NZXT Motherboard Review: Is the N7 Z490 Any Good?
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Quick Overview
FEATURES
QUALITY
PRICE
Pros
Cons
There is always something new to feast your eyes on in the tech scene.
Computer and parts manufacturers continuously roll out better products several times a year, often scheduled with launch dates so that you can mark your calendars.
While more popular brands such as ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock dominate the motherboard market, smaller brands like NZXT are moving into the spotlight.
In this NZXT Motherboard review, we shall be discussing the NZXT N7 Z490.
About NZXT
NZXT is a 17-year-old computer hardware manufacturer founded by Johnny Hou and is based in Los Angeles, California.
Its target market is the DIY PC building community, and its initial products were intricate customized PC enclosures.
Today, NZXT has diversified into producing and supplying computer cases, motherboards, cooling systems, LED lighting, power supply units, and other PC accessories.
It only entered the motherboard market in the first quarter of 2018, starting with the Intel Z370 chipset.
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NZXT Motherboard Review
The NZXT Z370 received much praise for its hidden circuitry and minimalist design, but it also garnered much scrutiny for being pricey.
Later the same year, the company released a lineup refresh with a Z390 motherboard.
While the Z390 version comes from a partnership with Elitegroup, the newer Z490 motherboard sprung from a collaboration with ASRock.
In this NZXT Motherboard review, we shall discuss the white N7 Z490, which is NZXT’s implementation of the N490 chipset.
It is more formally known as the N7-Z49XT-W1.
Who Is This Product For?
Your choice of computer components will depend on which platform you want to create.
Is it an Intel-based platform, or do you want to assemble a Ryzen build?
Furthermore, it will always be contingent on your budget.
The following list outlines the N7 Z490’s target market and those who can benefit from the product.
- For DIY PC Builders
NZXT’s focus revolves around people who love building PCs from scratch.
As such, all of its products, including the N7 Z490 motherboard, cater to DIY PC builders looking to create something unique.
The N7 Z490 has a minimalist, covered-up PCB design that revolutionizes how computers look after assembly.
It diverts attention from the clutter on the motherboard to other more noticeable components, such as the CPU, graphics cards, or memory modules.
DIY PC Builders will love the neutral color scheme, which significantly improves how lights and cooling peripherals appear.
Another property worth mentioning is its no-fuss installation requirements, especially with any of the NZXT PC enclosures.
- For Anyone Looking to Exploit a 10th Gen Intel
Since the N7-Z49XT-W1 uses the Intel Z490 chipset, it will only work for an Intel-based processor, particularly one from the 10th Gen Series.
As long as a CPU fits the Socket LGA1200, you can match it with this motherboard.
While other Z490 motherboards from different brands can support 11th Gen Intel, the N7-Z49XT-W1 does not.
If you want to go over the top with a PC that can carry the latest Intel specs, you should consider checking out some Z590 motherboards.
Fortunately for you, NZXT has already released the N7 Z590.
On the other hand, if you prefer a Ryzen build, NZXT has recently launched their first and only AMD motherboard, the N7 B550.
- For Gaming Enthusiasts
Aside from DIY PC builders being at the center of this product’s target market, enthusiast gamers can also benefit from it.
With 10th Gen CPU support and a comprehensive feature set, the N7 Z490 can run and operate almost any of the latest games.
For an in-depth analysis of what this motherboard offers, browse through the features overview in the following section.
- For Those Looking for a White Motherboard
One thing unique about the N7-Z49XT-W1 is its neat design and almost all-white appearance.
While it comes in an all-black design, it is predominantly white because of the massive white metal shrouds concealing the PCB.
Nowadays, it can be pretty challenging to source an all-white recent-model motherboard, with the market so diluted with primarily black designs.
The N7 Z490 is still young, and it has just reached its prime.
You may think about getting the newer white N7 Z590, but your budget constraints will tell you that the N7 Z490 should be enough.
- For Those Who Want to Try a Different Brand
If you have owned several desktop PCs for years, there is a big chance that you have tried an ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, or ASRock motherboard.
All these brands already made a name for themselves, and many of their boards have evolved over the years.
Nevertheless, many of their newer models do not seem to veer away from their predecessors to keep a series untainted and intact.
Shifting to the N7 Z490 gives your build a new look. However, upgrading through the N7 Series can be pretty generic.
NZXT has yet to add some variation among its products.
Once you start with the N7 Z390 and work your way up to the N7 Z590, you’ll feel like having the same board all over again.
In fact, even shifting from an NZXT Intel to an NZXT Ryzen may feel the same.
What’s Included?
