OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

EVGA Z790 Classified review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£570CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:E-ATX

EVGA Z790 Classified Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

EVGA Z790 Classified
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

40%

7.9

Technical score

20%

7.9

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.9

User score

â–²Better than 78% of motherboards
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

7.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

19%

8.0

Memory

16%

9.7

Platform

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

9.4

Network

13%

5.5

Ports

8%

5.9

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 82%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models

7.9

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
1 review, with a printed score. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 54%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models

7.9

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.4

Rating

30%

7.0

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 57%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • evga-z790-classified
evga-z790-classified
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard EVGA Z790 Classified

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components:

19%

8.0

Memory

16%

9.7

Platform

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

9.4

Network

13%

5.5

Ports

8%

5.9

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

7.9
Reviews score
7.9
User score
7.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

7.5

Price

7.7
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z790
This motherboard uses Intel Z790, which is more capable than 77% of Motherboards and as capable as 6.3% of Motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: USB4 / Thunderbolt.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
7,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 7,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 83.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.6% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 3x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 69.3% of Motherboards and the same as 2.2% of Motherboards.
Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
13
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 13 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 64.8% of motherboards and equal to 7.6% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.7% of motherboards and equal to 10.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
USB4 excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
10 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.3% of motherboards.
also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
19
This motherboard has 19 VRM phases, which is more than 91.2% of motherboards and equal to 0.2% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

EVGA Z790 Classified vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    6 vs 1
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    19 vs 10
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 8.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models

    7.9

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, with a printed score. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    7.9 vs 7.3
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    Pre-installed I/O shield.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers more BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 66% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (7,800 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    7,800 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 56% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (7,800 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    7,800 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    6 vs 1
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    Gen 2x2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    via ESS DAC.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    19 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 2 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    Active vs Passive
  • 2 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (13 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    13 vs 15
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
    3x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 3.8x more expensive
    EVGA Z790 Classified is more expensive than the average motherboard (£570 vs £150).
    £570 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 3.8x more expensive
    EVGA Z790 Classified is more expensive than the average motherboard (£570 vs £150).
    £570 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
    3x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • 2 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (13 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    13 vs 15
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    Active vs Passive
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Luumi
≈ estimated
18/03/2023
Hands-on review · memory overclocking tests
Verdict
EVGA Z790 Classified is close to the Dark KINGPIN in memory overclocking, though the Dark KINGPIN still edges it out.
7.0
Luumi
≈ estimated
08/02/2023
First look · PCB and feature walkthrough
Verdict
EVGA Z790 Classified is the better pick over the Dark KINGPIN for daily gaming or rendering builds.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
20/01/2023
Build review · E-ATX board
Verdict
The EVGA Z790 Classified is a tidy E-ATX board with flush power connectors, though this part of the review covers setup, not performance.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about EVGA Z790 Classified

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities for both CPU and RAM (supports up to DDR5-7800+)
  • Robust power delivery with a 14+2+2 VRM configuration and 105A power stages
  • High-end connectivity including dual USB4 (40Gbps) ports and 10GbE LAN
  • User-friendly physical features like indented power connectors for easier cable routing and a triple BIOS switch
  • Clean aesthetic with minimal RGB and a 90-degree rotated socket/connector layout for better airflow
  • Onboard Probelt voltage readout points for advanced power users

What customers don't like about EVGA Z790 Classified

  • BIOS and software toolsets can be complex and lack adequate tutorials for novice users
  • Documentation for specific enthusiast features (like the Probelt pinout) is reportedly poor or non-existent in the manual
  • Automated 'Robot OC' features can apply excessively high voltages, leading to extreme heat and power draw
  • Memory stability at very high speeds (7800MHz+) can be finicky and may require significant manual tuning
  • E-ATX form factor may not fit in many standard mid-tower cases
  • VRM fan curves are locked to a target temperature with no option for manual adjustment in some BIOS versions

Verdict

The EVGA Z790 Classified is a high-end E-ATX motherboard designed for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust 19-phase VRM on a 12-layer PCB for extreme stability. Key characteristics include a unique 90-degree rotated CPU socket and DIMM slots to improve airflow and cable management, alongside support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds exceeding 7800MHz (OC). Main pros include its premium connectivity suite with dual USB4 (40Gbps) ports, 10GbE and 2.5GbE dual LAN, and triple M.2 Gen4 slots, as well as specialized overclocking tools like the Probelt voltage header and an onboard POST indicator. However, cons include its large E-ATX footprint which requires a compatible high-clearance case, potential memory compatibility challenges at very high XMP profiles without manual BIOS tuning, and the absence of PCIe Gen5 M.2 support found on some rival flagship boards.

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