The Intel Z590 Motherboard Overview: 50+ Motherboards Detailed
by Gavin Bonshor on January 19, 2021 10:15 AM ESTAt the start of 2021, Intel has unveiled its latest desktop platform, designed primarily for its Rocket Lake 11th generation processors. Intel is officially moving to PCIe 4.0, with the top SKU Core i9-11900K supposedly offering a large jump in IPC performance compared to the previous generation. The new chipset moves to double bandwidth to the CPU, allowing for more hardware to make the most of the chipset at once. It also moves to DDR4-3200 support, a new peak in a product line that was previously on DDR4-2933. The new Z590 chipset is Intel's flagship, designed for Rocket Lake, but offering backward compatibility with Comet Lake processors. We take a closer look at the large variety of new motherboards set to come to market.
As is usual with a new platform launch, we reached out to every motherboard vendor for their Z590 model list, images, and specifications. Every vendor we spoke to had something on hand, however some products are still under development for launch over the next couple of months. As a result, we have put as much information as we have into this single article to date, and as information is provided, this article will be updated. At the time of publication, we have details of 50+ motherboards. We will endeavor to keep this Z590 overview updated with the latest information, including pricing and new models.
Intel Z590 Chipset: Double Bandwidth to the CPU
Due to the size of the core being used, the newest Rocket Lake flagship is only 8 cores compared to the previous generation's 10, but by contrast, Intel has put a few new features onto the leading flagship chipset, and a number of vendors are straight out of the gate with a wide variety of models and price points. There are two (or three)big differences between the new Z590 and the previous flagship Z490.
First up is the CPU-to-chipset link, which has been doubled from a DMI x4 link to a DMI x8 link. This means an effective CPU-to-chipset bandwidth of a PCIe 3.0 x8 link, and suggests that two PCIe 3.0 x4 drives can be attached and run at full speed.Out of all the 500-series chipsets, we are under the impression that Z590 is the only one that will do this, with all others forcing an x4 link. Also, the x8 link only works with Rocket Lake CPUs, and will downgrade to x4 with a previous generation processor.
The second big difference is that the Z590 platform will enable the processor to use PCIe 4.0. Intel will include native CPU PCIe 4.0 support for the first time, 20 lanes of it, which will enable a full x16 link for add-in cards as well as another PCIe 4.0 x4 for storage. Vendors will be able to split that x16 as required, similar to previous mainstream motherboards, into an x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4 bifurcated solution, with appropriate muxing.
The third update is native USB 3.2 G2x2 (20 Gbps) Type-C support from the chipset. Motherboards that take advantage of this feature will likely enable it either on a front panel or rear panel connector, although it is optional and some of the cheaper models might not have the port.
Intel is also offering better memory support on its 11th Generation processors, which have been upgraded from DDR4-2933 to DDR4-3200. This means that motherboard vendors are building the base specifcation to meet this DDR4-3200 at JEDEC specifications, but most will go beyond this for overclocked memory. Due to the ratio jump, it means that we have motherboards offering up to DDR4-5333, although buying that memory will cost a lot of money. Note that memory profiles higher than DDR4-3200 are classified as overclocking, which officially nullifies any warranty. Intel does in itself offer what it calls PTPP, the Intel Performance Tuning Protection Plan, which is a warranty that can be purchased directly from Intel for an additional cost.
Intel Z590, Z490, and Z390 Chipset Comparison | |||
Feature | Z590 | Z490 | Z390 |
Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 | LGA1151 |
PCIe Lanes (CPU) | 20 | 16 | 16 |
PCIe Specification (CPU) | 4.0 | 3.0* | 3.0 |
PCIe Config | x16 x8/x8 x8/x8/x4+4 |
x16 x8/x8 x8/x8/+4 |
x16 x8/x8 x8/x4/+4 |
DMI Lanes (3.0) | x8 (RKL) | x4 | x4 |
Chipset PCIe 3.0 Lanes | 24 | 24 | 24 |
Max USB 3.2 (Gen2/Gen1) | 6/10? | 6/10 | 6/10 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) | Y | ASMedia | N |
Total USB | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Max SATA Ports | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Memory Channels (Dual) | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 |
Intel Optane Memory Support | Y | Y | Y |
Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) | Y | Y | Y |
Max Rapid Storage Technology Ports | ? | 3 | 3 |
Integrated WiFi MAC | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
Intel Smart Sound | Y | Y | Y |
Integrated SDXC (SDA 3.0) Support | ? | ? | Y |
Overclocking Support | Y | Y | Y |
Intel vPro | N | N | N |
Max HSIO Lanes | ? | 30 | 30 |
ME Firmware | 15 | 14 | 12 |
TDP (W) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The new Intel Z590 chipset now includes native support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20 Gbps Type-C connectivity. On the previous Z490 chipset, vendors needed to use additional controllers, such as the ASMedia ASM3242, plugged into the PCIe lanes from the chipset.
