Intel Z490 vs Z590 Chipset are two of the most recent Intel chipset options for gamers, enthusiasts, and professionals looking to build their next home or office computer. But, what is the difference between these two chipset brands?
Some argue that the Intel Z490 chipset offers a cheaper, more accessible solution for people who need a versatile chipset to complement their desktop CPU. Others argue that the Intel Z590 chipset is a better option for power users who require a robust chipset with specialized features. Read on our guide to learn more about these two Intel chipset options.
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Intel Z490 Chipset
The Z490 Intel Chipset fits perfectly with a 10th-generation processor or someone looking for one. The Z490 Chipset uses LGA 1200 sockets for the new Comet Lake CPUs, unlike the Z390 Chipset. Although the Z490 is often seen as inferior to the Intel Z590 CPU, it offers dozens of additional features.
The Z490 is an older-generation chipset but was designed to be a premium line of motherboards. It offers features like the power delivery and VRMs.
If you don’t need memory overclocking or PCIe 4.0 support, the Z490 is a cost-effective and affordable option. This chipset is compatible with the Intel i3 or i5 Rocket Lake processors. This chipset will save you money and allow you to get better components, such as an SSD or GPU.
The Z490 currently stands as Intel’s most overclocking-friendly chipset and comes with many motherboard options. This chipset supports CPUs from the B-series as well as the H-series. The Z490’s high processor level offers slightly higher memory support and speeds than the Intel Z390 chipset.
If you want to take advantage of Intel’s premium chipset, the Intel Z490 is the right choice. If you want to create a high-end i7/i9 setup, you should consider the Z490 motherboard.
Intel Z590 Chipset
The latest Z590 chipset from Intel was launched in 2020. It is an incremental improvement over the Z490 chipset. Both motherboards share the same LGA 1200 sockets, making the Intel Z590 compatible with the 10th and 11th generation Intel Core CPUs. Connectivity is where the Z590 has a lot more advantages than the Z490.
This is the PCI Gen 4 that runs from the CPU, but it is much more optimized for this platform. The top has 16 slots that run directly to the CPU. The Intel Z590 chipset should be compatible with any graphics card or PCI Gen 4 card.
The Intel Z590 offers additional features, such as the Intel 2.5Gbps LAN and 8 USB ports. Intel has also doubled the link speed of the Z590 by integrating PCIe4.0 support and USB 3.2 support. Also, the upgraded power delivery allows for an even faster connection. The chipset also supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps), so that we can expect to see these fast USB Type-A/Type-C ports on all Z590 motherboards.
Intel Z490 vs Z590 Chipset Comparison
Connectivity
A suite of new connectivity options has been added to the Z590 chipset. Native support for the USB 2.0 Gen 2×2 port is the first. This allows for a maximum transfer speed of 20 Gbps. Several Z490 board manufacturers included the port with an ASMedia chip connected directly to the motherboard’s PCIe lanes.
The Maple Ridge Thunderbolt 4 controller is the next improvement in connectivity. The transfer rate is the same as Thunderbolt 3. However, the new standard offers additional security and support for longer cables. Tree chaining is also possible.
CPU-Chipset Link
Eight lanes of DMI connectivity are now available with the Z590 chipset, double the number of the Z490 chipset. These additional lanes provide enough bandwidth for the chipset to support up to two M.2 SSDs at maximum speed. This feature is not available on 11th Gen processors. Older 10th Gen processors can switch x4.
PCIe 4.0 Support
The Intel Z590 starts at the PCI Gen 4 but runs directly from the CPU. This platform is much more optimized. The top of the Intel Z590 is 16 slots that are directly routed to the CPU. The latest 11th Generation Rocket Lake Intel CPUs also come with PCIe4.0 support, allowing you to use faster speeds.
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The Z590 also has 20 lanes and x8 DMI support. The Intel Z490 now supports PCIe 4.0 with all 11th-generation Intel core processors. Most manufacturers don’t want to equip the Z490 chipset onto their motherboards, so the Z590 is the best choice.
Memory Support
The Z590 motherboards support DDR4-3200 memory frequencies, compared to DDR4-2933 on the older Z490 chipset. Although the motherboards can theoretically support DDR4-5333 frequency, they are expensive and lose warranty protection because of overclocking. The Z590 is better if you plan to use faster RAM.
Wireless Networking
The Intel Z590 comes with the Intel(r] Wi-Fi 6AX201 and an integrated MAC. These Z590 motherboards have better connectivity than the Z490, which has the Intel(r) WiFi 6 AX201. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports enable faster wireless networking with speeds of up to 20 Gbps
USB Support
The Intel Z590’s USB 3.2 port, which can handle speeds up to 20 Gbps, is a critical feature. This allows for better connectivity and enhanced power delivery. Most Z590 motherboards have Type-A and Type-C USB ports. The Intel Z490 also supports six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and six SATA3 ports.
