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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  • rahvin - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link

    You do know all the telemetry and spyware in windows was backported to Windows 7 a long time ago right?

    If you don't want the windows telemetry you're only choice is to no use windows. Either accept it and use Win10 or Skip it and use Linux like any sensible person. In fact I'd argue Linux runs the old games better than windows does.

    Sticking with an EOL windows 7 doesn't protect you from the telemetry and it only makes you vulnerable to the EOL product security.
  • bigvlada - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link

    I have been using W10 Privacy for a few years. It can disable telemetry and uninstall almost all non core components of Windows 10 like weather, store, xbox or edge. Install classic start menu and you'll have most of the windows 7 feel, without tiles.
  • Silver5urfer - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link

    There are so many tools that can slipstream latest updates and you can do it with tools or packs that have no telemtry too, like simplix and you can avoid any sort of telemetry crap. I have been using Win7SP1 only on a machine since a long time why didn't I get bit by ransomware by that.

    Nope Linux doesn't run games that well, Proton is good but it cannot run everything and there are so many mods that are not possible for Linux, tell me does GTA 4 run on Linux with Script hook ? Or GTA V ?

    Win7 can get fully security updates from Extended support from MS and they can be installed without any Telemetry it makes the OS far more stable than a Win10 which is a constant bugged trash.
  • Beaver M. - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link

    Not nearly close to all.
    Thats why Windows 10 was pushed that hard, even was (still is in some cases) free. Because they wanted more data from you than they were able to get with the other OSs.

    In any case, you can block that telemetry and other spying very well with external tools or guides.
    You can pretty much block all MS and affiliated servers from ever contacting Windows.
  • DanNeely - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link

    Expect the number of SATA ports to keep going down, they compete with USB3 and PCIe lanes for chipset capacity and as flash becomes ever more affordable the number of people needing them is going down. I suspect larger numbers will linger for longer on the more budget friendly chipset boards more commonly used for DIY NASes; but suspect within a few years if you want a 8/6 (and maybe even 4) DIY nas you'll need to install a SATA card to connect the drives.
  • lmcd - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link

    You're worried about performance but need to enable Aero on Windows 10? Yikes. And you're complaining about improved out-of-the-box security? Windows Defender is a good thing. I'm glad that Windows has an out-of-the-box AV, it's much needed. The release cycle can be deferred easily, just stick to the Fall updates. Don't be a baby. Don't remove things protecting you from the pointy end of your tinfoil hat like Defender either.

    AMD never enabled Ryzen on Windows 7 and there have always been problems. The biggest red flag is that Ryzen SMT requires a new Windows scheduler that was incompatible with backporting to Windows 7. So you're asking for an entire kernel overhaul for an OS over a decade old that released back when the top-of-the-line was a Bloomfield quad core and AMD hadn't even started its Bulldozer debacle!

    If you want a lightweight OS, you should try DOS. I heard there's no spyware in that at all. Also if you want proof that Ryzen 3000 doesn't actually work with Windows 7, there's a specific crash in Paint.NET that only happens on Ryzen on Windows 7. And there's no solution. The code causing the crash is a simple thread allocation that works on every combination of Windows 7 and supported hardware, as well as Windows 10 and its supported hardware.

    So honestly, shut up. Use old hardware with your old OS, or use new hardware with a new OS.
  • Spunjji - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link

    Savage, 100% accurate though.
  • Silver5urfer - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link

    Z490 Z390 Z270 all were not supported on Win7 as per Intel and MS. But they all run Win7 with all latest updates too (Yeah Win7 has security updates that you can install selectively and avoid telemetry). And X470 supports Win7 as well, needs modding but they all support Win7. X570 can run Win7 too.

    DX12 games run on Win7, COD games, CB2077 are DX12 only yet they run & Nvidia RTX3000 series has Win7 driver support so your 2008 and 12 years old OS is running latest HW how about that reality check ?. And SMT Is not there in Win7 for Ryzen ? If you do not know about things properly you should never comment, esp that information about Defender. Did I even ask man about your opinion on this ? It's useless software that blocks all the files and a big processor cycle hog on the background. If I want an AV I would get Malware Bytes and run it for free. Or ESET. Defender is very bad Software for the same reason it is having so many tutorials on the Internet for blocking it.

    Here's X570 with SMT on Win7 for your disinformation.
    watch?v=A6_MdxMUpRE (use YT domain, AT has spam checker for links probably so it got removed)

    Everything is not a tinfoil hat that you do not understand. Why should I defer all the updates ? You say like you block all updates and update at the end of the year, it's not like that at all. Win10 20H2 is super unstable POS OS. Yet you are naive of that information. Esp Patch Tuesdays at Woody have so much of info on how unstable this is.

    Just shut up and do not spread disinformation if you have anything to say that helps with achieving Win7 on the Z590 share it else keep it shut. Oh and also do you realize it's from 2015 when Threshold 1 was released and full of bugs and it took more than 3 years to beat Win7 desktop marketshare, basically until 2018 Win10 was under Win7 netmarketshare at less than 42% of world wide desktop os share. These are called facts. Not unsubstantiated stupid posts.
  • WaltC - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link

    I run nothing but advance beta versions of Win10 not released publicly--speaking of stability, can't recall the last time the system crashed it was so long ago. Anyone who cannot get Win10 running stable simply doesn't know what he's doing, imo, as it requires very little effort to do so, if any. I have no irrational paranoia about being "spied on", either....;) People who think other people want to see their pizza, grocery, and other eCommerce orders are nuts, imo. It's amusing how people think to guard their systems as if they held more gold than Fort Knox, when the reality is nobody is interested in what's in their systems--it's totally boring.
  • Oxford Guy - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link

    MS has put all the resources that would go into things like good UI into making sure the stability is there so the spyware won't be interrupted.

    : )

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