What To Know
- In the ever-evolving world of PC gaming, the motherboard serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all the crucial components and ensuring seamless performance.
- In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi against its sibling, the Z790-F Gaming WiFi, to determine which one emerges victorious in the battle for gaming supremacy.
- The Z790-E features a sleek black and silver design with angular lines and RGB lighting zones, while the Z790-F adopts a more subdued black and gray aesthetic with subtler RGB accents.
In the ever-evolving world of PC gaming, the motherboard serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all the crucial components and ensuring seamless performance. When it comes to high-end gaming motherboards, ASUS’s ROG Strix series stands tall, offering a formidable lineup of options. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi against its sibling, the Z790-F Gaming WiFi, to determine which one emerges victorious in the battle for gaming supremacy.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both the Z790-E and Z790-F motherboards are built around Intel’s latest Z790 chipset, designed to unleash the full potential of 13th-generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel CPUs.
Memory Support
In terms of memory support, both motherboards offer ample capacity and speed. The Z790-E supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM across four DIMM slots, with speeds reaching a blistering 6800MHz+. The Z790-F offers a slightly lower capacity, supporting up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, but it also boasts impressive speeds of 6400MHz+.
Storage Connectivity
When it comes to storage connectivity, the Z790-E takes the lead. It features four M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots, allowing you to connect ultra-fast NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast load times and data transfers. The Z790-F, on the other hand, offers two M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots and two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, providing a more balanced mix of speed and storage capacity.
Expansion Slots
For expansion cards, both motherboards offer a generous selection of PCIe slots. The Z790-E features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Z790-F offers a slightly different configuration, with one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards provide a comprehensive suite of options. They offer 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for wired and wireless networking. The Z790-E includes an additional Intel I226-V 2.5Gb Ethernet port for faster network speeds.
Design and Aesthetics
Form Factor and Layout
Both the Z790-E and Z790-F motherboards share the same ATX form factor, providing ample space for component installation and cable management. The Z790-E features a sleek black and silver design with angular lines and RGB lighting zones, while the Z790-F adopts a more subdued black and gray aesthetic with subtler RGB accents.
RGB Lighting
For RGB enthusiasts, the Z790-E offers a more extensive lighting experience. It features multiple RGB headers and a built-in addressable LED strip, allowing you to customize the lighting effects to match your personal style. The Z790-F also includes RGB headers, but it has a more limited selection of lighting zones.
Performance and Overclocking
CPU Overclocking
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities. They feature a 16-phase digital power delivery system that provides stable power to your CPU, even under heavy loads. The Z790-E has a slight edge in this area, with a stronger power delivery system that allows for higher overclocking headroom.
Memory Overclocking
When it comes to memory overclocking, the Z790-E once again takes the lead. It supports higher memory speeds and offers more granular control over memory timings, allowing you to push your RAM to its limits for maximum performance.
Cooling and VRM Heatsinks
VRM Heatsinks
Both motherboards feature robust VRM heatsinks to dissipate heat from the power delivery system. The Z790-E has a larger and more elaborate heatsink design, ensuring optimal cooling even under extreme overclocking conditions.
M.2 Heatsinks
To prevent your M.2 SSDs from overheating, both motherboards include M.2 heatsinks. The Z790-E features dedicated heatsinks for each M.2 slot, while the Z790-F has a more streamlined design with a single heatsink covering both M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots.
Price and Value
Pricing
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi is priced slightly higher than the Z790-F Gaming WiFi, reflecting its more extensive feature set and higher overclocking potential. The Z790-F offers a more budget-friendly option for those who prioritize value over extreme performance.
Value Proposition
Both motherboards offer excellent value for their respective price points. The Z790-E is the ideal choice for enthusiasts and overclockers who demand the absolute best performance and customization options. The Z790-F, on the other hand, provides a solid balance of features, performance, and affordability, making it a great option for mainstream gamers and content creators.
The Verdict – Which One Reigns Supreme?
In the battle of the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi vs. Z790-F Gaming WiFi, the Z790-E emerges as the victor for those who seek the ultimate gaming experience. With its superior overclocking capabilities, more extensive storage connectivity, and enhanced RGB lighting, it is the perfect choice for enthusiasts and hardcore gamers. The Z790-F, however, offers a more value-oriented option for those who prioritize affordability and a solid balance of features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q1. Which motherboard has better memory overclocking potential?
A1. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi offers superior memory overclocking capabilities, supporting higher speeds and more granular control over memory timings.
Q2. Does the Z790-F support DDR5 RAM?
A2. Yes, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi supports DDR5 RAM up to 64GB and speeds of 6400MHz+.
Q3. Which motherboard has more M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots?
A3. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi features four M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots, while the Z790-F Gaming WiFi offers two.
Q4. Which motherboard has a larger VRM heatsink?
A4. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has a larger and more elaborate VRM heatsink design, ensuring optimal cooling under heavy loads.
Q5. Which motherboard is better for RGB enthusiasts?
A5. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi offers a more extensive RGB lighting experience with multiple RGB headers and a built-in addressable LED strip.
