ASUS ROG Strix B650-A vs Z790: Comparison for Gamers and Power Users

Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A and Z790 motherboards can be challenging—especially if you want the best gaming performance, future-proofing, and high-end features. In a nutshell, the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A is best suited for AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs and offers impressive value for gamers, while the Z790 lineup caters to Intel’s 13th Gen processors and focuses on robust overclocking capabilities. This guide will break down every detail you need to know, from chipset features to BIOS settings, ensuring you can make an informed decision that perfectly matches your gaming or productivity needs.

1. Chipset Features Breakdown: AMD B650 vs Intel Z790

1.1 Quick Overview of AMD B650

AMD’s B650 chipset is part of the AM5 platform and supports the latest Ryzen 7000 Series processors. It aims to bring many of the advanced features found in higher-end AMD chipsets (like X670) to a more affordable price point, without compromising significantly on performance or future support.

Socket: AM5, supporting Ryzen 7000 CPUs and designed for longevity.
DDR5 Support: Officially supports DDR5 memory, offering faster data transfer rates than DDR4.
PCIe 5.0 (Selective Lanes): Typically includes at least one PCIe 5.0 slot for next-gen SSDs or GPUs, although implementation can vary by manufacturer.
Value-Oriented Features: High-end features—like multiple M.2 slots—are often present, but the VRM design may be less robust compared to flagship X670 boards.

1.2 Quick Overview of Intel Z790

The Intel Z790 chipset is the successor to Z690 and is built for 13th Gen Raptor Lake (and also backward-compatible with 12th Gen Alder Lake) processors. Known for strong overclocking potential and extensive connectivity, Z790 is Intel’s current top consumer chipset.

Socket: LGA1700, supporting 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) and 12th Gen (Alder Lake) processors.
DDR5 or DDR4: Depending on the specific motherboard SKU, it may support DDR5 or DDR4, giving users flexibility in memory choices.
PCIe 5.0: More lanes for next-gen components, beneficial for high-end GPUs and ultra-fast SSDs.
Overclocking Focus: Typically stronger VRM setups and advanced BIOS features tailored for enthusiasts.

2. Comparison Table: B650 vs Z790 Core Specifications

Feature	ASUS ROG Strix B650-A	ASUS ROG Strix Z790
CPU Support	AMD Ryzen 7000 (AM5 Socket)	Intel 13th/12th Gen (LGA1700)
Memory Support	DDR5 (various speeds)	DDR5 or DDR4 (depending on model)
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0 for GPU/SSD (on select lanes)	PCIe 5.0 for GPU/SSD (often more lanes)
VRM Power Phases	Typically 12+2 or similar	Often 16+1 or more
Overclocking	Supported (PBO, manual)	Strong support (K-series CPUs)
Price Range	Mid to High-end	High-end

(Exact VRM phase counts and features can vary based on the specific board model.)

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3. CPU Compatibility and Performance

3.1 AMD Ryzen 7000 Series vs Intel 13th Gen

When comparing Ryzen 7000 CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 9 7900X) to Intel’s 13th Gen lineup (e.g., Core i5-13600K, Core i7-13700K, Core i9-13900K), both offer:

Powerful Single-Core Performance: Critical for gaming frame rates.
High Multi-Core Counts: Great for tasks like streaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.
TDP Differences: AMD typically emphasizes efficiency, while Intel CPUs can have higher power draw under full load.

In many benchmarks, Intel holds a slight edge in single-core speeds, which can translate to slightly higher FPS in certain games. Conversely, Ryzen 7000 excels in multi-threaded workloads and often comes with more energy-efficient profiles. The difference is usually small, so user preference or specific workloads might tip the scales.

3.2 Real-World Gaming Benchmarks

Gaming at 1080p: This resolution stresses the CPU more. Intel’s 13th Gen can lead by a few FPS in some titles, but AMD’s Ryzen 7000 often keeps pace.
Gaming at 1440p and 4K: The GPU becomes the primary bottleneck, making differences in CPU less pronounced.
Streaming Performance: Both handle streaming smoothly. AMD’s efficiency can be beneficial for extended streaming sessions, while Intel’s higher clock speeds can benefit single-threaded tasks.
Memory Speeds: DDR5 frequency can impact CPU performance in memory-intensive games or productivity tasks. Both platforms scale well with higher DDR5 speeds.

