ROG Strix Z790-E vs. F: A Comprehensive Comparison for Intel 13th Gen Processors
What To Know
- Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F feature the iconic ROG Strix design, with sharp angles, a black and silver color scheme, and customizable RGB lighting.
- Additionally, the ROG Strix Z790-E comes with a few exclusive features, such as a Q-LED display for easy troubleshooting, a BIOS Flashback button for updating the BIOS without a CPU, and a built-in M.
- Whether you are a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a performance enthusiast, the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F from ASUS are both excellent choices to pair with your Intel 13th Gen processor.
As the latest and greatest Intel 13th Gen processors hit the market, motherboard manufacturers have been releasing their top-of-the-line offerings to support these powerful CPUs. Two such motherboards are the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F, both from ASUS. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next gaming or content creation build.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F feature the Intel Z790 chipset, the latest and most advanced chipset for Intel 13th Gen processors. This chipset provides support for the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory standards, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
Power Delivery
Power delivery is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable performance from your CPU. The ROG Strix Z790-E boasts a robust 16+1-phase power delivery system with high-quality components, such as 10K Japanese capacitors, to provide ample and clean power to your CPU, even under heavy overclocking conditions.
In comparison, the ROG Strix Z790-F features a slightly less powerful 14+1-phase power delivery system. While still capable of handling most overclocking scenarios, it may not be as suitable for extreme overclocking or heavy-duty workloads as the ROG Strix Z790-E.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the ROG Strix Z790-E offering a slightly higher maximum capacity of 128GB compared to the ROG Strix Z790-F’s 64GB. Both motherboards feature four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations.
Storage Options
In terms of storage, the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F offer a similar range of options. Both motherboards come with four M.2 slots, supporting both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage performance. Additionally, both motherboards feature six SATA III ports for legacy storage devices.
Connectivity
Connectivity-wise, the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F offer a comprehensive suite of options. Both motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, ensuring wireless networking speeds and reliability.
The ROG Strix Z790-E, however, has a slight edge in terms of wired connectivity. It features a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, providing faster wired network speeds compared to the ROG Strix Z790-F’s Gigabit Ethernet port.
Expansion Slots
For expansion capabilities, both motherboards offer a similar range of options. They each come with one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the primary graphics card, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for additional PCIe devices, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for smaller expansion cards.
Audio
Audio performance is an important consideration for many users, especially gamers and content creators. The ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F both feature high-quality SupremeFX audio codecs, providing immersive and crystal-clear audio. However, the ROG Strix Z790-E offers a more advanced audio solution with a dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC for enhanced audio quality.
Aesthetics and Features
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F feature the iconic ROG Strix design, with sharp angles, a black and silver color scheme, and customizable RGB lighting. However, the ROG Strix Z790-E has a slightly more premium look and feel, with a larger heatsink and more RGB lighting zones.
Additionally, the ROG Strix Z790-E comes with a few exclusive features, such as a Q-LED display for easy troubleshooting, a BIOS Flashback button for updating the BIOS without a CPU, and a built-in M.2 heatsink for improved SSD cooling.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best in terms of power delivery, memory support, and connectivity, the ROG Strix Z790-E is the clear choice. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent performance and features, the ROG Strix Z790-F is a great option.
Final Note: The Ultimate Choice for Intel 13th Gen
Whether you are a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a performance enthusiast, the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F from ASUS are both excellent choices to pair with your Intel 13th Gen processor. With their superior performance, robust features, and stylish aesthetics, these motherboards will elevate your computing experience to the next level.
Popular Questions
Q: What is the main difference between the ROG Strix Z790-E and the ROG Strix Z790-F?
A: The main difference lies in the power delivery system, with the ROG Strix Z790-E featuring a more robust 16+1-phase power delivery compared to the ROG Strix Z790-F’s 14+1-phase power delivery.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E offers more advanced audio performance with a dedicated ESS ES9018Q2C DAC for enhanced audio quality.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting zones?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E has more RGB lighting zones, allowing for more customizable lighting effects.
Q: Which motherboard has a built-in M.2 heatsink?
A: Only the ROG Strix Z790-E comes with a built-in M.2 heatsink for improved SSD cooling.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E is better suited for extreme overclocking due to its more powerful power delivery system and robust cooling solution.
