At a Glance
- The Z790-F features a 16+1 phase design with 90A power stages, while the Z790-E takes it up a notch with a 20+1 phase design and 105A power stages.
- The ROG Strix series is renowned for its striking aesthetics, and both the Z790-F and Z790-E deliver in this regard.
- The Z790-F sports a bold black and silver design with customizable RGB lighting, while the Z790-E features a more subdued black and gray color scheme with a stealthy vibe.
The realm of high-performance motherboards has witnessed an epic clash between two titans: the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E. These exceptional motherboards are designed to unleash the full potential of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors, offering an unparalleled gaming and overclocking experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricate details of these two powerhouses, highlighting their strengths and differences to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Overclocking Prowess
Both the ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E boast a robust power delivery system, ensuring stable operation even under demanding overclocking conditions. The Z790-F features a 16+1 phase design with 90A power stages, while the Z790-E takes it up a notch with a 20+1 phase design and 105A power stages. This superior power delivery system on the Z790-E translates into better voltage regulation and higher overclocking headroom.
Connectivity and Expansion Capabilities
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive array of options. They both feature dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, allowing for high-bandwidth data transfer and support for the latest GPUs. The Z790-E, however, includes an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing more flexibility for multi-GPU setups or expansion cards.
Storage and Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the Z790-F offering up to 128GB of RAM and the Z790-E supporting up to 256GB. They also provide ample storage options, including multiple M.2 slots and SATA ports. The Z790-E, however, features additional M.2 slots and a PCIe 5.0 NVMe RAID card, catering to enthusiasts who demand the fastest storage performance.
Audio and Networking Capabilities
For audio enthusiasts, the Z790-E stands out with its SupremeFX ALC4080 codec, offering exceptional audio quality and immersive surround sound experiences. The Z790-F, on the other hand, features a Realtek ALC4082 codec, which still provides solid audio performance.
In terms of networking, both motherboards come equipped with Intel’s 2.5Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The Z790-E, however, introduces the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, providing ultra-fast wireless speeds and reduced latency for seamless online gaming and streaming.
Aesthetics and Customization
The ROG Strix series is renowned for its striking aesthetics, and both the Z790-F and Z790-E deliver in this regard. The Z790-F sports a bold black and silver design with customizable RGB lighting, while the Z790-E features a more subdued black and gray color scheme with a stealthy vibe. Both motherboards offer extensive customization options through the Armoury Crate software, allowing users to personalize their system’s appearance and performance.
BIOS and Overclocking Features
Both motherboards feature a user-friendly BIOS interface with intuitive overclocking tools. The Z790-F provides a robust set of overclocking options, including voltage adjustments, memory tuning, and fan control. The Z790-E, however, takes it a step further with its AI Overclocking feature, which automatically optimizes system settings for maximum performance.
Price and Availability
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F is priced slightly lower than the Z790-E, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Z790-E offers additional features and performance enhancements, justifying its higher price point. Both motherboards are widely available at major retailers and online marketplaces.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Board for Your Needs
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you prioritize raw overclocking potential and value, the Z790-F is an excellent choice. However, if you demand the absolute best in connectivity, storage performance, audio quality, and networking capabilities, the Z790-E is the clear winner. Both motherboards are exceptional options for high-performance gaming and content creation rigs, offering unparalleled performance and customization options.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E offers superior overclocking potential due to its enhanced power delivery system and AI Overclocking feature.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E provides additional M.2 slots and a PCIe 5.0 NVMe RAID card, offering more storage flexibility and performance.
Q: Which motherboard has the best audio quality?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E features a higher-quality SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec, delivering exceptional audio performance and immersive surround sound experiences.
Q: Which motherboard has faster wireless connectivity?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E introduces the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, providing ultra-fast wireless speeds and reduced latency for seamless online gaming and streaming.
Q: Which motherboard is more expensive?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is priced slightly higher than the Z790-F due to its additional features and enhanced performance.