What To Know
- However, the Z790-F offers a more comprehensive feature set, including a more powerful VRM, more PCIe slots, and more M.
- While the Z790-H is a solid motherboard in its own right, it is ultimately outclassed by the Z790-F in terms of overall performance and value.
- Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-H are excellent choices for gaming, but the Z790-F has a slight edge due to its more powerful VRM and additional PCIe slots.
The realm of motherboards is a competitive one, with manufacturers vying for the attention of enthusiasts and overclockers alike. In the latest generation of Intel motherboards, two contenders stand out: the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H. Both boards offer a formidable array of features, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the depths of these two adversaries to determine which one emerges victorious.
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, with its angular lines and bold ROG branding. The board is predominantly black, accented by subtle gray and silver elements. The Z790-H, on the other hand, boasts a more understated design, with a matte black finish and minimal embellishments. While both boards are visually appealing, the Z790-F’s more aggressive styling may appeal to those who prefer a more flamboyant aesthetic.
Chipset and Features
Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-H are based on Intel’s Z790 chipset, which supports the latest 13th-generation Intel Core processors. The Z790-F, however, offers a slightly more robust feature set, including:
- Enhanced VRM: The Z790-F features a 16+1 power phase design, providing ample power delivery for even the most demanding overclocks. The Z790-H, in comparison, has a 14+1 power phase design.
- More PCIe Slots: The Z790-F offers four PCIe 5.0 slots, while the Z790-H has only three. This additional PCIe slot provides more flexibility for connecting graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals.
- More M.2 Slots: The Z790-F features four M.2 slots, compared to the Z790-H’s three. These additional M.2 slots allow for the installation of more high-speed NVMe storage drives.
Connectivity
Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-H offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including:
- USB Ports: Both boards have multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as USB-C ports.
- Networking: The Z790-F features a 2.5GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6E module, while the Z790-H has a 1GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6 module.
- Audio: Both boards have high-quality audio codecs, providing immersive sound for gaming and entertainment.
Overclocking Potential
Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate the robust overclocking capabilities of both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-H. The Z790-F, however, offers a slight edge in this regard, thanks to its more powerful VRM and additional PCIe slots. This allows for more aggressive overclocks, resulting in higher performance gains.
Cooling
Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-H are equipped with robust cooling solutions to ensure optimal performance even under heavy loads. The Z790-F features a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.2 heatsink, while the Z790-H has a more modest VRM heatsink and a smaller M.2 heatsink. While both boards provide adequate cooling, the Z790-F’s more elaborate cooling system may be beneficial for those who plan on pushing their systems to the limits.
Price and Value
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F typically retails for a slightly higher price than the Z790-H. However, the Z790-F offers a more comprehensive feature set, including a more powerful VRM, more PCIe slots, and more M.2 slots. For users who demand the best possible performance and flexibility, the Z790-F represents the better value proposition.
The Verdict
In the battle of the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F vs. H, the Z790-F emerges as the victor. It offers a more robust feature set, including a more powerful VRM, more PCIe slots, and more M.2 slots. The Z790-F also has a more aggressive aesthetic and slightly better overclocking potential. While the Z790-H is a solid motherboard in its own right, it is ultimately outclassed by the Z790-F in terms of overall performance and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and Z790-H are excellent choices for gaming, but the Z790-F has a slight edge due to its more powerful VRM and additional PCIe slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F offers slightly better overclocking potential than the Z790-H, thanks to its more robust VRM.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has four M.2 slots, while the Z790-H has only three.
