NZXT Announces the N7 Z490 ATX Motherboard

[btarunr]

NZXT, a leading designer of computer hardware, software, and services for the PC gaming community, today announces the NZXT N7 Z490, its newest motherboard specially designed around Intel's 10th generation Z490 chipset. The NZXT N7 Z490 ATX motherboard focuses on providing builders with the tools to get the most out of their gaming PCs. Starting from the building process, the board layout of the N7 Z490 places the ports in an optimal location for an easy building experience.

When the build is completed, users can use NZXT CAM to easily tune their system by setting their fan curves and RGB lighting. Each board was manufactured in collaboration with ASRock, ensuring that each motherboard takes advantage of Intel's Z490 chipset and strong BIOS support. The N7 Z490 has WiFi 6 and Bluetooth V5.1 built-in so users have the newest wireless connectivity standard. Finally, the metal cover enhances the aesthetics of each build and seamlessly blends into the background of an NZXT H series case.



"The NZXT N7 has always been about giving builders what they need," says Johnny Hou, NZXT's founder and CEO. "By providing a motherboard with a simple layout, packed with the latest wireless technology, and a metal cover, it gives users the ability to create a powerful machine for gaming.".

Intuitive Controls
The N7 Z490 includes key features from our RGB and Fan Controller, allowing intuitive control of four RGB lighting channels and seven fan channels through CAM. Lighting accessories from all manufacturers are supported.

Stunning Craftsmanship
The metal cover is available in white or black for a seamless look that blends into the background of any NZXT H Series case for a clean aesthetic.

Building Made Easier
The N7 Z490 includes WiFi 6 connectivity and utilizes all PCI express lanes available from the CPU and chipset. The N7's layout streamlines installation with an integrated rear I/O shield and optimally placed headers for easier setup.

• Designed with Intel Z490 Express Chipset
• Compatible with Intel 10th Generation Core i9, Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 processors
• 8+2 DrMOS Power Phase Design
• Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity and Bluetooth V5.1
• Intel Optane Memory Ready
• Two M.2 connectors for storage devices
• Multi-GPU support with AMD CrossFireX Technology
• Supports memory overclocking speeds of up to 4266 MHz and Intel XMP 2.0
• 8-channel high-definition audio

MSRP Pricing: $229.99 USD
Availability

• USA: Now on NZXT.com
• ROW: Now
• BLD: Now on LetsBLD.com

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Tomorrow]

Inb4 people complain about "that motherboard must get hot under that shroud" etc.

Personally i think it looks great. Tho i don't understand why they only make Intel versions. It's not like EVGA where they only do Intel/Nvidia. NZXT makes all kinds of stuff so it's little perplexing to forego AMD. Even if their current MB partner ECS is incapable of making AM4 boards they could employ someone else like Biostar to make them for AM4. Or partner with one of the bigger ones unless they want exclusive branding.

 

[EarthDog]

It gets warmer than most... but it isn't due to the shroud (it is literally a piece of metal on top of the VRM heatsink)... the 50A VRM bits trying to drive a i9-10900K are the culprits. Still, it can run 5.2 GHz 10900K and the VRMs are well within spec.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

The black one looks great

 

[bonehead123]

Wow, a $230 mobo with a shroud...

soooo friggin innovative, I just can't stand it, hehehe

Seriously though, what exactly does it offer that other ones don't ???

 

[DeeJay1001]

Wow, a $230 mobo with a shroud...

soooo friggin innovative, I just can't stand it, hehehe

Seriously though, what exactly does it offer that other ones don't ???

Buggy CAM software built right in?
Also a convenient SSD hot box.

 

[EarthDog]

Wow, a $230 mobo with a shroud...

soooo friggin innovative, I just can't stand it, hehehe

Seriously though, what exactly does it offer that other ones don't ???

Shrouds. Seriously. Look at other $230 offerings and tell me if ANY of those have shrouds covering the entire board. To be clear, I'm not talking about heatsinks for M.2 and calling that a shroud. You don't see this until boards that cost 2x+... we're talking Z490 Extreme (Asus/Giga)...etc...

 

[bonehead123]

Shrouds. Seriously. Look at other $230 offerings and tell me if ANY of those have shrouds covering the entire board. To be clear, I'm not talking about heatsinks for M.2 and calling that a shroud. You don't see this until boards that cost 2x+... we're talking Z490 Extreme (Asus/Giga)...etc...

Well, I was being somewhat sarcastic, but no matter, since I refuse to buy any new intel boards until they have native pcie4 and/or DDR5 support, which seems like it's gonna be a while yet, so I'll just have to squeak by with my Z390/9900k rig 'till that happens

 

[BArms]

I'd probably get one if I was in the market for Z490. I like how NZXT's marketing has their rad tubes up though which is less than ideal. Would have a lot better flow if the tubes were below the pump unless their own CLC has absolutely no air bubbles.

 

[tabascosauz]

I was wondering when this would show up.

If NZXT hasn't changed (I'm pretty confident they haven't), NZXT's absolutely laughable approach to making BIOSes means there's pretty much no reason to buy this board if you want to have any degree of control over your board. Meaning, in some areas, you'll find more useful options in a Dell laptop BIOS than any of NZXT's motherboards...basically, far beyond merely "bad", a little more along the lines of "vacuous", "appalling".

