Difference between z390 boards

[webguy]

Hi.  I am building a pc for gaming and streaming as well as video editing and web design work.  I will be using the computer mostly for gaming on competitive fps games like apex legends and pubg and I will be streaming to twitch from the same pc as well as also capturing video from the stream for youtube videos.  I plan to use an i9 9900k and asus rog strix 2080 gpu with 32gb of 3200 ram.  I plan to use a noctua nh-d15 for cooling.  I will be likely be playing at 1440p 165hz.  I do not know much about overclocking and I do not know if I will even need to but I would like to have that option if I want to in the future.

 

I asked about boards on here a few days ago and was told that basically if price is not an issue the Z390 Aorus Master is one of the best z390 boards if you have the budget for it as it is almost $300.00 USD.  My question is what makes that board better than say an ASRock - Z390 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 board that is like $120.00 USD.  How much better is the aorus master than the asrock?  What are the differences between a less expensive board and the more expensive aorus master?  I will be using a large case with plenty of cooling and do not plan on it being moved around much.  I do not mind spending the $300.00 if there is a big enough difference in performance but if there is very little difference I would rather put that $200.00 difference toward different part upgrades.

 

Thanks!

[TahoeDust]

Do you plan on overclocking?

[webguy]

I do not know much about overclocking and I do not know if I will need to do it.  I would hope that I can get enough performance for what I want to do on default but I would like the option to overclock in the future if needed.  I plan to mostly just game and stream on the same pc while also capturing video for youtube.  I will do video editing and stuff like that on it but I would hope the i9 9900k and 2080 gpu with 32gb of ram would be able to handle all that at default levels right?  I do not really know much about overclocking or why people do it unless it is just to see if they can.

 

If you already have a powerful cpu and gpu default should be enough power right?  Though yeah I would want the option to overclock in the future if it is something I need to do.

[Jurrunio]

The VRM is completely different. This site has most of the information (check Z370 Pro4, same component on all Z370 and Z390 Pro4 boards) with Asrock's cheap board having much lower efficiency and current handling capabilities. It's a good board for the unlocked i3 and i5, but not more.

 

Not necessarily the Master though, If you don't mind losing the on/off and reset switch on the board (also Wifi I think) then the Ultra will do. If not even the post code is necessary, there's the Aorus Pro (and Pro wifi for wifi).

[TahoeDust]

Just know, that even with the 9900k, gaming at 1440p while streaming and recording is a heavy task if you want good quality.  It is going to take some compromise either in quality or FPS.  Don't expect to be blasting ultra settings at 1440p 165fps while streaming and recording at the same time.

[webguy]

15 minutes ago, Jurrunio said:

The VRM is completely different. This site has most of the information (check Z370 Pro4, same component on all Z370 and Z390 Pro4 boards) with Asrock's cheap board having much lower efficiency and current handling capabilities. It's a good board for the unlocked i3 and i5, but not more.

 

Not necessarily the Master though, If you don't mind losing the on/off and reset switch on the board (also Wifi I think) then the Ultra will do. If not even the post code is necessary, there's the Aorus Pro (and Pro wifi for wifi).

Thank you for the information.  I will look into that.  I do know that I do not need wifi.

[webguy]

5 minutes ago, TahoeDust said:

Just know, that even with the 9900k, gaming at 1440p while streaming and recording is a heavy task if you want good quality.  It is going to take some compromise either in quality or FPS.  Don't expect to be blasting ultra settings at 1440p 165fps while streaming and recording at the same time.

Is that even if I use the new nvenc encoding?  I definitely do want the stream to be good quality.

[TahoeDust]

31 minutes ago, webguy said:

Is that even if I use the new nvenc encoding?  I definitely do want the stream to be good quality.

NVENC works well with the new RTX cards, but you need to leave ~10% overhead for it to have room to work.  Using it when the GPU is pinned at 100% will not give you a good outcome.  That is why I was saying you will probably need to turn down some setting or limit FPS.  The setup you are talking about, will do it well, but you will feel it when you are streaming/recording compared to when you are not.

[aezakmi]

35 minutes ago, webguy said:

the Z390 Aorus Master is one of the best z390 boards

not really, it's just the most expensive because of the shitty looks and extra crap they put in just to bloat it.

 

in terms of stability and power design the ASUS WS Z390 would be one of the best boards.

