What to know
- The Z790 chipset, found on the Strix Z790 board, is the more advanced of the two, offering a wider range of features and connectivity options.
- The Strix Z790 motherboard, however, has a slight edge over the Strix B760 in terms of power delivery, with a more robust VRM design and higher-quality components.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards not only deliver exceptional performance but also offer a range of aesthetic and feature enhancements to elevate your PC build.
The battle for motherboard supremacy continues as ASUS ROG unveils its latest offerings, the ROG Strix B760 and Z790. Designed to complement Intel‘s 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors, these motherboards pack a formidable punch for gamers, enthusiasts, and content creators alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the ASUS ROG Strix B760 vs Z790, empowering you to make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Socket Compatibility: Embracing the Raptor Lake Era
Both the ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards are designed for Intel’s LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with the latest 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors. This compatibility extends to both the unlocked “K” and locked “non-K” CPU variants, providing a wide range of options to suit your performance and budget requirements.
Chipset Comparison: Z790’s Superiority
The ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards feature different chipsets, which dictate their capabilities and feature sets. The Z790 chipset, found on the Strix Z790 board, is the more advanced of the two, offering a wider range of features and connectivity options. Some of the key advantages of the Z790 chipset include:
- Support for PCIe 5.0: The Z790 chipset provides native support for PCIe 5.0, the latest and fastest PCIe standard. This enables blazing-fast data transfer speeds for compatible graphics cards, SSDs, and other peripherals.
- Increased PCIe Lanes: The Z790 chipset provides more PCIe lanes than the B760, allowing for greater flexibility in configuring your system. This additional bandwidth is particularly beneficial for multi-GPU setups and high-performance storage devices.
- Enhanced Overclocking Capabilities: The Z790 chipset offers more robust overclocking capabilities than the B760, allowing you to push your system to its limits and extract maximum performance.
Memory Support: Unleashing DDR5 Potential
Both the ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards support the latest DDR5 memory technology, providing significant performance gains over previous-generation DDR4. The Strix B760 supports DDR5 memory speeds up to 6400MHz, while the Strix Z790 motherboard can handle even faster speeds of up to 7600MHz. However, it’s important to note that the actual memory speed supported will depend on the capabilities of the installed CPU and memory modules.
Storage Connectivity: NVMe Blazing Fast
The ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards offer ample storage connectivity options to cater to your data storage needs. Both motherboards feature multiple M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, providing blazing-fast data transfer speeds and reduced loading times. The Strix Z790 motherboard offers more M.2 slots than the Strix B760, allowing you to connect more NVMe SSDs for expanded storage capacity and performance.
Power Delivery: Fueling Your System
The power delivery system of a motherboard plays a crucial role in ensuring stable and reliable operation, especially during overclocking. The ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards feature robust power delivery systems capable of handling the power demands of even the most demanding 13th-gen Intel processors. The Strix Z790 motherboard, however, has a slight edge over the Strix B760 in terms of power delivery, with a more robust VRM design and higher-quality components.
Connectivity and Expansion: Embracing the Future
The ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards boast a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports for ultra-fast data transfer speeds. The Strix Z790 motherboard offers additional connectivity options, such as:
- Thunderbolt 4 Support: The Strix Z790 motherboard includes support for Thunderbolt 4, providing lightning-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays and other Thunderbolt-compatible devices.
- Wi-Fi 6E: The Strix Z790 motherboard features an integrated Wi-Fi 6E module, offering wireless connectivity with reduced latency and increased bandwidth.
Aesthetics and Features: Personalizing Your Build
The ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards not only deliver exceptional performance but also offer a range of aesthetic and feature enhancements to elevate your PC build. Both motherboards feature customizable RGB lighting zones, allowing you to synchronize your system’s lighting effects with compatible components. The Strix Z790 motherboard, however, offers more extensive lighting customization options, including additional RGB headers for connecting additional lighting devices.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with advanced features and overclocking capabilities, the Strix Z790 is the clear choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t require the full range of features offered by the Strix Z790, the Strix B760 provides an excellent balance of performance and value.
Beyond the Comparison: Unlocking Your Potential
Whether you choose the ASUS ROG Strix B760 or Z790 motherboard, you’ll have a solid foundation for building a powerful and reliable PC. To further enhance your build, consider investing in high-performance components such as a high-speed DDR5 memory kit, a fast NVMe SSD, and a powerful graphics card. Additionally, taking advantage of the motherboard’s overclocking capabilities can unlock even more performance, allowing you to push your system to its limits.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the main difference between the ASUS ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards?
A: The main difference lies in the chipset. The Strix Z790 features the more advanced Z790 chipset, which offers features such as PCIe 5.0 support, increased PCIe lanes, and enhanced overclocking capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are excellent for gaming, but the Strix Z790 has a slight edge due to its more robust power delivery system and overclocking capabilities.
Q: Is the ASUS ROG Strix B760 compatible with 13th-gen Intel processors?
A: Yes, both the Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards are compatible with Intel’s 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Strix Z790 motherboard has more M.2 slots than the Strix B760, providing greater flexibility for connecting NVMe SSDs.
Q: Does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboard support Thunderbolt 4?
A: Yes, the Strix Z790 motherboard includes support for Thunderbolt 4, providing lightning-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays and other Thunderbolt-compatible devices.