4. VRM and Overclocking Capabilities

4.1 VRM Design and Thermal Considerations

Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) supply clean, stable power to the CPU. The higher the power phase design, the more stable and efficient the power delivery, especially under overclocking.

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A: Often features a 12+2 or 14+2 VRM design with substantial heatsinks, striking a balance between cost and performance.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790: Typically includes 16+1 or more robust VRM phases, designed to handle the power draw of Intel’s K-series CPUs, especially important for heavy overclocking.

Thermals are a big factor. If you plan to push your CPU to its limits, ensure you have adequate cooling (AIO or large air coolers) to prevent VRM throttling.

4.2 Overclocking Potential

AMD Platform: Ryzen 7000 supports automatic overclocking (PBO) and manual tuning. With B650, you can still achieve decent OCs, but the top-tier X670 boards might offer better VRM headroom for extreme overclocks.
Intel Platform: Z790 is Intel’s flagship for overclocking. K-series CPUs (like the i7-13700K) can reach high clock speeds, often surpassing 5.5GHz on multiple cores with the right cooling.
Key Tips:
1. Use a high-quality cooler (AIO recommended for top CPUs).
2. Update BIOS for improved stability and CPU microcode.
3. Gradually increase voltage and clock speeds, monitoring temps constantly.

5. Memory, Storage, and Expansion

5.1 DDR5 vs DDR4 (If Relevant)

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A: Exclusively DDR5, leveraging the new AM5 platform’s capabilities.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790: Some variants support DDR5, others DDR4, giving you the option to reuse existing DDR4 kits if desired. However, the best performance typically comes from DDR5.

Why DDR5 Matters:

Higher bandwidth for memory-intensive tasks (video editing, 3D rendering).
Better long-term platform support as DDR5 eventually becomes the standard.
Improved power efficiency and potential for higher frequencies.

5.2 PCIe 5.0 vs PCIe 4.0

Both B650 and Z790 support PCIe 5.0 in at least one slot (usually for the GPU or an M.2 SSD). However, the total number of PCIe 5.0 lanes can differ.

PCIe 5.0 for GPUs: Current-gen GPUs (like NVIDIA RTX 4090) are mostly PCIe 4.0, but future GPUs may fully utilize PCIe 5.0.
PCIe 5.0 SSDs: Offer extremely high sequential read/write speeds, beneficial for content creation or data-heavy tasks.
Real-World Impact: In gaming, the difference between PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 is still minimal. For professionals who do large file transfers, PCIe 5.0 SSD speeds can be beneficial.

6. BIOS Features and Updates

6.1 BIOS Interface Comparison

ASUS motherboards typically have a ROG UEFI BIOS that includes:

EZ Mode: Basic settings for quick configuration (fan profiles, boot order).
Advanced Mode: Detailed settings for overclocking, memory timing adjustments, and CPU voltage tweaks.

While the layout is fairly consistent across ASUS boards, the Z790 BIOS may offer more advanced overclocking settings tailored to Intel’s K-series CPUs.

6.2 Firmware Stability and Support

Frequent Updates: ASUS regularly releases BIOS updates that improve CPU compatibility, fix bugs, and enhance memory stability.
Known Quirks: Early AM5 boards (including B650) sometimes had teething issues with DDR5 memory compatibility, mostly resolved through BIOS updates.
Ease of Updating: Both boards support BIOS FlashBack, which allows you to update without a CPU installed—a handy feature for CPU upgrade cycles.

7. Design, Aesthetics, and Build Quality

7.1 ASUS ROG Strix Visuals

ASUS ROG Strix motherboards often feature:

Aggressive RGB Accents: Customizable lighting zones via ASUS Aura Sync.
Unique Graphics and Logos: Subtle cyber-text patterns or edgy ROG branding.
High-Quality Materials: Reinforced PCIe slots, metal backplates in higher-end variants, and robust heatspreaders on M.2 slots.

