Top 10 best Z490 motherboards: 2021-2022 ranking and detailed specifications comparison

Motherboards on the Intel Z490 chipset are fast and productive elements of the PC.

Unfortunately, only a small number of models are on sale, and some are just starting to appear.

Novelties were released in 2021-2022, closer to the summer.

They are also set at indicative prices.

It's worth finding out what makes Intel Z490 motherboards so good, which one is the best to choose.

Top 10 best motherboards for Z490 chipset in 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
The top 5 best Intel Z490 chipset motherboards in value for money
1	GIGABYTE Z490 GAMING X	Check price
2	GIGABYTE Z490I AORUS ULTRA	Check price
3	GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS MASTER	Check price
4	ASRock Z490M PRO4	Learn the price
5	ASUS PRIME Z490M-PLUS	Check price
Top 5 best gaming motherboards for Intel Z490 chipset
1	ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING	Find out the price.
2	ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS (WI-FI)	Check price
3	GIGABYTE Z490M GAMING X	Notify me pricing
4	ASRock Z490 PHANTOM GAMING-ITX/TB3	Find out the price of
5	ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS	Check price

Table of Contents

Top 10 motherboards for Z490 chipset in 2021-2022
Features of Intel Z490 chipset and its benefits
How to choose and what to look for?
The best motherboards for Intel Z490 chipset in value for money
The best gaming motherboards for Intel Z490 chipset
Shopper Testimonials
Helpful video

Intel Z490 chipset features and benefits

RAM Features. It is possible to install up to 128 GB at 2933 MHz.
Up to 8GT/s bus speed..
Number of PCIe lanes increased to 24. Version 3.0, configuration x1, 2, 4. The number of USB - 10.
GPU compatibility .. Chipset works well with 3 Way CrossFire and SLI.
Supports 10th Generation Intel Core i9/Intel Core i7/Intel Core i5/Intel Core i3/Intel Pentium/Intel Celeron processors.

How to choose and what to look for?

Pay attention to the socket. It is good, if it is from the LGA1200 line.
To possible memory overclocking .. A great option - 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-4600 MHz cards with a maximum size of 128 GB.
On the number of slots .. Must be SATA, M.2, PCI, USB, pin.
On sound parameters .. Built-in sound must be of good quality. For example, ALC1200 7.1CH, HDA.

The best Intel Z490 chipset motherboards for value for money

GIGABYTE Z490 GAMING X

The motherboard from GAMING series with progressive design of power supply system (11+1 phases). 11+1 phases), 2-Way CrossFire™ video mode, Intel® GbE, cFosSpeed, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, Dual M.2 sockets + Thermal Guard, Smart Fan 5, Dual Armor, Ultra Durable™ technology, RGB FUSION 2.0, Q-FLASH PLUS technology.

Compatible with 10th generation Intel® Core™ processors. Capable of running on DDR4 DIMM 2133-4600 MHz with a maximum capacity of 128 GB.

Supports Intel GbE Ethernet LAN 10/100, 1000 Mbps.

Also endowed with a connector for RGB ribbon. Great for improving your gaming PC.

This model has high reliability for 2021-2022.

Features:

socket - LGA1200;
system - BIOS AMI;
cooling - passive.

Pros of

Support for tenth-generation processors;
Two slots for M2 storage devices;
A large number of ports and slots;
excellent memory parameters;
stability and reliability;
good cooling.

Cons

no usb type-c;
crude software.

GIGABYTE Z490I AORUS ULTRA

Mini-ITX motherboard with an advanced 8+1 phase VRM module design, High-performance cooling, Intel® WiFi 6 802.11ax, HDMI 2.0 digital video interface, and RGB FUSION 2.0 technology.

It's a great choice for a powerful PC. Compatible with 10th generation processors, two slots for graphics cards, incredibly fast operation - these are not all the advantages of the design.

If we consider the memory properties, it opens up the possibility of using two DDR4 DIMM 2133-5000 MHz cards with a total capacity of 64 GB, supporting dual-channel mode.

A wide range of connectors for connecting peripherals and additional hard drives will please even the most demanding user.

The features:

System BIOS AMI;
cooling - passive;
Intel 2.5GbE Ethernet LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

Pros of

cooling system;
well-thought-out component layout;
performance;
cFosSpeed utility;
proprietary features;
extensive BIOS features.

Cons

GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS MASTER

This motherboard is suitable for tenth generation Intel® Core™ processors. It features 14+1 phase digital VRM module, Direct-Touch II heat sinks with Fins-Array II thermal tubes.

There is also an Intel® WiFi 6 802.11ax module, an Intel® 2.5GbE LAN controller, an ESS SABRE 9118 HiFi DAC.

There is a unique feature in the form of RGB FUSION 2.0 and USB TurboCharger technology. Great for creating a powerful gaming PC.

You can install 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-5000 MHz with a total capacity of 128 GB.

There is a rich set of connectors and slots, as well as Bluetooth and Ethernet based on Intel 2.5GbE 1Gb/s, 2.5Gb/s. Additionally, it is worth noting the good performance of the built-in sound and cooling system.

Specifications:

socket - LGA1200;
system BIOS AMI with disaster recovery;
an RGB ribbon slot.

Pros of

overclocking capability;
the number of connectors;
noise sensor, temperature sensor;
software to control the coolers;
random access memory.

Cons

VRM;
Changes in the bios settings.

ASRock Z490M PRO4

Motherboard for Intel Core 10th Gen processors. Features audio system Nahimic Audio that delivers the best sound experience with rich detail.

Also features baseband amplification technology, PCB with heat dissipation technology.

Premium 50A Power Choke Chokes increase the saturation current by 3 times, so more reliable voltages are provided for the motherboard.

