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After another long wait for a new Intel platform, Comet Lake and the 400 series finally descend. Here we have a new socket, support for up to 10 cores with their Core i9-10900K / KF main processors, and some cool tweaks on ethernet, Wi-Fi. Struggling to be the latest and greatest, some motherboard vendors include support for PCIe 4.0 ‘for a future platform’, which some have directly identified as Rocket Lake. We ask each motherboard vendor for specs and details on their new product lines.
This article is a work in progress, and while we have a lot of information, new information is coming at a rapid pace. We will strive to keep this Z490 overview updated frequently with new dashboards, MSRP pricing, and new models being announced.
The Intel Z490 chipset: new LGA1200 socket
Due to the further increase in power requirements of high-end 10-core Intel processors, Intel has changed the socket once again, moving from the LGA115x family to LGA1200. The physical dimensions of the CPU package have not changed, and all LGA115x coolers will work on the new sockets, but that means these new processors will not work on the old motherboards. Instead, we have a new 400 series family, with the flagship Z490 at the forefront of all motherboard manufacturers / marketing materials /
From Intel, the key difference for Z490 comes in networking. Integrated into the Z490 chipset is an Intel Wi-Fi 6 CNVi that enables motherboard vendors to integrate their AX200 wireless solutions directly from the chipset with a CRF module. In Z390, this was limited to 802.11ac / Wi-Fi 5, but Intel has stepped up its game with Wi-Fi 6. Motherboard vendors still need to buy the CRF. Similarly, the chipset now supports a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet connection, however this requires the purchase of an Intel I225 network controller. Other controllers require the use of a PCIe lane.
| Comparison of Intel Z390, B460, Z370 and Z270 chipset | ||||
| Characteristic | Z490 | B460 | Z390 | Z370 |
| Max PCH PCIe 3.0 Lanes | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Max USB 3.1 (Gen2 / Gen1) | 6/10 | ? | 6/10 | 0/10 |
| Total USB | ? | ? | 14 | 14 |
| Max SATA ports | 6 6 | 6 6 | 6 6 | 6 6 |
| PCIe config | x16 x8 / x8 x8 / x8 / + 4 |
x16 x8 / x8 x8 / x8 / + 4 |
x16 x8 / x8 x8 / x4 / + 4 |
x16 x8 / x8 x8 / x4 / + 4 |
| Memory channels (dual) | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 |
| Intel Optane memory support | AND | ? | AND | AND |
| Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) | AND | ? | AND | AND |
| Max Rapid Storage Technology Ports | 3 | ? | 3 | 3 |
| Integrated WiFi MAC | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | north |
| Intel smart sound | AND | ? | AND | AND |
| Integrated SDXC support (SDA 3.0) | ? | ? | AND | north |
| DMI | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Overclocking support | AND | north | AND | AND |
| Intel vPro | ? | ? | north | north |
| Max HSIO Lanes | 30 | ? | 30 | 30 |
| Intel smart sound | ? | ? | AND | AND |
| ME Firmware | 14 | 14 | 12 | eleven |
The Z490 chipset and Intel 10th Generation Comet Lake desktop processors have a combined total PCIe count of 40, which is 16 for the CPU and 24 for the chipset. What’s interesting is how similar the Z490 and Z390 chipsets are in terms of specs, adding to the question of why Intel has opted for a new socket, in what is effectively an upgrade. from its 14nm process node.
Intel retains support for its Optane memory modules and uses dual-channel memory, up to DDR4-2933 with Core i9 and Core i7 parts, or DDR4-2666 with all other processors. The Z490 chipset also retains the same 30 HSIOs used for any PCIe add-in card or controller, such as USB controllers, ethernet ports, sound cards, RAID cards, etc. Motherboard vendors use drivers like the ASMedia ASM3242 chip to offer USB 3.2 G2 and 20 Gbps connectivity. This effectively enables providers to implement fast Type-C connectivity.
The Z490 chipset supports overclocking with Intel’s unlocked processors, which was to be expected. While overclocking the Clock Generator (BCLK) is not recommended as it is linked to multiple areas where stability is an important factor, Intel has enabled support for DMI and PEG overclocking which has now been separated to have no effect on SATA ports and such.
Z490 and LGA1200: motherboards built with PCIe 4.0?
After reviewing the specification sheets for all Z490 options, there was an obvious point of conflict in all press materials. All motherboard manufacturers had to build their systems for processors that did not yet exist. Those who mention that they contain PCIe 4.0 also mention Rocket Lake processors, which is what we assume to be Intel’s next-generation hardware (11th generation?). These processors will also have the same LGA1200 socket as these motherboards, but they will clearly have access to some form of PCIe 4.0 compatibility. This means that motherboards must be built with Rocket Lake in mind. That said, we assume that Rocket Lake has yet to be built, or at least, even the early-stage silicon is probably not ready. This means that motherboard vendors have to work on the specs and standards provided by Intel, some of which might change with the launch, but also some of these specs could vary dramatically from Comet Lake (10th Gen) to Rocket Lake ( 11th Gen?).
