Intel Z490 Motherboard Review Collection
The Z490 Aqua, like the other flagship Z490 boards, is quite impressive. For $1105.99 (yes, you read that right), the Aqua’s claim to fame is the integrated water block designed to cool the CPU and VRMs. The only other Z490 motherboard like this is the Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Extreme Waterforce ($1299.99).
Read more @ Tom’s Hardware
Both Q-Flash and a dual BIOS have been included, providing a redundant safety net for ambitious overclocking. The Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master also offers a full coverage aluminium backplate for added rigidity and additional VRM cooling. All of the features are in order, so let’s see how the Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master stacks up against the competition.
Read more @ TechPowerUp
There is only a handful of Z490 mini-ITX boards currently available, with a couple of entry-level models, as well as some mid to high-end models like the pair we have for review today. Overall, the six mini-ITX Z490 boards that are on the market today range in price from $160 to $300, with both the GIGABYTE Z490I Aorus Ultra and MSI MEG Z490I Unify coming with an MSRP of $270.
Read more @ AnandTech
MSI is sensible in a couple of further ways. There’s a front-panel USB Type-C header (10Gbps) for the latest chassis and integrated Thunderbolt 3 via an Intel JHL7540 chip. Both are handy for such a small board. Those wanting RGB goodness can still use the two JRAINBOW addressable connectors at the top and side.
Read more @ Hexus
The Gigabyte Z490I AORUS ULTRA was released together with a series of new Intel Z490 chipset based AORUS motherboards and it’s currently the only mini-ITX form factor available in the series. As Gigabyte has shown us quite a number of very well built mini-ITX boards in recent years, we’re having our hopes high for the Z490I AORUS ULTRA when Gigabyte announced its new Intel Z490 chipset motherboards lineup.
Read more @ Tech Critter
The MSI MPG Z490 Carbon EK X features a 12-phase Vcore VRM on a 6-layer PCB. There is also 2.5 Gb/s LAN and built-in WiFi 6, as well as two M.2 slot heatsinks and even a physical RGB LED off switch. EK is including a leak test kit with the MSI MPG Z490 Carbon EK X, so you can build with confidence.
Read more @ TechPowerUp
ASRock’s mid-range Z490 Taichi is an interesting beast. The Taichi brand has a track record of using capable, high-quality VRMs, a well-balanced feature set, premium appearance and a price point that doesn’t break your build budget. The Z490 Taichi version continues that trend with a 14-phase VRM (12 for Vcore), USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 rear Type-C, Intel Wi-Fi 6, premium Realtek Audio and a moderate $369.99 price.
Read more @ Tom’s Hardware
A slick-looking premium board for 10th Gen Intel, the MEG Z490 Ace has an attractive feature set and wise PCB arrangement, but issues with the firmware suggest waiting for some patching-up, especially considering the price.
Read more @ PC Mag
Asrock’s Phantom Gaming Velocita is a well-rounded, mid-price ATX motherboard for anyone looking to build (and, maybe, overclock) a solid 10th Generation Intel PC, while spurning the expensive excesses of a flagship board.
Read more @ PC Mag
For Intel’s latest 10th Generation Comet Lake processors on the market, although stock and supply has been somewhat impacted, it has been no more affected than usual for a new Intel product launch. The market is awash with its new LGA 1200 socket processors, including B460, H460, Z490, and the W480 chipsets, among others.
Read more @ AnandTech