With the launch of thirteenth Gen Core processors, Intel additionally launched a brand new prime finish chipset – the Z790. However how do these new motherboards evaluate to the earlier Gen Z690 and which do you have to use in your subsequent gaming computer or workstation construct? Learn on to be taught extra on Z690 vs Z790.
What’s Z790 (…and what’s a chipset)?
Asus ROG STRIX Z790-E
A chipset is a part on a motherboard that’s designed by Intel or AMD to work completely with their particular processors and basically facilitates communication between the CPU, storage, RAM, GPU, and I/O. Sure chipsets solely assist sure options reminiscent of PCIe Gen 5, DDR5 RAM, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and many others. Particular chipsets additionally solely assist particular processors, so when selecting a motherboard, guarantee that the included chipset helps your processor of selection.
Z790 is the Intel chipset that helps twelfth and thirteenth Gen Intel Core processors (ie. Core i5-12600k, i9-13900k, and many others). It makes use of the identical LGA 1700 socket because the previous gen Z690, however features a few extra options that chipset doesn’t. However are these extra options value it?
Z690 vs Z790 – How do Options Examine?
Z690
Z790
Intel Socket
LGA 1700
LGA 1700
twelfth Gen Assist
Sure
Sure
thirteenth Gen Assist
Sure (with BIOS replace)
Sure
Assist Overclocking
Sure
Sure
Max RAM velocity
6400
6800
Max RAM Capability
128GB
128GB
Complete PCIe Lanes
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
Max USB 2.0 Ports
14
14
As you’ll be able to see, with a couple of minor exceptions, the 2 chipsets are extraordinarily comparable when it comes to options. One extra notable distinction is that due to the extra obtainable I/O throughput of Z790, these boards usually tend to have Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, although each chipsets technically assist them.
Efficiency
We’ve examined and retested each twelfth Gen and thirteenth Gen processors on Z690 and Z790 chipset boards. However did we discover any notable efficiency distinction?
Nope.
It’s more likely you’ll see greater variations processor to processor than you’ll between two similar motherboard fashions with differing chipsets. Don’t make this selection primarily based on efficiency.
Which to decide on?
Given the almost similar characteristic set and the really similar efficiency, it’s laborious to justify paying a premium for Z790 over Z690 in all however the absolute highest finish builds. Until you’re feeling the necessity for Thunderbolt 4 (and might’t discover a Z690 board that helps it) or have some DDR5-6800 RAM that wants a house, Z690 is probably going the only option in your subsequent construct.
Configure a customized gaming PC or workstation PC with Z690 motherboard right here!
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Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in numerous Advertising and marketing, PR, and Gross sales associated roles. Because the Director of Gross sales & Advertising and marketing, he’s chargeable for all Direct and Retail gross sales in addition to Advertising and marketing actions. He enjoys Seinfeld reruns, the Atlanta Braves, and Beatles songs written by John, Paul, or George. Sorry, Ringo.