Provides a full range of connectors and slots, protection systems, proprietary utilities in the manufacturer's store.

This is a great option for the gaming PC. Plus there are 4 DDR4 DIMMs, 2133-4500 MHz with a total capacity of 128 GB.

Specifications:

socket - LGA1200;
system BIOS AMI;
cooling - passive.

Pros of

sound quality and cooling;
connectors;
protection against power surges;
premium throttles;
memory settings.

Minuses

ASUS PRIME Z490M-PLUS

This motherboard is designed to better unlock the potential of processors Intel^®10th Generation Intel Core™..

It has a reliable power system, intelligent settings. All of these settings are great for getting a high-performance PC.

The model has an Xpert 2+ fan that provides reliable cooling even if the computer stays on for a long time.

There are 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-4400 MHz cards with an impressive total capacity of 128 GB.

In addition to the basic nuances, attention was paid to the details. So there is outstanding sound, audio shielding, a separate layer for the left and right tracks, premium Japanese capacitors.

Specifications:

Socket -LGA1200 ;
system - BIOS AMI;
cooling - passive.

Pros

RAM parameters;
quality cooling;
reliability and stability;
performance;
easy tuning of some parameters;
overclocking capability.

Disadvantages

The best Intel Z490 chipset gaming motherboards

ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING

This motherboard is designed to improve the performance of your gaming computer. It is produced in ATX format, with the most necessary modern and high-speed interfaces, intuitive software.

Powerful digitally controlled power supply system guarantees stable performance of the latest Intel processors.

Cooling is provided from all sides, so the board is not afraid of heavy loads.

All cooling settings can be found in the ROG AI Overclocking utility. As for the RAM, there are 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-4600 MHz cards with a total capacity of 128 GB.

Specifications:

Intel Z490 Express chipset;
system - BIOS AMI;
cooling - passive;

Pros of

a wide variety of connectors;
high quality cooling;
branded utilities;
simple system settings;
memory settings.

Minuses

The complexity of the system for the novice user.

ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS (WI-FI)

This motherboard is a highly reliable device that has successfully Tested under extreme conditions.

Selected components provide maximum stability during a long gaming process.

It supports 10th generation Intel Core processors, has an optimized power supply and full cooling system as well as modern interfaces, Realtek S1200A audio codec, built-in Aura backlight.

Accompanied by the TUF Gaming Alliance program to improve PC component compatibility, making it easier to assemble.

A distinctive feature is the SafeSlot, which includes a special way to attach the PCIe slot for extra durability when installing an expansion card.

Features:

chipset - Intel Z490 Express;
BIOS AMI;
Memory parameters - 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-4800 MHz, max 128 GB
cooling - passive.

Pros of

Intel's stable Ethernet adapter;
Turbo LAN proprietary utility;
ability to accelerate individual applications;
real-time parameter monitoring;
rich interface;
good packaging.

Disadvantages

GIGABYTE Z490M GAMING X

This motherboard comes with an advanced power subsystem design (circuitry 11+1 phases), 2-Way CrossFire video mode^™,Intel controller^® GbE and cFosSpeed utility.

It features rich USB and M.2 interfaces. It has Thermal Guard heatsinks, Smart Fan 5 and RGB FUSION 2.0, Ultra Durable technology^™, as well as Dual Armor screens.

The features increase the functionality of the model and allow you to overclock it up to the necessary parameters.

Real gamers will enjoy the VRM's advanced cooling system. The memory is quite enough for the gaming computer, because there are 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-4400 MHz with a total capacity of 128 GB.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2021-2022.

Features:

chipset - Intel Z490 Express;
BIOS AMI system;
Passive cooling.

Pros

power supply circuitry;
cooling;
overclocking capability;
backlighting;
RAM;
clear settings.

Cons

one M.2 slot;
No USB 2.0.

ASRock Z490 PHANTOM GAMING-ITX/TB3

Mini-ITX format motherboard with an advanced 8+1 phase VRM module design, High-performance cooling system.

It is the perfect choice for your powerful PC. Compatibility with tenth generation processors, two slots for graphics cards, incredibly fast operation - these are not all the advantages of the design.

If we consider the memory properties, it opens up the possibility to use two DDR4 DIMM 2133-5000 MHz cards with a total volume of 64 GB, supporting dual channel mode.

A wide range of connectors for connecting peripherals and additional hard drives will please even the demanding user.

Features:

System BIOS AMI;
cooling - passive;
Ethernet Dragon RTL8125BG, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

Pros

cooling system;
well-thought-out component layout;
performance;
cFosSpeed utility;
proprietary features;
extensive BIOS features.

Cons

ASUS TUF GAMING Z490-PLUS

This motherboard is a highly reliable device that has successfully Tested under extreme conditions.

Selected element base provides maximum stability of the computer during a long gaming process.

It features support for 10th generation Intel Core processors, an optimized power supply and full cooling system as well as cutting edge interfaces, Realtek S1200A audio codec, and integrated Aura backlight.

Accompanied by the TUF Gaming Alliance program to improve PC component compatibility, making it easier to assemble.

Features SafeSlot, which uses a special way to secure the PCIe slot for extra stability when installing an expansion card.

Features:

chipset - Intel Z490 Express;
BIOS AMI;
Memory parameters - 4 DDR4 DIMM 2133-4800 MHz, max 128 GB
cooling - passive.

Advantages of

Stable Ethernet adapter from Intel;
Turbo LAN utility;
ability to accelerate individual applications;
real-time parameter monitoring;
rich interface;
good packaging.

Disadvantages

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Useful Video

Take a look at the overview of Z490 chipset motherboards in this video: