The Z790 chipset is Intel’s latest addition to its lineup, offering more connectivity options compared to its predecessor, the Z690. While it comes with these extra features, the overall performance between the two remains almost the same.
What Does the Z790 Chipset Offer?
The Z790 chipset supports both DDR5 and DDR4 memory, making it compatible with Intel’s 13th-generation and 14th-generation processors. This flexibility is something AMD didn’t offer with their Ryzen 7000 series, which only supports DDR5.
Key Differences Between Z790 and Z690
The main upgrade with the Z790 chipset is the addition of 8 more PCIe 4.0 lanes. However, this comes at the cost of losing 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes. In total, the Z790 offers 28 PCI lanes, just like the Z690. But with the extra PCIe 4.0 lanes, manufacturers have more options to add high-bandwidth features like more M.2 slots and extra Thunderbolt 4 controllers.
End of Intel Optane Memory Support
One significant change in the Z790 chipset is that it no longer supports Intel Optane memory, as Intel has stopped developing and producing Optane.
Why Choose Z790 Over Z690?
The biggest advantage of the Z790 chipset is its better PCIe 4.0 I/O capabilities, along with an additional USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C port compared to the Z690. However, Intel has made it clear that there is no noticeable difference in processor performance between the two chipsets for regular tasks like gaming or calculations.
14th-Generation Processors and the Z790 Chipset
Intel recently released some new 14th-generation Raptor Lake Refresh processors, including the Core i9-14900K, Core i7-14700K, and Core i5-14600K. These processors are very similar to the 13th-generation models, with only slight improvements, especially in the Core i7 version.
What’s New with the Core i9 and Core i7?
The Z790 chipset works perfectly with Intel’s latest processors. The Core i9-14900K has a clock speed of 6.0 GHz, similar to the 13900KS, but with a slight improvement in performance. Meanwhile, the Core i7-14700K has gained more efficiency cores (E-cores), improving its speed and efficiency.
Continued Compatibility with LGA 1700 and Motherboards
The Z790 chipset still uses the LGA 1700 socket, meaning it is compatible with existing 600 and 700 series motherboards. This provides more flexibility for users who already own older motherboards.
Ongoing Issues with Intel Processors
Despite the advances with the Z790 chipset, Intel is still facing some challenges with their 13th and 14th-generation processors. While some problems have been resolved, there are still concerns about potential software issues that could affect performance.
Conclusion
The Z790 chipset brings some useful updates over the Z690, particularly in terms of PCIe 4.0 lanes and additional USB ports. However, for most users, there won’t be a noticeable performance difference between the two. With compatibility for the latest Intel processors, the Z790 is a great choice for those seeking better connectivity and flexibility without sacrificing performance.
