The ROG STRIX Z590-E Gaming WiFi is the one board in particular that I liked from this round-up. The overall hardware choices are sensible, the design is attractive yet functional, and there are quality innovation touches such as the tool-less M.2 retention clip.
I feel like the downgraded power delivery solution and overclocking features versus the Hero are a non-issue to most users. And the lack of TB4 will likely be irrelevant to many non-productivity buyers. The bigger positive is the price reduction of around £120 versus the Hero while ASUS is still offering a quality board overall.
The Intel H570 chipset differs from the Z590 quite strongly – it has fewer PCIe lanes, fewer USB ports of the standards 3.2 Gen1x1 (5 Gb / s), 3.2 Gen2x1 (10 Gb / s) and 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gb / s), as well as the main PCIe The x16 slot can only function in the x16 mode. In addition, processor overclocking is not supported (only within the framework of Turbo Boost technologies), but this cannot be said about RAM – with the 500 series of chipsets (more precisely, on the B560, H570 and Z590) Intel allows it to be overclocked. We are holding an inexpensive ATX motherboard based on the Intel H570 chipset.
Positioned below the Z590 OC Formula in ASRock’s current Intel Z590 lineup, this latest Taichi builds on the Z490 version that we looked at last year. Besides the distinctive styling, the Z590 Taichi offers robust power delivery, a trio of Intel Killer networking products, the latest in high-speed connectivity including Thunderbolt 4, and what should be some impressive audio with both Realtek ALC1220 (rear multi-channel) and ESS ES9218 (front panel stereo) DACs.
EVGA’s motherboard lineup for Z590 consists of two boards, the Z590 FTW WIFI and the flagship Z590 Dark. I do miss the ITX-based Stinger motherboard from a few generations back. It would be a good SKU to have, considering most partners offer at least one ITX option. We can’t say there is something here for everyone (no mATX either). However, EVGA brings quality motherboards to the table in what they do have.
We know from previous experiences that NZXT teams up with ASRock to produce its latest boards. The N7 Z590 is no exception as it’s based on features from the Z590 PG Velocita and Steel Legend offerings, though the exact configuration here is unique. Having a large topside shroud means all fan headers and other features are located at either the top or bottom of the six-layer PCB, grouped together sensibly by function. And if the white-on-black scheme doesn’t tickle your fancy, the same board is also available in all-black livery.
GIGABYTE went into designing this board with one thing in mind, leaving nothing on the table, and judging by the board’s design, we can undoubtedly say they accomplished their goal. Top to bottom, this board supports both 10th and 11th Generation Core processors with memory support ranging from DDR4 2133 through 5400 with an overclock. This is across four slots, 288 pin DIMMS max capacity 128GB.
Power design is huge on the Waterforce, 20+1 phase all SIC840 100A power stages with an ISL69269 PMIC to control the group.
June 17th, 2021 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions announced the launch of the newest X570S AORUS series motherboards primed to unleash the potential of the recently released AMD Ryzen™ 5000 series desktop processors with enhanced DrMOS direct power design and 6 layers and above ultra cool PCB for higher stability. The whole series equip with a brand new passive chipset thermal design and up to four sets of high thermal efficiency armored PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with M.2 Thermal Guard III, which ensures effective heat dissipation of full operation on chipsets and 7000MB/s high speed operating on NVMe SSDs without throttling by overheating. The brand new X570S series motherboards kick off the PCIe 4.0 era with extensive feature sets. The flagship X570S AORUS MASTER motherboard is fitted with a 16-phase direct digital power design for the more solid power management and optimized overclocking performance. With advanced heat dissipation technology of Fins-Array II Stacked Fins Heatsink, Direct Touch Heatpipe II and Smart Fan 6, GIGIABYTE X570S motherboards can maintain cool and high performance under high loading operation. Furthermore, GIGABYTE Active OC Tuner technology integrated in select motherboards to provide a more flexible performance improvement.
