Choosing The Right Z590 Motherboard

It has become typical for any new processor launch from Intel or AMD to release a series of new chipsets. What the new chipsets do (for the most part) is allow users to access new features, new controllers (sometimes), and use any new refinements made. Intel's new Z590 chipset is designed for its Rocket Lake (11th generation) processors, which are set to launch later in Q1 2021. One of the biggest factors to consider when upgrading or building a new Intel-based system is that Z590 is backwards compatiblity with Intel's 10th gen Comet Lake processors. This allows users planning to move to Rocket Lake upon release to use the current processors until then.

One of the most notable features of Intel's Z590, which a lot of vendors have applied, is USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C connectivity. It is even found on some vendor's lower-end options, including the MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi ($239). The USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C connectivity is now native to the chipset, whereas, on Z490, vendors had to implement additional ASMedia controllers (ASM3242) to accommodate this. 

This is the same case for networking, with most models including 2.5 GbE (both Intel and/or Realtek, a couple Aquantia) as standard. We expect this to be a common trend for motherboards in the future. With this in mind, we've also seen the prices shift higher, which is a mixture of better controllers, features, PCIe 4.0, COVID-19, tariff relief ending, shipping charges, and perhaps a small uptick from Intel as well. All these push up the price. It's worth noting that ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI include Aquantia 10 GbE networking on its flagship models, with ASRock's Z590 Taichi the only model to include 5 GbE.

Many vendor's Z590 models also include three PCIe M.2 slots, with every Z590 model supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 in at least one of these ports, and some with two. A couple of the more mid-range models include four M.2 slots, including MSI's MEG Z590 Godlike flagship. Only one board includes U.2, which is the EVGA Z590 Dark, and four models include eight SATA ports.

Regardless of needs and requirements, whether that's specific features including storage, networking, connectivity, or audio, we have a handy table that specifies which model includes what feature. 

Choosing the Right Z590 Motherboard
          If You Need                  Then The Options Are          Size Price
10 Gigabit Ethernet ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial E-ATX $1843
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme E-ATX $1166
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme E-ATX -
  MSI MEG Z590 Godlike E-ATX $1019
  Supermicro C9Z590-CGW ATX -
  Supermicro C9Z590-CG ATX -
 
4 or more M.2 Slots ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WIFI ATX $380
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WIFI ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Pro AX ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Vision G ATX -
  MSI MEG Z590 Godlike E-ATX $1019
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace ATX $489
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace Gold Edition ATX -
 
8 or more SATA Ports ASRock Z590 Taichi ATX -
  EVGA Z590 Dark E-ATX -
 
5 or more USB 3.2 G2 Type-A ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial E-ATX $1843
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme E-ATX $1166
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero ATX $500
  Biostar Z590 Valkyrie ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Master ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Elite AX ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Elite ATX -
 
Thunderbolt 4 ASRock Z590 Taichi ATX  
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial E-ATX $1843
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme E-ATX $1166
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero ATX $500
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WIFI ITX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Vision D ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590I Vision D ITX -
  MSI MEG Z590 Godlike E-ATX $1019
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace ATX $489
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace Gold Edition ATX -
  MSI MEG Z590I Unify ITX -
 
BIOS Flashback Button ASRock Z590 Taichi ATX -
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial E-ATX $1843
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme E-ATX $1166
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero ATX $500
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WIFI ATX -
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-A Gaming WIFI ATX -
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WIFI ITX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Master ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590I Aorus Ultra ITX -
  MSI MEG Z590 Godlike E-ATX $1019
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace ATX $489
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace Gold Edition ATX -
  MSI MEG Z590I Unify ITX  
  MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi ATX $324
  MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Force ATX $314
  MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi ATX $239
  MSI MAG Z590 Torpedo ATX -
 
E-ATX ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial E-ATX $1843
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme E-ATX $1166
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce E-ATX -
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme E-ATX -
  MSI MEG Z590 Godlike E-ATX $1019
 
Micro-ATX ASUS Prime Z590M-Plus M-ATX $229
  ASRock Z590M Pro4 M-ATX -
  Colorful CVN Z590M Gaming Pro V20 M-ATX -
  Colorful CVN Z590M Frozen V20 M-ATX -
  MSI MPG Z590M Gaming Edge WiFi M-ATX -
 
Mini-ITX ASRock Z590M-ITX/ac ITX -
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WiFi ITX $459
  Biostar Z590I Valkyrie ITX -
  GIGABYTE Z590I Aorus Ultra ITX -
  GIGABYTE Z590I Vision D ITX -
  MSI MEG Z590I Unify ITX $329

Usually, we would also note which boards include a Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec and its variants, including ASUS SupremeFX in the table. Still, it's quicker and easier to list which boards don't have it, as it's now a regular feature across Z590 boards. A few of the models are using the new Realtek 4000 series HD codecs, but at this time, Realtek hasn't officially unveiled the specifications. 

Only a minimal selection of models in the entry-level segment feature a non-ALC1220 codec.

