What To Know
- The Z790-E features a black and silver design with angular lines and RGB lighting, while the Z790-F has a more subdued black and gray aesthetic with subtle RGB accents.
- The Z790-E has a SupremeFX S1220A audio codec with a dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC, while the Z790-F has a SupremeFX S1220 audio codec with a dedicated ESS ES9218 DAC.
- The ROG Strix Z790-E has a slightly better audio solution with a dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC, while the Z790-F has a dedicated ESS ES9218 DAC.
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F motherboards from ASUS are high-performance options designed to unleash the full potential of Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors. With cutting-edge features and a sleek design, both motherboards offer a compelling choice for enthusiasts and gamers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F are based on Intel’s Z790 chipset, which supports the latest 13th Gen Core processors, including the flagship Core i9-13900K. The Z790 chipset offers a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and overclocking.
Form Factor and Design
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F come in the standard ATX form factor, which provides ample space for expansion and customization. The Z790-E features a black and silver design with angular lines and RGB lighting, while the Z790-F has a more subdued black and gray aesthetic with subtle RGB accents.
Power Delivery
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F both offer robust power delivery systems to handle the demanding power requirements of Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs. The Z790-E features a 16+2 phase digital power supply with high-quality components, while the Z790-F has a 14+2 phase digital power supply.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6600MHz. The ROG Strix Z790-E has four DIMM slots, while the Z790-F has two DIMM slots. In terms of storage, the Z790-E offers four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and six SATA ports, while the Z790-F has three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and four SATA ports.
Expansion Slots
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F provide ample expansion options for graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals. The Z790-E has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Z790-F has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Networking and Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of networking and connectivity options. The ROG Strix Z790-E features a 2.5GbE LAN port, a 1GbE LAN port, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The Z790-F has a 2.5GbE LAN port, a 1GbE LAN port, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Audio
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F both feature high-quality audio solutions. The Z790-E has a SupremeFX S1220A audio codec with a dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC, while the Z790-F has a SupremeFX S1220 audio codec with a dedicated ESS ES9218 DAC.
BIOS and Software
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F both come with a UEFI BIOS that provides a user-friendly interface and advanced overclocking options. The included Armoury Crate software suite offers a range of features for monitoring, customization, and performance optimization.
Wrap-Up: The Perfect Choice for Your Needs
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors. The Z790-E offers a slightly more robust feature set with additional power phases, memory slots, and storage options. However, the Z790-F provides a more budget-friendly option with a solid balance of features. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E has a slightly better power delivery system and more robust cooling options, making it a better choice for overclocking.
Q: Does the ROG Strix Z790-F support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, both the ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6600MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe expansion slots?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E has more PCIe expansion slots, with two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot.
Q: Does the ROG Strix Z790-E come with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity?
A: Yes, the ROG Strix Z790-E features Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, while the Z790-F has Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has a better audio solution?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E has a slightly better audio solution with a dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC, while the Z790-F has a dedicated ESS ES9218 DAC.
