Smart Fan 5 technology allows for customizable fan profiles, and the board supports dual GPUs for an effective SLI setup, making it a solid choice for high-performance gaming.
- ASRock: The ASRock Z170 Extreme 7+ motherboard combines affordability with high-end features, including multiple PCIe slots for SLI configurations. Its sturdy build quality and great overclocking potential make it a reliable option, while the comprehensive connectivity options ensure compatibility with a wide range of components.
How Do User Reviews Influence the Choice of a 6700K Motherboard for SLI?
User reviews significantly impact the selection of the best 6700K motherboard for SLI by providing real-world insights into the performance and compatibility of different models.
- Performance Feedback: User reviews often highlight the actual performance of motherboards during SLI operations, including frame rates and stability during gaming. This feedback can help potential buyers gauge how well a motherboard handles multiple GPUs under various conditions.
- Compatibility Insights: Customers frequently share their experiences regarding compatibility with specific graphics cards and other components. Such insights can be crucial for users who want to ensure their chosen motherboard will work seamlessly with their existing or future hardware.
- Overclocking Experiences: Many reviews discuss the overclocking capabilities of a motherboard, which is important for users looking to maximize the performance of their 6700K CPU and SLI setup. Users often provide details about temperature management and power delivery, which can influence buying decisions.
- Build Quality and Reliability: Reviews often touch on the construction quality and longevity of the motherboard. Information about the durability of components like capacitors and VRMs can help users choose a motherboard that is both reliable and capable of handling the demands of SLI configurations.
- BIOS and Software Support: User reviews frequently discuss the ease of use and functionality of a motherboard’s BIOS, including updates and user interface. Good software support can make a significant difference in the overall user experience, particularly for those engaged in SLI setups.
How Can You Optimize Overclocking on a 6700K Motherboard with SLI?
To optimize overclocking on a 6700K motherboard with SLI, several key components and settings must be considered.
- Quality Motherboard: Choosing a motherboard that supports overclocking and SLI is crucial, as it will provide the necessary power delivery and thermal management.
- Cooling Solutions: Adequate cooling is essential to maintain stable overclocking, especially with multiple GPUs generating heat.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): A high-quality PSU with sufficient wattage and stable voltage output ensures that the components receive the power they need during overclocking.
- BIOS Settings: Properly configuring the BIOS settings, including voltage adjustments and memory timings, can significantly enhance performance.
- Benchmarking Software: Utilizing benchmarking tools helps monitor performance and stability during the overclocking process.
Quality Motherboard: The best 6700K motherboards for SLI will have robust VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules) and good thermal management to support overclocking. Models like the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero or MSI Z170A Gaming Pro Carbon are excellent choices, as they provide extra features like enhanced power delivery systems and multiple PCIe slots for SLI configurations.
Cooling Solutions: Overclocking increases the heat output of the CPU, especially when paired with SLI graphics cards. Using high-performance air or liquid cooling solutions can help maintain lower temperatures, which is critical for achieving stability at higher clock speeds and preventing thermal throttling.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): A reliable PSU is vital for any overclocking setup, particularly with SLI, as it requires more power. Look for a PSU with at least 80 Plus Gold certification and sufficient wattage (at least 750W recommended) to handle the power demands of both the CPU and dual GPUs without issues.
BIOS Settings: Fine-tuning the BIOS settings is a fundamental part of overclocking. Adjusting parameters such as CPU core voltage, multiplier settings, and memory timings can lead to significant performance gains. Also, ensure that features like Load-Line Calibration (LLC) are enabled to stabilize voltage under load.
Benchmarking Software: Employing benchmarking software like Cinebench or 3DMark allows you to test the stability and performance improvements of your overclock. Monitoring tools such as HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner can provide real-time feedback on temperatures and voltages, enabling you to make informed adjustments during the overclocking process.
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