We already know that PCIe 4.0 is a differentiating factor, but what about the number of PCIe lanes? Comet Lake only supports 16 lanes from the processor, so most of these Z490 boards are built with that in mind. But if Rocket Lake supports more, let’s say 20 processor PCIe lanes, then that leaves four lanes to add an M.2. To support this M.2 slot from the CPU in Z490, motherboard vendors have to put the necessary switches for the slot to work on both Comet Lake in PCIe 3.0 mode and Rocket Lake in PCIe 4.0 mode. Either that or disable the slot entirely for Comet Lake as it would end up reducing the main PCIe slot to an x8 due to the fork.
This is just an example, but depending on the memory media, the power media, the graphics media, this all means that motherboard manufacturers can take Z490 in one of two ways. What most sellers seem to be doing is making their dashboards hybrid, suitable for both Comet and Rocket, but not really mastering one. For users who want to upgrade mid-cycle without a motherboard swap, these hybrid designs are probably the best. The second option is to make boards specific to the specific chips, despite being technically compatible with both: making the Z490 the best board it can be for Comet Lake, and then some future board (Z590?) Being the best. dash for Rocket Lake. Personally, I prefer the latter, because I would like to get the best out of my processor. However, the prices of the best motherboards match (or even exceed) the processor, making the dilemma a bit more complex than at first glance.
The Current Z490 Product Stack: Over 40 New Motherboards Introduced
With the launch of Intel’s 10th-gen Comet Lake CPU offering multiple processors ranging from dual-core Celerons to the latest 10-core i9-10900K SKUs, demand from motherboard vendors to improve existing designs is paramount . The responsibility lies with the motherboard vendors to deliver to their target markets, be it games, which Intel claims the Core i9-10900K and i9-10900KF are the best game processors, but content creation is bigger than ever. . There are seven motherboards with Thunderbolt 3, for example.
Below is the current stack of Z490 products that was announced for launch, with some models not expected to hit shelves until later. The EVGA Dark series reappears, while MSI has its MEG, MPG and MAG stack. Also within the deep Z490 product stack are GIGABYTE Aorus and its redesigned new Vision D, or formerly known as Designare. ASUS is now in the Maximus XII range with its legendary Extreme and Formula models, with an Apex for overclockers, as well as its Strix, Prime series and a new ProArt Z490-Creator 10G model. Even more motherboards are likely to be announced in the coming months, with a few surprises we can’t discuss, all looking to make Intel’s seemingly latest PCIe 3.0 desktop Z-series chipset a huge hit with consumers.
ASRock:
Among the big four motherboard vendors, ASRock has the smallest product stack at launch, with more models expected in the coming months. Included in its stack is the now highly recognizable Taichi, which has a fairly strong feature set and, as of writing, its current flagship model.
For gamers, the Z490 PG Velocita makes its debut with a unique naming scheme, hoping to gain some notoriety. Also included is the ever-popular Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX / TB3 mini-ITX with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity on the rear panel, one of its main features. A couple more for entry-level users include the Z490 Steel Legend and the Z490 Extreme4, which is one of its oldest ranges, dating back many years.
| ASRock Z490 motherboard product stack | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| ASRock Z490 PG Velocita | ATX | – |
| ASRock Z490 Taichi | ATX | – |
| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX / TB3 | mITX | – |
| ASRock Z490 Steel Legend | ATX | – |
| ASRock Z490 Extreme4 | ATX | – |
ASUS
ASUS as always has a host of products available for the Z490, with the high-end ROG Maximus XII series with the Extreme leading the charge, the Formula for water coolers and the Apex primarily geared for extreme overclocking. The ROG Maximus XII Hero Wi-Fi acts as a bridge that includes most of Maximus XII’s main feature set, but with a more affordable set of drivers.
