What To Know
- The Z790-E supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz, while the Z790-F supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz.
- 0 slot on the Z790-E gives you more flexibility for future upgrades, such as adding a second graphics card or a high-speed storage device.
- However, if you are on a budget or do not need the extra features, the Z790-F is a great option that provides excellent performance and value for money.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and Z790-F Gaming WiFi are two premium motherboards designed for high-performance gaming systems. Both boards offer an impressive array of features, but they also have some key differences that may influence your purchase decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of these two motherboards to help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs.
Specifications
| Feature | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 | Intel Z790 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR5-6400 | Up to 128GB DDR5-6000 |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports | 3x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E |
| Audio | SupremeFX ALC4080 | SupremeFX ALC4080 |
Features
Power Delivery
Both motherboards feature a robust power delivery system with 16+1 power stages, ensuring stable and reliable power to the CPU. The Z790-E has a slightly higher power rating of 105A, while the Z790-F has a 90A rating.
Memory Support
The Z790-E supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz, while the Z790-F supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz. Both motherboards offer overclocking capabilities, but the Z790-E has a slight edge in terms of memory overclocking potential.
Storage
The Z790-E has four M.2 slots, compared to three on the Z790-F. Both motherboards have six SATA ports, providing ample storage options for your games, operating system, and other files.
Expansion Slots
The Z790-E has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the Z790-F has two. Both motherboards have one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. The additional PCIe 5.0 slot on the Z790-E gives you more flexibility for future upgrades, such as adding a second graphics card or a high-speed storage device.
Networking
Both motherboards feature 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6E connectivity, providing fast and reliable networking for online gaming and other applications. The Z790-E also has a Thunderbolt 4 port, which is not available on the Z790-F. This port allows you to connect high-speed peripherals, such as external storage devices or monitors.
Audio
Both motherboards use the SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec, which provides high-quality audio performance. They also feature dedicated audio jacks for headphones and microphones, as well as support for DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III software.
Performance
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver excellent results. They both provide stable and reliable operation, with no noticeable differences in gaming benchmarks or other performance tests. However, the Z790-E may have a slight edge in overclocking performance due to its higher power rating and memory overclocking capabilities.
Aesthetics
The Z790-E and Z790-F both have a sleek and aggressive ROG-themed design. The Z790-E has a more angular and futuristic look, while the Z790-F has a more traditional ROG aesthetic. Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, which you can customize to match your system’s color scheme.
Price
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi is priced slightly higher than the Z790-F Gaming WiFi. The price difference is primarily due to the Z790-E’s additional features, such as the fourth M.2 slot, the Thunderbolt 4 port, and the slightly higher power rating.
Summary: Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and Z790-F Gaming WiFi are both excellent motherboards for high-performance gaming systems. The Z790-E offers a few additional features, such as an extra M.2 slot, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a higher power rating, but it comes at a slightly higher price. If you need these additional features, the Z790-E is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or do not need the extra features, the Z790-F is a great option that provides excellent performance and value for money.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which motherboard has better memory overclocking potential?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has slightly better memory overclocking potential due to its higher power rating.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has more storage options with four M.2 slots compared to three on the Z790-F.
3. Which motherboard has Thunderbolt 4 connectivity?
Only the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has a Thunderbolt 4 port.
4. Which motherboard is better for multi-GPU setups?
Both motherboards support multi-GPU setups, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi has an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing more flexibility for adding a second graphics card.
5. Which motherboard has better audio performance?
Both motherboards use the same SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec and offer similar audio performance.
