The eternal debate among PC enthusiasts and gamers alike: which chipset reigns supreme, the Z390 or Z370? Both chipsets have been touted as top-of-the-line options for Intel’s 8th and 9th generation CPUs, but which one truly deserves the crown? In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of both chipsets, comparing their features, performance, and compatibility to help you make an informed decision.
What’s the Difference Between Z390 and Z370?
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand the core differences between these two chipsets. The Z370 was released in 2017, specifically designed for Intel’s 8th generation Core i5 and i7 processors. Meanwhile, the Z390 chipset was introduced in 2018, targeting Intel’s 9th generation Core i5, i7, and i9 processors.
The primary distinction between the two lies in their features, specifications, and power management. Here’s a brief overview:
Z370:
- Supports Intel’s 8th generation Core i5 and i7 processors (Coffee Lake)
- 24 PCIe lanes
- Dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 2666MHz
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) and USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports
- SATA 6Gb/s and SATA Express support
- Supports Intel Optane memory
Z390:
- Supports Intel’s 9th generation Core i5, i7, and i9 processors (Coffee Lake Refresh)
- 24 PCIe lanes
- Dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 3200MHz
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20Gbps) and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (10Gbps) ports
- SATA 6Gb/s, SATA Express, and PCIe NVMe 3.0 x2 support
- Supports Intel Optane memory and Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+)
As you can see, the Z390 offers several significant upgrades over the Z370, including faster memory support, improved USB speeds, and enhanced storage options.
Performance: How Do Z390 and Z370 Compare?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into the performance aspect of these two chipsets. In general, the Z390 offers better performance thanks to its support for newer, more powerful CPUs and faster memory speeds.
CPU Performance:
The Z390 is specifically designed to work in tandem with Intel’s 9th generation Core i5, i7, and i9 processors, which offer higher clock speeds and more cores than their 8th generation counterparts. This means the Z390 can take full advantage of these more powerful CPUs, resulting in better performance in tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
Memory Performance:
As mentioned earlier, the Z390 supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz, whereas the Z370 tops out at 2666MHz. This 600MHz increase may not seem like a lot, but it can have a significant impact on memory-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
Storage Performance:
Both chipsets support SATA 6Gb/s and SATA Express, but the Z390 takes it a step further with PCIe NVMe 3.0 x2 support. This allows for faster storage options like M.2 SSDs, which can significantly improve loading times and overall system responsiveness.
Features: What Sets Z390 Apart from Z370?
Compared to the Z370, the Z390 offers several features that set it apart as a more modern and capable chipset.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1:
The Z390 boasts faster USB speeds, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20Gbps) and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (10Gbps) ports. This is a significant upgrade from the Z370’s USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) and USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports.
Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+):
The Z390 is the first chipset to support Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+), which offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded environments. This makes it an ideal choice for those who rely on wireless connectivity.
Intel Optane Memory:
Both chipsets support Intel Optane memory, but the Z390 takes full advantage of the latest Optane technology, offering faster storage and improved system responsiveness.
Compatibility: Can I Upgrade from Z370 to Z390?
If you’re already using a Z370 motherboard and are contemplating an upgrade to Z390, you’re probably wondering if it’s compatible. The short answer is: it depends.
CPU Compatibility:
The Z390 is designed specifically for Intel’s 9th generation Core i5, i7, and i9 processors, whereas the Z370 supports 8th generation Core i5 and i7 processors. This means if you’re using an 8th generation CPU, you won’t be able to take full advantage of the Z390’s features.
Motherboard Compatibility:
Z370 motherboards are not compatible with Z390 chipsets, and vice versa. This means you’ll need a new motherboard that specifically supports the Z390 chipset to upgrade.
BIOS and UEFI:
Your existing Z370 motherboard’s BIOS or UEFI firmware may not be compatible with the Z390 chipset. Even if your motherboard supports the new chipset, you may need to update the BIOS or UEFI to ensure compatibility.
Conclusion: Is Z390 Better than Z370?
In conclusion, the Z390 offers several significant upgrades over the Z370, including faster memory support, improved USB speeds, and enhanced storage options. If you’re looking to build a new system or upgrade your existing one, the Z390 is the clear winner.