Networking is also a focal point for vendors, with Intel continuing to build in a native Wi-Fi 6 MAC into the chipset, accessible through Intel's proprietary CNVi interface. Vendors will enable this through Intel's latest AX201 or AX210 Wi-Fi 6 RF modules, or the new Intel Killer AX1675 (because if you hadn't heard, Intel purchased the company behind the Killer networking chips).
For wired connectivity, Intel identifies support for 2.5 gigabit Ethernet as a key feature for the new chipsets, however this isn't anything special, as it works the same as in previous generations - motherboard vendors just buy a 2.5 GbE PCIe chip and attach it to the chipset. Though usually when Intel advertises it like this, then there's a combo sale for vendors who buy the chipset along with the Intel branded network controller, so we're going to see a push for 2.5 GbE networking on Z590.
Intel Thunderbolt 4: Support for Maple Ridge
Another new feature found on Z590 models is Intel's Maple Ridge Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. Despite there being little difference between Thunderbolt 4 and the previous Thunderbolt 3, as both allow for 40 GBs of bandwidth and both can drive additional displays, TB4 does offer the full specification standard. Thunderbolt 4 comes with additional security through Intel VT-d DMA protection, can support longer cables with lengths of up to 2 meters, and also tree/branch daisy chaining, whereas previously only linear chaining was supported.
Another benefit for users looking to attach extra screens is Thunderbolt 4 can support up to two 4K and one 8K display, which is a marked improvement over Thunderbolt 3. Systems that want to enable TB4 will do it though the vendor integrating the Maple Ridge chip on the board, as with any other external (external to the chipset) controller.
The Current Z590 Product Stack:
Motherboards Confirmed So Far (as of 01/19)
Through our contact with vendors, we anticipate a total of 55+ models for Z590. Most of these are currently announced and detailed, with a small number announced but waiting for a full detail. Simply put, there will be no shortage of models to select from. Although users might start to baulk at the pricing, with only a small number of boards dipping below the $200 mark.
Surprisingly there isn't much in the way of micro-ATX for Z590, with availability looking limited. We have some mATX from Chinese vendor Colorful, one from ASRock, ASUS and MSI, but little else. For small form factor enthusiasts, ASRock, GIGABYTE, and MSI include a small selection of mini-ITX boards. The vast majority of the Z590 product stack is ATX, although the flagship models from each brand feature E-ATX PCBs with a large selection of PCIe, storage, and premium controller options.
ASRock
ASRock's product stack includes the return of its Phantom Gaming series, which focuses on gaming elements, with the Taichi sitting at the top as the brand's flagship Z590 model. The entry-level Pro 4 series offers an ATX and micro-ATX version, while ASRock's only mini-ITX board to be announced at this time comes via the Z590M-ITX/ac.
ASRock Z590 Motherboard Product Stack | ||||
Model | Size | Overview Link |
Review Link |
Price |
ASRock Z590 Taichi | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590 PG Velocita | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590 Extreme WiFi 6E | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590 Extreme | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590 Steel Legend 6E | ATX | Link | $212 | |
ASRock Z590 Steel Legend | ATX | Link | $195 | |
ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming 4 AC | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming 4 | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590 Pro 4 | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590M Pro 4 | mATX | Link | TBC | |
ASRock Z590M-ITX/ac | ITX | Link | TBC |
ASRock will likely announce even more models for Z590, as the custom monoblock Z590 Aqua is a potential model that could be announced at a later date. We also expect a Phantom Gaming mini-ITX model at some point, which typically offers plenty of premium features.
ASUS
As is typical with ASUS, it has a large Z590 stack, and we have information available for most of its Z590 models; some information is still yet to be announced, however. Some of the models yet to be fully unveiled include the overclocking focused Maximus XIII Apex (Q1), and the Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial with a custom EK monoblock and the standard Extreme variant (also Q1). The usual suspects make its way onto Z590, including the ROG Maximums XIII series, now in its 13th iteration, as well as the mid-range ROG Strix, the budget-focused TUF Gaming, and Prime series.
