Intel Z790 Motherboard Roundup: eleven Motherboards Tested



Today we are taking a study a range of latest Intel Z790 motherboards, designed to take benefit of the 'new' 14th-gen Core CPU series, which as you probably recognize is only a renamed 13th-gen. But if you're within the market for a new system or platform improve, and you've decided to go together with Intel's LGA 1700 platform, those are the brand new Z790 motherboards you would possibly need to be aware about.

We've got 11 boards in overall from the likes of Asus, Asrock, MSI and Gigabyte, going from $280 up to $1,2 hundred, so we will take a look at out every board for my part, see what functions they've on provide, after which check some VRM thermal checking out.

Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi - $280

It's form of loopy that Z790 needed a refresh given there have been already extra DDR4 and DDR5 Z790 forums than even we ought to keep music of. Take the Asus TUF Gaming collection, for example, which already had three ATX fashions, and we are most effective talking about a sub-brand right here. Asus additionally provided Z790 boards under their ROG, Prime, and ProArt manufacturers.

Anyway, we already had the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus D4, which changed into to be had with and with out WiFi, and then there has been the DDR5 version, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi. Now added to the mixture is a brand new flagship, the TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi.

The board appears remarkably much like the Plus, each packing the same sixteen 60A strength level vcore VRM and a few of the equal features. The handiest real exchange right here being that one of the PCIe 4.0 x1 slots has been converted to an x16 slot, but it's nonetheless only wired for x1 bandwidth. Additionally, the front USB 20Gbps port now supports 30-watt PD speedy-charging, and that's approximately it.

That's great, although; the TUF Gaming Plus changed into already an amazing board, however the difficulty right now's the price. As it stands, the Plus may be had for $205, with the greater high-priced in-inventory listings at $230. Meanwhile, all listings for the new 'Pro' model are at $280, making it as a minimum 22% extra high-priced. Therefore, we ought to avoid it till the Pro and Plus pricing turns into comparable.

Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II - $360

Next, we've got the Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II, coming in at $360, that's the same rate as the original model, so that's right. Now, stuff like strength transport remains the identical with sixteen 70A power levels making up the vcore facet of the VRAM, and honestly even the cooling is lots the identical. Most of the changes right here are in basic terms aesthetic.

The noteworthy changes consist of guide for WiFi 7 with Asus' new Q-Antenna function, which is pretty easy, absolutely. Now you could push the WiFi antenna in to connect them, in preference to having to screw them in. It's a pleasant contact, but for some thing you're possibly handiest ever going to do as soon as, it seems a piece useless.

One of the PCIe 4.0 x16 slots has been eliminated and replaced with an extra PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. Then, round at the I/O panel, there's a further two USB 2.Zero ports, that's pleasant. However, the audio has been downgraded with just rear jacks, ensuing in ROG SupremeFX five.1 assist, while the authentic had SupremeFX 7.1.

Other than that, the boards are a whole lot the identical in phrases of features. Still, this 2d version is a nice upgrade at the same price factor, and it guarantees 14th gen help proper out of the field.

Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero - $seven hundred

Certainly one of the coolest looking high-quit motherboards we've got laid eyes on is the new Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, and as the call indicates, that is a revision of the authentic Hero model. Like maximum of these refreshed Asus forums, the majority of the modifications are aesthetic, that is disappointing to examine. However, there are at least a few noteworthy improvements on offer here, even though none of them justify the price growth.

Speaking of which, the Dark Hero fees $seven hundred at the same time as the original version charges just $530. So, what does the brand new version offer for that 32% top class? Apart from the classy changes, you get WiFi 7 – faster wireless speeds for all those WiFi 7 gadgets you truly have. This feature consists of the improve from Bluetooth version 5.Three to five.Four.

The M.2 configuration has additionally modified, though it is hard to say it's an improve. The authentic Hero depended on a PCIe growth card for 2 additional M.2 slots, one PCIe 5.0 and the opposite 4.Zero, with 3 greater 4.0 M.2's on board, giving the board five in general: three on board and through an enlargement card. The Dark Hero does away with the enlargement card and now includes all 5 M.2's on board, with the primary five.Zero slot above the number one PCIe x16 slot.