“AMD is excited for the launch of new and innovative X570 motherboards, bringing even more offerings to the AMD socket AM4 platform,” said Chris Kilburn, corporate vice president and general manager, client component business unit, AMD. “These new motherboards will continue to showcase the groundbreaking performance of the AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series processors, maximizing the potential for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators alike.”
The entire X570S lineup integrates a 2.5 GbE high speed LAN while select X570S AORUS motherboards feature WIFI 6 with blazing fast 2.4 Gbps connection speeds, and even WIFI 6E 802.11ax wireless network, as well as front USB 3.2 Type-C® interface for more convenient usage. Moreover, select X570S AORUS motherboards equip USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C® for a more speedy data transfer up to 20 Gbps. GIGABYTE also release X570S AERO G for creators. With built-in the same level power materials, thermal planning, high-speed network, and 4 sets of PCIe 4.0 M.2 interfaces as other X570S motherboards, X570S AERO G also features the VisionLINK function that is well-received by the creators to provide them a more effective transform from ideas to creation.
“Providing users with the best product has always been Gigabyte’s mission, while the top-quality AMD platform motherboards with excellent compatibility, high efficiency and low temperature demonstrates our strong strength in the development of AMD motherboards. “said Jackson Hsu, Director of the GIGABYTE Channel Solutions Product Development Division. “ GIGABYTE’s X570S series motherboards are developed by gamers and professional designers who pursue performance, and are enhanced by the features of 16-phase direct digital power design, advanced VRM thermal design, silent cooling design without chipset fan, several PCIe 4.0 interfaces, blazing fast LAN, updated BIOS, and R&D’s adjustment. This series definitely impress the performance chaser by the performance and stability and become the perfect choice for high-end users who plans to assemble AMD platforms. ”
This product from the already well-known series (Taichi means Chinese martial art) focuses on bringing many features at a reasonable price. Well, it was like that till now. Why’s that? There’s about a 30 USD premium over the predecessor, the Asrock Z490 Taichi, an improved appearance, and a great-looking moving gear feature. This board targets the upper mid-tier/high-end range of the market (with a price of 459.99 USD). The Asus Maximus XIII Hero, MSI MEG Z590 Ace (which are about 40 USD more expensive), and the Aorus Z590 Master (which is cheaper) are the main competitors. Still, Asrock also has the Phantom Gaming, Extreme, Steel Legend, and Pro series, so you can choose whichever tier suits you. I almost forgot about one model -> Z590 OC Formula; this is the top tier of Asrock. But coming back to the reviewed model – the design of the Asrock Z590 Taichi is beautiful.
Diving into the N7 B550, this is an AM4 platform solution built on the AMD B550 chipset. CPU compatibility includes 3,4, and 5000 series processors coupled with support for DDR4 memory with speeds of 2133MHz through 3200MHz via JEDEC and 4733+ via XMP. The form factor is 288pin over four slots with a maximum capacity of 128GB.
Expansion slots include two x16 lanes PCI Express slots, one full x16 electrically Gen4, and one that is x4 electrically. Additionally, you will find two x1 lane slots that are Gen3. Storage is deployed over two m.2 slots; form factor supported 2242 through 2280. One slot operates in Gen4 mode with a four-lane connection and the other Gen3 x2 and SATA modes. An additional six SATA ports are available for legacy storage solutions.
When it comes to buying a motherboard, there are a wide variety of models to choose from. On Intel’s current Rocket Lake desktop series, the main options include Z590, B560, H570, H510, although the previous Z490, Q470, and H470 chipsets also can accommodate 11th Gen chips. With that in mind, it still doesn’t narrow down the options, with a large selection of models based on different markets. Z590 is geared towards performance, B560 is more of a mid-range solution, and H510 is the budget end of the spectrum. With many variables to consider, we give our picks for June in our latest Intel motherboard buyers guide.
