Out there for a brand new Z790 motherboard? We’ve you coated.
Up to date: Nov 2, 2022 11:49 am
Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake desktop processors are out, and so are the brand-new Z790 motherboards to associate with this launch. These new processors convey extra cores, higher connectivity, a extra environment friendly structure, and extra aggressive enhance clocks. Right here’s our greatest Z790 motherboard article.
*UPDATE* – Intel Thirteenth-gen CPUs are reside and able to buy you could find all of them right here: 13th-gen where to buy
Now learn: where to buy 13900K for those who’re nonetheless out there for a model new Intel Thirteenth technology CPU.
Raptor Lake makes use of the identical LGA 1700 socket because the outgoing Alder Lake generation, so there’s a layer of cross-compatibility between the CPUs and motherboards of the 2 generations. Intel has launched the Z790 chipset particularly for the Thirteenth Gen processors however these boards are additionally appropriate with the earlier technology Alder Lake CPUs, and vice versa. Motherboards for the Thirteenth-gen CPUs are promoting out quick, seize your new Z790 motherboard under!
Z790 motherboards are the top-level chipsets in intel’s motherboard arsenal, providing the very best options and connectivity. On the flip facet, which means the fee is greater. The Z790 is designed to be the very best pf the very best and convey you the very best efficiency on this technology of {hardware} Listed below are the very best Z790 motherboards, on your viewing pleasure.
Finest Z790 Motherboard: Prime Picks
01
Excessive-end greatest Z790 motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
02
Mid-range Z790 motherboard
MSI Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi
MSI Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi
03
Finest funds Z790 motherboard
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Issues to contemplate when selecting the very best Z790 motherboard
Z790 is extra of an incremental improve to Z690 quite than a brand-new platform with revolutionary new options. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless a number of elements that you must think about in case you are planning to purchase a Z790 motherboard proper now.
Intel Core i9-13900K CPU & Motherboard bundle
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Core i9-13900K Excessive-end bundle
Motherboard
ROG Z790 Maximus Hero
RAM
32GB G.Talent Trident Z5 RGB
Cooler
AUS ROG Ryujin ii 360
Z790 vs. Z690
Regardless that Z790 is the model new chipset particularly designed for Thirteenth Gen Raptor Lake processors, it doesn’t convey a complete lot of enhancements to the desk. It’s a gradual improve over Z690, and never one which warrants a particular improve for customers already on the Z690 platform.
The Z790 chipset helps each the Twelfth and Thirteenth Gen Intel processors identical to the Z690 platform. The enhancements might be seen primarily within the connectivity and rear I/O specs of the 2 motherboard chipsets. Z790 brings 4 extra PCIe Gen 4 downstream lanes as in comparison with Z690, and also you additionally get an extra USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20 Gbps port.
These adjustments are fairly minor and are largely associated to storage and connectivity options. You might get an extra M.2 slot on Z790 motherboards or a number of extra USB ports right here and there, however the upgrades are incremental, to say the least.
DDR5 vs. DDR4
The Z790 chipset additionally provides customers the selection between DDR5 and DDR4 reminiscence identical to Z690. In actual fact, the Z790 chipset has similar reminiscence compatibility specs to the Z690 chipset of yesteryear, so Intel actually didn’t change something on the subject of reminiscence.
Because of this, shoppers are nonetheless confronted with the identical dilemma of selecting between DDR4 and DDR5 reminiscence for his or her Thirteenth Gen Raptor Lake programs. Every of the 2 reminiscence generations has its personal execs and cons, and there actually isn’t any proper reply to this query.
DDR5 reminiscence is certainly the longer term, and arguably the current as nicely. Regardless that DDR5 reminiscence kits are fairly a bit dearer than DDR4 kits proper now, we’re seeing the efficiency hole widen with every passing month proper now. Furthermore, DDR5 reminiscence kits will probably be appropriate with future Intel (or AMD) CPU generations as nicely.
Then again, DDR4 reminiscence has the benefit of worth for cash. Many shoppers could not need to purchase a shiny new DDR5 reminiscence package for his or her new programs, so utilizing present DDR4 reminiscence is an effective way to avoid wasting cash. You too can purchase new DDR4 reminiscence for virtually half the price of DDR5 reminiscence as of the time of writing.
Are Z790 motherboards appropriate with Twelfth gen CPUs?
In case you’re simply after upgrading your motherboard, then that’s an possibility on the Z790 chipset platform. All Z790 motherboards are backward appropriate with the earlier technology of Intel CPUs, because of this you should use your Twelfth-generation Intel CPUs on these motherboards with no penalty by any means.
Which means that you’ll achieve entry to all the nice options that the Z790 chipset has to supply, with out forking out for a brand new and costly Thirteenth-generation CPU. Nonetheless, that’s really useful to take full benefit of issues like PCIe Gen 5.
