The Differences Between Z370 and Z390 Motherboards
The Differences Between Z370 and Z390 Motherboards
If you're building a high-end gaming PC or workstation, one of the key components you'll need to choose is the motherboard. This circuit board serves as the backbone of your system, connecting the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. Two popular options for Intel-based systems are the Z370 and Z390 chipsets, both developed by Intel and supported by various manufacturers. In this article, we'll explore the main differences between these two chipsets and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
CPU Support
One of the most significant differences between the Z370 and Z390 chipsets is their CPU support. The Z370 chipset was released in 2017 and supports Intel's 8th generation Core processors, also known as Coffee Lake. These chips use the LGA 1151 socket and offer up to six cores and twelve threads, with clock speeds ranging from 2.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz. Some notable examples of 8th gen CPUs are the Core i7-8700K, Core i5-8600K, and Core i3-8100.
On the other hand, the Z390 chipset was introduced in 2018 and is designed to support Intel's 9th generation Core processors, also called Coffee Lake Refresh. These chips also use the LGA 1151 socket but have slightly higher clock speeds and support up to eight cores and sixteen threads. Some flagship 9th gen CPUs include the Core i9-9900K, Core i7-9700K, and Core i5-9600K.
While both chipsets can technically use the same CPUs, you'll need to make sure your motherboard's BIOS is updated to support the newer chips if you want to use a 9th gen CPU on a Z370 board. Conversely, you won't be able to use a 10th gen CPU on either chipset, as those require the newer LGA 1200 socket and chipsets like Z490.
Networking Features
Another area where the Z370 and Z390 chipsets differ is their networking features. The Z370 chipset offers support for up to one Gigabit Ethernet port, which is often implemented via an Intel I219-V controller. This can provide reliable and fast wired internet connectivity, but it's not the only option available.
In contrast, the Z390 chipset supports up to two Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be implemented as either two Intel I219-V controllers or a combination of Intel I219-V and Intel I211-AT controllers. This can be useful for users who need to connect their PC to multiple networks or who want to set up a dedicated gaming network with one port for the game and another for streaming or other applications.
Additionally, some Z390 motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, thanks to the inclusion of an Intel Wireless-AC 9560 module. This can be convenient for users who don't want to use an external adapter or who have limited wired connectivity options. However, keep in mind that not all Z390 boards have this feature, and you may need to pay extra for it.
Storage Options
When it comes to storage options, both the Z370 and Z390 chipsets offer similar features, but there are some differences as well. Both chipsets support up to six SATA 6 Gbps ports, which can be used to connect traditional hard drives or solid-state drives. They also support Intel Rapid Storage Technology, which can enable features like RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for improved storage performance or redundancy.
Where the Z390 chipset differs from the Z370 is in its support for Intel Optane Memory technology. This fast and durable memory module can be used to accelerate your system's boot and load times by acting as a cache between your CPU and your storage drives. To take advantage of Optane Memory, you'll need to have a compatible Z390 motherboard and an Optane Memory module, which can be purchased separately.
Another feature that some Z390 motherboards offer is additional M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. These ultra-fast drives can provide blazing-fast read and write speeds that can significantly improve your system's performance. Some Z390 boards have up to three or four M.2 slots, depending on their form factor and layout. However, keep in mind that M.2 drives can generate a lot of heat and may require active cooling or proper airflow to prevent throttling or damage.
Other Features
Finally, we'll cover some other features that may differ between Z370 and Z390 motherboards, depending on the manufacturer and the model. One such feature is the power delivery system, which can affect how stable and efficient your system runs. Z390 motherboards generally have better power delivery systems than Z370 boards, thanks to their support for Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs and their increased power requirements.
Another feature that can vary is the audio subsystem, which can affect the quality and clarity of your sound output. Some Z390 motherboards come with dedicated audio controllers, such as the Realtek ALC1220 or the Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 5, which can provide higher fidelity and more advanced features like 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. Z370 boards may have similar audio chips, but they may not be as advanced or optimized.
Other notable differences between Z370 and Z390 motherboards may include the number and type of USB ports, the layout and design of the board, the size and shape of the heatsinks and cooling solutions, the RGB lighting options and software, and the price and availability of the board.
Conclusion
In summary, the Z370 and Z390 chipsets share many similarities, including their LGA 1151 socket, their support for Intel Core CPUs, their support for up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, and their compatibility with various PC components. However, the Z390 chipset has several advantages over the Z370, including its support for Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs, its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, its support for Intel Optane Memory, its additional M.2 slots, and its improved power delivery and audio subsystems. Ultimately, which chipset you go for will depend on your budget, your CPU choice, your connectivity needs, and your desired features and aesthetics.