The Intel Z490 Overview: 44+ Motherboards Examined

Choosing The Right Z490 Motherboard

When it comes to selecting the right motherboard for the task, it can come down to several variables. These include a personal preference for things like aesthetics, certain features which are required to do a specific job, or primarily down to budget. With more than 40 models to select from, most of the Z490 product stack comes with a competitive feature set, with some models offering Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, some offering eight SATA ports. In contrast, others offer up to three PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots.

Regardless of the combination of features required, as we have done from previous chipset overviews, we've taken some of the most common requirements and narrowed them down to allow users to choose a board based on its specific features.

One of the most improved upon things from the previous generation comes in the way of networking support. No fewer than eight models come with some form of 10 G Ethernet, with more than 60% of the current product stack featuring either Intel's new I225-V 2.5 G Ethernet, or Realtek's RTL8125 2.5 G equivalent. This marks a rise in high-speed networking capabilities, not just with wired, but in wireless too. Intel's CNVI has support for Wi-Fi 6 wireless interfaces including the AX200, and AX201 802.11ax wireless interface.

More impressively, some vendors have stepped up its game on networking with MSI in all of its models, comes with at least a Realtek 2.5 G Ethernet controller. This shows a real intent to offer better networking support than it ever has before. Some of the product stack offers three or more PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots but is typically found on the premium models, while there are more models now with Thunderbolt 3 rear panel connectivity than ever before. Only one model offers a PCIe 3.0 x4 U.2 port, which is the EVGA Z490 Dark which is surprising given its aimed at enthusiasts.

Usually we would also note which boards include a Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec in the table, but it's quicker and easier to list which boards don't have it, as it's now a regular feature across Z490 boards. Only a minimal selection of models in the entry-level segment feature a non-ALC1220 codec.

Wi-Fi 6 For Everyone: Well Almost

One of the primary updates on the Z490 chipset over Z390 is in its CNVi support. Intel now offers support for Wi-Fi 6 wireless interfaces via the CNVi within the chipset and allows vendors to use its own CRF modules such as the Intel AX200 and AX201. While this does increase the cost a little, it's still cheaper than implementing its own dedicated controller and using HSIO lanes from outside of the chipset. With more than half of the current Z490 product stack equipped with a Wi-Fi 6 CRF module, it's now become a regular feature as wireless technologies improve beyond 802.11ac. The Intel AX200 and AX201 also include support for BT 5.1 devices, while it should be made clear that these interfaces are backwards compatible with older Bluetooth versions.

With Wi-Fi 6 being so commonly featured across much of the Z490 product stack, below is a list of models either without Wi-Fi completely, or with a lesser variant such as 802.11ac. 

It's great having a stacked set of features, but generally, these come at a higher price point. Not overlooking the value aspect for users on a budget, motherboard pricing has surged far beyond itself in recent times. Where a couple of years ago a flagship model would cost around $400-500, that is considered more upper mid-range now, with some flagship desktop models exceeding $1200 (Looking at you GIGABYTE). All of this needs to be factored in, with some vendors pushing non-RGB models when in recent times, RGB was one of its main marketable points. Virtually every vendor has its own RGB ecosystem now with fancy software, some more intuitive than others, while some of that focus could be aimed at areas where performance counts, and aesthetics are secondary.

From all of the motherboards, we've not distinguished between the different world zones, so some models may be region locked to the USA, others for Europe. In contrast, other markets such as China have a completely different scope of sales.

ASRock Z490 Product Stack

Starting alphabetically, ASRock offers one of its smallest Intel-based product stacks in terms of previous launches. It has boards of a different pedigree within its Z490 stack, with the ASRock Z490 Taichi currently sitting (at the time of writing) as its flagship model. ASRock has also launched its favorable mini-ITX Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 which offers a solid feature set including Thunderbolt 3, a 2.5 G Ethernet controller, and dual PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots. The ASRock Z490 sits as the brand's flagship model, with a full custom monoblock and a plethora of features including 10 G and 2.5 G Ethernet, with a set of hardline fittings included in its accessories bundle.