The MSI Z390-A is also good, the C236A too but it comes with a different chipset that isn't made for overclocking.

 

looks don't give you performance.

[Jurrunio]

10 minutes ago, aezakmi said:

The MSI Z390-A is also good

For a 9900k, hmm

 

28 minutes ago, webguy said:

Is that even if I use the new nvenc encoding?  I definitely do want the stream to be good quality.

1440p isn't a walk in the park for a 2080ti (since you can benefit from 100fps+), depending on the game X264 with CPU could be the better way.

[webguy]

1 hour ago, TahoeDust said:

NVENC works well with the new RTX cards, but you need to leave ~10% overhead for it to have room to work.  Using it when the GPU is pinned at 100% will not give you a good outcome.  That is why I was saying you will probably need to turn down some setting or limit FPS.  The setup you are talking about, will do it well, but you will feel it when you are streaming/recording compared to when you are not.

Thank you.  That sounds good then.  I will keep that in mind.  I do not need the highest settings for game quality but I do want the stream quality to be really good.

[webguy]

1 hour ago, aezakmi said:

not really, it's just the most expensive because of the shitty looks and extra crap they put in just to bloat it.

 

in terms of stability and power design the ASUS WS Z390 would be one of the best boards.

The MSI Z390-A is also good, the C236A too but it comes with a different chipset that isn't made for overclocking.

 

looks don't give you performance.

Thank you.  I do not really care much about how the board looks.  I care more about the value and performance.  I would rather not spend more just for a better looking board.  That MSI z390 board you mentioned looks good.  It is only $130.00.  If the aorus is $290.00 due to how cool it looks and the $130.00 msi board you mentioned will give me the same performance I would rather spend less money and have a less flashy looking board.  I value performance over looks.

[-rascal-]

2 hours ago, aezakmi said:

not really, it's just the most expensive because of the shitty looks and extra crap they put in just to bloat it.

 

in terms of stability and power design the ASUS WS Z390 would be one of the best boards.

The MSI Z390-A is also good, the C236A too but it comes with a different chipset that isn't made for overclocking.

 

looks don't give you performance.

 

The Z390 Aorus Master has an IMPRESSIVE VRM topology and cooling.

It's a 6(x2) + 2 VRM, and the heatsink...is a legit aluminum fin stack heatsink -- not just a block of metal with a few cut-outs.

 

Compared to ASUS / AsRock / MSi using a 4(x2) + 2, 3(x2) + 2 VRM this time around with Z390, it is one of the best out there.

That is of course, until you step into the $500+ range.

Even SIMILARLY PRICED (in many cases, EXACT same price) ASUS Maximus XI Hero is a 4(x2) + 2.

---------------------------

EDIT: 
The MSi Z390-A PRO uses a weak 4(x2) VRM ... UP9521P PWM chip.

Similar to the AsRock Z390 Pro4, and ASUS Prime Z390-P.
---------------------------

 

For an overclocked i9-9900K (e.g. 5.0 GHz across all cores), you are cutting close with a 4(x2) + 2 VRM system.

 

BuildZoid's run-down of Z390 motherboards:

 

Hardware Unboxed testing budget Z390 motherboards (includes the MSi Z390-A PRO).

MSi Z390-A PRO and AsRock Z3390 Pro4 out-right fails (e.g VRM overheats) with a i9-9900K @ 5.0 GHz with 1.3V VCore.

Not much better with the i9-9900K running at stock / auto.

 

[aezakmi]

23 minutes ago, -rascal- said:

EDIT: 
The MSi Z390-A PRO uses a weak 4(x2) VRM ... UP9521P PWM chip.

Similar to the AsRock Z390 Pro4, and ASUS Prime Z390-P.

cool should've known the MSI was crap

 

TBH I'm not into Intel that much since the disappointing my 8600k was, ended up selling everything and switched to red team which just for games is ok

 

It's sad to see most mobo manufacturers focusing on looks, I mean the Aorus Master could easily be a sub $200 board if not for all of the gamer stuff

[TahoeDust]

4 minutes ago, aezakmi said:

cool should've known the MSI was crap

 

TBH I'm not into Intel that much since the disappointing my 8600k was, ended up selling everything and switched to red team which just for games is ok

 

It's sad to see most mobo manufacturers focusing on looks, I mean the Aorus Master could easily be a sub $200 board if not for all of the gamer stuff

They have the Aorus Elite at that price point...which is basically the Master minus some features and a little different VRM...still a 12 stage.

