"One Redditor claimed that the problem could be attributed to a tiny screw that specifically secures the PCIe graphics card riser mount. The screw is reportedly shorting out the system and causing it to not work properly. The same Redditor shared his experience that his system would automatically reset if there is any pressure on the portion of the case where the graphics card is housed. "
Summary
NZXT is recalling all H1 cases due to a design error where one of the screws can cause sparks, making the case able to catch fire under normal use. If you have a H1 currently, contact h1support@nzxt.com for further assistence. NZXT didn't leave any details to the problem, gave no solution outside of contacting them and is only hinting to making a kit to solve the problem.
Quotes
My thoughts
I personally think NZXT's response to this is lackluster. It's a good thing they've set up a separate support, halted sales and made some public feedback, but in this they didn't even detail the problem itself or link to the second post that discovered it around 20 days earlier than them coming out with it. I understand that looking into this issue takes a couple days, especially right now, but that doesn't excuse you from hinting at so many things without giving a proper breakdown of the problem in my eyes. Especially considering we're talking about a 350 dollar case here. I hope they do work things out and that current H1 users get compensated for this serious design error.
NZXT just released their newest edition of their N7 motherboard line to the market, going for Intel's Z490 platform as their choice. This caught my attention and I decided to look deeper into it and see what they brought to market, with who and if it's any good for the price they're asking. So, today I'll do an anaysis on this board and compare it to some others in it's priceclass and it's quality class.
To start, the board has two versions, just like last time. It comes in either white or black. This gives it a very minimalist look, similar to their case concept. it basically covers everything but the socket, headers, memory slots, pcie slots and power connectors. They added some holes around the VRM heatsink and heatsink, giving it some airflow there. This will likely still obstruct airflow over the board a bit, but to a much lesser degree then if this were to be closed off. There are also two buttons on the board for reset and power on. This is a bit of a weird choice, as this is normally only common on XOC oriented boards, which the board isn't useful for. The only usecase this would have in my eyes is if you run this board on a testbench, but I see little reason why a case maker would implement this. With that said, let's start comparing
Z490 Steel legend - (almost) the same, but cheaper
Many things indicate NZXT chose to move away from ECS and instead went off to work with Pegatron/Asrock this time around as their supplier. The interesting thing about it is that it matches a lot of the specifications that the Steel legend has. Below a compare in the specsheet
Specs
NZXT N7 Z490
Asrock Steel Legend Z490
VRM
ISL69269 (8+2)
Vishay SIC632A 50A DrMOS
ISL69269 (8+2)
Vishay SIC632A 50A DrMos
Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4
4266(O.C.)/ 4133 (O.C.)/ 4000(O.C.)/ 3866(O.C.)/ 3733(O.C.)/ 3600(O.C.)/ 3466(O.C.)/ 3400(O.C.)/ 3333(O.C.)/ 3300(O.C.)/ 3200(O.C.)/ 3000(O.C.)/ 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2933/ 2800/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
Support Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0
Dual Channel DDR4 Memory Technology
4 x DDR4 DIMM Slots
Supports DDR4 4266+(OC)* / 4133(OC) / 4000(OC) / 3866(OC) / 3800(OC) / 3733(OC) / 3600(OC) / 3200(OC) / 2933 / 2800 / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Supports ECC UDIMM memory modules (operate in non-ECC mode)
Max. capacity of system memory: 128GB**
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0
15μ Gold Contact in DIMM Slots
Multi-GPU Support
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX™ and CrossFireX™
Storage
Intel® Z490 Chipset
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s ports
Support RAID 0/1/5/10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 17
Intel® Optane Memory Ready
6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 17), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug*
1 x Ultra M.2 Socket (M2_2), supports M Key type 2260/2280 M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s module and M.2 PCI Express module up to Gen3 x4 (32 Gb/s)**
