[PLUS] Motherboards for Intel Raptor Lake: You need to know that

Z790: Boards for RPL

The fastest CPU is useless without a suitable mainboard. This also applies to Raptor Lake in particular, because apart from the faster DDR5 interface, nothing has changed in the interface equipment of the processors. Intel’s platform controller hubs (PCHs) are therefore still required not only for the initialization of the processor at system start, but above all as an I/O hub for duplicating connections.

600s: Full compatibility

The good news first: If you already have a mainboard with H610, B660, H670, Z690 or the workstation derivative W680 from the previous Socket 1700 generation, you can continue to use it without restrictions. Intel has introduced a new Z790 and we expect further replacements, but there are no artificial compatibility barriers and no changes to the communication between CPUs and PCHs. After a UEFI update, all new CPUs run on all old boards and vice versa, all old CPUs can be used on all new boards if you are not satisfied with your current model.

PC Games Hardware Plus

---

Buy now for €0.99




or freedom from advertising and access to all PLUS articles (monthly subscription)




Sign up for a Plus subscription for EUR 4.40



Please log in to your PCGH Community account to purchase this item.

All offers for Plus (monthly subscription, annual subscription, upgrades for ad-free) can be found on our supporter page

---

The following topics can be found in the article:

• 600 series mainboards: full compatibility
• Z790: More 4.0, that’s it
• Z790 vs Z690 vs AMD/AM5
• Z790 vs Z690
• Z790 vs X670(E)
• Z790 vs X570
• Outlook: B and H models

INFO: You can purchase PCGH Plus items individually or purchase a Plus subscription.
as PCGH Digital Subscriber you get free access to all Plus articles.