Configurability seems like it would be something of an important "feature" to have for Z490, hmm?

Oh, and good luck with Rocket Lake support. On the Z370 N7, they were the only board manufacturer never to bother adding Coffee Lake Refresh support (probably would have cost them a total of 60 seconds worth of effort); instead, they told Z370 N7 buyers to suck it, and to buy a whole new Z390 N7 if they wanted to use a 9900K.

Yeah, I can't think of a universe where this is objectively considered competitive with the Z490 Vision G, if you need a board with white accents. Experienced maker of cases, NZXT is; purveyor of quality motherboards, they are certainly not.

 

[EarthDog]

NZXT hasn't changed (I'm pretty confident they haven't), NZXT's absolutely laughable approach to making BIOSes means there's pretty much no reason to buy this board if you want to have any degree of control over your board. Meaning, in some areas, you'll find more useful options in a Dell laptop BIOS than any of NZXT's motherboards...basically, far beyond merely "bad", a little more along the lines of "vacuous", "appalling".

It's a lot better this time around with a lot more control. Arent any reviews out?

 

[tabascosauz]

It's a lot better this time around with a lot more control. Arent any reviews out?

You're right, they're reskinning the ASRock BIOS. Which is also certainly no achievement, but a big step up from having an empty BIOS lol.

A lot of boards this expensive are advertising a 4.0 M.2 slot to indicate Rocket Lake support, so the absence here at $229 is a good sign as any that it's the same old NZXT we've known.

 

[EarthDog]

A lot of boards this expensive are advertising a 4.0 M.2 slot to indicate Rocket Lake support, so the absence here at $229 is a good sign as any that it's the same old NZXT we've known.

A lack of a 4.0 slot doesn't indicate future cpu compatibility. Some boards that cost more don't advertise 4.0 support.

Not trying to relentlessly defend them, but if you're going to hate on them so relentlessly, ateast do it with good reason.

 

[DR4G00N]

You're right, they're reskinning the ASRock BIOS. Which is also certainly no achievement, but a big step up from having an empty BIOS lol.

A lot of boards this expensive are advertising a 4.0 M.2 slot to indicate Rocket Lake support, so the absence here at $229 is a good sign as any that it's the same old NZXT we've known.

NZXT doesn't make boards, they commission them from an actual manufacturer I believe. Their previous boards were made by ECS which is why they were pretty bad. This one looks to be made by AsRock instead, the vrm looks almost exactly like the z490 steel legend. The bios points to that as well, so it might actually be half-decent for the price point. But then again why would you buy this instead of an AsRock board.

 

[Space Lynx]

i wish my msi x570 tomahawk looked like this. its gorgeous

i wonder if this has as good of vrm cooling. comparatively speaking

 

[Yttersta]

"NZXT, a leading designer of computer hardware, software, and services..."

This sound more true to the benefit of the consumer: "Designer of some good cases and some bad ones, LED lighting, buggy / heavy software, fans, and rebranded Asetek coolers".

 

[EarthDog]

i wonder if this has as good of vrm cooling. comparatively speaking

There are reviews out there covering it... as well as that was addressed earlier in the thread.

 

[Berfs1]

THERE ISN'T EVEN ANY RGB ON THE MOTHERBOARD WHY DOES IT HAVE RGB HEADERS LMFAO

There are reviews out there covering it... as well as that was addressed earlier in the thread.

"good enough" VRMs, semi-quoting Buildzoid here, he mentioned that the VRMs aren't amazing but NZXT is targeting aesthetics, not pure performance, so for that target category it is *fine*.

 

[shilka]

There is space for 6 SATA ports on the PCB but they only added 4 so great job there you saved a whole few pennies by doing that

 

[EarthDog]

There is space for 6 SATA ports on the PCB but they only added 4 so great job there you saved a whole few pennies by doing that

that allows all six sata ports to remain enabled when running both m.2 modules iirc? If all six are there, some configs will drop a sata port or two for bandwidth. Blame a 'lack' of pcie lanes i guess.

 

[Space Lynx]

THERE ISN'T EVEN ANY RGB ON THE MOTHERBOARD WHY DOES IT HAVE RGB HEADERS LMFAO


"good enough" VRMs, semi-quoting Buildzoid here, he mentioned that the VRMs aren't amazing but NZXT is targeting aesthetics, not pure performance, so for that target category it is *fine*.

i have been very happy with my x570 tomawhawk, its literally ice cold. i check the vrm's sometimes and wowza. its just unbelievable, i really love having the IO's built ontop the mobo too, I always hated those aluminum things you had to pop into cases lol

i still wish it could look like this though, i really love NZXT's aesthetics on almost all of their product lines. really a great company imo as far as visually appealing goes.

 

[Keullo-e]

Looks just simple and clean, though the shrouded Asus Sabertooths looked much better back in the day.

 

[Caring1]

If my N7 Z370 wasn't running so damn good I'd consider upgrading.

 

[basco]

looks good but only 4x sata and 5x usb ports at back is a little low

 

[EarthDog]

looks good but only 4x sata and 5x usb ports at back is a little low

Theres six on the rear io. Lower than most, indeed.