At a Glance
- Both motherboards feature a rugged and angular TUF Gaming aesthetic, with black and gray color schemes and a mix of metal and plastic components.
- However, the Z690 provides a solid foundation for gaming at a more affordable price.
- The Z690 provides a comparable gaming experience to the Z790 at a slightly lower price point, making it a better value for money for budget-conscious gamers.
The realm of gaming motherboards is a fierce battleground, and two titans stand tall: the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 and Z790. Both motherboards boast impressive features tailored for the most demanding gamers, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison delves deep into the specifications, performance, and value proposition of these two gaming powerhouses.
Performance:
Processor Support:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 supports 12th-generation Intel Core processors, while the Z790 expands this compatibility to include both 12th and 13th-generation processors. This wider processor support gives the Z790 an edge in future-proofing.
Chipset:
The Z790 features the latest Intel Z790 chipset, which offers improved PCIe 5.0 support and enhanced memory overclocking capabilities compared to the Z690’s Z690 chipset. This translates to faster data transfer speeds and improved gaming performance.
Memory:
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the Z790 offering slightly higher maximum memory speeds of up to 6400MHz compared to the Z690’s 5333MHz. However, the difference in real-world performance between these speeds is negligible.
Features:
Connectivity:
The Z790 outshines the Z690 in terms of connectivity. It boasts a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for faster wired network speeds, while the Z690 only offers a standard Gigabit Ethernet port. Additionally, the Z790 includes built-in Wi-Fi 6E support for wireless connectivity, which the Z690 lacks.
Expansion Slots:
The Z790 features an additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slot compared to the Z690, providing more flexibility for expansion cards. However, both motherboards offer ample PCIe slots for most gaming setups.
Audio:
The Z790’s Realtek ALC4080 audio codec provides slightly better sound quality than the Z690’s Realtek ALC897 codec. This difference is noticeable primarily for audio enthusiasts and discerning gamers.
Design:
Aesthetics:
Both motherboards feature a rugged and angular TUF Gaming aesthetic, with black and gray color schemes and a mix of metal and plastic components. The Z790 has a slightly more refined design with a larger heatsink and more RGB lighting elements.
Durability:
The TUF Gaming series is renowned for its durability, and both the Z690 and Z790 are no exception. They feature reinforced PCIe slots and memory slots, as well as a robust VRM heatsink to ensure stability under demanding gaming conditions.
Value Proposition:
Pricing:
The Z790 typically commands a slightly higher price than the Z690, reflecting its newer chipset and enhanced features. However, the price difference is not significant enough to be a major factor in most purchasing decisions.
Features vs. Value:
The Z790 offers a slight edge in features, including improved connectivity, memory support, and audio quality. However, the Z690 provides a comparable gaming experience at a slightly lower price point. The choice between these two motherboards ultimately depends on individual needs and budget.
Key Points:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 and Z790 are both excellent motherboards for gamers. The Z790 offers a wider range of features, including processor support, connectivity, and memory overclocking. However, the Z690 provides a solid foundation for gaming at a more affordable price.
Ultimately, the best choice between these two motherboards depends on individual priorities. If future-proofing, cutting-edge performance, and connectivity are paramount, the Z790 is the clear winner. If budget and value-for-money are more important, the Z690 is a compelling option that delivers an exceptional gaming experience.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better processor support?
A: The Z790 supports both 12th and 13th-generation Intel Core processors, while the Z690 supports only 12th-generation processors.
Q: Does the Z790 offer faster memory speeds?
A: Yes, the Z790 supports DDR5 memory speeds up to 6400MHz, slightly higher than the Z690’s 5333MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Z790 features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which provides slightly better sound quality than the Z690’s ALC897 codec.
Q: Is the Z790 more durable than the Z690?
A: Both motherboards feature robust TUF Gaming designs, ensuring durability and stability under demanding conditions.
Q: Which motherboard is a better value for money?
A: The Z690 provides a comparable gaming experience to the Z790 at a slightly lower price point, making it a better value for money for budget-conscious gamers.