You nevertheless get two PCIe five.0 x16 slots with the Dark Hero, so it is a higher configured board in our opinion. It does drop two of the six SATA ports, but it truly is likely going to be a non-problem for most.

Other than that, it consists of the identical 2.5Gbit LAN, identical USB configuration, equal ROG SupremeFX 7.1 sound using the Realtek ALC4082 codec, same returned panel I/O configuration, and the same VRM configuration using 20 90A energy degrees for the vcore.

Overall, it's a excellent-looking board with a robust feature set, but we think the unique model at $530 is a far higher purchase proper now, so probably get that.

MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi - $three hundred

Moving on to check out the new MSI Z790 boards, we're going to begin with the Tomahawk Max WiFi, an upgraded model of the famous Tomahawk board, which presently sells for simply $205 for the DDR5 model. The new 'Max' model can presently be located on sale for $240, although it is extra commonly discovered at $300, which is a big top rate over the authentic.

Both boards physically appearance the same, except for the yellow highlights that have been delivered to the new 'Max' version.

Thankfully, MSI hasn't simply delivered a dash of color to the Max and called it an afternoon. There are a few physical modifications here, though maximum of them are pretty diffused. The primary M.2 slot has been upgraded to help PCIe 5.0 from the CPU, while the preceding version become confined to 4.0. That said, in case you do installation an SSD in the number one M.2, it's going to reduce the primary PCIe slot to x8 bandwidth.

Stuff like USB guide and wired networking all remain the equal, as does the onboard audio. But like we have seen with lots of these refreshed forums, you are becoming WiFi 7 right here with Bluetooth 5.4. Other than that, they are the equal, so in case you don't require WiFi 7 out of the field, then paying a top rate for this new Max version truely might not be well worth it over the authentic.

MSI Z790 Edge Ti Max WiFi - $390

Next from MSI, we have the Z790 Edge Ti Max WiFi, so they've squeezed 'Ti Max' in there, just to make it that little bit greater complicated. Now, the unique version can nonetheless be had for $300, whilst the new Ti Max prices $390, that is some other massive top rate for the refreshed version.

Again, each fashions look very similar, although this time it's the more recent model it is a bit greater sedate, casting off the orange highlights of the unique. Also, once again the I/O panels are same, so no modifications there.

Rather, the changes can once again be visible when searching at the M.2 and WiFi assist. The number one M.2 has once more been upgraded from the PCIe 4.Zero spec to 5.Zero, however there are nevertheless 5 M.2's in overall. Then the WiFi answer has been updated from 6E to 7, however apart from that, the entirety else stays a whole lot the equal, if not exactly the equal.

MSI Z790 Ace Max - $seven hundred

MSI additionally up to date the Ace, and it is well worth noting that the authentic version can currently be had for $500, making this up to date Max model a tough pill to swallow at $700. Physically, we think they look same, except the 'Max' branding on the more recent, greater steeply-priced version.

As far as we are able to tell, the handiest replace on offer here is WiFi 7, but other than that, the Max is quite a lot similar to the authentic. The simplest different changes consist of support for 14th gen out of the box and MSI's declare of some slight tweaks to memory performance.

That being the case, except you require WiFi 7 out of the field, saving $2 hundred at the authentic would be the manner to go.

MSI Z790 Godlike Max - $1,two hundred

It appears to be a similar story with the Godlike Max, which presently costs $1,200, although that is the identical asking rate as the authentic. The Godlike is glaringly an insane overkill motherboard and there's really no way to improve it right now, other than to include WiFi 7, so manifestly MSI has performed precisely that with the Max revision.

Everything else, although, stays the same, and meaning you get onboard Thunderbolt assist for transfer prices as much as 40Gbps, seven M.2 slots, 10 Gbit LAN with 2.Five Gbit LAN, 7.1 channel audio, hundreds of USB ports at the I/O panel, and a boatload of different features.