If you get the NZXT motherboard, you’ll also receive two 90-degree SATA cables, two 180-degree SATA cables, one wireless antenna, two M.2 screws, and a User’s Manual.
Unlike more expensive models from other brands, this package does not include fancy stickers and extras, such as mouse pads and coasters.
Overview of the Features
If you’re looking to be one of the new owners of the N7 Z490, you should first consider understanding all of its features.
We’ll discuss all the technical specifications below, including the primary sockets, rear panel connectors, and onboard extras.
- Primary Sockets
You already know the chipset and its supported processors.
When it comes to memory allocations, you’ll find that the N7 Z490 has four DIMM slots capable of supporting up to 32GB each.
Populating each memory slot with a 32GB module can rack your memory up to 128GB.
These memory modules use a dual-channel memory architecture and support a max base frequency of 2933MHz.
Furthermore, they can support overclocking frequencies up to 4266MHz.
While the board supports Intel XMP 2.0, it does not run ECC memory.
The integrated graphics support for this board uses Intel CPU UHD Graphics through HDMI connections, allowing a max resolution of 4096x2160 at 24Hz.
If you want to add a GPU, you can attach up to two graphics cards supporting the AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology.
Also, this board has two PCIe x16 sockets and three PCIe x1 slots.
The only thing that might need improvement among the primary sockets is the storage interface.
Unfortunately, it only has four SATA 6Gbps ports and two M.2 slots. Plus, only one of the M.2 slots offers support for a SATA storage drive.
One good thing about its storage interface is the bundled support for Intel Smart Response Technology, Rapid Storage Technology, and Intel Optane Memory.
Additionally, you can set the drives to run RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10.
- Rear Panel I/O
As you look at the rear panel, you will find that the N7 Z490 has everything you need for audio and network connectivity.
It has five audio jacks, an optical S/PDIF Out port, an Ethernet port, and dual-band wireless antenna connectors.
We like that the wireless module is the AX200 Wi-Fi 6, which means you can exploit 6GHz wireless band connections.
However, one of this motherboard’s drawbacks is its inadequate USB and display output connectivity.
It only carries a single HDMI port and six USB ports.
Fortunately, only two of the USBs are 2.0 for a mouse and a keyboard. The rest includes three 3.2 Type-A and one 3.2 Type-C.
- Internal Connectors
If you need more USB ports, you can route nine additional connections to the front panel from internal headers.
Other onboard essentials include a CPU fan connector, a pump connector, five system fan headers, and four RGB headers.
How To Get the Most Out Of It
To get the most out of the N7 Z490, you will want to use all its internal connectors to improve performance.
If you’re into overclocking, exploit all the cooling headers.
Furthermore, if you plan to do some heavy rendering or play high-quality graphic games, take advantage of the board’s multi-GPU support.
Lastly, fill up all the memory modules to the highest capacity.
You can also improve aesthetics by exploiting all the RGB headers.
NZXT equips this board with two NZXT RGB LED headers, one 5-volt addressable header, and one 12-volt header.
Alternatives
If you’re not satisfied with what this motherboard can offer, you can choose from plenty of alternatives.
However, this is the only option NZXT offers, which means you will have to search for a Z490 motherboard from other brands.
1. ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme
At this point, the reasons you’re probably looking for an alternative are inadequate storage interface slots and USB ports.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has eight SATA 6Gbps ports on top of the two M.2 slots, and it boasts 10 USB ports on its rear I/O.
Furthermore, it offers Thunderbolt connectivity.
The good thing about the Maximus XII Extreme is its exceptional performance, toppling the N7 Z490 several times over.
However, you will need deep pockets when choosing this board for your purchase, as it costs at least five times as much as the N7 Z490.
2. NZXT N7 Z490 Black
You might also end up deciding that you want a darker build instead of a white one.
If that is the case, you can check out the N7-Z49XT-B1.
It is essentially the same motherboard as the N7-Z49XT-W1, but everything is black instead of white.
While the W1 has white metal shrouds surrounding a black PCB, the B1 is nothing but black.
Of course, you will still have the color-coded connectors on the rear panel, specifically the five audio jacks and most of the USB ports.
However, since the B1 is entirely black and has no white features, it can easily blend into an attractive dark PC build.
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Is the NZXT N7 Z490 Worth It?
Overall, the N7 Z490 is an excellent option for an Intel-based build.
It is not as expensive as many competing models from other brands, and it has all the features you need to assemble a powerful PC.
If four SATA sockets and six USB ports are enough for you, then the N7 Z490 more than carries all the features for a modern Intel-based computer.
Then again, you can always add more USB ports, given your PC case can hold more on the front panel.