The ASRock Z490 Steel Legend and Z490 Extreme4 are identical in features, but offers users two different aesthetics as the foundation of a Comet Lake system, also with 2.5 G Ethernet. The ASRock Z490 PG Velocita is an entirely new model, adding something that sounds fast and readily marketable to its already established gaming series. ASRock will undoubtedly release new models between now and launch, a couple we know about but can't discuss, and likely something to take over the Taichi as its flagship model.

ASUS Z490 Product Stack

ASUS has the most extensive product stack at the time of writing, with models stretching across its key ranges including its ROG Maximus XII, ROG Strix, Prime, and TUF series. All of these are marketed at gamers, with the Maximus XII models including premium controller sets with multiple functionalities for enthusiasts, and content creators. The flagship ROG MaximusXII Extreme is a true flagship with 10 G Ethernet, plenty of PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots, and is one of the most significant models with its EATX form factor. The ROG Maximus XII Formula is geared up with 10 G Ethernet and 2.5 G too while offering EKWB Hybrid CrossChill III MOSFET heatsinks for water coolers looking to create a stable water-cooled system. 

Moving down is the ROG Strix series with its plethora of alphabet models, going from E to I, with at least one model in each form factor (ATX, mATX, mITX), while still offering premium controllers, but with a lower cost. The TUF series is still ASUS's entry level gaming brand, with an upgrade over the previous Z390 models. The Prime series is set into a premium model and an entry-level model, with more neautral aesthetics, while the new ProArt Z490-Creator 10G which targets content creators with a solid feature set, includes Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.

GIGABYTE Z490 Product Stack

When comparing GIGABYTE's Z490 to its previous Z390 product stack, many of its range reappear including the Aours branded models, which goes from the really high-end, all the way to the mid-range segment. The award to the most outrageous Z490 price goes to the Xtreme WaterForce, with its premium feature set and custom full cover monoblock. Users with less wallet and more sense could pick up the equally impressive Z490 Aorus Xtreme for $500 less and drops the waterblock. The Aorus Ultra, Master, Elite all make a reappearance, with 2.5 G Ethernet due to the Z490's integrated 2.5 G MAC, with the vast majority of its range also benefiting for the Wi-Fi 6 MAC too.

The GIGABYTE Z490 Vision D is a Designare in all but name, and has the branding to match, with a solid feature set at a very good price. Also replaced is the Gaming SLI series which is now the Z490 Vision G, while the Z490 and Z490M Gaming X offers different form factors, with very similar entry level feature sets for users on a budget. 

MSI Z490 Product Stack

Something which is impressive, is MSI has used the integrated 2.5 G MAC within the Z490 chipset on all of its current Z490 range, with the flagship and even the entry level Z490-A Pro getting 2.5 G Ethernet at the very least. The MSI MEG range is stacked with the flagship MEG Z490 Godlike, the slightly lesser Z490 Ace, while the Z490 Unify and Z490I Unify offer more performance based features, but with more elegant and neutral aesthetics. The MSI MEG Z490I Unify is the brands only mini-ITX model, and is built upon an impressive 10-layer PCB.

Although not with pricing as of yet, the MSI range also includes its MPG gaming-focused series, with the Z490 Gaming Carbon WIFI, and Z490 Gaming Edge both including a Wi-Fi 6 wireless interface and Realtek 2.5 G Ethernet controllers While typically found on its more budget based chipsets such as AMD B550, and Intel's new B460, the MAG Z490 Tomahawk offers a solid feature set, likely at a good price as previous iterations have provided. The MSI Z490-A Pro is the entry-level model and will likely be the cheapest, but it still includes 2.5 G Ethernet which is impressive.

Other Z490 Product Stack Options

Outside of the big four vendors, Biostar, EVGA and Supermicro all have models for the launch of Z490. Biostar typically aim its sights lower in the grand scheme of things, with more budget-focused offerings which generally cost less in comparison. The EVGA Z490 is geared for overclockers and memory performance afficandos with its two memory slots on an EATX sized board, with a transposed socket for better sub-zero overclocking support with CPU LN2 pots, while the EVGA Z490 FTW WiFi caters to the general market. Supermicro also has two new models, the C9Z490-PGW and C9Z490-PG which are the only boards currently on Z490 to include a PLX chip, the Broadcom PEX8747 to be exact for PCIe lane bifurcation.

So, who wants a Z490?