However, if you’re already using a Z370 motherboard and are happy with its performance, there may not be a compelling reason to upgrade. The Z370 is still a capable chipset, and its compatibility with 8th generation CPUs means it can still provide excellent performance.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to a Z390 motherboard comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology, the Z390 is the way to go. But if you’re on a tighter budget or are happy with your current setup, the Z370 remains a solid choice.
| Feature | Z370 | Z390 |
|---|---|---|
| Supported CPUs | 8th gen Core i5 and i7 | 9th gen Core i5, i7, and i9 |
| Memory Support | Up to 2666MHz | Up to 3200MHz |
| USB Speeds | USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) and USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20Gbps) and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (10Gbps) |
| Storage Options | SATA 6Gb/s, SATA Express | SATA 6Gb/s, SATA Express, PCIe NVMe 3.0 x2 |
| Wi-Fi Support | No | Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) |
In this article, we’ve compared the Z390 and Z370 chipsets, highlighting their key differences in terms of performance, features, and compatibility. Whether you’re building a new system or upgrading an existing one, this information should help you make an informed decision.
What are the key differences between Z390 and Z370 motherboards?
The Z390 and Z370 motherboards are both high-performance boards designed for Intel Core processors, but they have some key differences. The most notable difference is the chipset itself – Z390 is a more recent and advanced chipset, offering improved power delivery, enhanced audio capabilities, and additional features like USB 3.2 Gen 2 and high-speed LAN.
The Z390 chipset also provides better support for Intel’s 9th generation Core processors, including the Core i9-9900K. In contrast, the Z370 chipset is more compatible with 8th generation Core processors. Additionally, the Z390 chipset has better overclocking capabilities, making it a more attractive option for enthusiasts and gamers who want to push their systems to the limit.
Which motherboard is better for gaming?
Both Z390 and Z370 motherboards can deliver excellent gaming performance, but the Z390 has a slight edge due to its improved power delivery and overclocking capabilities. The Z390 chipset is better equipped to handle the high-power requirements of Intel’s 9th generation Core processors, which are popular among gamers.
Additionally, the Z390 motherboard’s improved audio capabilities and high-speed LAN features can enhance the overall gaming experience. However, it’s worth noting that the difference in gaming performance between the two chipsets is relatively small, and other factors like the quality of the graphics card and RAM will have a much greater impact on gaming performance.
Can I use a Z390 motherboard with an 8th generation Core processor?
Yes, you can use a Z390 motherboard with an 8th generation Core processor, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of the motherboard’s features. The Z390 chipset is optimized for 9th generation Core processors, and some features may not work or may not work optimally with 8th generation processors.
However, if you have an 8th generation Core processor and want to upgrade to a Z390 motherboard, you can still do so. You just need to ensure that the motherboard manufacturer has released a BIOS update that supports your processor. It’s also important to check the motherboard’s specifications to ensure that it is compatible with your processor.
What are the benefits of USB 3.2 Gen 2?
USB 3.2 Gen 2 is a high-speed USB standard that offers faster data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps. This is a significant improvement over the previous USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard, which has a maximum data transfer speed of 10 Gbps.
The benefits of USB 3.2 Gen 2 include faster data transfer speeds, which can be particularly useful for applications that require high-speed data transfer, such as external hard drives and SSDs. Additionally, USB 3.2 Gen 2 can support multiple devices on a single bus, making it more convenient to connect multiple devices to your system.
Is the Z390 chipset more power-hungry than the Z370 chipset?
The Z390 chipset is indeed more power-hungry than the Z370 chipset, primarily due to its enhanced power delivery capabilities and additional features. The Z390 chipset has a higher TDP (thermal design power) than the Z370 chipset, which means it requires more power to operate.
However, the increased power consumption of the Z390 chipset is not significantly higher than that of the Z370 chipset. Most modern power supplies can easily handle the power requirements of the Z390 chipset, and the benefits it provides in terms of performance and features often outweigh the slight increase in power consumption.
Can I overclock my processor on a Z370 motherboard?
Yes, you can overclock your processor on a Z370 motherboard, but the Z370 chipset has some limitations compared to the Z390 chipset. The Z370 chipset has a more limited power delivery system, which can restrict the amount of overclocking headroom available.
Additionally, the Z370 chipset’s BIOS and firmware may not be as optimized for overclocking as those found on Z390 motherboards. However, many Z370 motherboards still offer excellent overclocking capabilities, and enthusiasts can still push their systems to high speeds with some tweaking and tuning.
Which motherboard is better for content creators?
The Z390 motherboard is generally better suited for content creators due to its improved power delivery, enhanced audio capabilities, and high-speed LAN features. Content creators often require high-performance systems that can handle demanding workloads, and the Z390 motherboard is better equipped to handle these demands.
Additionally, the Z390 motherboard’s improved overclocking capabilities can be beneficial for content creators who require high CPU clock speeds for tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. However, the choice of motherboard ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the content creator.