[webguy]

1 minute ago, TahoeDust said:

They have the Aorus Elite at that price point...which is basically the Master minus some features.  Same VRM.

I am really glad to hear that.  Do you know what features are different?  This one is right in the price range of what I was wanting to spend.  Would you say this is one of the best boards under $200.00?  Thanks!

[TahoeDust]

3 minutes ago, webguy said:

I am really glad to hear that.  Do you know what features are different?  This one is right in the price range of what I was wanting to spend.  Would you say this is one of the best boards under $200.00?  Thanks!

If the VRM is your main concern, it is probably the best for the money.  It is not exactly the same VRM, but also a 12 stage.

 

https://www.gigabyte.com/Comparison/Result/2?pids=6637,6641

[-rascal-]

2 minutes ago, aezakmi said:

cool should've known the MSI was crap

 

TBH I'm not into Intel that much since the disappointing my 8600k was, ended up selling everything and switched to red team which just for games is ok

 

It's sad to see most mobo manufacturers focusing on looks, I mean the Aorus Master could easily be a sub $200 board if not for all of the gamer stuff

 

I was disappointed with ASUS.

Even something like a Maximus grade board is using a 4-phase VRM.

 

I was stuck deciding between the Maximus XI Hero and Aorus Master...like 3 weeks ago.

I've used ASUS for so long, thought the Maximus XI Hero would be good...but nope...I was actually disappointed.

Next step up would have been a ASUS Maximus XI Formula for the better VRM .... $600? No thanks.

This is coming from some who own(ed) a bunch of ASUS motherboards (e.g. Crosshair IV and V Formula for socket AM3 / AM3+, and X99 Deluxe II).

[webguy]

1 minute ago, TahoeDust said:

If the VRM is your main concern, it is probably the best for the money.  It is not exactly the same VRM, but also a 12 stage.

I am sorry but I do not know what VRM is.  I am new to building a pc but have wanted to for years.  I just want something that is good quality and not real expensive that will allow me to play my games at good settings and stream high quality using an i9 9900k and 2080 gpu.

[-rascal-]

3 minutes ago, webguy said:

I am sorry but I do not know what VRM is.  I am new to building a pc but have wanted to for years.  I just want something that is good quality and not real expensive that will allow me to play my games at good settings and stream high quality using an i9 9900k and 2080 gpu.

 

VRM = Voltage Regulation Modules.

It's what provides stable, clean power to the CPU, RAM sticks, etc.

It converts the +12v and +5v from the PSU to the lower 1.2V / 1.3V / 1.35V your CPU, chipset, RAM...uses.

 

A CPU may be using 1.3V, which may seem small, but the current draw is high -- 100A range...even 200 ~ 250A if you start overclocking.

[webguy]

42 minutes ago, -rascal- said:

 

VRM = Voltage Regulation Modules.

It's what provides stable, clean power to the CPU, RAM sticks, etc.

It converts the +12v and +5v from the PSU to the lower 1.2V / 1.3V / 1.35V your CPU, chipset, RAM...uses.

 

A CPU may be using 1.3V, which may seem small, but the current draw is high -- 100A range...even 200 ~ 250A if you start overclocking.

Thank you for that information.  I have been seeing people talk about VRM for a while now on here and I googled it but how you explained it makes more sense.  I plan to likely have

 

one or two ssd drives - one for os and either have it be big enough to also put a few games that I play most often on it or get a second one for games

one sata drive for now but may want a second one in the future

one gpu

do not need wifi as I will be using an ethernet cord directly to modem for it

do not have plans now to overclock but want the option to in the future if needed

 

With those needs from what I can tell that gigabyte Z390 AORUS ELITE board is a good pick for the money.  Would you agree?  If you were going to buy a board for a build similar to mine and wanted to spend $200.00 or less for the board would it be the one you would get?

 

Thanks!

[xg32]

5 hours ago, webguy said:

.

For the 9900k, depending on ur budget, choose from the base taichi, aorus ultra/master, evga dark, or gene, it's finally heating up where i live and looking at the vrm temps while gaming atm, i wouldn't use anything lower than these boards for the 9900k. Looking at temps alone i'd ONLY recommend the ultra/master. 