The gaming-centric Strix range has many alphabetical models including the Z490-E, Z490-F, Z490-G, etc., while the Prime series offers a variety of models at different prices for users who want a more stylish look. neutral. Also included in the product stack is the ProArt Z490-Creator 10G focused on content creator that looks good
| ASUS Z490 Motherboard Product Stack | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme Glacial | ? | – |
| ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme | EATX | $ 750 |
| ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula | ATX | $ 500 |
| ASUS ROG Maximus XII Apex | ATX | – |
| ASUS ROG Maximus VII Hero WiFi | ATX | $ 399 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming | ATX | $ 300 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-F Gaming | ATX | $ 269 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Gaming | MATX | – |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-G Wi-Fi Gaming | MATX | – |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming | ATX | – |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming | mITX | $ 300 |
| ASUS TUF Z490-Plus | ATX | – |
| ASUS TUF Z490-Plus WiFi | ATX | $ 200 |
| ASUS Prime Z490-A | ATX | $ 230 |
| ASUS Prime Z490-P | ATX | $ 160 |
| ASUS Prime Z490M-Plus | MATX | $ 150 |
| ASUS ProArt Z490-Creator 10G | ATX | – |
Biostar:
Biostar has only three models at launch, with two ATX-sized models through the Z490GTA EVO and Z490GTA, and one mini-ITX model, the Z490GTN.
| Product stack of the Biostar Z490 motherboard | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| Biostar Racing Z490GTA Evo | ATX | – |
| Biostar Racing Z490GTA | ATX | – |
| Biostar Racing Z490GTN | mITX | – |
EVGA:
Normally taking their models later in the product cycle, EVGA has announced models for Intel’s Z490, the EVGA Z490 Dark, which is heavily stacked in overclocking functions. At the same time, the EVGA Z490 FTW WiFi offers users a solid choice for the mid-range.
| EVGA Z490 motherboard product stack | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| EVGA Z490 Dark | EATX | – |
| EVGA Z490 FTW WiFi | ATX | – |
GIGABYTE
GIGABYTE has opted for a mix of models in its product package with a wave of Aorus-branded boards aimed at gamers and enthusiasts alike, with some new additions and reworkings to previous models on other chipsets. In a move to shorten some of their model names for the Z490 (for the most part), we see a couple of models with a more subtle aesthetic, including the new Z490 Vision D and Z490 Vision G. The GIGABYTE Z490 Vision series includes a pair of models, with the Z490 Vision D and Vision G seen as a direct replacement for the Designare series; The Vision G has a clean aluminum aesthetic.
Other returning models include the Aorus Xtreme, with the Xtreme WaterForce adorned with a custom waterblock, and an incredible price to go with it. Other main Aorus pillars in the stack include Aorus Ultra, Aorus Master, and Aorus Elite. For small form factor hobbyists, there’s also the Z490I Aorus Ultra mini-ITX, with the Z490M Gaming X micro-ATX expected shortly.
| GIGABYTE Z490 motherboard product stack | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | EATX | $ 1299 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Aorus Xtreme | EATX | $ 799 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Aorus Master | ATX | $ 389 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Aorus Ultra | ATX | $ 299 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 I Aorus Ultra | mITX | $ 269 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Aorus Pro AX | ATX | $ 269 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Aorus Elite AC | ATX | $ 219 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Gaming X | ATX | $ 200 |
| GIGABYTE Z490M Gaming X | MATX | – |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Vision D | ATX | $ 299 |
| GIGABYTE Z490 Vision G | ATX | $ 199 |
M: YES:
The MSI Z490 product stack consists of many previously viewed models, including its EATX-sized flagship MEG Z490 Godlike, featuring the latest Z490 Ace and Unify range. The only mini-ITX model from MSI comes under the MEG enthusiast gaming banner through the Z490I Unify, while the MPG range offers a good range of features for the mid-range.
Towards the bottom of the stack is the Tomahawk MAG Z490, which is generally reserved for chipset chipsets, and the MSI Z490-A Pro is aimed at entry-level users. It’s worth noting that from top to bottom, each MSI Z490 motherboard has a Realtek RTL8125G 2.5G or better Ethernet port.
| Stack of MSI Z490 motherboard products | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| MSI MEG Z490 Godlike | EATX | – |
| MSI MEG Z490 Ace | ATX | – |
| MSI MEG Z490 Unify | ATX | – |
| MSI MEG Z490I Unify | mITX | – |
| MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WIFI | ATX | – |
| MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI | ATX | – |
| MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge WIFI | MATX | – |
| MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk | ATX | – |
| MSI Z490-A Pro | ATX | – |
Supermicro:
More focused on its server and workstation motherboards, Supermicro has only two models announced for the Z490, the C9Z490-PGW and the C9Z490-PG. The only difference between the two is a wireless interface, while both models are the only Z490 models that take advantage of a PLX chip for PCIe lane branching.
| Supermicro Z490 motherboard product stack | ||
| Model | Size | Price |
| Supermicro C9Z490-PGW | ATX | $ 395 |
| Supermicro C9Z490-PG | ATX | $ 375 |
On the next page is a summary of the power supply system for each board, and each subsequent page contains a brief analysis / summary of all individual Z490 boards.
