With the release of 13th Along with the Gen Core processors, Intel also released a new top-end chipset, the Z790. But how do these new motherboards compare to the previous generation Z690, and which one should you use for your next gaming PC or workstation build? For more information on Z690 vs Z790, see below. please read.
What is the Z790 (…and what is the chipset)?
A chipset is a component on a motherboard designed by Intel or AMD to work only with specific processors, essentially facilitating communication between the CPU, storage, RAM, GPU, and I/O. Certain chipsets only support certain features such as PCIe Gen 5, DDR5 RAM and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Also, certain chipsets only support certain processors, so when choosing a motherboard, make sure the chipset it comes with supports the processor you choose.
Z790 is an Intel chipset that supports 12.th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors (i.e. Core i5-12600k, i9-13900k, etc.). It uses the same LGA 1700 socket as his Z690 from the previous generation, but includes some extra features that the chipset lacks. But are these extra features worth it?
Z690 vs Z790 – How do the features compare?
| Z690 | Z790 | |
| intel socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| 12th generation support | yes | yes |
| 13th generation support | Yes (with BIOS update) | yes |
| Supports overclocking | yes | yes |
| Maximum RAM speed | 6400 | 6800 |
| Maximum amount of RAM | 128GB | 128GB |
| total PCIe lanes | 28 | 28 |
| PCIe Gen 5 lanes | 20 | 20 |
| PCIe configuration | 1×16+1×4 or 2×8+1×4 | 1×16+1×4 or 2×8+1×4 |
| Up to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports | Four | Five |
| Up to USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 port | Ten | Ten |
| Up to USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 port | Ten | Ten |
| Maximum USB 2.0 port | 14 | 14 |
As you can see, the features of the two chipsets are very similar with a few minor exceptions. One additional notable difference is that these boards will likely have Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports due to the added I/O throughput available on the Z790. , both chipsets technically support it.
performance
I tested and retested both of the 12th Gen and 13th Gen processors on Z690 and Z790 chipset boards. But did you find any noticeable performance difference?
No.
You are more likely to see a larger difference from processor to processor than between two identical motherboard models with different chipsets. Don’t make this choice based on performance.
Which do you choose?
Given the nearly identical feature set and practically identical performance, it’s hard to justify paying a premium for the Z790 over the Z690, except for the absolute top-of-the-line build. Unless you have the feeling (and can’t find a Z690 board that supports it) or your home has the DDR5-6800 RAM you need, the Z690 is probably the best choice for your next build.
Configure your custom gaming or workstation PC with Z690 motherboards now!
Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007, holding various marketing, PR, and sales-related roles. As Director of Sales & Marketing, he is responsible for all direct and retail sales and marketing activities. He enjoys reruns of Seinfeld, Atlanta He Braves, John, Paul, or Beatles songs written by George. I’m sorry, apple.
