At a Glance
- The ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards are powered by Intel’s B760 and Z790 chipsets, respectively.
- The B760 chipset is designed for mid-range to high-end gaming PCs, while the Z790 is tailored for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate performance.
- The ROG Strix B760 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the Z790 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 or DDR4 memory.
The world of PC gaming is constantly evolving, demanding motherboards that not only provide stability but also unleash the full potential of the latest hardware. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of two exceptional contenders: the ASUS ROG Strix B760 and the Z790. Get ready to discover their strengths, differences, and which one reigns supreme for your gaming needs.
Chipset and Compatibility
The ROG Strix B760 and Z790 motherboards are powered by Intel’s B760 and Z790 chipsets, respectively. The B760 chipset is designed for mid-range to high-end gaming PCs, while the Z790 is tailored for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate performance.
Socket and CPU Support
Both motherboards feature the LGA 1700 socket, compatible with Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation Core processors. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of CPUs, from the budget-friendly Core i3 to the top-of-the-line Core i9.
Memory Support
The ROG Strix B760 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the Z790 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 or DDR4 memory. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and speeds, but DDR4 is more affordable. The Z790’s flexibility in memory support gives users more options.
Expansion Slots
The ROG Strix B760 features one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Z790 boasts one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The additional PCIe 4.0 slots on the Z790 provide more flexibility for connecting high-speed devices like graphics cards and NVMe SSDs.
Storage Options
The ROG Strix B760 has eight SATA III ports and two M.2 slots that support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. The Z790 has six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots that support PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs. The Z790’s additional M.2 slots and support for PCIe 5.0 SSDs offer faster storage speeds and more expansion options.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- USB 2.0
The Z790 has an additional 2.5Gb Ethernet port for faster wired networking.
Audio and Lighting
The ROG Strix B760 and Z790 both feature SupremeFX audio codecs for high-quality audio output. They also have Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the aesthetics of their builds.
Overclocking Capabilities
The Z790 chipset supports overclocking, enabling users to push their CPUs and memory beyond their default limits. The B760 chipset does not support overclocking, making it less suitable for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the ROG Strix B760 and Z790 depends on your specific needs.
- For mid-range to high-end gaming PCs with balanced performance and features: ROG Strix B760
- For enthusiast-grade gaming PCs with maximum performance and expansion options: ROG Strix Z790
Alternatives to Consider
- MSI MPG Z790-A PRO: A budget-friendly Z790 motherboard with solid features.
- Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master: A high-end Z790 motherboard with premium components and overclocking support.
- ASRock Z790 Steel Legend: A reliable and feature-rich Z790 motherboard with a competitive price.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The ROG Strix Z790 supports DDR5 memory, which offers higher bandwidth and speeds than DDR4.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe 4.0 slots?
A: The ROG Strix Z790 has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the B760 has only two.
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ROG Strix Z790 supports overclocking, while the B760 does not.