When it comes to assembling or upgrading your PC, choosing the right motherboard is a crucial step. With the latest Intel chipsets, the decision between a B760 and Z790 motherboard can be a tough one. On top of that, you also need to consider whether the new DDR5 memory is worth the higher price. Both chipsets offer top-notch performance, but analyzing your specific requirements is key to making the right decision. In this article, we delve into the features, advantages, and disadvantages of both models to assist you with your next purchase.
B760 and Z790 motherboards cater to different needs. The B760 chipset is ideal for budget builds, offering solid performance at a cost-effective price. It supports 12th-, 13th-, and 14th-generation Intel Core processors and meets the needs of casual gamers and everyday PC users. On the other hand, the Z790 motherboard is a high-end option with features such as overclocking capabilities, more PCIe lanes, and extended memory support. The choice between the two depends heavily on individual requirements and budget.
The B760 chipset now only has four PCIe 3.0 lanes, but 10 PCIe 4.0 lanes. The maximum power consumption of the B760 is estimated to be 270 watts, and the graphics card is connected with PCIe 5.0. However, PCIe 5.0 is not yet supported by any graphics card, making it less of a decisive factor in the purchase decision at the moment.
On the other hand, the Z790 motherboard offers 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes compared to the Z690, as well as additional USB ports and higher maximum clock frequency of the main memory. However, the idea of buying a motherboard with a Z chipset to overclock a CPU is almost obsolete with the Intel processors of the 13th and 14th generations already having high clock rates.
When it comes to DDR4 vs. DDR5, the decision depends on platform costs, kit speed, and application advantages. A DDR5 upgrade may not make sense for gamers due to the additional platform costs. However, for a new purchase, especially in connection with the AM5 platform, it makes sense as AMD has confirmed long-term support for this platform. In terms of application performance, DDR5 memory can offer around 11 percent more performance on average.
Ultimately, the choice of motherboard and memory comes down to individual requirements and budget. Factors to consider include the processor, BIOS updates, power consumption, PCIe lanes, connections, RAM speed, and additional features needed. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on the right motherboard and memory for your PC build or upgrade.
