NZXT N7 Z790 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard Review: A Solid Foundation for Your Build

NZXT N7 Z790 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard Review

The NZXT N7 Z790 is a motherboard designed for enthusiasts and gamers who want a solid foundation for their next high-performance PC build. Featuring an Intel Z790 chipset, PCIe 5.0 support, and a sleek white aesthetic, the N7 Z790 promises to deliver both power and style.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The NZXT N7 Z790 is a premium motherboard designed for those who value aesthetics and performance. It features a striking white PCB, an array of connectivity options, and support for the latest Intel CPUs and memory technologies. During testing, we found the N7 Z790 to be a reliable and versatile motherboard that excels in several key areas.

Key Features

The NZXT N7 Z790 packs a punch when it comes to features. Some of the standout aspects include:

  • Intel Z790 Chipset: Provides excellent performance and overclocking capabilities for 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs.
  • PCIe 5.0 Support: Enables lightning-fast transfer speeds for next-generation graphics cards and storage devices.
  • DDR5 Memory Support: Supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for immense memory bandwidth.
  • Dual-Channel Memory Architecture: Optimizes memory performance for smoother gaming and multitasking.
  • Extensive Connectivity: Features multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI, and a 2.5G LAN port, making it versatile for various peripherals and devices.
  • Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3: Enables fast and stable wireless connections for seamless connectivity.
  • NZXT RGB Lighting: Supports NZXT’s CAM software for customizable lighting effects, allowing you to personalize your build.
  • Excellent Cooling Solutions: Includes multiple fan headers and a heatsink design to ensure efficient thermal management.

Performance and Overclocking

The NZXT N7 Z790 delivers exceptional performance. We tested it with an Intel Core i9-13900K processor and found it to handle demanding tasks and games with ease. Overclocking was also smooth, allowing us to push the CPU to its limits and achieve noticeable performance gains. The motherboard’s efficient cooling solution kept temperatures under control, even during prolonged intensive workloads.

The PCIe 5.0 support provided a significant performance boost for our NVMe SSD, enabling faster boot times and application loading. The dual-channel DDR5 memory configuration also contributed to the overall responsiveness of the system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent performance and overclocking capabilities.
  • Sleek white aesthetic that complements modern PC builds.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options, including PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and multiple USB ports.
  • Solid build quality and robust feature set.
  • Efficient cooling solution keeps temperatures under control.
  • Supports NZXT’s CAM software for customizable RGB lighting.

Cons

  • Can be slightly more expensive compared to some other Z790 motherboards on the market.
  • Some users may prefer a more traditional black color scheme.

Final Verdict

The NZXT N7 Z790 is a fantastic motherboard for enthusiasts and gamers who want a powerful and aesthetically pleasing foundation for their next PC build. Its combination of performance, features, and design makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium experience. While it may be slightly more expensive than some competitors, the N7 Z790’s overall value and quality justify its price tag. If you’re looking for a motherboard that can handle demanding workloads and delivers exceptional performance, the NZXT N7 Z790 is an excellent option.

Specifications

Feature Specification
CPU & SOCKET Socket LGA 1700 for Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Core™ CPUs Intel Hybrid Technology, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, Intel TVB, Intel ABT
CHIPSET Intel Z790
MEMORY DIMM Slots: 4, DDR5 only Max Memory Support: 192GB, DDR5 Memory Architecture: Dual-Channel OC Frequency: 7200+ (O.C.)
EXPANSION SLOTS PCIe 5.0 ×16 (PCIEX16_1): 1 (supports ×16 mode) PCIe 4.0 ×16 (PCIEX16_2, PCIEX16_3): 2 (supports ×4 mode) PCIe 3.0 ×1 (PCIEX1_1, PCIEX1_2): 2 M.2 Socket (Key E): 1
STORAGE M.2_1 (PCIe 4.0 ×4 mode): 1 M.2_2 (PCIe 4.0 ×4 mode): 1 M.2_3 (PCIe 4.0 ×4 and SATA 6Gb/s mode): 1 SATA 6Gb/s ports: 4
LAN Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN
WIRELESS Dual Band Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.3
AUDIO Realtek ALC1220 Codec
REAR I/O Wireless antenna SMA connectors: 2 HDMI™ port: 1 USB 2.0: 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C: 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2: 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1: 3 Clear CMOS button: 1 LAN (RJ45) port: 1 Audio jacks: 5 Optical S/PDIF Out port: 1
INTERNAL I/O 24-pin ATX power connector: 1 8+4-pin ATX 12V power connector: 1 4-pin CPU_FAN connector: 1 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector: 1 4-pin SYS_FAN connectors: 5 NZXT RGB LED connectors: 4 5V ARGB LED connector: 2 USB 2.0 header: 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 header: 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 front panel header: 1 Front panel audio connector: 1 Power button: 1 Reset button: 1 POST LEDs: 4
GENERAL Operating System: Windows 11/10 64-bit Form Factor: ATX