Technology

Comparing the Z690 vs Z790 Chipsets: Is the Z790 Chipset Worth the Upgrade?

Which chipset to pick is a crucial choice to make while constructing or updating a desktop computer. What are the key distinctions between Intel’s Z690 and Z790 chipsets, and is upgrading to the Z790 worthwhile?

In order to assist you choose the ideal chipset for you, we’ll go in-depth about the characteristics and capabilities of the Z690 and Z790 chipsets in this post.

We will go over everything you need to know to choose between the Z690 and Z790, from support for DDR4 memory and PCI Express lanes to cutting-edge features like Hyper-Threading and Optane Memory. Therefore, we can meet your needs regardless of whether you’re a gamer seeking the best performance or a content creator in need of cutting-edge security and administration capabilities. Start the process now!

What are the differences between Intel’s Z690 and Z790 chipsets, and is upgrading to the Z790 worthwhile? These are common choices when constructing or updating desktop computers.

In order to assist you in selecting the chipset that best suits your needs, we’ll compare the characteristics and functionalities of the Z690 and Z790 in this post.

Z690 Chipset Overview

The Core i9, i7, and i5 series of Intel CPUs are among the ones that the Z690 chipset supports. It was introduced in 2021. Support for DDR4 memory, which provides faster speeds and bigger capacities than the previous DDR3 standard, is one of the Z690’s standout characteristics.

A maximum of 40 PCI Express lanes are also available on the Z690, allowing for connection of other pieces of hardware like as sound cards, graphics cards, and other types of devices. The Z690 has a wide range of USB ports that it can connect to, including USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3, which enables quick data transmission and the connection of high-resolution monitors.

Additionally, the Z690 supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which boosts efficiency for operations that may be performed in parallel by enabling several threads to be handled concurrently on each CPU core.

Furthermore, the Z690 features Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, which enables the CPU to momentarily raise its clock speed to enhance performance for taxing workloads.

In conclusion, the Z690 has a variety of features and characteristics that make it a wise choice for creating or updating a desktop computer. Additionally to powerful features like Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, it supports quick DDR4 memory, a number of networking choices, and other cutting-edge technology.

Z690 Chipset:

Release Date: 2021
Supported CPUs: Core i9, i7, i5 series

Z790 Chipset Overview

The Core i9, i7, and i5 series of the most recent Intel CPUs are all compatible with the Z790 chipset, which was introduced in 2022. It has up to 48 PCI Express lanes and supports DDR4 memory much like the Z690. The Z790, however, goes a step further by including USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 4 connectors, which provide even quicker data transfer rates and the capacity to connect to even higher-quality monitors.

Additionally, the Z790 supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies. It also has extra features like Intel Optane Memory, which employs a tiny amount of quick, non-volatile memory to enhance the speed of the system’s storage.

The Z790 also supports Intel’s vPro technology, which enables sophisticated security and remote administration functions.

The Z790 is a fantastic pick for consumers that want the finest performance possible since it provides a variety of cutting-edge features and abilities. Fast DDR4 memory, a range of networking choices, and cutting-edge innovations like Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, and Optane Memory are all supported.

Release Date: 2022
Supported CPUs: Core i9, i7, i5 series

Comparison of Z690 and Z790 Chipsets

The overclocking capabilities of the Z690 and Z790 chipsets are a significant distinction. The Z790 is a better option for consumers who want to push their CPUs to the edge since it enables more aggressive overclocking whereas the Z690 only supports mild overclocking.

For customers who want greater bandwidth for high-performance graphics cards or other gear, or who need to transfer huge files or connect to high-resolution screens, the Z790 provides more PCI Express lanes and USB ports than the Z690.

The variety of cutting-edge technologies that the two chipsets support is another distinction between them.

