Asus Rog Strix Z790-f Vs E

The latest generation of Intel processors, the 13th Gen Raptor Lake series, demands a high-performance motherboard to unleash its full potential. Enter the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E, two formidable contenders that offer exceptional features and capabilities. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.

Design and Aesthetics:

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E share a sleek and aggressive gaming aesthetic. Both motherboards feature a black and silver color scheme with angular lines and ROG branding accents. The Z790-F has a slightly more subdued design, while the Z790-E boasts RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink and I/O shroud, offering customizable illumination options.

Power Delivery and VRM:

The power delivery system is crucial for stable overclocking and high-performance computing. Both the Z790-F and Z790-E utilize a 16+1 power stage design with high-quality components. However, the Z790-E has a slightly more robust VRM with larger heatsinks, providing better cooling and overclocking headroom.

Memory Support:

Memory speed and capacity play a significant role in overall system performance. Both the Z790-F and Z790-E support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz. The Z790-E offers slightly better memory overclocking capabilities due to its optimized trace layout and BIOS tuning options.

Storage Options:

Storage connectivity is essential for fast loading times and ample storage space. The Z790-F features four M.2 slots, while the Z790-E offers five M.2 slots, providing more storage expansion options. All M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 speeds, ensuring blazing-fast data transfer rates.

Connectivity and I/O:

Connectivity is vital for connecting peripherals and peripherals. The Z790-F and Z790-E offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 2×2 ports, as well as Thunderbolt 4 ports on the Z790-E. Both motherboards also feature high-speed 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for fast and reliable networking.

BIOS and Overclocking:

The BIOS plays a crucial role in system configuration and overclocking. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E both feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking options. The Z790-E offers a slightly more comprehensive BIOS with additional tuning parameters and overclocking profiles.

The Bottom Line:

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-E are both excellent choices for building a high-performance gaming PC with Intel’s 13th Gen processors. The Z790-F offers a great balance of features and affordability, while the Z790-E provides superior power delivery, memory overclocking capabilities, and connectivity options for enthusiasts and power users. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a slightly more robust VRM and optimized BIOS tuning options, providing better overclocking headroom.

Q: How many M.2 slots do each motherboard offer?
A: The Z790-F features four M.2 slots, while the Z790-E offers five M.2 slots, providing more storage expansion options.

Q: Does either motherboard support Thunderbolt 4?
A: Yes, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E features Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast and versatile connectivity.

Q: Which motherboard is better suited for heavy-duty workloads?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E offers a more robust power delivery system and better cooling, making it more suitable for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

Q: What is the difference in price between the two motherboards?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F is typically priced lower than the Z790-E due to its slightly more modest features and capabilities.