Overclocking
Both chipsets mentioned above have a 6-watt thermal display. The Z490 is specifically designed for users whose workflow doesn’t require memory overclocking or PCIe 4.0 support.
The Intel Z590 is an excellent option for those who want to push their system beyond its limits. The Intel Z590 has not seen any significant improvements in terms of overlocking.
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Why you should buy a Z490 motherboard?
Cheaper than equivalent Z590 options
As the Z590 chipset launches, prices for Z490, which is an older generation, will be reduced. Intel launched the Z490 chipset to support a premium line of motherboards. This means that features such as high-quality components and effective VRMs will still be available without spending more for a Z590 chipset.
Regular users will find a better solution.
If you are a regular buyer, specs such as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, PCIe4.0 support, and memory overclocking may not be necessary to your workflow. The Z490 is the better option, even for the Rocket Lake i3 and I5 processors. It offers significant cost savings and allows you to get better components like the SSD and GPU.
Z590 is not available for Intel 10th Gen CPUs
We’ve already seen that the 10th Generation Intel Core processors don’t support PCIe 4.0. The slower bandwidth between the older processors and the chipset will also limit functionality on Z590 motherboards.
We recommend that you avoid a Z590 motherboard unless you plan on using a 10th-generation processor such as the Core i9-10900K or high-frequency RAM to overclock it.
We recommend CPUs that are compatible with Z490 Motherboards:
- Intel Core i3 processors of the 10th Generation
- Intel Core i5 processors of the 10th Generation
- Intel Core i7 processors of the 10th Generation
- Intel Core i3 processors of the 11th Generation
- Intel Core i5 processors of the 11th Generation
Why you should buy a Z590 motherboard?
Better chipset expansion
Due to the doubled DMI link between processor and chipset, the Z590 chipset has greater bandwidth. This makes it easy for motherboard manufacturers to add more devices and slots to their products, such as storage and network. Two M.2 slots are available to manufacturers who decide to offer full PCIe 3.0×4 speeds.
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PCIe 4.0 for 11th Generation CPUs
Supported chipsets and motherboards are required for the 11th generation CPUs with PCIe 4.0. All Z590 motherboards will support it, but many Z490 options made by manufacturers such as ASUS do not support hardware support. This is because Intel didn’t enforce it in 10th Gen processors.
PCIe 4.0 offers superior performance and more expansion, which can be used for additional slots, network devices, high-speed peripherals, and other purposes.
Better connectivity
The Z590 motherboard is equipped with the most recent peripherals, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds up to 20 Gbps. The Z590 motherboard is the best choice if you think your work could benefit significantly from the additional ports.
The additional PCIe 4.0 lanes can be configured to speed up networking and connectivity. This depends on the motherboard manufacturer.
We recommend CPUs that are compatible with Z590 Motherboards:
- Intel Core i5 processors of the 11th Generation
- Intel Core i7 processors of the 11th Generation
- Intel Core i9 processors of the 11th Generation
- Intel Core i9 processors of the 10th Generation
FAQs
Which motherboard is better, AMD or Intel?
There are two main names when it comes to chipsets: AMD and Intel. It is important to make the right choice when choosing a chipset. The final result will have a significant impact on the entire build.
The most important thing when deciding whether to go with Intel or AMD is which chipset to use. Each motherboard has a specific socket to which a chipet can be used.
Additionally, Intel and AMD support the identical type of motherboards and processors, so an AMD processor cannot work on an Intel motherboard, and vice versa.
The AMD Ryzen processors offer high-end performance at an affordable price. This is Intel’s recent downturn.
Intel and AMD are both experts in motherboards and have produced some amazing motherboards over the years.
Is the Z590 motherboard a good value?
The Z590 motherboards are not very fast, as it does not have an overclocking feature. There are however some useful features, such as four additional PCIe Gen-4 lane connections, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and three USB 3.0 Generation 2x2x3.
Conclusion
The clear winner between the Intel Z490 and Z590 is the Intel Z490. It offers excellent performance at a reasonable price, making it our favorite for budget gaming. But, it isn’t without flaws. There are a handful of features that the Z490 lacks, but if you have a modest budget, good performance, and a couple of other build components, then this is a great choice.
The Intel Z590 is also a good choice, but it costs more than the Z490. In fact, if you have money to spend on a new build, this would be our top recommendation.
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