Z690 vs Z790 – Which One to Choose?
With the launch of 13pearl Gen Core processors, Intel has additionally launched a brand new high-end chipset, the Z790. However how do these new motherboards examine to the earlier Gen Z690, and which must you go on your subsequent gaming PC or workstation construct? Learn on to be taught extra in regards to the Z690 and Z790.
What’s the Z790 (…and what’s the chipset)?
A chipset is a motherboard element that has been particularly designed by Intel or AMD to work with their particular processors, principally facilitating communication between CPU, storage, RAM, GPU, and I/O. Sure chipsets solely assist PCIe Gen 5, DDR5 RAM, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and many others.
Z790 is Intel chipset that helps 12.pearl and 13pearl Technology Intel Core processors (eg Core i5-12600k, i9-13900k, and many others.). It makes use of the identical LGA 1700 socket because the earlier era Z690, however features a few further options that the chipset lacks. However are these further options value it?
Z690 vs Z790 – The best way to Examine Options
| Z690 | Z790 | |
| Intel Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| twelfth Technology Assist | Sure | Sure |
| thirteenth Technology Assist | Sure (with BIOS replace) | Sure |
| Overclocking Assist | Sure | Sure |
| Most RAM pace | 6400 | 6800 |
| Most RAM Capability | 128GB | 128GB |
| Whole PCIe Bus | 28 | 28 |
| PCIe Gen 5 Lanes | 20 | 20 |
| PCIe Configurations | 1×16+1×4 or 2×8+1×4 | 1×16+1×4 or 2×8+1×4 |
| Max. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Ports | 4 | 5 |
| Max. USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Ports | 10 | 10 |
| Max. USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 Ports | 10 | 10 |
| Most USB 2.0 Ports | 14 | 14 |
As you’ll be able to see, with a number of minor exceptions, the 2 chipsets are extraordinarily comparable by way of options. One other notable distinction is that, because of the Z790’s out there further I/O, these playing cards usually tend to have Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, despite the fact that each chipsets technically assist them.
Yield
We examined and retested each 12pearl era and 13pearl Technology processors on Z690 and Z790 chipset boards. However did we discover a notable efficiency distinction?
No.
You are more likely to see larger processor-to-processor variations than you will see between two an identical motherboard fashions with totally different chipsets. Do not make this selection primarily based on efficiency.
Which one to decide on?
Given almost the identical function set and basically the identical efficiency, it is exhausting to justify paying the Z790 a premium over the Z690, in all however the absolute highest finish builds. Except you want Thunderbolt 4 (and might’t discover a Z690 motherboard that helps it) or have DDR5-6800 RAM that wants a slot, the Z690 might be the only option on your subsequent construct.
Configure a customized gaming PC or workstation PC with the Z690 motherboard right here!
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Josh has labored at Velocity Micro in quite a lot of Advertising, PR and Gross sales associated roles since 2007. As Director of Gross sales and Advertising, he’s liable for all Direct and Retail gross sales in addition to Advertising actions. He enjoys Seinfeld replays, Atlanta Braves and Beatles songs written by John, Paul or George. Sorry Ringo.
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