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.
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Duncan Macdonald - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link
Why so many motherboards for a product (Rocket Lake) that is outclassed before it is even available by the Zen 3 processors from AMD.Oxford Guy - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link
Mindshare. Intel still means better FPS to some gamers. I also hear AMD’s CPUs are hard to get, except for the 5800x which some believe is overpriced. My local MicroCenter was out of all but that one. I just checked and it has exactly 1 in stock. That’s it for the entire line.Deicidium369 - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
LOL - except it isn't - Zen 3 is nothing but more and more cache to cheese the synthetic benchmarks and impress the rubes. When you actually get a 5900X and a 5950X as I have you start to realize, that like the 6900XT - all AMD smoke and mirrors and little substance.Rocket Lake will wreck Zen 3 - and all the fanboyism won't change that - and one big plus for Rocket Lake is that it will be available in volume while TSMC scraps to get supplies - and Apple has priority - then AMD for the consoles - and whatever small crumbs that are left go to the AMD PC products. New microarch vs cache masquerading as a CPU - easy Intel win.
eva02langley - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
LMAO ROXXORMYBOXXORJust look at how stupid it sounds... you sound like this.
1. ES of Rocket Lake are showing REGRESSION in performances even in games.
2. It passes from 10 cores to 8 cores.
3. The prices are still the same... way overpriced compared to AMD...
4. AMD is looking like it will retain the performances crown in ST and MT performances.
Spunjji - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
"Rocket Lake will wreck Zen 3"Mate, Intel's own leaked benches are already disproving that. You're bending language so hard here that apparently a maximum 5% performance advantage in cherry-picked games at 1080p = "wrecked", and that's at nearly 1/2 the performance per watt.
It's amusing to see how literally all of the Intel shills across multiple sites have switched to banging on about stock levels. Do you have a secret site where you coordinate this, or do you just copy each other naturally? 🤣
Makaveli - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
lol man this thread is pulling out all the weirdo's tonight.We got that guy stuck in 2008 and intel fan boys...
Oxford Guy - Friday, January 22, 2021 - link
Thanks for spamming the topic with your insipid arrogance.gsuburban - Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - link
Lots of folks are looking for the 4th gen NVMe speeds. Also, they are getting more USB 3 and USB C ports that many of the newer cases come with located up front. Also, for those that don't need a video card, the 11th gen CPU's, the upper level ones, support HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 1.4 and have a different graphics chip, the UHD750. Other than these, there are not many other benefits however, cost wise at this time, its the same cost to spend on last years hardware so it seems more reasonable to buy this years hardware for the same price. It wouldn't be much value to take a 3 year old system and upgrade to this years hardware as the gains are not worth the cost.Oxford Guy - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link
Does running a display via Thunderbolt add latency?croc - Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - link
The issue I see here is that Intel's first foray into PCIe 4.0 seems designed to meet, not exceed AMD's efforts. If you are behind the competition, then just meeting their specs is not the way to get ahead. Then there is Rocket Lake's max core count. Max of eight, due to the backporting of the 10nm Sunny Cove cores onto the 14nm litho. OK, AMD's 16 cores may be a bit overkill (for gaming) given the lack of PCIe lanes on their AM4 socket, but Intel is replacing a CPU that topped out at 10 cores with a CPU only allowing eight...Can't wait for the return of Gelsinger's return. I predict a large ship turning around at speed. Watch out for bow waves....