Intel Z790 VS B760 Which One Is Better, Features And Differences

Intel’s 13th-generation lineup has brought us three new chipsets (so far) instead of the usual four. These chipsets are Z790, H770, and B760. Our focus today is on Z790 vs B760 as we determine which chipset is better for your next Intel build. 

It is imperative to discuss the newest chipsets and go over their features and specifications because the debut of Intel’s 13th generation CPUs is quickly coming. Intel seems to be moving in the right direction with its 13th generation CPUs, which utilize the LGA 1700 platform and the same architectural concepts as the 12th generation. For a long while now, the PC gaming industry has relied heavily on Intel’s 12th generation CPUs.

Finding a compatible motherboard is the next step after choosing your processor. If you look into it, there are other options with various chipset architectures. Although this is a difficult topic to study, accuracy is essential. Here, we try to define every technical term related to chipsets that is used in this text. We’ll be comparing Intel’s newest flagship Z790 processor against their more reasonably priced B760 chipset.

Z790 Chipset

The Z790 chipset is part of Intel’s unique “Z” series chipset family and serves as the flagship chipset for all versions. This chipset’s primary objectives are RAM and CPU overclocking, enhanced VRMs for CPU overclocking, and broad I/O compatibility. In addition to other state-of-the-art features, they usually provide improved onboard cooling and dual-BIOS.

All these features and the I/O support come at a cost, though, as this chipset can cost anywhere from $180 to several hundred USD. 

B760 Chipset

The genuine Intel B760 mid-range chipset series is this one. Although overclocking RAM is possible with B560 and later chipsets, non-overclockers and casual users are typically the best fit for this chipset. Most clients typically choose this chipset since the I/O capacity of these motherboards is more than adequate for their requirements.

These motherboards are much more affordable, with a starting point just above $100, while the high-end options can cost close to $200 or more. 

Major Difference Between Intel Z790 VS B760

Following several CES announcements, customers can now select from a range of new motherboards, including the B760 and H770, which provide many alternatives at reduced rates. The Z790 chipset was the first to be made available alongside the new CPUs. To make the overall changes easier to understand, we have listed the features that are different between the Z790 and B760 chipset designs.

The CPU Socket

Usually, the greatest place to start is by taking care of the sense of impending doom that comes with upgrading our CPU sockets. Fortunately, the LGA 1700 socket is shared by the CPUs from the 12th and 13th generations. This suggests that you won’t need to worry about buying a new board in order to upgrade to a 13th-generation CPU if you choose to keep your 12th-generation CPU.The 14th generation motherboards, which are expected to be released in late 2023 or early 2024, will not be compatible with the motherboards that are currently on the market because Intel usually utilizes the same socket for two generations.

VRM Power Phases

The Z790 chipset appears to be used in a reasonable variety of motherboards now available on the market, some of which being marginally more cost-effective than others. This implies that, depending on your price range, you might not be able to overclock as much. Some Z790 boards seem to have twenty power phases or more, while others have just a few power phases less than the maximum.

The newest Intel CPUs, especially the i9 13900K, will find it easier to overclock to rates higher than 6GHz thanks to these boards. This includes entry-level CPUs with respectable power phases and VRM cooling. But B760 motherboards haven’t officially enabled overclocking in a very long time. This suggests that B760 motherboards’ clock speeds won’t have to be kept beyond the allowed threshold, which will save a substantial number of VRM power phases. If owners of B760s choose an Intel CPU without the letter “K,” they may be able to save a little money because this type of CPU does not require an unlocked core clock.

DMI 4.0 Lanes and PCIe Lanes

The Direct Media Interface, or DMI, from Intel is the interface that links the CPU and chipset. The Z790 chipset supports DMI 4.0, although the B760 chipset limits the number of lanes (and thus bandwidth) available for I/O interfaces. Consequently, more I/O connections can be supported by the Z790 chipset.

With half the bandwidth of Z790, B760 provides half as many PCIe lanes. Particularly, the Z790 supports up to 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes, whereas the B760 can manage up to 10 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 4 PCIe 3.0 lanes.

USB Ports

Ten USB 3.2 15 Gb/s, ten USB 3.2 5 Gb/s, and up to five USB 3.2 20 Gb/s connections are included in the Z790 chipset in addition to fourteen USB 2.0 connectors. In contrast, the B760 chipset supports a maximum of twelve USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.2 15 Gb/s ports, six USB 3.2 5 Gb/s ports, and up to two USB 3.2 20 Gb/s connections.


The Z790 can accommodate up to 14 USB ports total, compared to the B760 chipset’s 12 ports.

Comparison Table Of Intel Z790 VS B760

Pros And Cons Between Intel Z790 vs B760

Intel Z790 Vs B760: Which Chipset Is Best For You? 

As above we discuss the pros and cons of both the chipset. Now let’s finalizes which chipset is better for you as your uses and which one is better option for you .

Why Should You Choose Z790?

If your CPU is a “K” model and can be overclocked, go with the Z790 chipset. This chipset is the only one that can accomplish that. An further option for building a dual-GPU PC is a Z790 motherboard with 2×8 PCIe 5.0 lanes. Furthermore, the Z790 chipset has a lot more I/O connections.

Therefore, if you need to connect several NVMe SSDs and/or high-speed USB devices, this chipset will be a superior choice.

Your financial condition will also play a major role in your decision-making process, since a Z790 chipset motherboard should cost at least $180. Buying a K SKU is only beneficial if it is compatible with a Z-series motherboard. If not, you should probably settle for a different chipset.

Why Should You Choose B760?

The B760 is the ideal chipset for the average user and, more importantly, for those who use Intel CPUs other than K. It has a wealth of I/O options, including up to two NVMe SSDs, four SATA SSDs, and one PCIe 5.0 slot, even with the most powerful graphics card. It also features a ton of USB ports for all of your USB devices.

This chipset is far more affordable, with a starting price of $120, and provides the essential features that are more than enough for most users. However, since some B760 boards can cost as much as $200, it doesn’t make sense to spend that much money on a board just for gimmicks like RGB and improved cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions:-

• Can I overclock my CPU on a B760 motherboard?

No. CPU overclocking is only supported on the Z790 chipset. However, you can still use Intel’s Turbo Boost or BCLK overclock to get more performance out of your CPU.

• Is the Z790 chipset better than the B760 chipset?

The Z790 chipset is better because it has more bandwidth from the chipset for more I/O connectivity. It also supports CPU overclocking.

• Does the B760 chipset support memory overclocking?

Yes. The B760 chipset, like B660, allows you to overclock your RAM.

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