At a Glance
- The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi motherboards, the latest offerings from the renowned Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, are highly anticipated by gaming enthusiasts.
- Both the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are built on the Intel Z790 chipset, which provides support for the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
- The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6600MHz, while the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz.
The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi motherboards, the latest offerings from the renowned Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, are highly anticipated by gaming enthusiasts. Both boards pack a punch with support for the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, but they offer distinct features that cater to different needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two ROG Strix Z790 motherboards to help you make an informed choice.
Chipset and Socket: The Foundation of Performance
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are built on the Intel Z790 chipset, which provides support for the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors. However, the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi goes a step further with its LGA 1700 socket, which also supports previous-generation 12th Gen Intel Core processors. This backward compatibility gives you more flexibility if you decide to upgrade your CPU in the future.
Power Delivery: Unleashing the Beast
The power delivery system is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable performance, especially for high-end gaming. The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi boasts a 16+1 power stage design, which provides ample power to the CPU even under the most demanding workloads. The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, on the other hand, features a 14+2 power stage design, which is still capable of handling most gaming workloads but may not be as suitable for extreme overclocking.
Memory Support: Expanding Your Horizons
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, offering faster speeds and increased capacity compared to previous generations. The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6600MHz, while the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz. This difference in memory capacity and speed may be a consideration if you plan on running memory-intensive applications or games.
Storage Options: Blazing-Fast Connectivity
When it comes to storage, both motherboards offer a wide range of options. The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi features four M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 for lightning-fast storage speeds. The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has three M.2 slots, with one supporting PCIe 4.0. Additionally, both motherboards have multiple SATA ports for connecting traditional hard drives or SSDs.
Connectivity: Stay Connected and In Control
Both motherboards are well-equipped with connectivity options. The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi features an Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet port for wired networking and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 module for wireless connectivity. The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has an Intel 1Gb Ethernet port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module. While both motherboards offer solid connectivity options, the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has the edge with its faster Ethernet port and support for Wi-Fi 6E, which provides higher bandwidth and lower latency.
Audio and Lighting: Immerse Yourself in the Game
The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi both feature high-quality audio solutions with SupremeFX audio technology. They also have Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the aesthetics of your gaming rig. However, the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi goes a step further with its dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC for improved audio quality and an additional addressable RGB header for even more lighting customization options.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right ROG Strix Z790 for Your Gaming Needs
The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are both excellent motherboards for gaming enthusiasts. The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi offers more features, including support for previous-generation CPUs, a more robust power delivery system, faster memory support, and enhanced audio and lighting capabilities. However, this comes at a higher price point. The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still provides solid performance and features for most gaming needs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Popular Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has a more robust power delivery system, making it better suited for extreme overclocking.
Q: Does the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi support PCIe 5.0 storage?
A: No, the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi only supports PCIe 4.0 storage.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has more USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
Q: Does the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi have a BIOS flashback button?
A: Yes, the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has a BIOS flashback button for easy BIOS updates.
Q: Which motherboard is better for multi-GPU configurations?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has more PCIe slots, making it a better choice for multi-GPU configurations.