While the Z790 goes one step further with extra technologies like Optane Memory and vPro, the Z690 supports Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost. The consumers of these cutting-edge devices may benefit from

who need the best performance or who require sophisticated security and control features

To help you compare the features and capabilities of the Z690 and Z790 chipsets, we’ve put together the following table:

Feature	Z690	Z790
Release Date	2021	2022
Supported CPUs	Core i9, i7, i5 series	Core i9, i7, i5 series
Memory Support	DDR4	DDR4
PCI Express Lanes	40	48
USB Ports	USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3	USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 4
Overclocking Support	Moderate	Aggressive
Advanced Technologies	Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost	Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, Optane Memory, vPro
Price	$$	$$$

The Z790 has a variety of cutting-edge features and capabilities that are not present in the Z690, as you can see from the table. Along with faster USB and Thunderbolt interfaces and more PCI Express lanes, it also supports cutting-edge technology like Optane Memory and vPro.

The cost of these features is higher though, as motherboards and CPUs with the Z790 chipset are normally more expensive than those with the Z690.

Which chipset is “better” ultimately relies on your individual requirements and financial constraints. The Z790 might be a better option for you if you need the most extensive security and administration capabilities or are seeking the maximum performance available. However, the Z690 can be a more affordable choice if all you’re after is a dependable, mid-range system.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to explore your options, and take into account your unique requirements, and budget before selecting the best chipset.

Both the Z690 and Z790 offer a variety of features and capabilities that can help you create or update a robust and dependable desktop computer, regardless of which one you select.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEViM1s4UMY

Best Z790 Motherboard & Best Z690 Motherboard for 13th Gen Intel Raptor Lake | Z690 vs Z790 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEViM1s4UMY)

Is the Z790 Worth It?

It’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks when determining whether upgrading to the Z790 is worthwhile. The Z790, on the other hand, comes with a number of cutting-edge features and functionalities, such as support for overclocking, faster Thunderbolt and USB connections, and new technologies like Optane Memory and vPro.

Users who demand the greatest performance possible or who need sophisticated security and administration tools may find these features to be especially helpful.

It’s important to keep in mind, too, that these sophisticated features are more expensive. Some users may find upgrading to the Z790 chipset less enticing because CPUs and motherboards with the Z790 chipset often cost more than those with the Z690.

Before deciding whether upgrading to the Z790 is the best option for you, it is important to take your needs and budget into account.

The added features of the Z790 can be worth the greater price if you’re a gamer or content creator who demands the best performance.

However, the Z690 can be a more affordable choice if all you’re after is a dependable, mid-range system. It’s also important to note that the Z690 continues to provide a number of cutting-edge features and abilities, including as support for DDR4 memory, Hyper-Threading, and Turbo Boost, which may be more than enough for many users.

Here are a few recommended motherboards for the Z690 and Z790 chipsets:

Z690 Chipset:

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming Motherboard
MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Edge WiFi Motherboard
Gigabyte AORUS Master Z690 Motherboard
ASRock Z690 Extreme4 Motherboard
EVGA Z690 FTW Motherboard
Intel Z690 Motherboard

Z790 Chipset:

ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Motherboard
Gigabyte AORUS Xtreme Waterforce Motherboard
MSI MPG Z790 Gaming Pro Carbon Motherboard
ASRock Z790 Taichi Motherboard
EVGA Z790 Dark Motherboard

Remember that there are plenty other excellent motherboards for the Z690 and Z790 chipsets that are available; these are just a few recommendations.

When selecting a motherboard, it’s crucial to complete your research, take into account your unique needs, and stick to your budget. You may construct a strong and dependable system that satisfies your needs with careful preparation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFSrM_tmFiA

Z690 vs Z790 || Intel Motherboard || INTEL i9 13900K + RTX 4080 || (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFSrM_tmFiA)

Conclusion

Both the Z690 and Z790 chipsets are reliable choices for constructing or enhancing a desktop computer. With support for DDR4 memory, a choice of USB connections, and cutting-edge technologies like Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, the Z690 offers a wide range of features and functionalities.

The Z790 goes a step further by supporting overclocking, having faster Thunderbolt and USB connections, and having extra technologies like Optane Memory and vPro.

