The Z790 and Z690 are Intel's high-end chipsets designed for enthusiast-grade desktop PCs, primarily differing in their support for newer technologies, improved memory capabilities, and enhanced connectivity options, with the Z790 generally offering incremental advancements over the Z690.
Key Differences Between Z790 and Z690 Chipsets
Both the Z790 and Z690 chipsets utilize the LGA 1700 socket and support Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation Core processors. However, the Z790, being the newer iteration, brings several refinements and performance advantages over its predecessor.
Memory Support
One of the most significant upgrades in the Z790 chipset is its enhanced memory support. The Z790 boasts a higher maximum RAM capacity of 256 GB and supports faster memory speeds, reaching up to 8000 MHz (OC) and beyond. In contrast, the Z690 tops out at 192 GB of RAM capacity and supports speeds up to 6400 MHz (OC). This makes the Z790 particularly attractive for users seeking to push memory performance limits or requiring extensive RAM for demanding applications. Both chipsets support DDR5 and, in some motherboard implementations, DDR4 RAM.
Connectivity and I/O Ports
While both chipsets offer robust connectivity options, including a substantial number of USB ports, SATA ports, and network capabilities, the Z790 introduces a key improvement in high-speed external connectivity. The Z790 provides an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port (offering 20Gbps bandwidth) compared to the Z690, enhancing options for connecting high-speed external storage or peripherals.
Regarding internal expansion, both chipsets benefit from PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU (typically 16 lanes for the primary graphics card and 4 lanes for a primary NVMe SSD). However, the Z790 chipset typically offers more PCIe 4.0 lanes from the chipset itself – often up to 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes – whereas the Z690 generally provides fewer, commonly around 12 PCIe 4.0 lanes alongside PCIe 3.0 lanes. Both chipsets maintain an 8-lane DMI 4.0 connection for high-speed communication with the CPU.
CPU Compatibility and Platform Maturity
Both the Z690 and Z790 chipsets support Intel's 12th Gen (Alder Lake), 13th Gen (Raptor Lake), and 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh) Core processors. However, there's a practical difference in out-of-the-box compatibility:
- Z690: Launched with the 12th Gen CPUs. If pairing a Z690 motherboard with a 13th or 14th Gen processor, a BIOS update might be required. Many modern Z690 boards support "BIOS Flashback," allowing updates without a compatible CPU installed.
- Z790: Launched alongside the 13th Gen CPUs. Z790 motherboards generally offer native support for 13th and 14th Gen processors, minimizing the need for initial BIOS updates.
Power Delivery and Overclocking
Z790 motherboards often feature more refined and robust power delivery systems (VRMs) compared to their Z690 counterparts. This is because they were designed with the higher power demands of the Intel 13th and 14th Gen i9 and i7 K-series processors in mind, which can draw significant power under heavy loads or during overclocking. While high-end Z690 boards can also offer excellent power delivery, the Z790 platform, on average, tends to provide a more optimized foundation for extreme overclocking and sustained high performance with top-tier CPUs.
Comparative Table: Z790 vs. Z690
To summarize the key differences:
| Feature | Intel Z690 Chipset | Intel Z790 Chipset |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Compatibility | 12th, 13th, 14th Gen Intel Core (LGA 1700); may require BIOS update for 13th/14th Gen. | 12th, 13th, 14th Gen Intel Core (LGA 1700); native support for 13th/14th Gen. |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 256 GB |
| Max RAM Speed (OC) | Up to 6400 MHz | Up to 8000 MHz+ |
| Chipset PCIe 4.0 Lanes | Up to 12 (plus additional PCIe 3.0 lanes from chipset) | Up to 20 (plus additional PCIe 3.0 lanes from chipset) |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Ports | Typically 1 or 2 (board dependent) | Typically 2 or 3 (with at least one additional compared to Z690, board dependent) |
| DMI Link Speed | DMI 4.0 x8 | DMI 4.0 x8 |
| Release Date | Late 2021 (with 12th Gen CPUs) | Late 2022 (with 13th Gen CPUs) |
| Power Delivery | Excellent on high-end boards; good overall for 12th Gen. | Often more robust and refined, optimized for higher-power 13th/14th Gen CPUs. |
Which Chipset is Right for You?
Choosing between the Z690 and Z790 depends on your budget, performance needs, and existing components.
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Choose Z790 if:
- You are building a brand-new high-end system with the latest 13th or 14th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 processors and want out-of-the-box compatibility.
- You plan on extreme memory overclocking or require the absolute highest RAM capacity and speed.
- You need additional high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports or more PCIe 4.0 lanes from the chipset for multiple NVMe SSDs or expansion cards.
- You desire the most refined power delivery for stable, high-performance overclocking.
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Choose Z690 if:
- You are looking for a high-end platform at a more budget-friendly price, as Z690 motherboards can often be found at lower costs.
- You are pairing it with a 12th Gen Intel Core processor, or you are comfortable performing a potential BIOS update for 13th/14th Gen CPUs.
- Your needs for memory speed, capacity, and advanced connectivity are well within the Z690's robust capabilities.
- You find a high-end Z690 motherboard with excellent voltage regulator modules (VRMs) that meets your overclocking demands.
The Z790 represents an evolutionary step from the Z690, offering subtle but meaningful enhancements in memory support, connectivity, and power delivery, making it the more advanced option for cutting-edge builds.