Finest Z790 Motherboard
Right here we’ll define the very best Z790 motherboards at present obtainable for the Thirteenth Gen Intel processors.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
10 GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, audio, USB4, USB-C, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4.
Professionals
- 24+1 part VRM design
- 10 GbE LAN port
- 5 M.2 slots
- DDR5
- PCIe Gen 5
The Maximus lineup of motherboards from ASUS has at all times been coveted by fans, and that development continues with the Z790 technology. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is a high-end motherboard that delivers supreme options and homes a wonderful energy supply system.
Beneath the big VRM heatsinks, we discover a 24+1 part VRM design with 105A energy levels. Merely put, the Z790 HERO has a particularly strong VRM design that may deal with even essentially the most demanding Thirteenth Gen Intel Raptor Lake CPUs at overclocked settings.
Furthermore, the Maximus Z790 HERO can be filled with premium options. ASUS has supplied a ten GbE LAN port in addition to WiFi 6E on your networking wants, and storage is dealt with by 5 M.2 slots in addition to a number of SATA ports. The board additionally options two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the rear I/O, which is a pleasant contact.
Aesthetically, the board is clearly focused in the direction of avid gamers because the attribute ROG design language is sort of prevalent. The pixelated ROG script on the I/O cowl appears to be like particularly good when the board is put in in a chassis.
All in all, the ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is an unimaginable Z790 motherboard that has little-to-no weaknesses. The one main concern with this board is its price ticket, which is sort of excessive relative to the alternate options obtainable available on the market.
MSI Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi
MSI Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi
2.5 GbE LAN, audio, USB 3.2, WiFi 6E, DisplayPort and extra
Professionals
- 16+1+1 part Duet Rail energy supply system
- WiFi 6E
- DDR5
Cons
- Much less options than boards of comparable costs
MSI’s Z790 TOMAHAWK WiFi is aimed squarely on the mid-range market phase, and it is likely one of the best possible choices in that worth bracket. The TOMAHAWK moniker could be very common amongst fans and worth hunters alike, and this explicit board needs to be no exception.
MSI has supplied a 16+1+1 part Duet Rail energy supply system with 90A energy levels for this motherboard. This VRM setup is sort of strong and might present loads of clear and steady energy for the entire Thirteenth Gen Intel processors. Even the VRM heatsinks are quite sizeable and well-made.
Being a mid-range motherboard, the Z790 TOMAHAWK cuts again on includes a bit. It solely has a 2.5 GbE LAN port for networking, however MSI has supplied WiFi 6E on your wi-fi connectivity wants. The board additionally options 4 M.2 slots and 7 SATA ports on your storage units.
The TOMAHAWK motherboards are at all times fairly plain and easy on the subject of visuals, and this development continues with the Z790 model. Your complete board is roofed with black shrouds and warmth spreaders, with solely minimal accents right here and there.
Because of its affordable price ticket, the MSI Z790 TOMAHAWK gives glorious worth for cash and will undoubtedly be thought of by new PC builders.
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
2.5 GbE LAN, audio, DisplayPort, WiFi 6E, USB 3,2, thunderbolt 4, and extra.
GPU X16 slot and M.2 slot
Professionals
- 16+1+2 part VRM design
- WiFi 6E
- Stealthy, much less RGB than most fashions
Cons
- not as function wealthy as different motherboards in the identical worth vary.
Within the funds phase, we advocate the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. It’s not the fanciest Z790 motherboard on the market, however it actually will get the job achieved fairly effectively.
Gigabyte has used a twin 16+1+2 part VRM design with 70A energy levels on this motherboard. This stage of VRM needs to be able to operating any Thirteenth Gen CPU on inventory settings, and you may even dabble in some mild overclocking do you have to see match. The VRM can be well-cooled due to massive heatsinks.
You additionally get 4 M.2 slots and 6 SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the board on your storage wants. Networking is dealt with by a 2.5 GbE LAN port in addition to WiFi 6E, which is a reasonably first rate mixture for the worth.
There may be not rather a lot that stands out concerning the Z790 AORUS Elite AX, aesthetically. Many of the board is roofed with black shrouds and there may be solely a delicate AORUS design on the chipset heatsink. There may be additionally a stark lack of RGB lighting, which is perhaps a deal breaker for some potential patrons.
In essence, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a good Z790 motherboard to contemplate in case you are on a comparatively restricted funds. It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles, however it gives first rate worth on your cash total.
Closing phrase
It doesn’t matter what motherboard you select, you’ll be fully coated on the Z790 platform. every of those motherboards prides itself in being the very best in its class, on the very best chipset manufactured up to now.
The Z790 chipset brings the very best of the very best to the desk, guaranteeing your Twelfth or Thirteenth-generation Intel CPU will probably be coated from all angles. Whether or not you’re in search of improved connectivity, PCIe Gen 5 assist, or quicker DDR5 reminiscence compatibility, you’re coated on the Z790 chipset platform.