In the realm of Intel's 14th-gen (renamed 13th-gen) Core CPU series, the Z790 motherboards designed for the LGA 1700 platform are gaining attention. This roundup covers 11 motherboards from renowned manufacturers like Asus, Asrock, MSI, and Gigabyte, ranging in price from $280 to $1,200.
Dec 21, 2023 - 01:23
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Individual Motherboard Reviews and VRM Thermal Testing
We will delve into each motherboard's features, followed by VRM thermal testing, to give a comprehensive view of what each board offers.
Asus’s TUF Gaming Z790 series had an abundance of DDR4 and DDR5 models, including three ATX models under the TUF Gaming sub-brand alone. The new addition, the TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi, joins this lineup as a flagship model.
Design and Features
The Z790-Pro WiFi closely resembles the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus, featuring a similar 16 60A power stage vcore VRM. The primary difference is the conversion of one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot to an x16 slot (still with x1 bandwidth) and an upgraded front USB 20Gbps port that supports 30-watt PD fast charging.
Pricing Concerns
While the TUF Gaming Plus model was well-received, the pricing of the Z790-Pro WiFi poses a challenge. Currently priced at $280, it's at least 22% more expensive than the Plus model, priced around $205 to $230. Until the pricing gap narrows, the 'Pro' model may not offer the best value.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Z790 Motherboard
This roundup provides insights into 11 different Z790 motherboards, catering to various budgets and feature requirements. From the Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi to other models in the lineup, each motherboard offers unique attributes. For those upgrading or building a new system with Intel’s LGA 1700 platform, these motherboards represent the latest offerings to consider. The key is to balance features, thermal performance, and pricing to find the motherboard that best fits your needs and budget.