 

As for the elite, for 30dollars more you can get a taichi, the ram controller/vrm are both worse on the elite than the other boards listed.

 

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157857&Description=z390 taichi&cm_re=z390_taichi-_-13-157-857-_-Product

 

With that setup, i'd only recommend 2080 ti, the 2080 ti black for 1k is a much better deal than a 2080 strix for 800, unless you are going for looks, then disregard what i just said

[xg32]

4 hours ago, aezakmi said:

not really, it's just the most expensive because of the shitty looks and extra crap they put in just to bloat it.

 

in terms of stability and power design the ASUS WS Z390 would be one of the best boards.

The MSI Z390-A is also good, the C236A too but it comes with a different chipset that isn't made for overclocking.

 

looks don't give you performance.

agreed on the WS z390, but i def would not use a msi a for a 9900k. 

[webguy]

10 minutes ago, xg32 said:

For the 9900k, depending on ur budget, choose from the base taichi, aorus ultra/master, evga dark, or gene, it's finally heating up where i live and looking at the vrm temps while gaming atm, i wouldn't use anything lower than these boards for the 9900k.

 

As for the elite, for 30dollars more you can get a taichi, the ram controller/vrm are both worse on the elite than the other boards listed.

 

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157857&Description=z390 taichi&cm_re=z390_taichi-_-13-157-857-_-Product

 

With that setup, i'd only recommend 2080 ti, the 2080 ti black for 1k is a much better deal than a 2080 strix for 800, unless you are going for looks, then disregard what i just said

Thank you for the information.  It looks like those boards you mentioned are over $200.00 and more like $250.00 or more.  You think it is worth the extra $150.00 to go from the aorus elite to the ultra or master?  The taichi looks like it is about $70.00 more than the elite.  You think it is worth the extra?

 

You mentioned the 2080 ti black for 1k.  Where did you find that?  The places I found it have it for $1200.00 USD while the asus rog strix 2080 is only $850.00.  The 2080 is 3 fans vs that evga black is only 2 fans.  WIth me gaming and running it so many hours at a time like 12+ hours would a 2 fan gpu work?  If I buy a 2 fan gpu can I put in extra gpu cooling in the case like an extra fan etc.?  What percentage better performance would the 2 fan 2080ti you mentioned give me than the 3 fan 2080 given that I will be gaming at 1440p 165hz and streaming as well as capturing video for youtube at the same time.

 

Thank you.

[xg32]

10 minutes ago, webguy said:

Thank you for the information.  It looks like those boards you mentioned are over $200.00 and more like $250.00 or more.  You think it is worth the extra $150.00 to go from the aorus elite to the ultra or master?  The taichi looks like it is about $70.00 more than the elite.  You think it is worth the extra?

 

You mentioned the 2080 ti black for 1k.  Where did you find that?  The places I found it have it for $1200.00 USD while the asus rog strix 2080 is only $850.00.  The 2080 is 3 fans vs that evga black is only 2 fans.  WIth me gaming and running it so many hours at a time like 12+ hours would a 2 fan gpu work?  If I buy a 2 fan gpu can I put in extra gpu cooling in the case like an extra fan etc.?  What percentage better performance would the 2 fan 2080ti you mentioned give me than the 3 fan 2080 given that I will be gaming at 1440p 165hz and streaming as well as capturing video for youtube at the same time.

 

Thank you.

The taichi would be worth it over the elite for 200usd, the 2080 ti is power limited so even the 2 fan models don't go past 80C when gaming, u'd have to turn the fans up of course.

 

I'm currently playing division 2 and my temps on 4.7 avx (110w)  are as follows first load 100% cpu usage 70C (4.9 avx 180w=85C), in game 60C, gpu under 75C, ambient 20C VRM 75C (the master/ultra is about 20C cooler), for 200usd i'd grab the taichi over the elite, it's worth it imho. If it's gets really hot where you live, then really consider the ultra/master, the 9900k draws way too much power.

 

2080 ti black https://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=11G-P4-2281-KR <--just went out of stock rip, every damn time.

 

The problem with the 2080 isn't the temps, it's the extra 25% you lose compared to the 2080ti when/if you can get one for 1k, since you already sink a significant amount of money into a premium mobo/9900k and 32gb of ram.