Conclusion
Overall, there are a few main upgrades with the Z490 chipset. The move to socket LGA 1200 for 10th gen Comet Lake is a big one, the memory speed upgrade to DDR4-2933, more USB support and the fast connectivity options with Intel 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6. Otherwise, Z490 is more about future support when Intel releases 11th Gen Rocket Lake CPUs and the move to PCIe 4.0 then. If you want to run a 10th Generation Core Desktop CPU Comet Lake S you’ll have to get a new motherboard anyway with Z490.  Â
MSI MPG Z490 GAMING CARBON WIFI Motherboard
Let us show you two motherboards based on Intel Z490 chipset which we are using in our two Intel CPU reviews. A big thank you to MSI for sending us a fully retail motherboard to use in our Intel Core i9-10900K launch review, we are using a retail MSI MPG Z490 GAMING CARBON WIFI motherboard. This motherboard from MSI will retail with an MSRP of $269.99.
You will find that it has some high-end features like the optional 2.5G Ethernet support, as well as Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 support built-in for great connectivity. It has 2x M.2 slots with heatsinks and unique USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for up to 20Gbps transfer speeds. It features a 12+1+1 VRM setup with an 8+4 power setup, 6-layer PCB, and digital PWM. The Z490 chipset is passively cooled with a large heatsink. We will have a full review of this motherboard later on.
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII EXTREME Z490 Motherboard
A big thank you to ASUS for sending us a full retail motherboard to use in our Intel Core i5-10600K launch review, we are using an ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII EXTREME Z490 motherboard. This motherboard will retail with an MSRP of $750. It comes packed to the brim with features galore in the EATX form factor. This is a large motherboard with an 8-layer PCB and 16+0 power stage and 8×8 power setup. It has 8 SATA ports, 2×22110 and 2×2280 M.2 slots, and ASUS DIMM.2 heatsink. Not only does this motherboard support the new Intel I225 2.5Gb Ethernet, but it also comes with Marvell 10Gb Ethernet support. It has Intel’s Wi-Fi 6 AX201 and Bluetooth 5.1. The Z490 chipset is passively cooled with a large heatsink. We will have a full review of this motherboard later on.