Asrock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi - $250

Okay, moving on to the new Asrock Z790 motherboards, we discover the Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi at $250, that's an inexpensive top class over the $190 Z790 PG Riptide. As you would assume, the WiFi model receives WiFi 7, however there are a few other noteworthy improvements on provide here.

The VRM, for instance, has been notably overhauled with 16 90A electricity levels for the vcore, that is a large development over the 14 50A energy stages used previously, so a without a doubt pleasant upgrade there. They've also ditched the Realtek ALC897 codec for the better-give up ALC1220 codec.

There are a few different quality touches as nicely. The cooler for the primary M.2 is now device-much less, and all M.2 slots characteristic a heatsink. It's a better-searching board for sure, and we assume the $60 premium is justified right here, so appropriate process, Asrock.

Asrock Phantom Gaming Z790 Nova WiFi - $280

Asrock has additionally launched a new flagship Z790 Phantom Gaming motherboard referred to as the Nova WiFi. For $280, it offers lots. For simply $30 more than the Riptide WiFi, you're getting a higher 20 90A power level vcore VRM, that is overkill for certain, but a pleasant upgrade all of the identical.

You're also getting a larger 256 Megabyte BIOS, which lets in for a better graphical consumer interface. The audio has been upgraded to the Realtek ALC4082 codec, and there is an additional PCIe 4.0 enabled M.2 slot, although 4 SATA ports were sacrificed.

USB help has additionally been upgraded from a complete of 16 ports to 19, with two times as many USB three.2 Gen 2 ports. Overall, the Nova is a splendid-searching board and a robust sub-$three hundred contender.

Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 - $280

Lastly, we've the Gigabyte forums, and we'll start with the Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7, which, you guessed it, is a WiFi 7 enabled model of the authentic Aorus Elite AX. Now, the AX version fees $240 while the brand new WiFi 7 model costs $280, so a fairly small $40 top class there. But all you are getting is the upgraded WiFi, properly that, and aid for 14th gen CPUs out of the field without having to replace the BIOS. But apart from that, it's the identical board.

Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X - $530

Then we've got the Aorus Master X, that is an high priced board, given the usual Z790 Aorus Master may be had for $390. Both boards appearance very similar and percent a few of the same features. For example, each use Realtek ALC1220-VB audio, Marvell 10 Gbit LAN, three PCIe enlargement slots, five M.2 slots with the same arrangement, the exact identical USB configuration, and the same 20 105A strength stage vcore.

So aside from the inclusion of WiFi 7 over 6E, we are just looking at some minor cosmetic modifications to the board's heatsinks, so we doubt that is really worth paying a 36% top rate for.

Test System

For trying out these motherboards, we have built a devoted gadget inside the Corsair iCUE 7000X case. Powering it, we've the HX1000 strength supply and for cooling, the iCUE H170i Elite Capellix.

The iCUE 7000X has been configured with a unmarried rear 140mm exhaust fan and 3 140mm consumption enthusiasts, that is the stock configuration for this situation. Then, within the pinnacle of the case is the H170i 420mm radiator with 3 140mm exhaust fans. This is a quite high-cease configuration; airflow is ideal, and in a 21-degree room, we'd say this is an foremost setup.

For recording temperatures, we're the use of a virtual thermometer with K-Type thermocouples, and we will be reporting the peak rear PCB temperature. Finally, we're not reporting Delta-T over Ambient. Instead, we hold a room temperature of 21 degrees and to make certain a consistent ambient temperature, a thermocouple is located subsequent to the take a look at device.

As for the strain check, we are using Cinebench R23 which has been looped for an hour, at which point we are reporting the maximum PCB temperature, once more recorded the use of K-kind thermocouples.

Benchmarks

Time to take a look at how each board plays out of the field, the usage of the default strength profiles with XMP loaded. Right away, you will observe a obvious trouble with the fashions marked as 'Limited' with the orange bars. These boards, specifically Asus and Gigabyte forums, though there's an Asrock model here as nicely, all limit the power of the Core i9-14900K for extended workloads.

Most of those forums don't have any restriction for what Intel calls PL1, a transient electricity kingdom. After a positive period, round a minute normally, PL2 kicks in, that's a reduced energy country. The Asus and Asrock boards revert to a 253-watt power limit, whilst the Gigabyte boards restrict to 280 watts. MSI, alternatively, has no energy limit for PL1 or PL2, and Asrock has determined to do this with their Nova board, but no longer the Riptide.

So, as ordinary, the Intel platform is a bit of a large number in terms of strength configurations, and that is some thing we have been advocating Intel to restoration for years now. The primary trouble with this being that every one-middle overall performance, in particular for extended workloads, can vary pretty notably depending on the board used, assuming you don't cross and manually regulate electricity parameters.

For example, in our hour-lengthy Cinebench check, the Asus and Asrock forums saw a median clock frequency of 3.75 GHz on the P-cores, whereas the MSI forums sustained a clock frequency that changed into nearly 50% higher at five.Fifty two GHz, which is an insane difference.

Therefore, the VRM temperatures you spot here very lots make for an apples-to-oranges evaluation. So, let's take away the PL2 electricity limit and re-take a look at.

Now the 14900K is clocking among five.4 and 5.6 GHz, depending on the board, so still a few variance there but now we are speakme about 4% and now not over 40%. What we are ideally searching out right here are temperatures underneath one hundred°C, and to make sure reasonable working temperatures underneath all conditions, sub-eighty°C temps are best. For our checking out, we maintain an ambient room temperature of just 21°C, and check inside an ATX case with the doorways closed.

No forums failed our check, and all were suited, even though a few clearly did carry out better than others. The Gigabyte fashions, as an example, were the quality, observed by the Asus Dark Hero and MSI Godlike. The MSI Ace ran tremendously warm at 80°C at the same time as the Tomahawk Max and Edge Ti Max have been exceedingly heat at eighty two°C and 86°C respectively, though they did also obtain a number of the very best common clock speeds.

Now, with all forums locked at a 1.3V vcore at five.3 GHz, even as externally tracking strength usage, these are the maximum apples-to-apples effects we have. The MSI Ace is performing more just like the Godlike now, even as the Asus TUF Gaming has fallen down the order. The Gigabyte boards are nonetheless the best, although the Asrock models are actually ranking a good deal higher. Overall, though, applicable effects across the board, without a VRM issues with any of those Z790 fashions.

Bottom Line

If you are inside the market for a brand new Intel Z790 motherboard, any of those fashions will paintings well – simply purchase in line with your finances and choose the model that offers the capabilities that great healthy your wishes. That said, it's properly well worth finding out the original variations for a lot of these, as in most cases, VRM performance can be the identical, however we saw a number of instances in which the unique version become a whole lot cheaper.

It's possible these pricing discrepancies will depart over time, but as it stands right now, a lot of those refreshed WiFi 7 forums just don't make experience in terms of cost. Unfortunately, we failed to get time to do a large Z790 roundup while the boards first came out, instead prioritizing our time to cowl the new X670 and B650 AM5 forums, as more of you are inquisitive about AM5, and with future aid on the table, it simply made feel to spend money on that checking out as the content material will be useful for years yet to come.

There in all likelihood is not an excessive amount of factor in making any pointers here, because it will in the end come right down to pricing, and we anticipate Intel Z790 mobo pricing to transport round plenty inside the coming months, likely invalidating any tips we make now.

The properly news is there are not any terrible boards that you have to keep away from, so truely examine the features of the fashions for your target fee variety and move from there.

Shopping Shortcuts:

• Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi on Amazon
• Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II on Amazon
• MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi on Amazon
• MSI Z790 Edge Ti Max WiFi on Amazon
• Asrock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi on Newegg
• Asrock Phantom Gaming Z790 Nova WiFi on Newegg
• Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 on Amazon
• Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X on Amazon
• Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon

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