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.

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.

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.