1 x Ultra M.2 Socket (M2_3), supports M Key type 2260/2280/22110 M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s module and M.2 PCI Express module up to Gen3 x4 (32 Gb/s)**
LAN
Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN
2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
Dragon RTL8125BG
Supports Dragon 2.5G LAN Software
Smart Auto Adjust Bandwidth Control
Visual User Friendly UI
Visual Network Usage Statistics
Optimized Default Setting for Game, Browser, and Streaming Modes
User Customized Priority Control
Supports Wake-On-LAN
Supports Lightning/ESD Protection
Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az
Supports PXE
Wireless
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AX200 Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Support dual band frequency 2.4/5GHz
Support MU-MIMO
None, but has support for 2230 Wifi/BT modules
Bluetooth
Bluetooth V5.1
None, but has support for 2230 Wifi/BT modules
Audio
Realtek® ALC1220 Codec
8-Channel High Definition Audio, 32-bit /192KHz DAC
Nichicon Fine Gold Series Audio Capacitors
7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC1200 Audio Codec)
Premium Blu-ray Audio support
Supports Surge Protection
110dB SNR DAC with Differential Amplifier
PCB Isolate Shielding
Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
Gold Audio Jacks
Nahimic Audio
Expansion Slots
2 * PCIe 3.0 x16 (Single at x16; dual at x16/x4)
3 * PCIe 3.0 x1
2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slots (PCIE1/PCIE3: single at x16 (PCIE1); dual at x16 (PCIE1) / x4 (PCIE3)*
3 x PCI Express 3.0 x1 Slots
Rear I/OB
2 * USB 2.0
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
2 * USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
1 * HDMI™ 1.4b
1 * 2x2 Wireless antenna
1 * Clear CMOS button
1 * LAN (RJ45) port
1 * Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 * 5.1-Channel audio jacks
2 x Antenna Mounting Points
1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
1 x HDMI Port
1 x DisplayPort 1.4
1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
2 x USB 2.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver) (Supports ESD Protection)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver) (Supports ESD Protection)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (Intel® Z490) (Supports ESD Protection)*
1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone (Gold Audio Jacks)
Internal I/O
1 * 24-pin EATX power connector
1 * 8+4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 * 4-pin CPU_FAN connector1
1 * 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector2
5 * 4-pin SYS_FAN connectors2
2 * NZXT RGB LED connectors3
1 * 5V ARGB LED connector4
1 * 12V RGB LED connector5
3 * USB 2.0 header (Up to 6 USB 2.0 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen1 header (Up to 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen2 front panel header (For USB Type-C)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
1 * M.2 Socket 1 with E Key, (For wireless cards, supports CNVio)
1 * Front panel audio connector
1 * Power button
1 * Reset button
4 * POST LEDs
1 x SPI TPM Header
1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
2 x RGB LED Headers*
2 x Addressable LED Headers**
1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)***
1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****
5 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)*****
1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
1 x 8 pin 12V Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
1 x 4 pin 12V Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
1 x Thunderbolt™ AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock Thunderbolt™ 3 AIC R2.0 Card only)
2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports) (Intel® Z490) (Supports ESD Protection)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports) (ASMedia ASM1074 hub) (Supports ESD Protection)
1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (Intel® Z490) (Supports ESD Protection)
As you can see here, it's nearly identical, showing the same specification in audio, RAM, LAN (dragon = Realtek), expansion slots, multi-gpu support and is very simliar on I/O (images later in the article), storage (4 vs 6 SATA) and even the VRM. The only major difference visible here is the wifi/bluetooth card pre-installed into it, though this is an Intel AX200, with an MSRP ranging from 10-17 USD. The main difference is that N7 costs 230 USD, while Steel legend retails at around 175 USD as of the time of writing, with an MSRP of 185 USD.
Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4
4266(O.C.)/ 4133 (O.C.)/ 4000(O.C.)/ 3866(O.C.)/ 3733(O.C.)/ 3600(O.C.)/ 3466(O.C.)/ 3400(O.C.)/ 3333(O.C.)/ 3300(O.C.)/ 3200(O.C.)/ 3000(O.C.)/ 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2933/ 2800/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
Support Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0
4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 128GB1
Supports 1R 2133/2666/2933 MHz*
1DPC 1R Max speed up to 5000+ MHz
1DPC 2R Max speed up to 4500+ MHz
2DPC 1R Max speed up to 4400+ MHz
2DPC 2R Max speed up to 4000+ MHz
Supports Dual-Channel mode
Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
Multi-GPU Support
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports AMD® 2-Way CrossFire™ Technology
Storage
Intel® Z490 Chipset
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s ports
Support RAID 0/1/5/10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 17
Intel® Optane Memory Ready
6x SATA 6Gb/s ports 1
2x M.2 slots (Key M)
Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s
M2_1 slot supports 2242/ 2260 /2280/ 22110 storage devices1
M2_2 slot supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices2
Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready*** 3
LAN
Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN
1x Realtek® RTL8125B-CG 2.5G LAN Controller
Wireless
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AX200 Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Support dual band frequency 2.4/5GHz
Support MU-MIMO
Intel® AX201
Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, MU-MINO Rx, 2.4GHz-5GHz (160MHz) up to 2.4Gbps
WiFi 6 Pre-Certified
The Wireless module is pre-install in the M2 (Key-E) slot
Bluetooth
Bluetooth V5.1
Supports Bluetooth® 5.1 , FIPS, FISMA
Audio
Realtek® ALC1220 Codec
8-Channel High Definition Audio, 32-bit /192KHz DAC
Nichicon Fine Gold Series Audio Capacitors
Realtek® ALC1200-VD1 Codec
7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
Supports S/PDIF output
Expansion Slots
2 * PCIe 3.0 x16 (Single at x16; dual at x16/x4)
3 * PCIe 3.0 x1
1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (from CPU)
1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode, from PCH)
2x PCIe x1 slots (from PCH)
Rear I/OB
2 * USB 2.0
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
2 * USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
1 * HDMI™ 1.4b
1 * 2x2 Wireless antenna
1 * Clear CMOS button
1 * LAN (RJ45) port
1 * Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 * 5.1-Channel audio jacks
1x PS/2 Combo Port
1x DisplayPort
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-A)
1x LAN Port
1x HD Audio Connectors
2x USB 2.0
1x HDMI Port
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps (Type-C)
4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps (Type-A)
1x Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
1x Optical S/PDIF OUT
Internal I/O
1 * 24-pin EATX power connector
1 * 8+4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 * 4-pin CPU_FAN connector1
1 * 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector2
5 * 4-pin SYS_FAN connectors2
2 * NZXT RGB LED connectors3
1 * 5V ARGB LED connector4
1 * 12V RGB LED connector5
3 * USB 2.0 header (Up to 6 USB 2.0 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen1 header (Up to 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen2 front panel header (For USB Type-C)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
1 * M.2 Socket 1 with E Key, (For wireless cards, supports CNVio)
1 * Front panel audio connector
1 * Power button
1 * Reset button
4 * POST LEDs
1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-C port
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector (support additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports)
2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
1x 4-pin water pump connector
6x 4-pin system fan connectors
1x front panel audio connector
2x system panel connectors
1x chassis intrusion connector
1x Clear CMOS jumper
2x 4-pin RGB LED connectors
2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
1x TPM module connector
1x TBT connector 1
1x RTD3 connector
Gaming edge wifi is MSI's take on a midrange board with wifi, featuring the same audio and networking capacity, a better vrm, better memory and more i/o compared to N7. With that said, it's also priced below N7, at an MSRP of 200 USD. Otherwise, the boards are nearly identical with minor feature differences.
Z490 Aorus Elite AC - Worse WIfi, better rest
Specs
NZXT N7 Z490
Gigabyte Aorus Elite AC Z490
VRM
ISL69269 (7+2)
Vishay SIC632A 50A DrMOS
ISL69269 (12+0)
Vishay SiC651A 50A DrMos
Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4
4266(O.C.)/ 4133 (O.C.)/ 4000(O.C.)/ 3866(O.C.)/ 3733(O.C.)/ 3600(O.C.)/ 3466(O.C.)/ 3400(O.C.)/ 3333(O.C.)/ 3300(O.C.)/ 3200(O.C.)/ 3000(O.C.)/ 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2933/ 2800/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
Support Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0
4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR4 5000(O.C.) / 4933(O.C.) / 4800(O.C.) / 4700(O.C.) / 4600(O.C.) / 4500(O.C.) / 4400(O.C.) / 4300(O.C.) / 4266(O.C.) / 4133(O.C.) / 4000(O.C.) / 3866(O.C.) / 3800(O.C.) / 3733(O.C.) / 3666(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.) / 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933 / 2800 / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz
Multi-GPU Support
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™ and 2-Way AMD CrossFire™ technologies
Storage
Intel® Z490 Chipset
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s ports
Support RAID 0/1/5/10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 17
Intel® Optane Memory Ready
2 x M.2 connectors (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SATA and PCIe x4/x2 SSD support) (M2M_SB/M2A_SB)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
* Refer to "1-7 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA connectors.
Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
LAN
Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN
Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbit/1 Gbit/100 Mbit)
Wireless
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AX200 Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Support dual band frequency 2.4/5GHz
Support MU-MIMO
Intel® Wi-Fi AC 9462:
Intel® CNVi interface 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band
Support for 1x1 11ac wireless standard and up to 433 Mbps data rate
Bluetooth
Bluetooth V5.1
BLUETOOTH 5
Audio
Realtek® ALC1220 Codec
8-Channel High Definition Audio, 32-bit /192KHz DAC
Nichicon Fine Gold Series Audio Capacitors
Realtek® ALC1200 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
Expansion Slots
2 * PCIe 3.0 x16 (Single at x16; dual at x16/x4)
3 * PCIe 3.0 x1
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All of the PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
Rear I/OB
2 * USB 2.0
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
2 * USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
1 * HDMI™ 1.4b
1 * 2x2 Wireless antenna
1 * Clear CMOS button
1 * LAN (RJ45) port
1 * Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 * 5.1-Channel audio jacks
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x SMA antenna connectors (1T1R)
1 x HDMI port
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5 x audio jacks
Internal I/O
1 * 24-pin EATX power connector
1 * 8+4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 * 4-pin CPU_FAN connector1
1 * 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector2
5 * 4-pin SYS_FAN connectors2
2 * NZXT RGB LED connectors3
1 * 5V ARGB LED connector4
1 * 12V RGB LED connector5
3 * USB 2.0 header (Up to 6 USB 2.0 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen1 header (Up to 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen2 front panel header (For USB Type-C)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
1 * M.2 Socket 1 with E Key, (For wireless cards, supports CNVio)
1 * Front panel audio connector
1 * Power button
1 * Reset button
4 * POST LEDs
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
2 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling CPU fan header
3 x system fan headers
2 x addressable LED strip headers
2 x RGB LED strip headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x USB Type-C™ port, with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x Trusted Platform Module header (For the GC-TPM2.0 SPI/GC-TPM2.0 SPI 2.0 module only)
2 x Thunderbolt™ add-in card connectors
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x Q-Flash Plus button
Except when looking at the wifi, aorus elite AC is better in almost every single way. It has a superior memory topology, better VRM, more I/O, more SATA storage capacity, while keeping the same LAN, sound and other features to the same degree or are closely comparable.
Z490 Prime-P - surprise attack
Specs
NZXT N7 Z490
Asus Prime-P Z490
VRM
ISL69269 (7+2)
Vishay SIC632A 50A DrMOS
ASP1900B (5+2/10+2)
OnSemi NCP302045 45A
Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4
4266(O.C.)/ 4133 (O.C.)/ 4000(O.C.)/ 3866(O.C.)/ 3733(O.C.)/ 3600(O.C.)/ 3466(O.C.)/ 3400(O.C.)/ 3333(O.C.)/ 3300(O.C.)/ 3200(O.C.)/ 3000(O.C.)/ 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2933/ 2800/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
Support Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4800(O.C.)/4600(O.C)/4500(O.C)/4400(O.C)/4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory *
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
OptiMem II
* 10th Gen Intel® Core™i9/i7 CPUs support 2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 natively, Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
Multi-GPU Support
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology
Storage
Intel® Z490 Chipset
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s ports
Support RAID 0/1/5/10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 17
Intel® Optane Memory Ready
Intel® Z490 Chipset :
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology supports
Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
LAN
Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN
Realtek® RTL8111H
Wireless
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AX200 Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Support dual band frequency 2.4/5GHz
Support MU-MIMO
M.2 slot only (Key E) (Support CNVI & PCIe interface)*
*Wi-Fi module is sold separately.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth V5.1
M.2 slot only (Key E) (Support CNVI & PCIe interface)*
*Wi-Fi module is sold separately.