Z490 Motherboard Audio
Codec Boards
Realtek ALC1220 Almost Everything, Except The Following
 
Realtek ALC4082 ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero
 
Realtek ALC4080 ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WIFI
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WIFI
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WIFI
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WIFI
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Ultra
  GIGABYTE Z590 Vision G
  GIGABYTE Z590 Vision D
  MSI MAG Z590 Torpedo
 
Realtek S1200A ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WIFI
  ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus
 
Realtek ALC897 ASRock Z590 Steel Legend Wi-Fi 6E
  ASRock Z590 Steel Legend
  ASRock Z590 Pro4
  ASRock Z590M Pro4
  ASRock Z590M-ITX/ac


Wi-Fi 6E: New 6 GHz Band on Most Models

Not only have vendors capitalized on the need for uprated 2.5 GbE wired networking support across the vast majority of its models, but some vendors also have added Intel's latest AX210 Wi-Fi 6E CNVi into the mix. This is designed to allow users to use the new 6 GHz Wi-Fi band with non-overlapping channels. This is only available on routers with 6 GHz band capability; otherwise, it's nearly identical to Wi-Fi 6 with the aforementioned benefit to reduce congestion with multiple devices connected to a router. Below is a list of models that include the latest Intel AX210 or Killer Gaming variant, which an AX210 with additional Killer functionality. 

Z590 Wi-Fi 6E Support
Wireless Interface Boards
Wi-Fi 6E ASRock Z590 Taichi
  ASRock Z590 PG Velocita
  ASRock Z590 Extreme Wi-Fi 6E
  ASRock Z590 Steel Legend Wi-Fi 6E
  ASRock Z590M-ITX/ac
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme
  ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WIFI
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WIFI
  ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WIFI
  Colorful iGame Z590 Vulcan X
  Colorful iGame Z590 Vulcan W
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Master
  GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Pro AX
  GIGABYTE Z590 Vision D
  GIGABYTE Z590I Vision D
  MSI MEG Z590 Godlike
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace
  MSI MEG Z590 Ace Gold Edition
  MSI MEG Z590I Unify
  MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi
  MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi
  MSI Z590 Pro WiFi

As we receive updates from vendors with more information, we will endeavor to keep this Z590 overview updated and as often as possible. 

GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Ultra
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  • Gastec - Sunday, January 24, 2021 - link

    Well, if you don't understand these prices, then you are not a good consumer. The more you buy the more we profit! It just works! Be a good chap and CONSUME!
  • edzieba - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    ASRock ol' buddy ol' pal, you're breaking my heart here with the lack of SFF boards! The Z590I Vision D looks intriguing with the external DP injector for Thunderbolt transport, though.

    Dumping the ASMedia USB controller is fantastic news, this looks like a good platform for me to move onto.
  • RealBeast - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    Nice summary, although my eyes are still watering from a couple of the top model prices. ;)
  • shabby - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    Yup pretty funny, i have to pay almost 1200 to get 10g network, thanks for the laughs asus.
  • Kuifje76 - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link

    Have a look at the Gigabyte Aorus Master Z590, it has 10g network :)
  • Beaver M. - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link

    Not for ASRock boards, since the ASMedia USB controllers were much more reliable and stable than the ones on chipset. Only an ASRock, though, and have been for almost 10 years now. IDK what they are doing.
    Extend a cable on a chipset ASRock board USB port or use a longer cable, and you will get random disconnects. No matter the cable quality.
  • Silver5urfer - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    Can you guys please do an article like this for Z590 and X570 with Ryzen 5000 ?
    www.anandtech.com/show/11182/how-to-get-ryzen-working-on-windows-7-x64

    If we search for "X570 Windows 7" on youtube there's a video showing MSI Ace X570 able to run it with Ryzen 3000. And I saw one person on a forum with notebooks where his Z490 Dark mobo was able to run Win7 except for the AX200 WiFi. Every piece of the board got the Drivers for the Win7, a small observation Z490 has ASMedia controller so it works with Win7 but this Z590 damn has that native bs meaning Intel will not provide the drivers for that USB3.2 for Win7..sad

    Z590 Dark is coming I hope it's not this BS expensive, wtf is $1000 for a mobo for the dead end platform, MSI and ASUS insane pricing, esp MSI for it's Godlike having that tag, No matter what EVGA Dark will be the king in the OC and better support too.

    In before someone reeeing over Win7. nope. Not interested in the bs talk, Win10 is a privacy nightmare even if I use WUB, O&O, Defender Blocker, WinAero, AeroGlass, Classic Shell and more it remains a stupid OS because of permanent Beta status. The 6 month releases cycle is complete BS. And on top unwanted unstable crap updates. I know how to get a Win10 stable with Enterprise and other modifications to remove useless components and unwanted bs like Defender etc. It never beats Win7 in UX and weight of the OS, too much bloatware esp that Xbox crap comes.
  • JfromImaginstuff - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    Well then, install linux.
    Also it will work on windows 7, there are generic drivers that will allow the card to function, but eh function well is a different issue altogether.
    Also, if you're not using linux and hating on windows like this and your not tied to the Mac ecosystem, give Linux a go, you might like it, plenty of choice if one doesn't quite meet your fancy. Just please don't use win 7, for your own online safety and stuff........
  • Silver5urfer - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    Yeah Linux will be installed But I want a proper Stable Windows. Why do you think online safety ? Do you know that MS provides support, extended support updates are available plus even the best you can choose which of them to install and even have a pack made which removes all telemetry garbage CU updates that M$ pushes onto Win7, and with 8.1 also you can select and update what you want unlike Win10 BS. Oh and gaming with Proton on Linux I know but I want modding and all proper settings that I can enjoy for all the old fantastic games of the past decade. If there are any good games in future with DX12 only I will install Win10 Ent with all modifications. But that's not what I wanted, which only Win7 gets.

    Also on a side note, no top SKU has 8 SATA ports WTF ? Not even Extreme, Godlike, Xtreme. There's only one which is EVGA Z590 Dark. Stupid bs this is from all the OEMs esp the X570 got all the x8 SATA ports for top mobos.
  • supdawgwtfd - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    If you want all that then use windows.

    Expecting support and help on a discontinued product is ridiculous.

    If you don't like the telemetry you know you can block it all with a firewall right?

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