ASUS Z590 Motherboard Product Stack | ||||
Model | Size | Overview Link |
Review Link |
Price |
ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Extreme | E-ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero | ATX | Link | $500 | |
ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Apex | ? | TBC | ||
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WIFI | ATX | Link | $380 | |
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WiFi | ATX | Link | TBC | |
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-A Gaming WiFi | ATX | Link | $330 | |
ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WiFi | ITX | Link | $370 | |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WIFI | ATX | Link | $260 | |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z590-Plus | ATX | Link | $240 | |
ASUS Prime Z590-A | ATX | Link | $280 | |
ASUS Prime Z590-P | ATX | Link | $189 | |
ASUS Prime Z590M-Plus | mATX | Link | $175 |
From the pricing information we have on hand, ASUS's cheapest model will be the ASUS Prime Z590M-Plus, micro-ATX. The entry-level Prime series focuses on basic yet subtle aesthetics, with prices starting upwards of $244. ASUS will also be launching a Strix series mini-ITX model, the ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming WiFi, but there isn't much in the way of information. We will keep things updated, though, as more details are made available.
Biostar
Biostar has announced a trifecta of models for Z590, with its top model, the Z590 Valkyrie sitting as one of the most premium desktop models we have seen from them in a long time. The latest Valkyrie series uses the native USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C support, 2.5 gigabit Ethernet, and has a fresh and funky design. Biostar's Racing series is also back for Z590 through the Z590GTA model, with an ATX PCB and a solid entry-level feature set.
Biostar Z590 Motherboard Product Stack | ||||
Model | Size | Overview Link |
Review Link |
Price |
Biostar Z590 Valkyrie | ATX | Link | TBC | |
Biostar Z590I Valkyrie | ITX | Link | TBC | |
Biostar Racing Z590GTA | ATX | Link | TBC |
Biostar is usually a sure thing for at least one mini-ITX model per chipset, and the Z590I Valkyrie is the smaller sibling of the ATX model. It seems like Biostar has gone all out on its Valkyrie models to use the Z590 chipset to its fullest, especially with support for up to DDR5-5000 and 2.5 GbE with premium HD audio codecs.
GIGABYTE:
GIGABYTE has the largest stack with 15 new models unveiled at present. Starting from the top with the GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce, it caters to the enthusiast market, with top tier level features and a custom monoblock for custom liquid cooling. The Aorus Z590 Xtreme has the same PCB, without the monoblock, and the Aorus range extends from the top end down to the mid-range.
GIGABYTE Z590 Motherboard Product Stack | ||||
Model | Size | Overview Link |
Review Link |
Price |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Master | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Tachyon | ATX | TBC | ||
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Pro AX | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Ultra | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590I Aorus Ultra | ITX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Elite AX | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Aorus Elite | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Gaming X | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Vision D | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590I Vision D | ITX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 Vision G | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 UD AC | ATX | Link | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z590 UD | ATX | Link | TBC |
Offering a more modest feature set with more cost-effective controllers, the Z590 Gaming X sits just below the Aorus series. In contrast, the Vision series returns with a refreshed Vision D (Designare) and a new Z590 Vision G model with slightly fewer features. GIGABYTE has two mini ITX models, the Z590I Aorus Ultra and the content creator focused Z590I Vision D. For users looking for a more affordable and lower entry point, GIGABYTE has two Ultra Durable series models, the Z590 UD and Z590 UD AC, with the only difference being the latter includes a Wi-Fi module.
MSI
MSI has also gone all out with its Z590 range, with at least 13 new models and more potentially on its way, including an EK monoblock Carbon X version. The MEG, MPG, MAG, and Pro series all return for Z590, with the MEG Godlike sitting as the current flagship with a premium feature set throughout. The Unify range makes a return with an ATX and mini-ITX pairing. The MPG series, which is aimed at gamers with performance in mind, dominates the brand's mid-range, with pricing starting at $264 up to $324. The cheapest starts at $189
MSI Z590 Motherboard Product Stack | ||||
Model | Size | Overview Link |
Review Link |
Price |
MSI MEG Z590 Godlike | E-ATX | Link | $1019 | |
MSI MEG Z590 Ace | ATX | Link | $489 | |
MSI MEG Z590 Ace Gold Edition | ATX | Link | - | |
MSI MEG Z590 Unify | ATX | $389 | ||
MSI MEG Z590 Unify-X | ? | - | ||
MSI MEG Z590I Unify | ITX | Link | $329 | |
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi | ATX | Link | $324 | |
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Force | ATX | Link | $314 | |
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Edge WiFi | ATX | $284 | ||
MSI MPG Z590M Gaming Edge WiFi | mATX | - | ||
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Plus | ATX | $264 | ||
MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi | ATX | Link | $239 | |
MSI MAG Z590 Torpedo | ATX | Link | $229 | |
MSI Z590 Pro WiFi | ATX | Link | $209 | |
MSI Z590 A Pro | ATX | Link | $189 | |
MSI Z590 Pro 12VO | ATX | TBC |
Geared more at the entry-level, the MAG series fires out a Torpedo, and while it might not dent the flagships solely on features, it certainly makes a splash. This is in addition to the Tomahawk which is commonly associated as one of the best models based on price to performance on the market. Lastly, MSI has its Pro series, which targets professionals, and MSI announces a 12VO variant without the need for the 5 V and 3.3 V rails.
