It’s pretty well equipped, offering just enough features for your typical PC build. However, we’re a little unsure why it only has Gen 3.0 PCIe, not Gen 4.0, so it’s not quite future proof for some upcoming Intel CPUs. However, beyond that, there’s the usual mixture of USB headers, a pair of M.2 mounts, addressable and 4-pin RGB headers, etc.
Read more @ eTeknix
It’s been nearly two years to the day since NZXT last released a motherboard, which was the Z370 N7. NZXT initially used ECS as its motherboard OEM, but has opted to use ASRock this time round for a new N7 model. This has the same N7 infused armor, albeit using a combined metal and plastic instead of just metal which does reduce the overall cost.
Read more @ AnandTech
The NZXT N7 Z490 has what you need to build a solid Z490 rig at a reasonable price. The VRMs are more than capable, and for the most part performance landed in line with competition. If you like the shroud-covered look or want to go all-in on NZXT’s ecosystem, the N7 Z490 is a good option at $229.99.
Read more @ Tom’s Hardware
Intel’s John Bonini penned a blog today, “Intel’s Commitment to Gaming, and a Sneak Peek at Intel Technology to Come”. One interesting tidbit, clearly dropped due to the AMD Zen 3 event tomorrow, is on Rocket Lake:
Our 10th Gen Intel Core processors continue to provide excellent performance and a stable platform for even the most demanding games. Ultimately, I believe there’s a great 10th Gen option that addresses the needs for every type of gamer — from casual players, to the most dedicated and passionate enthusiasts.
Though as you’d expect, we’re constantly looking ahead at what’s next and how we can make our desktop CPUs even better. With that said, I’m also happy to confirm that the next generation 11th Gen Intel Core desktop processors (codenamed “Rocket Lake”) is coming in the first quarter of 2021 and will provide support for PCIe 4.0. It’ll be another fantastic processor for gaming, and we’re excited to disclose more details in the near future. There’s a lot more to come, so stay tuned!
Read more @ Intel’s Blog
So far when it comes to Z490 motherboards we’ve taken a look at a few boards from ASUS Republic of Gamers line, but today we are checking out the PRIME Z490-A. I’ve always been a fan of PRIME series boards, mainly for the fact that they appeal to pretty much everyone. They give you all of the features you would want on your given chipset without all of the extras you are more than likely not going to use.
Read more @ ThinkComputers
The VRM for the ACE is the same as the Godlike with sixteen 90A power stages doubled from the same Intersil controller. The only difference is that the ACE does not have any VCCGT phases, which means your iGPU will not be powered, which can be a detriment if you need the iGPU for things such as quick sync.
Read more @ TweakTown
The MSI MEG Z490 Unify could be described as the simpler and above all cheaper MSI MEG Z490 ACE . In a direct comparison, it is not only visual similarities that are noticeable, but also technical ones. The two boards use exactly the same layout and are equipped almost identically. Differences? Yes, of course there are.
Read more @ Hardware Journal (German)
The Z490 Aqua comes equipped as a premium feature motherboard. The large integrated monoblock which cools both the CPU and the board’s power delivery, amd it now features a very cool OLED display. There is also integrated Thunderbolt 3, 10 gigabit Ethernet, as well as its large 16-phase power delivery.
Read more @ AnandTech
At a midrange price, the Asus ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming looks, feels, and operates like a top-end Intel motherboard with just a few of the premium bells and whistles knocked off. It’s an ideal-balance ATX board for 10th Generation Intel chips, and it performed flawlessly in our tests.
Read more @ PC Mag
The Prime Z490-A features a black PCB with white strips running across it. The rear I/O shield, as well as the chipset heatsink on this board, are also colored white. The bright, contrasting color on this otherwise dark component is eye-catching and draws your attention to these two areas on the board.
Read more @ PC Mag India