Your individual demands and financial situation will determine if upgrading to the Z790 is worthwhile for you. The additional features of the Z790 can be worth the greater price if you need the best performance possible or need sophisticated security and administration tools. The Z690, though, can be a more economical choice if all you’re looking for is a dependable, mid-range system.

Technology

The Case for Custom eLearning Platforms: Why Organizations Are Making the Switch

aloe vera plant on grey pot on table with MacBook Pro and iPad

The corporate eLearning market has exploded in recent years, growing over 800% since 2000. As the demand for eLearning continues to accelerate, more and more organizations are finding that off-the-shelf solutions cannot keep pace with their training needs. This has led many companies to make the switch to custom-built eLearning platforms tailored specifically for their requirements.

There are several key reasons driving the demand for customized eLearning tools:

Greater Flexibility and Scalability

Generic eLearning software packages often impose rigid constraints that limit their ability to adapt to an organization’s evolving needs. Meanwhile, the “one-size-fits-all” approach fails to support the personalized learning critical for employee development. Custom platforms provide flexibility to add and modify features to match ever-changing business goals. As companies scale training across global workforces, custom solutions built on cloud infrastructure can scale seamlessly to handle growing demand.

Deeper Integration Across Systems

Smooth integration with existing HR, LMS, and other business systems is critical for optimizing training workflows. However, off-the-shelf tools rarely integrate well, creating data and process siloes. Custom platforms can tightly integrate role-based learning paths with core business applications, sync user profiles, enable single sign-on, and more. This level of integration catalyzes more impactful training function.

Better Data and Analytics

Generic software severely limits access to data insights that drive improvement. Custom platforms unlock a trove of analytics on content consumption, learner progression, platform adoption, and real-time feedback. Integrated analytics dashboards and APIs allow businesses to derive deep visibility across the learner lifecycle. These insights help continuously enhance learner experience, target development gaps, and demonstrate direct training ROI.

Enhanced Learner Engagement

For modern learners accustomed to consumer-grade digital experiences, poor platform usability quickly erodes engagement. Custom designs allow companies to incorporate familiar features from popular apps and websites while optimizing for their audience. Adaptive learning approaches further personalize content to individual styles and needs. With modular component architecture, custom platforms stay on the cutting edge of new modalities like AR/ VR to captivate learners.

Brand and Culture Alignment

Off-the-shelf tools impose a generic and often disruptive experience that clashes with existing brand identity and culture. In contrast, custom platforms allow organizations to carry over familiar styling, voice, and workflow patterns. Consistency in experience preserves brand recognition while smoother onboarding leads to wider adoption across all employee groups. Over time, the platform can evolve alongside cultural changes as well.

While custom elearning tools require greater upfront investment, for enterprise training needs, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. The ability to mold platforms to current and future needs results in greater leverage from learning spend.

As businesses demand ever-more from their learning technology, custom solutions provide the agility needed for true scale. Rather than forcing training functions into the constraints of generic software, custom elearning development keeps the focus on nurturing talent and capabilities. For any organization looking to drive workforce transformation through learning, custom elearning represents the way forward.

Technology

Pintarnya raises $16.7M to power jobs and financial services in Indonesia

Pintarnya, an Indonesian employment platform that goes beyond job matching by offering financial services along with full-time and side-gig opportunities, said it has raised a $16.7 million Series A round.

The funding was led by Square Peg with participation from existing investors Vertex Venture Southeast Asia & India and East Ventures.

Ghirish Pokardas, Nelly Nurmalasari, and Henry Hendrawan founded Pintarnya in 2022 to tackle two of the biggest challenges Indonesians face daily: earning enough and borrowing responsibly.

“Traditionally, mass workers in Indonesia find jobs offline through job fairs or word of mouth, with employers buried in paper applications and candidates rarely hearing back. For borrowing, their options are often limited to family/friend or predatory lenders with harsh collection practices,” Henry Hendrawan, co-founder of Pintarnya, told TechCrunch. “We digitize job matching with AI to make hiring faster and we provide workers with safer, healthier lending options — designed around what they can reasonably afford, rather than pushing them deeper into debt.”

