What To Know
- The Z790-E supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz, while the Z790-F supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 5333MHz.
- Both the Z790-E and Z790-F offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Z790-E may have a slight edge due to its more advanced memory and storage capabilities.
- The Z790-E has a more advanced audio solution with a SupremeFX ALC4082 audio codec and ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC, providing higher-quality audio output.
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F are two high-end motherboards from ASUS designed for gaming enthusiasts. Both boards offer a comprehensive feature set, including support for the latest Intel 13th Gen processors, PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and advanced networking capabilities. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may influence your purchasing decision.
Feature Comparison
CPU Support
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F support Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors, including the flagship Core i9-13900K.
Memory Support
The Z790-E supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz, while the Z790-F supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 5333MHz.
Storage Connectivity
The Z790-E offers more storage connectivity options than the Z790-F. It includes six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the Z790-F has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards feature two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for graphics cards and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for other expansion cards. However, the Z790-E has an additional PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, providing more flexibility for expansion.
Networking
The Z790-E and Z790-F both feature Intel‘s 2.5GbE Ethernet controller, providing high-speed wired connectivity. However, the Z790-E also includes WiFi 6E support for wireless connectivity.
Audio
The Z790-E has a more advanced audio solution than the Z790-F. It features a SupremeFX ALC4082 audio codec with ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC for high-quality audio output.
RGB Lighting
Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, but the Z790-E offers more customization options. It has an integrated RGB header and two addressable RGB headers, while the Z790-F has only one addressable RGB header.
Which One Should You Choose?
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F are both excellent motherboards, but the best choice for you depends on your specific needs.
Choose the Z790-E if you need:
- More memory capacity and speed
- More storage connectivity options
- More expansion slots
- WiFi 6E support
- Advanced audio solution
- More RGB lighting customization
Choose the Z790-F if you need:
- A more affordable option
- Sufficient memory capacity and speed for most users
- Adequate storage connectivity options
- PCIe 5.0 connectivity for graphics cards
- 2.5GbE Ethernet connectivity
Performance
In terms of performance, the ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F are very similar. Both boards offer excellent stability and overclocking capabilities. However, the Z790-E may have a slight edge in performance due to its more advanced memory and storage capabilities.
Final Note: Making an Informed Decision
The ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F are both high-quality motherboards that offer a wide range of features for gaming enthusiasts. The Z790-E is the more premium option, with more advanced features and customization options. However, the Z790-F is a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both the Z790-E and Z790-F offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Z790-E may have a slight edge due to its more advanced memory and storage capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Z790-E has a more advanced audio solution with a SupremeFX ALC4082 audio codec and ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC, providing higher-quality audio output.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The Z790-E has more RGB lighting customization options, with an integrated RGB header and two addressable RGB headers.