Audio
Realtek® ALC1220 Codec
8-Channel High Definition Audio, 32-bit /192KHz DAC
Nichicon Fine Gold Series Audio Capacitors
Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Expansion Slots
2 * PCIe 3.0 x16 (Single at x16; dual at x16/x4)
3 * PCIe 3.0 x1
Intel® 10th Gen Processors
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode) *1
Intel® Z490 Chipset
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode)
4 x PCIe 3.0 x1
Rear I/OB
2 * USB 2.0
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
1 * USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
2 * USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
1 * HDMI™ 1.4b
1 * 2x2 Wireless antenna
1 * Clear CMOS button
1 * LAN (RJ45) port
1 * Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 * 5.1-Channel audio jacks
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
2 x USB 2.0
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)
Internal I/O
1 * 24-pin EATX power connector
1 * 8+4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 * 4-pin CPU_FAN connector1
1 * 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector2
5 * 4-pin SYS_FAN connectors2
2 * NZXT RGB LED connectors3
1 * 5V ARGB LED connector4
1 * 12V RGB LED connector5
3 * USB 2.0 header (Up to 6 USB 2.0 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen1 header (Up to 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports)
1 * USB 3.2 Gen2 front panel header (For USB Type-C)
4 * SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA mode)
1 * M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage device support
(PCIe 3.0 x4 mode only)
1 * M.2 Socket 1 with E Key, (For wireless cards, supports CNVio)
1 * Front panel audio connector
1 * Power button
1 * Reset button
4 * POST LEDs
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
1 x Addressable Gen 2 header(s)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2 with E key for Wi-Fi module
1 x SPI TPM header
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x AIO_PUMP connector
1 x Thunderbolt header(s)
1 x 4-pin EATX 12 V Power connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
1 x System panel connector
1 x COM port header
you've indeed seen it well, this board has worse audio, networking, a pretty similar VRM, similar I/O and so on. The difference is in the price. Prime-P can be found for as little as 150 dollars, compared to the 230 dollars of the N7. This places it as an awesome budget option for a 10600k or even 10700k build. The sad thing is that for around 80 dollars more, most of it is unchanged or easily changed with pcie devices. This was the main board as far as Asus where I wanted to compare it to for my point
I/O - compared
N7:
Steel legend:
Aorus Elite AC:
Gaming edge wifi:
Prime-P
Bios - Asrock-ZXT
The bios very much looks like an Asrock layout, so if you're familiar with the current Asrock bioses, you'll easily find your way though here. The difference is that they chose to reskin it with a bit of a CAM-like theme. It looks decent enough, but won't feel any different from an Asrock bios in that regard. So all the personal (dis)advantages you already had with them, also apply to NZXT.
Conclusion - Should I buy one? maybe
+ unique design
+ great for themed builds
+ cover is thermally not problematic
~ Asrock-like bios
- price is too high against competitors
- from a technical perspective nothing outstanding
- covers are closed-source, so you're relying on NZXT or DIY recreation for theme builds
In conclusion, NZXT made a good board, their main problem is that with all the established manufacturers having launched months ago already with technically superior boards that they don't stand a chance unless someone is looking for the unique look the N7 offers. My idea would be to lower the retail price from 230 USD to 190-200 USD, where it can still be a little bit behind MSI and Gigabyte's offerings in some regards, but make it a lot mote compelling to get whenever stock is low or for the minimalist look. I don't expect NZXT to do this, but it would make it an interesting option for a 10600k/10700k build.
PCPartPicker Part List
Type
Item
Price
CPU
Intel Core i5-10600K 4.1 GHz 6-Core Processor
£244.97 @ CCL Computers
CPU Cooler
Noctua NH-D15 CHROMAX.BLACK 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler
£89.99 @ Amazon UK
Motherboard
Gigabyte Z490 VISION G ATX LGA1200 Motherboard
£200.71 @ CCL Computers
Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
£110.80 @ Amazon UK
Storage
Silicon Power A60 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
£110.69 @ Newegg UK
Storage
Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
£51.78 @ Amazon UK
Case
Fractal Design Define 7 Light ATX Mid Tower Case
£135.42 @ CCL Computers
Power Supply
Super Flower Leadex III Gold 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
£112.00 @ Currys PC World
Custom
3080
£750.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
Total
£1806.36
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-09-05 20:22 BST+0100
id personally go this route
change the ff
-Motherboard (overkill for the cpu)
-LPX is pretty bad (it cant reach the advertised speeds)
-Samsung SSD'S are pretty overpriced
-PSU is pretty overpriced look at the SUPERFLOWER LEADEX III
hewwo i would avoid getting the H510e just because of the thermals on it, it is good looking but the airflow is very sub par i would advice to get a Phanteks p300a/p400a NR600 Fractal Design meshify c or the BeQuiet! 500dx
also there is a better deal on a power supply on ca PCPP its a revolution DF 650w its a good unit for the price
and lastly i would get another aio that performs a bit better than the X63 ie the (Arctic Liquid Freezer II or the EVGA CLC)
Anyways before the salty penguin started taking things personally, lets get back to the convo.
I think the 3000's will be a significant performance boost over the cpu you have now. Others in this post have stated that as well. You could get away with an x470 right now. You could use an x470 with a 3000's with a bios update of course.
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