Other Z590 Product Stack Options
There are quite a few models outside of the major players.
EVGA is planning on announcing its E-ATX sized overclocking focused EVGA Z590 Dark model sometime later in the year. Primarily designed for overclocking, the EVGA Z590 Dark includes just two memory modules, which are designed to reduce trace latencies for breaking memory world records under liquid nitrogen, with a transposed socket for better LN2 pot mounting. The EVGA Z590 FTW veers off to the more conventional styled motherboard with features aimed at gamers and enthusiasts alike.
Colorful predominantly aims its models at the Asian market with its iGame series and its take on the American Naval fleet with the CVN series.
Supermicro also has two models, one with Wi-Fi and one without, although neither of these includes a PLX chip, which has been a feature in previous generations. This could be an option further down the line.
Other Z590 Motherboards | ||||
Model | Size | Overview Link |
Review Link |
Price |
Colorful iGame Z590 Vulcan X | ATX | Link | TBC | |
Colorful iGame Z590 Vulcan W | ATX | Link | TBC | |
Colorful CVN Z590 Gaming Pro V20 | ATX | TBC | ||
Colorful CVN Z590 Frozen V20 | ATX | TBC | ||
Colorful CVN Z590M Gaming Pro V20 | mATX | TBC | ||
Colorful CVN Z590M Frozen V20 | mATX | TBC | ||
EVGA Z590 Dark | E-ATX | Link | TBC | |
EVGA Z590 FTW | ATX | Link | TBC | |
Supermicro C9Z590-CGW | ATX | Link | TBC | |
Supermicro C9Z590-CG | ATX | Link | TBC |
On the next page is a summary of each Z590 model power delivery from information which we received from manufacturers or through analysis of the physical board. Each subsequent page is a brief analysis and rundown of each model announced, culminating with a conclusion of board features versus other models.
88 Comments
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James5mith - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
Awesome, Multi-GbE this generation! Remind me again which company sells Multi-GbE switches for less than $20/port?Tilmitt - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
We live in joyful hope.dtexo - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/compar...AX210 doesn’t seem to be CNVi, but PCIe+USB
dtexo - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - link
Same with Killer Wi-Fi card(s)https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/produc...
Oxford Guy - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link
So Intel can marry its "Killer" ethernet port to its skull-bearing SSDs for maximum performance in Edge.Harry Lloyd - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link
The price of the PRIME Z590-A cannot be right. That has always been the fully-featured variant of an entry-level Z-chipset model. The Z490-A costs just over 200 $ now. Is this because of the VRM setup? Who needs 16 phases on a board like this? You will not buy this for extreme overclocking anyway.All these ASUS prices seem ridiculous.
Targon - Thursday, January 21, 2021 - link
And I thought the X570 chipset boards were a bit crazy when it comes to prices, these are off the rails on the crazy train! I am all for having a POST code display, but OLED screens to see on the motherboard what this or that is also seems like a waste of money. If you can get the machine to POST in the first place, going to the BIOS to get data about what is going on with this or that is enough. A waterblock for those who plan to use liquid cooling will also add to the price, no question, and it isn't a bad idea, but some of these other things that just add to the price without adding functionality is what I have a problem with.PaulHoule - Friday, January 22, 2021 - link
Ugh.I've never found motherboard reviews that helpful and the last article I read on this site makes me feel worse about it because now I know the performance of a system I build might depend more on the turbo behavior of the motherboard than on the CPU.
I've often found that getting a motherboard is a crap shoot and frequently you find that a particular motherboard has limitations on what you can do with the PCI lanes, or a component that had 35 db of noise for the reviewer has 50 db of noise for me and so forth. I see that $1800 motherboard and I ask myself, "do they make enough of these that they really know that the analog audio path is clean?" and such.
Last time I built a system I had to replace about half of the components at least once to get something I was happy with.
These days I'm inclined to go to a system builder just to have somebody to RMA it to, but if reviews were useful I might go back to building a system myself.
Ghostline91 - Tuesday, January 26, 2021 - link
How's the Biostar Z590 board? It looks like they're going back to more high-end specs and this one might be a good one to try out. When will we see reviews?vinicici22 - Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - link
do you guys know if the z590-a rog strix out yet? or it's just already sold out on every sites?