When it comes to building a high-performance PC, selecting the right motherboard is essential. Motherboards are the backbone of any computer system and determine the compatibility of different components. Two of the most popular motherboard chipsets available today are Z690 and Z790. If you are confused about which one to choose for your next build, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What is Z690?
Z690 is the latest motherboard chipset from Intel and is designed for use with 12th generation Intel processors. It is based on the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR5 memory. The Z690 chipset supports PCI Express 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4, which offer faster data transfer speeds and better connectivity options. It also comes with Intel’s new Alder Lake platform, which is designed to deliver better performance and efficiency.
What is Z790?
Z790 is an upcoming motherboard chipset from Intel that is designed for use with 13th generation Intel processors. It is expected to be based on the LGA 1700 socket and support DDR5 memory. Z790 is also expected to support PCI Express 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4, but it will likely offer improved performance and efficiency compared to Z690.
Comparison of Z690 and Z790
To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison table of Z690 and Z790.
| Features | Z690 | Z790 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Support | 12th Gen Intel Processors | 13th Gen Intel Processors |
| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| PCI Express Support | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Thunderbolt Support | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Platform | Alder Lake | Unknown |
| Expected Release Date | Q4 2021 | Q4 2022 |
As you can see from the table, both chipsets offer similar features in terms of processor support, memory support, PCI Express support, and Thunderbolt support. However, Z790 is expected to offer improved performance and efficiency compared to Z690, thanks to its newer platform and chipset design.
Which one to choose?
If you are planning to build a high-performance PC in the near future, you may be wondering which chipset to choose. If you want the latest and greatest technology, then Z690 is a good choice. It offers fast data transfer speeds and better connectivity options, thanks to its support for PCIe 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4. Additionally, it comes with Intel’s new Alder Lake platform, which is designed to deliver better performance and efficiency.
On the other hand, if you can wait for another year, Z790 is expected to offer even better performance and efficiency than Z690. This is because it will be based on a newer platform and chipset design. However, if you need a new PC now, then Z690 is the way to go.
Conclusion
Choosing between Z690 and Z790 depends on your specific needs and requirements. Both chipsets offer similar features in terms of processor support, memory support, PCI Express support, and Thunderbolt support. However, Z790 is expected to offer improved performance and efficiency compared to Z690. Ultimately, the decision of which one to choose depends on your budget and the specific needs of your PC build.