7.2 Build and Cable Management

Fan Header Placement: Typically user-friendly, with multiple PWM headers around the edges of the board.
SATA and USB Ports: Positioned for easy access; be mindful if using large GPUs or custom loop fittings.
Case Compatibility: ATX form factor for both B650-A and Z790 Strix boards. Check clearance for large CPU coolers or multiple GPUs if building in mid-tower or smaller cases.

8. Pricing and Value Proposition

8.1 Current Price Comparison

ASUS ROG Strix B650-A: Tends to be in the mid to upper range of motherboard pricing. While more affordable than X670, it might still be considered premium for a B-series board.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790: Generally higher priced due to additional power phases, overclocking features, and Intel’s overall platform cost.

Prices can fluctuate based on sales, local availability, and global events affecting supply chains. Always compare real-time pricing before finalizing your purchase.

8.2 Long-Term ROI: AMD vs Intel

AMD’s AM5 Longevity: AMD has stated that AM5 will be supported for several CPU generations, meaning potential drop-in upgrades down the line.
Intel’s Frequent Socket Changes: While the Z790 supports two generations (12th & 13th), Intel often moves to a new socket more frequently.
Resale Value: High-end motherboards from both brands retain good resale value, but consistent platform support may give B650 boards a slight edge.

9. FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions to help clarify any remaining doubts.

Which motherboard is better for gaming, ASUS ROG Strix B650-A or Z790?
- If you prefer AMD CPUs (Ryzen 7000) and want a slightly more power-efficient system, the B650-A excels. If you’re an Intel fan or crave top-tier overclocking, Z790 is superior.
Do I need DDR5 for both B650 and Z790 motherboards?
- The B650-A requires DDR5. Z790 boards come in both DDR4 and DDR5 variants, but for the best performance, opt for DDR5 when possible.
Can the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A match the overclocking potential of Z790 boards?
- While B650-A supports decent overclocking, Z790 typically offers more robust VRM designs and BIOS features tailored to push Intel K-series CPUs to higher clocks.
What CPUs are compatible with the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A?
- It supports AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors (e.g., Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 9 7900X) on the AM5 socket.
Is ASUS ROG Strix B650-A cheaper than Z790 boards?
- Generally, yes. B650-A boards are often positioned below the Z790 range, but top-tier B650 boards can approach mid-tier Z790 pricing.
Are both motherboards PCIe Gen 5 ready?
- Yes, both offer at least one PCIe 5.0 slot for the GPU or an M.2 SSD, though Z790 may have more total lanes for multiple high-speed devices.
How important is VRM design for everyday use vs heavy overclocking?
- For everyday use, a decent VRM design ensures stable power. For heavy overclocking, a more robust VRM (like those on Z790) ensures sustained performance under high loads.
Do both boards support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2?
- Most ASUS ROG Strix models in both B650 and Z790 lineups include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, but always check the exact specifications of your chosen model.
What are the BIOS update processes and known firmware issues?
- Updates can be done via the ASUS BIOS FlashBack feature or EZ Flash within the BIOS. Early AM5 boards had some DDR5 stability issues, but these are largely resolved with the latest BIOS versions.
Which board offers better future-proofing for next-gen CPUs?

AMD has announced longer support for the AM5 socket, potentially making the B650-A a better long-term upgrade path. Z790 supports Intel 13th and 12th Gen, but Intel may shift sockets more frequently.

10. Conclusion: Which Board Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A and Z790 motherboards boils down to CPU preference, budget, and upgrade plans:

Choose the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A if:
- You want to build a system around AMD Ryzen 7000 Series.
- You value potential longevity of the AM5 socket.
- You prefer a slightly more cost-effective yet feature-rich setup.
Choose the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 if:
- You’re an Intel enthusiast aiming to overclock a 13th Gen K-series CPU.
- You want potentially higher single-thread performance in specific games or tasks.
- You don’t mind a higher initial platform cost.

Whichever option you pick, both ASUS ROG Strix boards offer high-quality designs, robust BIOS features, and excellent build quality. With the insights in this guide, you can confidently select the motherboard that matches your gaming, productivity, and budgetary needs—ensuring you get the best out of your PC today and into the future.