The Intel Z590 Motherboard Overview: 50+ Motherboards Detailed
by Gavin Bonshor on January 19, 2021 10:15 AM ESTChoosing 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.
88 Comments
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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?