Around 59% of Indonesia’s 150 million workforce is employed in the informal sector, highlighting the difficulties these workers encounter in accessing formal financial services because they lack verifiable income and official employment documentation.

Pintarnya tackles this challenge by partnering with asset-backed lenders to offer secured loans, using collateral such as gold, electronics, or vehicles, Hendrawan added.

Since its seed funding in 2022, the platform currently serves over 10 million job seeker users and 40,000 employers nationwide. Its revenue has increased almost fivefold year-over-year and expects to reach break-even by the end of the year, Hendrawn noted. Pintarnya primarily serves users aged 21 to 40, most of whom have a high school education or a diploma below university level. The startup aims to focus on this underserved segment, given the large population of blue-collar and informal workers in Indonesia.

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“Through the journey of building employment services, we discovered that our users needed more than just jobs — they needed access to financial services that traditional banks couldn’t provide,” said Hendrawan. “We digitize job matching with AI to make hiring faster and we provide workers with safer, healthier lending options — designed around what they can reasonably afford, rather than pushing them deeper into debt.”

Pintarnya Founders Press Kit — image credits: Pintarnya (Founders of Pintarnya Ghirish Pokardas, Nelly Nurmalasari, and Henry Hendrawan)

While Indonesia already has job platforms like JobStreet, Kalibrr, and Glints, these primarily cater to white-collar roles, which represent only a small portion of the workforce, according to Hendrawan. Pintarnya’s platform is designed specifically for blue-collar workers, offering tailored experiences such as quick-apply options for walk-in interviews, affordable e-learning on relevant skills, in-app opportunities for supplemental income, and seamless connections to financial services like loans.

The same trend is evident in Indonesia’s fintech sector, which similarly caters to white-collar or upper-middle-class consumers. Conventional credit scoring models for loans, which rely on steady monthly income and bank account activity, often leave blue-collar workers overlooked by existing fintech providers, Hendrawan explained.

When asked about which fintech services are most in demand, Hendrawan mentioned, “Given their employment status, lending is the most in-demand financial service for Pintarnya’s users today. We are planning to ‘graduate’ them to micro-savings and investments down the road through innovative products with our partners.”

The new funding will enable Pintarnya to strengthen its platform technology and broaden its financial service offerings through strategic partnerships. With most Indonesian workers employed in blue-collar and informal sectors, the co-founders see substantial growth opportunities in the local market. Leveraging their extensive experience in managing businesses across Southeast Asia, they are also open to exploring regional expansion when the timing is right.

“Our vision is for Pintarnya to be the everyday companion that empowers Indonesians to not only make ends meet today, but also plan, grow, and upgrade their lives tomorrow … In five years, we see Pintarnya as the go-to super app for Indonesia’s workers, not just for earning income, but as a trusted partner throughout their life journey,” Hendrawan said. “We want to be the first stop when someone is looking for work, a place that helps them upgrade their skills, and a reliable guide as they make financial decisions.”

Technology

OpenAI warns against SPVs and other ‘unauthorized’ investments

In a new blog post, OpenAI warns against “unauthorized opportunities to gain exposure to OpenAI through a variety of means,” including special purpose vehicles, known as SPVs.

“We urge you to be careful if you are contacted by a firm that purports to have access to OpenAI, including through the sale of an SPV interest with exposure to OpenAI equity,” the company writes. The blog post acknowledges that “not every offer of OpenAI equity […] is problematic” but says firms may be “attempting to circumvent our transfer restrictions.”

“If so, the sale will not be recognized and carry no economic value to you,” OpenAI says.

Investors have increasingly used SPVs (which pool money for one-off investments) as a way to buy into hot AI startups, prompting other VCs to criticize them as a vehicle for “tourist chumps.”

Business Insider reports that OpenAI isn’t the only major AI company looking to crack down on SPVs, with Anthropic reportedly telling Menlo Ventures it must use its own capital, not an SPV, to invest in an upcoming round.